Large windows bring stunning natural light and beautiful views into your home, but they also create unique challenges when it comes to finding the right window treatments. You need something that can handle the weight, span the width without sagging, and still be easy to operate every single day. We've spent months researching and testing different options to bring you the five best blinds for very large windows that combine functionality, style, and durability.
Whether you're dealing with floor-to-ceiling windows, wide patio door openings, or picture windows that stretch across an entire wall, this guide will help you find window treatments that actually work for your space. We'll break down the pros and cons of each option, share real-world measurements and capabilities, and show you which solutions deliver the best value for oversized windows.
What Makes Large Windows Challenging to Cover
Large windows require specially designed window treatments that balance functionality with style while addressing unique challenges like weight, span, and operation. When you're shopping for blinds or shades for oversized windows, there are several factors you need to keep in mind that don't apply to standard-sized windows.
Size and Weight Considerations: Wide windows need big blinds and shades, and those can be heavy. Heavy window treatments put a lot of pressure on the cords and mechanisms that control the shade. All that weight being raised and lowered calls for world-class materials and sound mechanical designs. This is why not every window treatment works well for large expanses of glass.
Light Control: You want to cover your window with blinds or shades that let you enjoy that view while also protecting you from the massive amount of daylight that could potentially blast through the glass at certain hours of the day. Large windows can flood a room with sunlight, creating glare on screens and causing furniture to fade.
Privacy: While large windows provide great views, they also expose your home to outside viewers. The right blinds need to give you control over privacy without making you feel like you're living in a cave. Different rooms require different levels of privacy control throughout the day.
Energy Efficiency: Large windows can be a source of significant heat gain or loss, impacting the energy efficiency of your home. Vertical blinds play a role in regulating indoor temperature by allowing you to control the amount of sunlight entering the space. When closed, the slats provide insulation, reducing heat transfer and helping to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while potentially lowering energy costs.
How to Pick the Best Blinds for Large Windows
Before we jump into specific products, let's talk about what you should look for when shopping for motorized roller shades or other window treatments for oversized windows.
Durability: The best blinds for big windows balance adjustability, durability, and energy efficiency. Your window treatments will be raising and lowering heavy materials multiple times a day, so they need reinforced headrails and quality mechanisms.
Operation Method: Manual operation becomes difficult and even dangerous for very tall or wide windows. Motorization is highly recommended for easy operation on tall or wide windows. You'll want to seriously consider motorized options or at least continuous cord loops for easier lifting.
Material Selection: Not all materials can span wide distances without sagging. The fabric or slat material needs to maintain its shape and structure across the entire width of your window opening.
Mounting Options: You'll need to decide between inside mount (which fits within the window frame) and outside mount (which sits on the wall around the window). For very large windows, outside mounting often provides better light blockage and more flexibility.
1. Motorized Roller Shades
Roller shades are hands-down one of the most popular choices for large windows, and for good reason. Graber Solar Shades and Graber Roller Shades are a great place to start. They are the simplest shades available: fabric mounted on a roller. But the roller shade's simplicity hides its sophistication.
Why They Work for Large Windows: Expansive windows present unique challenges that standard window coverings might not adequately address. The weight, operation, and coverage requirements differ significantly from average-sized windows. Roll up shades for large windows excel at meeting these specialized needs with their clean lines and streamlined mechanics.
At Aosky, we offer premium roller shades that can be customized to fit your exact window dimensions. Our shades feature durable fabrics and smooth operating mechanisms designed specifically for larger window applications.
Size Capabilities: Modern roller shades can span impressive widths. Shades are available in wide widths with fabrics up to 108" or 110" wide. Some specialty options can extend even further with proper reinforcement.
Light Control Options: You can choose from several opacity levels:
- Light-filtering: For living areas with large windows, light filtering options maintain daytime views while softening intense sunlight. Available in various opacity levels, these shades work particularly well in spaces where maintaining natural light remains important while controlling visibility and glare.
- Blackout: Blackout roller shades are especially beneficial as they can cover expansive areas seamlessly, preventing any light leakage that can occur with other window treatments. Plus, they offer excellent insulation, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which can lead to energy savings.
- Solar Shades: Solar roller shades are a fantastic choice for those who love their large windows for the view they provide. These shades are designed to reduce glare and protect your furnishings from harmful UV rays while still allowing you to enjoy the scenery outside. This makes them ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and any space where you want to maintain a bright, airy feel while protecting your interiors.
Motorization Benefits: Motorized blinds for large windows offer an elegant solution that combines convenience with functionality, particularly for those expansive, hard-to-reach windows that make manual operation difficult or impractical. You can control multiple shades at once with a remote, smartphone app, or voice commands through smart home systems.
Pros:
- Clean, modern aesthetic
- Available in hundreds of fabric options
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Seamless operation when motorized
- No visible cords for child safety
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost with motorization
- Limited insulation compared to cellular shades
- May show silhouettes at night with interior lights on
2. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a classic choice for extra-wide windows. If you like a more traditional look, these are the perfect option. While they've been around for decades, modern vertical blinds have come a long way in terms of style and functionality.
Why They're Ideal for Large Windows: Where horizontal blinds become too heavy to manually manipulate for a large window, vertical blinds can cover beautifully. The long slats of vertical blinds are suited to broad windows and doors while horizontal blinds are great for smaller, narrower, and taller windows.
Coverage Capabilities: Vertical blinds can span widths up to 189 inches, while panel track systems can extend even further—up to 332 inches with spliced headrails. This makes them one of the few options that can genuinely cover extremely wide openings without needing multiple separate treatments.
Light and Privacy Control: One of the key benefits of vertical blinds for large windows is their exceptional light control. Large windows tend to let in an abundance of natural light, which can sometimes lead to glare or unwanted heat in the summer. Vertical blinds allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight entering your room with precise control. With a simple tilt or rotation of the slats, you can redirect the sunlight without sacrificing your view.
Best Applications: Vertical blinds are a smart solution for sliding glass doors, patio entries, and wide windows, offering sleek, space-saving coverage. They stack to the side when open, giving you complete access to doorways and unobstructed views.
Material Options:
- Vinyl: Durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean
- Fabric: Softer appearance with more texture options
- Faux Wood: Traditional look with better humidity resistance than real wood
Pros:
- Exceptional coverage for extra-wide spans
- Stack completely to the side for full access
- Affordable compared to other large window options
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in cordless options for safety
Cons:
- Can be noisy when slats move in the breeze
- May have small light gaps between slats
- More traditional aesthetic may not suit modern decor
- Individual slats can be damaged but are replaceable
3. Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)
For large windows that are taller rather than wide, honeycomb shades or cellular shades are a stylish choice. They're easy to use and create a warm and cozy atmosphere in any room. Choose from a variety of fabric options and opacities, including light-filtering, room darkening, and blackout options. Because the fabric that cellular shades are made out of is extremely lightweight, they can be custom-made in large sizes without being too heavy.
Energy Efficiency Champion: Cellular shades provide excellent insulation with R-values up to R-4. The honeycomb structure creates air pockets that trap heat in winter and keep it out in summer, making them one of the most energy-efficient options available.
Size Capabilities: Cellular Shades can span up to 192 inches. Cellular shades accommodate widths from 24" to 96" and heights from 12" to 96". For extra-wide windows, consider multiple shades mounted side by side or explore roller shade options, which can go up to 110" wide in some fabrics.
Cell Size Options: Different cell sizes work better for different window sizes. The larger cell size creates a clean, proportional look for medium to large windows. Extra large cell size proportioned for oversized windows for a clean look with fewer pleats.
Light Control: You have multiple opacity options:
- Light-filtering for soft, diffused light
- Room-darkening for bedrooms
- Blackout for complete darkness
Operation for Large Windows: This is a great option if your cellular shades are covering a tall or wide window. Motorization: The easiest operation option of all! Raise and lower your honeycomb shades with the push of a button.
Pros:
- Best-in-class energy efficiency
- Lightweight despite size
- Clean, modern appearance
- Available in hundreds of colors
- Cordless and motorized options available
- Top-down/bottom-up configurations for flexible light control
Cons:
- Can absorb moisture and odors (not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms)
- More expensive than basic roller shades
- May need continuous cord loop or motorization for very large sizes
- No tilt option for partial light control
4. Panel Track Blinds
Panel track blinds are essentially a modern evolution of vertical blinds. Panel tracks are a more modern version of traditional vertical blinds. They have the functionality of vertical blinds but with a new, refreshing look and feel.
Perfect for Wide Expanses: Panel tracks use wide fabric panels that slide along a track system, making them ideal for extremely wide windows, sliding glass doors, and even room dividers. They offer one of the widest coverage options available.
Contemporary Aesthetic: Unlike traditional vertical blinds with narrow slats, panel tracks feature wide fabric panels that create a cleaner, more streamlined look. They're perfect for modern and contemporary spaces.
Versatility: You can choose from the same fabric options as roller shades, including light-filtering, blackout, and solar screen materials. This gives you both the coverage capability and the light control you need.
Pros:
- Extremely wide coverage capability
- Modern, sophisticated appearance
- Slide completely out of the way for unobstructed views
- Available in numerous fabric options
- Good for room dividers
Cons:
- Higher cost than traditional vertical blinds
- Requires adequate space for panels to stack
- May show gaps between panels when closed
- Professional installation recommended for best results
5. Wood and Faux Wood Blinds
Graber Horizontal Blinds are also available in widths up to twelve feet. The easy adjustability and trusted performance of blinds makes them an excellent choice for rooms where a blinds' functionality and durability are of primary importance.
Classic Style with Modern Function: Wood and faux wood blinds offer timeless elegance and are surprisingly capable of handling large windows when properly constructed. If you're looking for blinds that offer elegant style, versatility, and enhanced security, then wood blinds are the perfect solution.
Faux Wood Advantages: You can expect the same level of attractiveness and beauty from faux wood blinds as you would from blinds made out of natural wood, but at a fraction of cost. Plus, they're extremely durable, easy to clean, and can be installed in spaces that are exposed to moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Wood blinds, on the other hand, would not perform well in these areas and could warp and swell.
Size Limitations: While wood and faux wood blinds can handle large windows, they do have practical width limitations. Very wide windows may require splitting the coverage into 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 headrail configurations, where multiple blinds are mounted on a single headrail but operate independently.
Light Control: The adjustable slats give you precise control over light direction and intensity. You can tilt them to redirect sunlight while maintaining privacy, or open them completely for maximum light and views.
Pros:
- Classic, upscale appearance
- Excellent light control with tiltable slats
- Durable and long-lasting
- Faux wood resists moisture and warping
- Adds value to your home
Cons:
- Heavier than fabric shades
- May require multiple units for very wide windows
- Higher cost, especially for real wood
- More difficult to clean than smooth roller shades
- Can be challenging to operate manually at large sizes
Motorization: The Game-Changer for Large Windows
If there's one upgrade that makes the biggest difference for large windows, it's motorization. The most immediate benefit of motorized blinds for large windows is the convenience. With a simple push of a button, you can adjust multiple large windows simultaneously.
Why Motorization Matters: Smart home motorization lets you adjust your blinds and shades with the flip of a switch or tap on your phone (from anywhere in the world!). For large windows, motorized window coverings are not just a luxury—they're often essential.
Power Options:
- Battery-powered: Battery-powered motors eliminate the need for electrical work. Control via wand, remote, or smart home integration with Alexa or Google Home.
- Plug-in: Constant power source eliminates battery changes
- Hardwired: Professional installation but cleanest appearance
Smart Home Integration: Modern motorized blinds work with all major smart home platforms, allowing you to control your window treatments with voice commands, set schedules based on time of day, and even integrate with home security systems.
Measuring and Installation Tips
Getting accurate measurements is crucial for large windows. Even small errors get magnified across wide spans.
Measurement Guidelines:
- Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening
- Measure height on the left, center, and right sides
- Use the smallest measurements for inside mounts
- Add extra width for outside mounts to ensure proper light blockage
- Always measure in three places and use the smallest measurement
Inside vs. Outside Mount:
- Inside mount: Cleaner appearance, fits within the window frame, may have small light gaps
- Outside mount: Better light blockage, can make windows appear larger, requires wall space around the window
Professional Installation: For very large or heavy window treatments, professional installation ensures proper mounting, optimal function, and maintains warranty coverage. The investment in professional installation often pays off in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best motorized blinds for extra wide windows?
Motorized roller shades and motorized vertical blinds are your best options for extra-wide windows. Roller shades can extend up to 110-120 inches wide in many fabrics, while vertical blinds can span up to 189 inches. Both options eliminate the struggle of manually operating heavy window treatments and can be controlled via remote, smartphone app, or voice commands.
Q: How much do blinds for very large windows typically cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the type, size, and features. Basic vertical blinds might start around $200-400 for a large window, while premium motorized roller shades can range from $600-1,500+ for the same size. Cellular shades typically fall in the middle at $400-800. Motorization adds $150-400 per window depending on the power option and control method you choose.
Q: Can I install large window blinds myself or do I need professional help?
Many homeowners successfully install their own blinds, even for large windows. However, professional installation is recommended for extremely wide or tall windows, motorized systems, or if you're mounting on difficult wall surfaces like brick or plaster. Professional installation typically costs $50-150 per window and ensures proper function and warranty coverage.
Q: What's the best way to clean blinds on very tall or wide windows?
For roller shades and cellular shades, regular dusting with a microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment works well. Vertical blinds and faux wood blinds can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The benefit of motorization is that you can easily lower large blinds for cleaning and then raise them back up with the touch of a button, eliminating the need to reach high windows.
Q: Do blackout blinds really work on floor-to-ceiling windows?
Yes, when properly installed. For maximum light blockage on large windows, choose blackout roller shades or blackout cellular shades with an outside mount installation. This extends the shade beyond the window frame, eliminating light gaps around the edges. Some manufacturers also offer side channels or light-blocking tracks that further reduce light leakage for complete room darkening.
