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, custom roman shades, inexpensive pleated shades and quality aluminum mini blinds.
Cellular window 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 affordable 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
Measuring for French door blinds and shades is slightly different from measuring a standard window because the treatment is mounted directly to the face of the door. You need enough overlap around the glass for privacy and light control while also making sure the blind or shade does not interfere with the door handle, locks, trim or other hardware.
... moreMeasuring blinds or shades for two windows that meet in a corner requires a little more planning than measuring a standard window. If both treatments are made to extend all the way into the same corner, the headrails, rollers or shade fabric can interfere with each other.
... moreTile, decorative molding or other trim at the bottom of a window can make an inside-mount blind or shade more difficult to measure. The top of the window opening may be wide enough for a normal shade, while the bottom becomes narrower where the tile or molding projects into the opening.
... moreMeasuring vertical blinds for a sliding glass door involves more than measuring the glass. You also need to consider the door trim or molding, where the headrail will actually be mounted, how much space the vertical blind will occupy when it is fully open, and whether door handles, walls, cabinets or other obstructions will interfere with the treatment.
... moreAngled top windows, sometimes called triangular or sloped-top windows, can be difficult to cover with a standard rectangular blind or shade because the top of the opening is not level. One practical solution is to mount a standard blind or shade at the point where the angle begins and leave the triangular portion above uncovered.
... moreWhen 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
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
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
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... 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
