Blinds, Shades and Shutters - Need a modern look/what to choose?!

I can't believe I'm posting this, but I can't decide and it's driving me crazy!!!!:wall: Thought I had it all planned out but I don't :(

Entryway
French doors
Modern look
no color

That's what I'm looking for...AND

I don't want a cord dangling
Don't want blinds
Don't want shades or shutters
unless...it would look really cool (modern)

IMO and for my home...blinds just won't look good
Shades won't look good
Shutters are too expensive :D

The French doors look perfect the way they are but I don't want people to be able to see in the house at night. During the day it's fine b/c there's a slight reflection so you can't really see in unless you put your face to the glass door.

I've debated and bought rice paper film to apply it on, however after much thinking...it just won't look right. I painted the french door black. The outside of my house is off white of somekind so white on white...is too white. I don't want a black tint b/c the doors are black. I've debated on the mirrored tint..but then I think it would make the house look like an office building of some sort. Thought of the crackled glass tint...I don't like it...thought of the frosted type but then we can't see out. I'm at a loss. I've searched and looked...and just can't find anything that will satisfy me. I can't believe it! I'll post a pic once I get the raised panel painted in the inside b/c it's in the entryway too. It's going to swiss coffee (off-white color). I think you might get a better idea.

So...if you have any ideas...please...post. I just don't want people to see in, I want to see out! I don't want blinds or shades or curtains...something simple and not noticeable. :D Hopefully, I'm not helpless. I just ran out of ideas and I'm tired of thinking :o

Hmm, been thinking about this and will have to think some more. :thinker: Not sure if there is such an animal.

My best suggestion that would meet most of those parameters is sheerweave roller shades.


You said no to "shades" already, but have you looked at the sheerweave varieties? Also, rollershades have been on a comeback, and have been gaining in popularity in recent years, due to the wider selections in materials and options.

Let's see:
Entryway doors? Yes, rollers on doors work well, since the flat fabric panel doesnt sway or flop around as badly as other type hanging blinds. Holddown brackets are available if needed.

Modern look? Yes, go with the sleek cassette type headrail system and you wont see any hardware or even the roller. The whole shade will roll up into the cassette, eliminating the stack that you see with other blinds.

No color? Fine, choose a solid light color to blend in with your existing decor, but consider that the sheerweaves have texture too. This texture can give you the contrasting design element that breaks up the "too much white on white" situation. Also, there are varying grades of weave that show more or less amount of texture, along with some selections that have additional accents of color blended into the main color.

No cords? No problem, choose spring tension style lift instead of the clutch/continuous beadchain lift.

Seeing in vs. seeing out? This will be up to you. Sheerweaves come in varying grades of weave that allow your choice of visibility THROUGH the fabric. The more loosely woven ones have a greater openess factor that are easy to see through. The more tightly woven ones will still have some visibilty, but greatly improve privacy. You need to look through the samples in-person to see which is right for you.

Well, hopefully this info may give you something new to consider while trying to decide.

I doubt if there is any window treatment to meet your criteria. Randy E has gone through all the steps and also came to a dead end. You may have to really go "high tech" with a glass that changes from clear to obscure electrically. I'm sure the cost will be prohibitive but here is the info for the heck of it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_glass

That smart glass thing is very interesting. Never heard of it but sounds great :)

Thanks for the info everyone and if you come up with anything else, throw it in.

Randy, you're right and gave me some GR8 ideas. The sleek cassette headrail system sounds perfect with spring tension lift of some sort of fabric shade. I'll have to definitely look in the stores. I've actually browsed around and found some GR8 looking stuff...just not exactly what I wanted so I'll have to look further. I've seen the sheerweave stuff too. Those are pretty cool looking. I think once I get the interior finished and painted, it'll be easier to decide on the color. I'll definitely let you guys know what happens when it happens.

Thanks a bunch everyone :)

maybe check out a silhouette or a vignette by Hunter Douglas, they look modern and have a nice system where its cord retracts up in to the head rail..

I like Grabers line of roller shades with the roller hidden in a decorative top piece..

you could do cordless top down bottom up pleated shades..

maybe treat it with a RTB (rod pocket top and bottom) done in a colored sheer with maybe a pattern or a solid fabric on the top and bottom 6 inches.. do it with 4x fullness so its bunching provides that privacy your lookin for..

Ooooo...I like that Vignette :) Seems there really are a lot of choices for me. I just have to make the choice. Me and my big mouth. I see a lot of things I can use now...I just have to decide.

You guys are GRRRRRRRRRR8!

If you like the Vignette's, check out Hunter Douglas's new Vignette Modern Roman Shades.

Modern Roman (http://www.hunterdouglas.com/hdg_product_detail.jsp?id=3)

Yeah... I love those. :) Those things must be expensive since there aren't any prices :o Worst case...I'll be looking for something similar. Hopefully I don't change my mind! One day it's one thing...another day it's another!:(

If you do decide to go with a vignette or any Hunter Douglas product, do yourself a favor and get them from home depot..

You can buy any HD product from home depot for less than a dealer will pay directly from Hunter Douglas..

example.. a 29 x 36 silhouette from home depot costs under 300 bucks when a dealer has to be pay over 300 for the same product.. who will then mark it up about 40% to you...

what home depot cant provide you with is any competent help so make sure what you want and how you want it.. check back with us before you decide and maybe someone here can bring something to your attention you may want to concider

Yes...you're right. Though I love the look, I'm definitely going with something cheaper in price. Even if it would be a cheaper material. Can't really afford it nor am I willing to spend that much :D I'm still not ready to get something yet b/c I'm painting so there's no rush. ;)