light comes in thru those 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps. What can I do to keep the light from coming in thru the edges?
The blinds installer told me that they always leave 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch gap to ensure that the blinds do not rub up against the walls when they are raised and lowered.
I was thinking about buying some window tint and putting it around the border of my window to keep the light out...
Any thoughts?
2007-07-20 15:03:47 · 8 answers · asked by Gato 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
It is a common misconception that if you install a blind inside the window frame, tight, that it will be room darkening. Firstly there is no true "blackout" blind "Room darkening" is all you can hope for. Room darkening blinds will only work their best if they are hung, surface mounted, on the wall, covering the actual window frame, as well as the window. Light will always seep through the sides of a blind if it is an inside window mount. If you provided your dimensions when you bought the blinds, then the dealer or installer are not at fault. It is common practise to "shave" 1/4" or so off of your given measurement because even in new homes, windows may be off square. You should always measure the top, middle, and bottom widthwise and then take the smallest dimension. This dimension will then be reduced by about 1/4" to ensure that your blind won't jam at a narrow spot in your window when it's raised or lowered.
All you can really do now is hang decorative curtain panels to cover the sides. These will soften your windows and you can choose tab tops, decorative rods, tie backs, etc., and your windows will end up more striking than you originally intended!
2007-07-20 19:57:38 · answer #1 · answered by lveno4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The installer is right, they do leave a 1/4 to 1/2 inch space , but I agree with you it is somewhat irritating. I have added soft draperies to the sides of some windows. It cuts down the light and is quieter and more energy efficient.
2007-07-20 22:12:20 · answer #2 · answered by Harrison H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You might try a swagged window treatment (fabric is draped around the window).
This site shows an example of a swagged window treatment. I know the bows are gaudy and the fabric is nasty, just ignore that.
http://www.denverfabrics.com/assets/assets.static/assets.decorator/making-drape/makingdrape.gif
You don't have to use ugly old bows like that (unless you like that kind of thing - and I apologize for insulting your taste in home decor). You can buy these rings that you mount on the wall that you drape the fabric through.
This is a pretty easy and affordable solution.
2007-07-20 22:16:42 · answer #3 · answered by ☼ Jamie ☼ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can add a drapery treatment, that will hide the gap. Good installers usually measure so that there is 1/4" gap or LESS.
2007-07-20 22:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by Katherine E 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, your installer sucks.
Try a decorative touch, and add curtains, that completely cover the edges.
Or, if your not into curtains, use some molding around the windows edges, inside the sill, or around the outside.
2007-07-20 22:32:05 · answer #5 · answered by photoguy_ryan 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need to return those blinds. At the most there should be 1/4" on either side, but no more. I hope you didn't wait too long to complain. Make sure to press the issue bc if you don't plan on using curtain panels on either side there will be no way to hide it.
2007-07-20 22:40:45 · answer #6 · answered by Ruthie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They messed up and measured wrong. The blinds need to go past your window for adequate shade.
Return them and insist they make them right !!
2007-07-20 22:37:20 · answer #7 · answered by krissyderic 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They did not cut them properly, don't buy their BS, return them and have them cut wider!
2007-07-20 22:11:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋