We built our house and all we could think about is how much we wanted an open foyer. Our last home was great, but we wanted more, something different and lighting. We felt boxed in at our last home with the entry area being so low.
Everything changed when we built this home a few years back, and we built our open foyer into the plans. No second thoughts, just all happiness about the open concept. No other homes in the neighborhood were to have the same elevation. In fact, each home had to be different than the other, whether ceiling height or style of home. Plain and simple.
However, the builder failed to continue this school of thought halfway through building in lieu of just selling the lots, finishing up and moving on to the next neighborhood. Suddenly, a high window, that we could not reach needed to be covered.
Growing children, a hallway that the other homes could see straight into and of course a need for privacy dimmed our excitement about our freshly created open foyer. Here’s the best window treatment solution for a high window.
Best Window Treatment Solution For A High Window
Let me step back for a minute. See the window, it’s a masterpiece. I know who gets excited about a window, but when you live without one and then you finally get one, it’s heaven. But, a few things are not right with this.
First, for a long time it felt cool in the foyer, we then found out why. For some reason, the builders, installed a window that OPENS if you climb up 17 feet+ and unlock it. However, they had left it unlocked and it was creating a draft.
That was the first issue. We solved that, both with a security system and coverage. If it’s not locked, there’s no way the security system can be on, so we know it is locked.
Going BLINDSTER On IT
Next I like to call this part of the treatment going Blindster on it. Since the builder did not hold to his word, elevations were off. The lady across the street can see my upper hallway and I can see in hers. TMI is all I can say on a nonstop basis.
Please don’t scar me for life.
She is not covering hers, but WE covered ours. I don’t care how they creep down their steps, ours is shielded, so at least one of us does not have to see the other! Here’s the thing, when you cover a window you want to enjoy (the light element) you lose out.
Let’s face it, unless I build a staircase up to the window I am not opening and shutting a blind. How do you solve this?
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
I perhaps think we should call this the window from hell, it just does not stop with the issues. Initially we put these awful, home-crafted sheers up. I mean, they were fine, they just did not match the magnitude of the house, nor did they open.
Further, you could still see light and shadows through the window. So, not really a win but at least not wide out naked showings right? Kids are kids and you are not gonna stop them from running from their bathroom to their room
Then, the other aspect of this, like I mentioned, not being able to open the window, yet it still felt cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. Why? The sun penetrates this window from 3P on and it’s peek of day temperatures in the 90’s well, it gets a little warm in the foyer and upper hallway.
Choices are kind of limited here, either I get a room darkening sheer or… I go Blindster on it. The newest line of Cellular, room darkening, motorized shades. Yep, sounds like a win to me.
Here’s The Before And After
Blindster you had me at motorized. First, let me just say this, I am so in love with the motorized cellular blinds. These are not just motorized, they are total blackout. Yes!!! Here’s what I ordered. Premium Motorized Blackout Double Cellular Shades in Almond.
Why Do I Love My Premium Motorized Blackout Double Cellular Shades?
When the sun shines through, I use the remote control to open them up, just enough to let the light in. If it’s too sunny or too warm, I don’t open them up much or at all. The Blackout Double Cellular Shade is a barrier between the harmful sun rays and the very bright light that is heat too.
On beautiful days with moderate temperature, I touch the remote and open my shades to whatever height I want.
TIP: The charger is good for up to 2 uses a day for almost one year before it needs charged. So up and down for about a year before we need to recharge the attached remote battery unit. When it needs charged, we will take our tall ladder out, charge it and then we are good to go for another year, plain and simple.
How We Got Up There
We went way up there with the Little Giant Leveler™ M26 ladder is available exclusively through Lowe’s in-store and online at. How much does the ladder weigh? Only 54.5 lbs., and it’s worth its weight in gold.
Again, I love when we have the right tools of the trade and this was the perfect opportunity to break out the Little Giant Ladder. If you don’t know about this ladder, take a look at how high up Michael is and then you can understand why you want one in your home.
“The Little Giant® Leveler™ is lighter, easier-to-use, and more versatile than any comparable ladder. The Leveler allows you to complete nearly any task at home or on the job, from changing the light bulb over the stairs to working over unlevel, rough terrain.”
Leveler comes with Little Giant’s patented Ratchet™ Levelers, which adjust hands-free in seconds. These integrated leg levelers allow you to adjust to uneven ground in mere seconds.
When the job is done, the levelers simply retract into storage position. The easy-to-use levelers offer more than 7 inches of leveling adjustment.” We love this ladder and could not live without it, Basically a DIY staple in a home with a roof or any tall ceilings, that covers most of us right?
The Leveler’s spring-assisted Rapid Lock® adjusters are easier to use than manual U-locks. You can use the Leveler in dozens of unique configurations, as an A-frame, extension, staircase and 90-degree ladder, and as a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system when used with Trestle Brackets (sold separately). The Leveler’s wide-flared legs provide an unmatched feeling of safety and stability.
The Little Giant Leveler is extra heavy duty rated to hold 300 lbs in all configurations and will also hold 300 lbs on each side of the stepladder configuration.
The Little Giant Leveler is available in 17, 22, and 26-foot sizes exclusively at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores nationwide, and in 13, 17, 22 and 26-foot sizes at Lowes.com.”
What Am I Saving?
I will venture to guess, the air conditioner is going to run a bit less because the heat is not as fierce since it’s not cutting through the window straight on and on the exterior it’s being absorbed by brick.
Can we talk privacy for a minute? Oh my gosh. The kids are able to run up and down to the mudroom to grab their clothes with a simple TOWEL-only on. No worries about leaving the upstairs bathroom in a towel or if they are not dressed because NO ONE can see in.
Do I see shadows or anything from the outside? Not at all. This may be the most impressive point. I went outside and Michael stayed upstairs. The plan was for him to move around and me try to see.
In a few minutes I called Michael and asked him when he was going to start. He said, “I have been!” PROOF, it’s shadow-free. Seriously in disbelief he said, “can you see me now? ” Then the kids did too. I could see nothing. I am in love with this whole concept and shade. What a win!
Insider’s Tips
When you get the shade, charge the battery immediately. Once you are ready to hang the shade, yours is ready to go, no delay. I needed to consider that before Michael started, lol!
It will take 2 people to hang the shade, or at least one person to hand things to the other up on the high ladder.
From start to finish it took Michael about 45 minutes. Remember, he had to climb up and down, and install brackets. etc. That takes time.
The remote control is a game-changer making it easy to use when needed. Finally, the quality of the shade is incredible. We have other shades in our home, and none are as well made (and they are name brand) as this shade.
Make That Change
When I want daylight, I let the sun shine in, with a touch of the remote. If it’s too strong, I close it. Plain and simple. I mean, who would have thought it could be that gratifying to touch a remote and see light?
Remember if you have pets, and sidelight windows, make sure to see the other items we hung from Blindster. Small changes make big impacts. Close out the world, just for little, you will love the privacy! I’ve showed you how!
Products provided, DIY, content, and images are my own!
