Roller Shades for Windows (When Curtains Aren’t an Option!)

If you look back through my blog archive, there is one thing you will see on (almost) all of my windows: curtains. I learned early in our (now 20+ year long!) renter lifestyle that almost nothing makes a space feel more like a real home (and less temporary!) than curtains. The hardware, the fabric, the light-filtering…all together, they go such a long way in helping a space feel personal, stylish…complete. 

I’ve hung curtains so many times, that somewhere along the way, I invested in a bunch of the same curtains, rods, and rings so we’d always have enough to hang in any room, at any length, in any house. So you better bet I was stumped (and oh so frustrated!) when our new family room didn’t allow for long curtains. Read on to see what I’m using instead (and why I love them so much!)

When Furniture Sits In Front of Windows

Our current family room/dining room layout is a bit on the small side. 

No, that’s actually too generous…it’s down right tight.

For our furniture to fit AND create a flow that actually works, we had to put both our couch and loveseat completely up against the wall. 

(Yes, we tried pretty much everything else. Even moving the seating just 6-8” forward to allow for curtains made everything feel awkward and crowded.)

So with the furniture layout set, I had to figure out something that would give our windows that same “stylish” and “complete” feel, but without using curtains.

Why Not a Valance?

In the few times we’ve had furniture in front of windows in the past, we mostly relied upon valances (examples 1, 2, 3). But the problem with valances is they block zero light. And with this being our main TV-watching space, light blocking was of utmost importance.

Sure, I could have hung valances over the vertical blinds already on our windows (and I have done that in the past too). But I was looking for a solution that brought some upgraded functionality in addition to color, texture, and style.

You know…an “all in one” solution.

Enter the Roller Shade

Shortly after moving in, I think I spent a solid two weeks down the window rabbit hole. My search results kept yielding lots of variations of “black out” roller shades.

I was, admittedly, pretty turned off by the concept. Although…these newer versions did look higher quality and more substantial than the white plastic ones from my childhood.

After looking at countless options and reading way more reviews than was probably necessary, I decided to order one of these roller shades in my desired color and dimensions so that I could see if it was as nice as the online images showed.

In reality, it was even better.

After hanging and testing one, I immediately ordered another 4 for our entire downstairs space.

Here’s why.

• They are truly blackout (yes, the husband officially approves!)
• The linen texture is subtle yet oh-so-stylish. They provide that “dose of color and texture” without being busy or overbearing.
• They glide up and down with minimal effort (they are 100% cordless, so even the kids can use them safely!)

And the main reason?

The nice, chunky valance on top helps them look like installed, finished window treatments rather than just temporary shades (that would then also need curtains).

In a nutshell, they WERE the “all in one” solution I was looking for: light blocking, stylish, hint of color, and works above/behind our couches!

Inside Versus Outside Mount

I want to quickly chat about why I chose to mount these shades on the outside of our window frame (instead of inside, like most shades are).

These shades come with hardware for either mount, so you can mount them however you like.

We opted for an outside mount for two reasons…

1. First, our windows have no trim around them. With the shades mounted on the inside of the window frame, we would have satisfied our light-blocking goal but the windows would have still looked in complete.
2. Our windows are actually quite low (on the wall). By ordering the shades a little larger and mounting them high above the window, they provide greater presence and heft and (quite literally) elevate the entire room!

Same Concept, Different Room

After experimenting with these shades in our family room and ultimately loving them, we opted for a very similar solution for our teenage son’s bedroom. 

He really wanted a dark room for all his gaming, but also has furniture pushed up against the walls. 

This less expensive, black version of the roller shade proved to be a great solution that “finishes off” his windows (as I like!) but keeps his room sleek, tidy, and dark too! 

Dive Deeper Into This Project

Looking for more info on this project? Below are my voice notes about the cost of this project and why we didn’t opt for motorized versions!