Looking for window treatment solutions for seniors? Some blinds and shades are heavy, difficult to operate or have thin cords that can be problematic to grip. However, there are window treatments out there that provide ease of use. As people age, some may suffer from arthritis and other age related conditions. Opening and closing blinds shouldn’t be difficult for anyone of any age. As such, we have compiled a list of window treatments that are easy to operate, lightweight and still stylish.
Window Treatment Solutions for Seniors
Cellular shades will offer the greatest energy efficiency and can be used as a series for bay windows or oversized windows, as can soft sheer shades or roller/solar shades. Roller/solar shades are ideal for warmer climates and help protect homes from the heat and UV rays of the sun. All of the above blinds can be easily adjusted. With sheer or light filtering blinds, a privacy liner can be added for complete control of privacy needs. Be sure to purchase the most appropriate blinds for any given climate.
As far as style, there are shades for seniors that range from contemporary to traditional. Fabrics vary from silks and satins to polyester or aluminum.
There are window treatments on the market for seniors available for all different economic incomes and needs. Be sure to work with a reputable dealer who can advise you how to properly measure window treatments and can deliver the product to your door. You may also want to contact their customer service department for samples of different fabrics and styles so you can match what you are getting to your current décor. If the company doesn’t have a customer service department, find another company.
Window Treatment Solutions for Seniors
- For bay windows or oversized windows, using a series of window treatments side by side instead of one large blind will eliminate difficulty in raising and lowering the blinds. A valance measuring the entire length of the window will work to unify the look and create the feeling of a single window treatment. This also provides ease of light control and privacy control.
- For lightweight window treatments, seniors should consider cellular shades, soft sheer shades, roller or solar shades as well as roman shades. Window treatments such as wood and faux wood blinds have a lot of weight to them and can be hard to maneuver.
- For those suffering from arthritis, avoid thin cords and opt for cordless window treatments or possibly motorized blinds. Cordless blinds come in a variety of styles, patterns and colors and include honeycomb cellular shades, roman shades, pleated shades and aluminum mini blinds.
Cellular shades will offer the greatest energy efficiency and can be used as a series for bay windows or oversized windows, as can soft sheer shades or roller/solar shades. Roller/solar shades are ideal for warmer climates and help protect homes from the heat and UV rays of the sun. All of the above blinds can be easily adjusted. With sheer or light filtering blinds, a privacy liner can be added for complete control of privacy needs. Be sure to purchase the most appropriate blinds for any given climate.
As far as style, there are shades for seniors that range from contemporary to traditional. Fabrics vary from silks and satins to polyester or aluminum.
There are window treatments on the market for seniors available for all different economic incomes and needs. Be sure to work with a reputable dealer who can advise you how to properly measure window treatments and can deliver the product to your door. You may also want to contact their customer service department for samples of different fabrics and styles so you can match what you are getting to your current décor. If the company doesn’t have a customer service department, find another company.
Related Articles
Door Blinds - How to Measure for French Door or Traditional Door Blinds
Door blinds can be any blind or shade mounted as a door mount blind. French door blinds or traditional door blinds are simply outside mount blinds or shades with hold downs to keep them from swinging as the door opens or shuts. People commonly mount blinds in a door at their home or office. Popular blinds that are used on doors range from faux wood, wood, cellular shades and roller shades. When measuring for french door blinds there are several things to consider.... more
Door blinds can be any blind or shade mounted as a door mount blind. French door blinds or traditional door blinds are simply outside mount blinds or shades with hold downs to keep them from swinging as the door opens or shuts. People commonly mount blinds in a door at their home or office. Popular blinds that are used on doors range from faux wood, wood, cellular shades and roller shades. When measuring for french door blinds there are several things to consider.... more
Corner Window Blinds
If two windows meet in the corner and privacy is a concern, the best way to install window blinds or shades is to overlap them (see figure). One blind will be the measurement from the wall to the window. The second blind will be the measurement from the wall to where the second blind will be. This measurement will be from the wall to the window subtracting the width of the blinds. For a 2 inch wood blind, that will be about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.... more
If two windows meet in the corner and privacy is a concern, the best way to install window blinds or shades is to overlap them (see figure). One blind will be the measurement from the wall to the window. The second blind will be the measurement from the wall to where the second blind will be. This measurement will be from the wall to the window subtracting the width of the blinds. For a 2 inch wood blind, that will be about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.... more
Measure Window Shades or Blinds for Tile or Moulding
Occasionally obstructions can get in the way of window shades or blinds such as wood moulding or a tile back splash. Cut-outs can be made in the blind or shade for proper clearance in these areas. There is a surcharge for each cut made.... more
Occasionally obstructions can get in the way of window shades or blinds such as wood moulding or a tile back splash. Cut-outs can be made in the blind or shade for proper clearance in these areas. There is a surcharge for each cut made.... more
How to Measure Vertical Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
When measuring window blinds for sliding glass doors it is important that you measure the blind to fit as on OUTSIDE mount. Vertical blinds are a common window treatment for sliders. More times than not there is not enough depth in a window to mount vertical blinds inside the window frame. Often there is Moulding encasing the window and your measurement must allow for it. A common rule of thumb is to ADD 2 inches to the length of the vertical blind. In other words measure from the floor to 2 inches above the moulding. If you have no moulding measure from the floor to 2 inches above the top of the opening.... more
When measuring window blinds for sliding glass doors it is important that you measure the blind to fit as on OUTSIDE mount. Vertical blinds are a common window treatment for sliders. More times than not there is not enough depth in a window to mount vertical blinds inside the window frame. Often there is Moulding encasing the window and your measurement must allow for it. A common rule of thumb is to ADD 2 inches to the length of the vertical blind. In other words measure from the floor to 2 inches above the moulding. If you have no moulding measure from the floor to 2 inches above the top of the opening.... more
Blinds for Angled Top Windows
Blinds or shades can be difficult to find for angled top windows. A few manufacturers make window blinds or shades with angled headrails for this purpose. Another option is to leave the angled top of the window open and just mount the window blinds or shades with the headrail just before the angled portion of the window. This article will discuss how to the the later.... more
Blinds or shades can be difficult to find for angled top windows. A few manufacturers make window blinds or shades with angled headrails for this purpose. Another option is to leave the angled top of the window open and just mount the window blinds or shades with the headrail just before the angled portion of the window. This article will discuss how to the the later.... more
2" and 2 1/2" Horizontal Window Blinds Installation Instructions
When installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more
When installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more
Parts for Installing Horizontal Window Blinds
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more
Mini Blinds - Instructions for Installation of 1" Aluminum Mini Blinds
1/2 inch micro and 1 or 2 inch aluminum mini blinds installation instructions. This page explains basic installation for aluminum blinds which is similar to installing horizontal wood blinds. Here are some simple steps for installing mini blinds.... more
1/2 inch micro and 1 or 2 inch aluminum mini blinds installation instructions. This page explains basic installation for aluminum blinds which is similar to installing horizontal wood blinds. Here are some simple steps for installing mini blinds.... more
Vertical Window Blinds Installation Instructions
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more
Vertical Blinds - Parts for Installing
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing vertical blinds. Note: You may not receive all the vertical blinds parts listed. We will send you the parts you need to install your vertical blinds.... more
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing vertical blinds. Note: You may not receive all the vertical blinds parts listed. We will send you the parts you need to install your vertical blinds.... more
