Yeah, cordless can definitely be tricky on wider windows. Had a similar issue with mine—around 8 feet—and it drove me nuts trying to keep them level. Ended up swapping them out for roller shades with a continuous cord loop. Not as sleek-looking, but way less hassle day-to-day. Might be worth considering if you're tired of constantly adjusting things...
Have you thought about cellular shades at all? I've got a set on a 9-foot window and had similar leveling issues with cordless at first. Eventually, I switched to motorized cellular shades and it's been pretty smooth since then. They're battery-powered, so no wiring hassle, and you can control them with a remote or even your phone. Yeah, it sounds techy, but honestly, after dealing with uneven cordless shades for months, it's been worth it.
The continuous cord loop rollers are decent too—I had those in my last place—but found the cords a bit annoying visually. If you're particular about aesthetics, motorized might be a good middle ground. Only downside is they're pricier upfront. But if you're already investing in large custom shades anyway, might as well get something you'll actually enjoy using daily, right?
I was actually wondering about motorized shades myself—glad to hear they worked out for you. Honestly, the cordless leveling issue sounds exactly like something I'd struggle with (I'm not super handy, lol). Battery-powered sounds convenient too... I wasn't excited about the idea of wiring anything complicated. Price is definitely a consideration, but you're right—might as well enjoy it if you're already spending a chunk on custom shades. Thanks for sharing your experience, makes me feel less overwhelmed about deciding!
"Battery-powered sounds convenient too... I wasn't excited about the idea of wiring anything complicated."
Battery-powered shades definitely have their perks, especially if you're not into wiring. But honestly, from my experience, batteries can become a bit of a hassle over time. I've had clients who initially loved the convenience but ended up frustrated with constantly swapping out or recharging batteries—especially on larger windows where the shades are heavier and drain batteries quicker.
If you're already investing in custom shades, it might be worth reconsidering the wiring option. I know it sounds intimidating at first, but hear me out: wiring motorized shades isn't as complicated as it seems. Usually, it's just a matter of running low-voltage wiring behind drywall or trim, and once it's done, you're set for years without maintenance. Plus, wired shades typically operate smoother and quieter than battery-powered ones.
If you're not comfortable tackling it yourself (and that's totally understandable), hiring an electrician or handyman for a quick install might save you headaches down the road. I've seen plenty of folks regret going battery-powered after a year or two, wishing they'd just bitten the bullet and wired them from the start.
Just something to consider before you commit. Good luck with your decision either way.
Battery-powered does sound tempting, but honestly, after dealing with batteries dying at the worst possible moments (like halfway down when guests are over...), I'd seriously reconsider wiring. It's a one-time hassle vs. ongoing frustration—just my two cents from experience.
"Battery-powered does sound tempting, but honestly, after dealing with batteries dying at the worst possible moments (like halfway down when guests are over...), I'd seriously reconsider wiring."
Fair point about battery reliability... but have you considered how tricky wiring might be for really large windows? I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with the actual installation—like, is it a DIY-friendly project or am I looking at hiring a pro? The idea of drilling into walls and hiding wires sounds a bit daunting, honestly.
Battery reliability is definitely a legit concern, but wiring isn't always as terrifying as it sounds—though I'll admit, large windows can be a bit of a beast. I recently did a job for a client with massive floor-to-ceiling windows, and let's just say my drill and I got very well acquainted over those two days...
Honestly, if you're comfortable with basic DIY stuff—like hanging shelves or installing fixtures—you could probably handle it. The tricky part is usually fishing wires through walls to keep them hidden; that's where things can get frustrating (and dusty). If you hit insulation or studs in unexpected spots, it can turn into a weekend-long headache pretty quickly.
If you're not totally confident, hiring a pro might save your sanity. But if you're up for an adventure and don't mind the occasional drywall patch-up afterward, it's doable. Just keep some cold drinks handy—trust me, you'll need them after wrestling wires all afternoon.
"If you're not totally confident, hiring a pro might save your sanity."
Yeah, this is exactly where I'm at. Just moved into my first place and these huge windows are intimidating as heck. I've done basic stuff like shelves, but wiring through walls? Sounds like a recipe for disaster (and drywall patches). Still, your post makes it sound at least possible... maybe I'll give it a shot on a smaller window first and see how badly I mess it up before tackling the big ones.
Honestly, starting small sounds like a smart move. I tackled my own big windows last year, and while it wasn't exactly rocket science, it wasn't a walk in the park either. The wiring part was definitely the trickiest—ended up with more drywall dust than I'd bargained for. But hey, nothing a little paint couldn't fix.
One thing I underestimated was how heavy some of those motorized shades can be. Had to call in a buddy to help hold things steady while I secured everything. If you're going solo, maybe look into lighter options or at least have someone on standby.
Have you thought about battery-powered shades instead of wired? They're pricier upfront but might save you from the wiring headache altogether...
Good points overall, though I'd be cautious about battery-powered shades for really large windows. From experience, bigger shades tend to drain batteries quicker than you'd expect, and swapping them out can become a chore. Wired setups are definitely messier upfront, but they're reliable long-term. Still, your advice about having someone around to help is spot-on—those things get awkward fast when you're balancing on a ladder solo...