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Struggling to find shades or curtains for huge windows

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paul_miller
Posts: 6
(@paul_miller)
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I get the appeal of layering, but honestly, I tried something similar and it ended up feeling a bit cluttered visually. Maybe it's just my space or my taste, but having both cellular shades and curtains felt like too much going on—especially with huge windows. I eventually ditched the shades altogether and went with heavier drapes that could be pulled completely open during the day. It gave me that cozy vibe without the hassle of managing two different window treatments.

One thing I noticed is that fabric choice makes a huge difference. I initially went with something heavier and darker, thinking it'd help with insulation, but it made the room feel smaller and kind of gloomy. Switched to a lighter fabric with a subtle texture, and suddenly the whole space opened up again. So yeah, layering can work great for some people, but if you're sensitive to visual clutter like me, simpler might actually be better...

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Posts: 17
(@cathyjohnson245)
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Totally get what you're saying about visual clutter—big windows can be tricky. Did you find the lighter fabric still helped with insulation, or was it mostly just a visual improvement? Curious because I'm debating fabrics myself right now...

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Posts: 9
(@jake_meow)
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"Did you find the lighter fabric still helped with insulation, or was it mostly just a visual improvement?"

Honestly, in my experience, lighter fabrics don't do much for insulation—at least not noticeably. They definitely brighten up the room visually, but if you're really concerned about keeping heat in (or out), heavier fabrics or thermal-lined curtains seem way more effective. I tried sheer curtains first myself because I loved the airy look... but ended up switching them out for something thicker after one winter. Just something to keep in mind.

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fisher64
Posts: 12
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"heavier fabrics or thermal-lined curtains seem way more effective"

Agreed. Lighter fabrics might look nice, but insulation-wise they're pretty limited. Cellular shades are another good option—clean look, decent insulation, and you can find them sized for large windows without too much hassle.

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michellen88
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(@michellen88)
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"Cellular shades are another good option—clean look, decent insulation, and you can find them sized for large windows without too much hassle."

Cellular shades definitely have their perks, but I've run into a few issues with durability over time, especially on larger windows. Have you noticed any sagging or warping after a couple of years? I installed some for a client a while back, and they looked fantastic initially—clean lines, sleek appearance—but after about three years, they started to lose shape a bit. Granted, these were pretty massive windows facing direct sunlight most of the day, so maybe that contributed to it.

Another thing I've been curious about lately is motorized shades. They're pricier upfront, sure, but the convenience factor is tempting, especially for oversized windows. Has anyone here tried motorized options for insulation purposes? Wondering if they're worth the investment or just more trouble down the road...

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banderson14
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(@banderson14)
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I installed some for a client a while back, and they looked fantastic initially—clean lines, sleek appearance—but after about three years, they started to lose shape a bit. Granted, these were ...

I've had similar experiences with cellular shades—mine started sagging noticeably after about two years, especially on the wider windows. Motorized shades sound tempting, but honestly, I'm wary of adding yet another gadget that might malfunction down the line...

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Posts: 7
(@michael_inferno)
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Yeah, cellular shades can be tricky, especially with larger windows. I've seen them sagging quite a bit after a couple of years too. Motorized shades are nice in theory, but I've had clients call me back because the motors got finicky or the remote stopped syncing properly. Honestly, for huge windows, I've found that good-quality roller shades with sturdy hardware tend to hold up better over time... fewer headaches down the road.

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jallen19
Posts: 11
(@jallen19)
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- Roller shades sound solid, but are they decent at blocking heat? My huge windows turn the living room into a greenhouse by noon...
- Also, anyone tried those blackout curtains from IKEA? Heard mixed reviews—curious if they're worth the hassle.

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climbing331
Posts: 5
(@climbing331)
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Roller shades are alright, but honestly, if your main issue is heat, they're not gonna cut it on their own. I've tried them before—looked sleek, but the room still felt like an oven by mid-afternoon. Blackout curtains from IKEA? Meh. They block light decently, sure, but heat reduction was minimal in my experience. Plus, they're heavy and a bit of a hassle to install properly.

One thing you might wanna look into is cellular (honeycomb) shades. I put those up last summer and noticed a legit difference right away. They're specifically designed for insulation and heat control, so they actually keep your place cooler without sacrificing natural light completely. Just my two cents...

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pdust12
Posts: 3
(@pdust12)
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I second cellular shades—put some in a few months back and they made a noticeable difference. Installation wasn't too bad either, even for someone who's not exactly handy (me...). Definitely worth looking into if heat's your main issue.

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