Today, Karen writes:

I am considering having Mesh style shades –the kind that Tim Horton’s Donuts stores have on all their windows–put on my kitchen patio double doors. Am considering two so that I can work them independently of each other. They will roll up. I don’t want blinds that go side to side. The problem is that I have never seen them on patio doors. In fact, I’ve only seen them on Tim Horton windows. To your knowledge, are they a good option for my patio doors? Do they look nice? The man who would be installing them for me says that he has put them on lots of patio doors but has never door two under one header. Am wondering if they will fall nicely…

There are 2 types of people in this world: those who love vertical blinds and those who hate them! Okay so maybe that was a little dramatic; just a tiny bit. :) But my point is, you are not alone in not wanting blinds that go side to side. A lot of people do 2 blinds on 1 headrail as an alternative to vertical blinds. They actually look pretty good. The single headrail helps the shades look more like one cohesive unit, but you still get to operate them independently. It’s the best of both worlds!

Now it’s been a couple of years since I’ve been to a Tim Horton’s. So if the shades you are referring to are the ones that offer a 5-15% openness factor and protect against UV rays, I’ve had a number of clients who want to protect their furniture and still get to see the view out their windows use them. These mesh style shades, also known as Solar shades are great because they offer protection from the sun, both by reducing heat and glare.

Just remember, having your shades look great is important, but don’t sacrifice usability for looks. It’s not going to help you in the long run, if you get frustrated every time you have to raise and lower them.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Flooring Diva Blog!

Want to subscribe via email? Just follow this link and subscribe there. Remember that I do not sell, give away or use your email address for anything other than notifying you about the latest published articles from The Flooring Diva.