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Design Solutions

by Sharon L. Anderson

What to do when you're face-to-face with a wall of windows.

PROBLEM: I am working with a customer in a city apartment that has 18 feet of windows facing south. It is a studio apartment with wonderful, unobstructed views. In the summer, it can reach 90 degrees in the apartment even with the air conditioning running. Currently, the client has plain white metal blinds on these windows. To satisfy my customer's practical and aesthetic desires, I need a window covering solution that will solve the following problems: • Block the sun and repel the heat year-round to make the apartment cool and energy efficient. • Block out light in the morning so the customer can sleep. • Allow partial views to the outside because the view is beautiful. • Be pretty and attractive. I have considered using window film, roller shades with light deflection and pleated shades, but I do not see one solution that will cover all the bases. I would consider a film, but I would not want it to affect the view out the window in any way. Can you help? SOLUTION: City apartments with a wall of windows can present some difficult challenges. There is hope for you, though! Let me offer some suggestions. The first item I would consider is having the windows tinted. Professionally installed window film will help immensely. Low emission films will keep the view unobstructed and greatly assist in keeping the apartment energy efficient by reflecting the sun's warm and damaging rays. In reference to blocking the light in the morning, consider various styles of soft shades such as pleated or honeycomb shades or Silhouette[TM] window shadings. All are offered in wonderful color and texture selections and with room darkening backings that block virtually all of the light from the sun. Another consideration, based on available installation, is custom woven blinds. I would pay special attention to color choice. When treating a wall of windows this large, choosing the wrong color would be a costly mistake. Consider selecting treatments that either are the same color as the walls or a neutral color, which is always safe. The above mentioned treatments may be operated through remote control motorization. This is an ideal solution if any of the windows are particularly tall or hard to reach. The motorized units also can be set using timers to open and close at specific times throughout the day to either block out or allow the sun to shine in. Automated treatments can increase the efficiency of the apartment's heating and cooling system. You even can have the remote keyed into a home automation system if it's available. Talk about modern technology! Editor's note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to: Design Solutions c/o Draperies & Window Coverings 666 Dundee Rd., Ste. 807 Northbrook, IL 60062-2769 Fax: (847) 498-0231 E-mail: DesignSol@dwcdesignet.com Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator at Moorpark college in southern California. She is a published author and frequent public speaker.