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Struggling to find shades or curtains for huge windows

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rstone48
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Smart tint films are super intriguing, but I’ve been hesitant for a couple reasons. The tech is cool—being able to control privacy with a button is hard to beat—but I keep reading mixed reviews about how well they hold up over time, especially if your windows get a lot of sun. Some folks mention the film starts to bubble or the wiring gets finicky after a few years. Hard to say if that’s just early models or user error, though.

Energy-wise, I wonder how much insulation you actually get compared to layered curtains or cellular shades. My house leaks heat like crazy in winter, so I’m always looking at R-values and whether something will actually cut the drafts. Roller shades are nice and tidy, but I do miss the heavy fabric for blocking cold air.

If you’re mostly after privacy and don’t mind the upfront cost, smart tint could be fun to try. But if you want energy savings too, maybe worth double-checking the specs—or even layering with something else for insulation. Would love to hear if anyone’s had a set last more than a few years without issues...


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gingerartist
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I keep reading mixed reviews about how well they hold up over time, especially if your windows get a lot of sun. Some folks mention the film starts to bubble or the wiring gets finicky after a few years.

Had a similar worry before I tried smart tint in my sunroom. Looked awesome for about 18 months, then one panel started bubbling—looked like a giant air freshener gone wrong. Ended up layering heavy curtains over it for insulation anyway. Honestly, nothing beats old-school thermal drapes if you’re fighting drafts.


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beare14
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- Been there with the bubbling—mine looked like a lumpy science project after two summers.
- Tried the “high-tech” route, but honestly, blackout cellular shades plus a draft stopper did more for my heating bill than any fancy film.
- Curtains aren’t flashy, but they’re reliable. Plus, you can swap ‘em out when you get bored.
- Only downside: my cat thinks they’re his new jungle gym... but at least they don’t peel off the window.


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hiker15
Posts: 12
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Yeah, blackout curtains have been the most practical for my big windows too. I tried those stick-on films—total pain to get even, and they started peeling after one winter. Curtains are way easier to clean, plus you can double up with sheers if you want some daylight. Only real hassle is dust, but that’s manageable.


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Posts: 5
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I tried those stick-on films—total pain to get even, and they started peeling after one winter.

You nailed it. I’ve seen those films peel, bubble, or just look sloppy if the window’s not perfectly clean (or if you have a cat that likes to investigate). Curtains are forgiving—if you hang the rod high and wide, you can make almost any window look sharp. I usually tell folks to go for a double rod: blackout on the back, sheers up front. Cleaning’s just a matter of tossing ’em in the wash every few months, or a quick vacuum with the brush attachment if you’re feeling ambitious. Only real “gotcha” is making sure your wall anchors can handle the weight—some blackout panels are heavier than they look.


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breezetraveler
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- Agree on the stick-on films—

“just look sloppy if the window’s not perfectly clean (or if you have a cat that likes to investigate).”
My dog’s nose prints were enough to ruin the look in a week.
- Curtains are way less hassle. Double rods are smart, but I just went with a single blackout since I’m lazy and honestly, it works fine.
- Pro tip: skip drywall anchors if you can find a stud. Learned that one the hard way... patching holes is not my favorite weekend activity.
- Only downside for me is the price—big windows = big panels, and those aren’t cheap. But at least they don’t peel off in February.


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architecture654
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Yeah, big windows are awesome until you try to cover them—been there. I get what you mean about the stick-on films.

“just look sloppy if the window’s not perfectly clean (or if you have a cat that likes to investigate).”
I tried those once and between my kids’ fingerprints and the dog, it looked terrible within days.

Curtains are definitely less of a headache, but wow, the price for those massive panels adds up fast. I went with some basic blackout panels too, nothing fancy, and honestly, they work just fine. Double rods look nice but I wasn’t motivated enough to deal with the extra hardware.

And yeah, finding a stud is a game changer. I made the mistake of trusting drywall anchors for heavy curtains—ended up with a mess and a Saturday wasted patching holes. Never again.

It’s a pain up front, but once those curtains are up, you don’t have to think about them for ages. Worth it, even if your wallet cries a little at first.


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jamesw59
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Totally agree about the drywall anchors—learned that lesson the hard way with some extra-wide grommet panels. Ended up with a sagging rod and a patch job. I’ve found Ikea panels are decent for the price, even if they’re not custom. At least they don’t show every paw print like those films did...


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zcarpenter35
Posts: 8
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Yep, I totally get the drywall anchor struggle—my first attempt at hanging blackout curtains was a mess. The rod pulled right out of the wall and I had to spackle and repaint. What finally worked for me: using those toggle bolts instead of the plastic anchors, then measuring twice before drilling (learned that the hard way). I’m with you on Ikea panels—affordable, easy to swap out, and way better for hiding pet prints than those static-cling films. Only downside is they’re a bit short on my extra-tall windows, but I just hung them higher and let them “puddle” on the floor. Not perfect, but it works for now.


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simba_skater
Posts: 11
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The rod pulled right out of the wall and I had to spackle and repaint.

Been there, done that—toggle bolts are a total game changer. One thing I always check before drilling is whether the stud finder’s actually picking up a stud or just some random pipe (learned that lesson after a close call). For really tall windows, have you ever tried joining two curtain panels with iron-on tape? It’s not the prettiest up close, but from a distance it blends in and gives you the extra length. Another trick: if you want more blackout, layer a cheap roller shade behind the curtains. It’s not fancy but it works, especially for those early summer sunrises.


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