Sliding glass doors: many homeowners have a love-hate relationship with them. They are great for opening up our world to our backyards, but that means they get a lot of traffic. It also means that any window covering you put on your sliding glass door will be subject to that high traffic. So what is the best window treatment for sliding glass doors? We’ll dive into our top four window coverings and why opting for custom window treatments is the better way to go. Why Custom Window Coverings are Better for Sliding Glass Doors You want a window treatment that is going to stand the test of time. Custom window coverings are made from high quality materials that can not only stand up to more use and high traffic, but they also stay looking nicer for longer. So while custom may be a bit more expensive up front, in the long run, you’ll get a better value. Vertical Blinds If you like the utility of blinds, then you’ll love vertical blinds for your sliding glass door! There’s a reason that blinds, and vertical blinds by extension, are the most popular window covering. The louvered design allows for full light and privacy control. Vertical blinds are the perfect application for large windows, such as sliding glass doors. The housing that holds the mechanism is more lightweight, ensuring that your window treatment won’t fall down. Vertical blinds also slide to the side in a neat little stack when you want to access your door, keeping them out of the way and protected from dogs and curious little hands. Like their horizontal sister, vertical blinds come in a variety of materials, including composite, as well as colors that allow them to match any style. And since they are cordless, you don’t have to worry about pets or small children getting caught up in dangerous cords. Vertical Panels Vertical panels are the bougie cousin to vertical blinds. The wide panels make a statement and catch the eye! They have the same functionality as vertical blinds, where you get control over the angle of the panels to allow for more light filtering or privacy. The housing is also lightweight, making them perfect for sliding glass doors or a large wall of windows. When you are ready to access your sliding glass door, just push your panels to the side. Vertical panels come in a variety of materials and colors to match your personal style. They work well in modern style homes, but look fantastic in more traditional styles as well. Sliding Shutter Panels Love the look of interior shutters? Already have interior shutters on your windows but not quite sure what to do with your sliding glass door? Don’t worry! Many brands offer coordinating sliding shutter panels. These two louvered panels slide along a track on your sliding glass door. You get control of the angle of the slats for full light filtering and privacy control. Then to access your door, just slide one of the panels to the side. Sliding shutter panels come in both wood and faux wood as well as a variety of colors. Need to custom match the stain of the wood to existing wood in your home? That can be done too! We recommend that if your sliding glass door is in the kitchen or other higher-humidity room, that you install faux wood sliding shutter panels. It’s also important to note that with sliding shutter panels, one half of your sliding glass door will always be covered in panels, even when you slide one to the side to access your door. Vertical Cellular Shades Finally, if the room with your sliding glass door gets a lot of sun, or you just need more insulation on your window, we highly recommend vertical cellular shades. The pocketed design of these shades traps both hot and cold air, helping to keep the temperature inside your home more regulated. Like their horizontal counterpart, cellular shades offer savings on your energy bill! When you are ready to access your door, just slide this shade to the side. Vertical cellular shades aren’t your grandmother’s cellular shades! This modern version comes in a variety of fabrics and colors to match your unique style, fitting in well with both modern and traditional home styles. Elevate Your View Today Are you ready to elevate the view through your sliding glass door? Elevated Views offers plenty of styles and options to meet your needs and budget! We help you from start to finish, from measuring your sliding glass door, to helping you select the best options, to installation! Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote today and we’ll bring the showroom to you.

Are you tired of the same old boring window treatments? Are you ready to make a change and upgrade your home’s style? While standard white blinds are a great blank canvas, your windows are actually a great place to play with fun colors, different materials, and new styles. And custom window coverings really open up the door to all of these materials, colors, and more. Here are our favorite ways to elevate your space with your window treatments! Bold Colors Bold hues can add a pop of color to plain walls and draw the eye in. If you are tired of white or grey, opt for fabric shades in bright and bold or deep hued colors. Roman shades in navy blue linen are perfect for coastal themed homes, or for modern spaces, try persimmon hued roller shades for a fun pop of color. Bold Patterns If playing with color isn’t enough, try playing with patterns. Fabric shades offer a variety of patterns, from modern abstract patterns to bold paisley. It can also give you the opportunity to incorporate more than one color into your shades, if you are bold enough to try! Have a shabby chic bedroom? Try out a floral or toile pattern in your chosen hues. For an industrial home, try a “grungy” abstract pattern that mimics painted metal. Black Shutters Most people opt for white, grey, or wood stained shutters. But have you considered black shutters? Nothing makes more of a statement than black window coverings! These window treatments are a favorite of home buyers and they are willing to pay more for a home that has them. So investing in shutters means investing in the resale value of your home. Just imagine that curbside appeal and the double takes you’ll get from neighbors when you have black interior shutters installed! Natural Shades Instead of playing with color or patterns, consider playing with texture and material. Natural shades are made of grasses or woods like bamboo. Their natural beauty brings the outdoors in and amps up the texture on your walls. These shades roll up into a neat stack when open, and provide great privacy when closed. They also look great in modern and coastal styled homes! Vertical Panels Vertical panels are the bougie cousin to vertical blinds. These wide panels make a statement and provide a sophisticated and elevated look to your home. Vertical panels are perfect for sliding glass doors and large windows or a wall of windows. They come in a variety of materials and colors to match your personal taste. And if we may be so bold, might we suggest a fun pop of color? Sheer Shades Sheer shades, sometimes referred to as zebra shades, have alternating veins of opaque and sheer materials. They operate much like regular blinds, but are made of fabric for a softer touch. Because they are a little different from traditional blinds, they’ll turn heads and will receive lots of compliments from guests! Their elegant style is perfect for both modern and traditional homes, and they come in a variety of colors and fabrics to meet your unique style needs. Have a large window? Try vertical sheer shades! Dramatic Drapes Finally, if you love your basic white or cream blinds, shutters, or cellular shades, but want to layer on the drama, try adding on custom drapes in fun and bold colors or patterns! Custom drapes add a soft and luxurious touch to your walls. But because the fabric options are nearly endless, you can choose from black velvet to red and white stripes and everything in between! Upgrade and Elevate Your Windows Today! Are you ready to make a statement with your windows? Elevated Views is here to help you upgrade your view. We offer a wide selection, including blinds, shutters, shades, and more! Our custom window treatments are made with quality in mind, so you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your investment will stand the test of time. Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote today and our experts will measure your windows and bring the showroom to you!

The summer season is starting to heat up and that means it’s time to consider how to keep your home and patio cooler! Patio shades can not only help extend your living space during the warmer months, but it can also provide better temperature regulation inside your home, resulting in energy savings. Here are our top window and patio shades to help you stay cooler this summer. Patio Shades Patio shades are made from solar screen fabric and provide a simple yet elegant solution for shading your patio or porch from the harsh summer sun. These shades roll up into a neat stack when not in use, but when drawn, provide privacy plus protection from glare, heat, and harmful UV rays. This not only helps protect you from the elements, but your patio furniture too, increasing their longevity and protecting your investment. Patio shades have a wide selection for customization, including fabrics, hardware, and finishing options. Exterior Sun Shades Exterior sun shades are like sunglasses for your windows! They are installed on the exterior of your home’s windows and doors to help block heat, glare, and UV rays, keeping your home cooler and your energy bill down. Exterior sun shades are one of the most effective ways to decrease heat gain in your home because they stop the sunlight and heat before it even enters the glass of your windows, blocking up to 97% of heat and UV rays! Simply control the temperature in your home by rolling down these shades when needed, and up when you don’t. Retractable Insect Screens Sun and heat can chase us indoors, but so can insects! Keep your outdoor spaces more comfortable by getting retractable insect screens, which keep out critters and bugs when you want to enjoy your covered patio. These retractable screens roll up and down, allowing you to enjoy the open air at dusk without all the mosquitos or moths! These screens can also be added to movable glass walls and garage door openings. Sail Shades Sail shades or triangle shades are strong pieces of solar fabric that are mounted to your home or poles to shade a patio, play equipment, sandbox, or other spots you want to keep cooler around your yard. Sail shades, just like solar shades, come in a variety of fabrics and sizes to help you get the perfect look. Why Custom is a Better Investment Custom window and patio shades are a much better investment in your home! While their upfront cost may be a bit more than big box store options, custom shades are made of higher quality materials that will better withstand the extreme Colorado weather. Elevated Views is ready to help you create your oasis for this summer! Schedule a free in-home consultation and quote and we’ll bring the showroom to you!

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We know times are tight right now, but privacy isn’t a luxury–it’s a necessity! So if it’s time to replace your window treatments, you’ll want to check out our top three favorite affordable window coverings. Why Custom is More Affordable than Big-Box Options A lot of us have a tendency to only consider the short-term cost. When it comes to investing in your home and your privacy, it’s important to actually consider the long-term cost. Big box store options can be really tempting. Blinds are blinds, right? Wrong! Custom window coverings are actually more affordable than big-box options. Here’s why: Custom window treatments are made from high-quality materials and are made to last. Custom window treatments are made to fit your exact window size, meaning you won’t have to worry about someone knocking into your window treatment and damaging it. Because custom window treatments are made to fit your window, they are also more energy efficient, giving you bigger savings on your energy bills! You could buy some big-box store window coverings, but keep in mind that they won’t be made to last and they won’t be made to fit! You’ll just end up purchasing new window treatments five to ten years down the road. Or you could buy quality custom window coverings that actually stand the test of time and are more energy efficient. Our Top 3 Favorite Affordable Window Treatments Now that we have your attention on why custom is more affordable in the long-run, let’s take a look at our top three favorite window treatments. Custom Blinds Blinds are the most loved window treatment around and it’s not hard to see why! They give you full light and privacy control! We offer a variety of custom blinds, including faux and real wood options. We recommend going cordless for a clean look and for homes with pets or small children. Custom Shades Looking for a soft fabric treatment instead? There are a variety of custom shades to fit your style and needs. Choose from a variety of fabrics, textures, patterns, and colors to add a soft touch or a statement look. We recommend adding a solar or blackout lining for additional energy savings. We offer: Cellular shades Solar shades Roller shades Roman shades Pleated shades Sheer shades Natural shades And more! Custom Faux Wood Interior Shutters Now we know what you are thinking, but yes, interior shutters can be affordable! What we love about interior shutters is that they actually add value to your home. They are so desirable by home buyers, that they are willing to pay more for them. That makes interior shutters an incredible investment in your home and future! To keep costs down, opt for faux wood (composite) shutters, which are easier to keep clean too! We’ll Bring the Showroom to You! Ready to update your window coverings to an affordable custom option? Elevated Views offers no-pressure design help because we want you to choose the right window treatment for your style and budget. Schedule a free in-home consultation and quote today and we’ll bring the showroom to you!

The dog days of summer are just around the corner and we can already feel the heat! And while we can’t all afford to crank up the AC or replace our windows, there are some window treatments you can upgrade to this spring that will bring energy savings and keep you cool and stylish for the summer. Cellular Shades These aren’t your grandmother’s cellular shades! Today’s cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are sleek and stylish. Their pocketed design traps both hot and cold air, keeping your home’s temperature more regulated year round. In fact, cellular shades are the most energy efficient window covering out there, helping you see reduction on both your gas and electricity bills. Cellular shades come in a variety of materials, textures, and colors to match any home decor style. You can also select from one to three layers of pockets; the more layers of cells, the greater your energy savings! We also recommend opting for cordless for a more clean look, or for homes with pets or small children. Interior Shutters Make an investment in your energy bill and your home with stylish interior shutters. Love the look and functionality of blinds but want something a little more energy efficient? Look no further than shutters. Because this window treatment is mounted to your window casing, it minimizes the amount of gaps that hot and cold air can seep through, helping you stay more comfortable year round. Plus, this window treatment is so desirable that home buyers are willing to pay more just to have them in their next home. So while interior shutters are the most expensive option, they are an incredible investment! These traditional window treatments aren’t just for traditional-styled homes. Shutters come in a variety of options that look great in modern and traditional homes. Whether you opt for real wood or faux wood, white or black, you can’t go wrong with interior shutters. Exterior Shades Have what you need for window treatments on the inside of your home? Then consider exterior shades for the outside of your home! Not only do patio shades make your patio more enjoyable during the hot summer months, but it can also provide additional protection for the inside of your home from summer heat and glare. Or try exterior solar window shades, which utilize a European concept by mounting outside your windows and blocking up to 97% of heat and UV rays. Control the temperature by rolling down exterior solar sun shades on hot days and rolling the shade up when you don't need it. There are plenty of options for patio and exterior solar shades for your home to help you create your indoor and outdoor oasis this summer. You can even add on retractable insect screens that help keep the bugs out when you want to spend time on your patio! Work with the Window Covering Leader Elevated Views understands the brutal Colorado seasons. We also believe that the right window covering can literally change your point of view! We are a locally-owned business in the Pikes Peak region, helping Coloradoans just like you make selecting your next window covering simple and fun! Schedule a free in-home consultation and quote and we’ll bring the showroom to you!

Whether you are new to buying window treatments or not, all of the options and decisions to be made can be overwhelming. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether your window covering needs to be an inside mount or an outside mount. What’s the difference, and which is right for your window and needs? Keep reading to find out! What is an Outside Mount for Window Treatments? Most people who have hung their own blinds are probably familiar with this method of mounting a window treatment. An outside mount is when you hang your window covering above the window frame (opening) on the wall or trim. With this application, the window treatment is slightly wider than your window. What is an Inside Mount for Window Treatments? An inside mount is when the window covering is hung inside the window opening, or frame. The window treatment brackets are either screwed into the top of the window frame, or on either side of the opening. Because the window treatment is the same width of your window opening, this provides a clean, finished look and doesn’t cover decorative moulding. When and Why Should I Choose an Inside Mount? We almost always recommend an inside mount. However, your window frame will need to have enough depth to hang your window treatment. Most inside mounts require a few inches of window depth to anchor the brackets on. It’s important to check the specs on your selected window treatment before purchasing to see what these depth requirements are. By hanging your window treatment this way, your treatment will stay out of the way, safe from getting knocked around by kids or pets running past, or the errant elbow. We’ve all had an accident with a bent blind slat, and while they can be replaced, it’s a task that can take a little bit of time. When and Why Should I Choose an Outside Mount? We recommend an outside mount for your window treatment when the window frame is too shallow to accommodate an inside mount, or when there are obstructions, like a window crank, security sensor, or other object that prevents your treatment from lowering all the way. Having decorative trim or tiling on the inside of the window frame could get damaged by an inside mount, also making outside mount the more ideal option. Other benefits that an outside mount provides is less gaps that cause light leaks when your window covering is fully closed. This can be ideal for nurseries, bedrooms, or media rooms as it provides better room darkening. An outside mount can also camouflage odd-shaped or off-center windows. You can also hang the window treatment further above the window to give the illusion of taller windows. Best of Both Worlds for Layering! Some home owners love to layer their window treatments. If you have enough depth, doing an inside mounted roller shade with an outside mounted roman shade can provide a luxe look or offer additional room darkening or blackout capabilities. Call the Experts in to Measure Your Windows Getting the right measurements for your window is the most important step. Let our experts help you get the perfect measurements, plus help you select the right window covering for your needs and budget! Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote today and we’ll bring the showroom to you!

Blinds are the most popular window treatment thanks to their clean design and full light filtering capabilities. But we know that sometimes homeowners are looking for something a little different to make their house a home. Here are some of our other favorite window covering options that you should consider. Interior Shutters If you still want full light filtering capabilities but want something a little more upscale, interior shutters might be right for you. The slatted design provides the same functionality as blinds, but is mounted directly to your window frame. There are plenty of different options and customizations to choose from, giving you endless design opportunities. Their charm and curb appeal makes these window treatments very desirable, and home buyers are willing to pay more for them! So while interior shutters are the most expensive option, they are the only window treatment that actually adds value to your home, making them a great long-term investment in your home. Vertical Panels Another option for a slatted window treatment is vertical panels. These statement-making window coverings are an upscale version of vertical blinds. The wide panels slide back and forth on their casing and are a good option for large or oversized windows and modern tastes. Roman Shades If you want classic design and a softer window treatment, roman shades never go out of style! But these window coverings aren’t just for traditional style homes. Roman shades come in different pleat styles, from soft and voluminous, to a more structured pleat that is perfect for modern home designs. The near endless choices of fabric, colors, and patterns means there is something for everyone, whether you want soft and neutral, or bold and vibrant! Cellular Shades If you are looking for energy savings, look no further than cellular shades. Also known as honeycomb shades because of their pocketed design, cellular shades offer the most insulation and energy savings of any window covering. But don’t worry, these aren’t the same cellular shades your grandmother had. These more modern window treatments provide a sleek option in endless color options and multiple layers of pockets. Natural Shades Looking to bring a touch of the beauty of nature into your home? Natural shades are made of materials such as bamboo, rattan, or reed. They roll up into a neat little stack when open but when drawn, provide warmth and texture to your home. With a variety of materials, colors, and textures, nothing brings style and beauty into your home quite like natural shades! Get Advice from the Window Treatment Experts Still not sure which window treatment is right for your budget and needs? Elevated Views’ design experts can help you select the right options for your style and budget. As a family-owned business, we believe that making the process of choosing your next window covering should be fun and simple–yes, fun! Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote and our experts will bring the showroom to you!

Window treatments aren’t just about making a statement on your walls or providing shade when the sun peeks in just a little too strongly. Window coverings are also about providing you with privacy in your home! In this article, we take a look at our top three window coverings that provide the best privacy, plus one window treatment you should never opt for if privacy is your main goal. Most Popular: Blinds Blinds are perhaps the most popular window covering out there and for good reason. They are affordable and offer full light filtering and privacy control. When you want an unobstructed view, simply open them fully to create a neat little stack at the top. For light filtering, keep your blinds pulled down but the slats tilted open. For complete privacy, tilt your slats closed. For the best privacy with blinds, we recommend getting custom blinds. These will be cut to fit your exact window measurements, ensuring minimal gaps. Not only does this increase privacy, but it improves insulation as well. Blinds come in a variety of options, from real wood to faux wood, various slat widths, and from white to black and everything in between. You can even color match the wood stain to existing wood in your home. We also recommend that you opt for faux wood blinds in rooms with higher humidity levels (e.g. kitchens and bathrooms) as humidity can warp and discolor real wood blinds. Best Investment: Interior Shutters Interior shutters are considered the most desirable of all window coverings. So much so, that home buyers are willing to pay more for homes that have them. This makes interior shutters the only window covering that actually adds value to your home, making them a great investment! Like blinds, the slatted design gives you full light filtering and privacy control. But unlike blinds, you can opt for split control, allowing you to independently operate the top and bottom half of the slats. This means you can leave the top slats open for light while closing the bottom for privacy. And because shutters are mounted to your window frame, the gaps are nearly non-existent, providing improved privacy and insulation. Interior shutters also come in a variety of colors and stains, slat widths, and materials (wood and faux wood). Again, we recommend opting for faux wood in higher humidity rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, as real wood can warp and discolor from humidity. Best Soft Treatment: Shades If you would rather have a soft treatment, there are a variety of shades you can choose from to fit your style. From classic roman shades to roller shades, there is something for everyone. To improve your privacy, add a lining to your fabric shade, such as room darkening or blackout. This lining increases privacy and insulation, and can make bedrooms and nurseries perfect for a nap or a good night’s rest. Options are basically limitless with style, material, pattern, and color, making fabric shades a favorite of interior designers and homeowners alike. The One Window Treatment that Doesn’t Provide Privacy While most window coverings provide some level of privacy, there is one window treatment that does not provide privacy at night. Solar shades are a great option for sunny windows in rooms that do not require privacy, such as living rooms or dining rooms. When pulled down during the day, those outside your home cannot see in. However, at night when you have your lights on, those outside your home are able to see through the solar shade, providing almost no privacy. We do not recommend solar shades for rooms that require privacy, like the bathroom or bedroom. But for sunny living rooms, solar shades are a win thanks to their ability to block harmful sun rays that keep your home’s temperature more stable while giving you a great view through the fabric from inside your home! Elevate Your Privacy Today! Are you ready to increase your home’s privacy with new window treatments? Elevated Views understands that the right window covering can make all the difference! Our experts can help you select the right window covering for your style, budget, and needs. Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote and we’ll bring the showroom to you!