Blinds, Shades and Shutters - Light Blocking Shades?

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BVOSTON
10-02-07, 12:59 PM
Hello,
I was thinking of turning my den into a "Media Room" - like a movie room, I suppose. The room currently has one large sliding glass patio door, which has a light shade.

I would like to find a place which sells a complete light-blocking shade or cover for the window so I can make the room completely dark in the daytime. I've looked at the local home center and haven't seen anything that will accomplish this.

Does anyone know of a mail-order type of place which sells a completely light blocking type of shade?

Thanks very much!
Barb


johnam
10-02-07, 04:08 PM
A local custom window treatment retailer should be able to get room darkening shades with optional tracks that will block 98% of the light.

Pendragon
10-03-07, 09:50 AM
Any place that specializes in home theater systems and media rooms can get you what you are looking for (bring your checkbook, light blocking panels are NOT cheap).


johnam
10-03-07, 12:37 PM
My guess would be that the places that specialize in media rooms probably buy the shades from a custom window treatment fabricator or dealer and will end up costing you more. Compare before you buy.

Shadeladie
10-03-07, 12:48 PM
My guess would be that the places that specialize in media rooms probably buy the shades from a custom window treatment fabricator or dealer and will end up costing you more. Compare before you buy.

Not necessarily. If they're outsourcing them, they're getting a wholesale price and even if the wholesaler made them directly, the customer would still get charged a retail price. Price usually has more to do with other factors and often you get what you pay for.

BLD
10-05-07, 06:38 PM
I agree that going to a media company for this is going to cost you more than its worth.. all they will do is call a drapery company


A majority of shades you can buy these days come in a complete blackout if thats what you want.. The light comes in from gaps and deductions after installation.. If you place a shade as an inside mount in the recess of a window you will have a light gap on the left right and maybe top of the shade.. That being said, if a shade is what you want, you will want to mount it as an outside mount to get the most light blockage.. This simply means not mounted in a windows recess and most commonly will go from one side of the trim (molding) to the other..

Even with an outside mount you will get cracks of light.. You can combat this by placing side panels on the sides of the windows.. you can get pre-made side panels with black out from jc penny and other department stores..

The most common approach I have found would be a treatment similar to a hotel room.. A cornice board or a valance above the window with drapes mounted under it will block out 99% of the light.. If its a sliding door, this may be your most practical choice..

here is a link to a hunter douglas product called a vertiglide.. Its like a pleated shade but moves horizontally.. It is a nice product that will accomplish your goal with a modern look..

http://images.google.com/images?q=vertiglide&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B2GGGL_en___US225&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi


Are you looking to do this cheaply?

Any chance you could take a picture?