When my friends renovated their open plan living room in Calgary, they loved the floor to ceiling windows for about one week. Then the glare on the TV and summer heat kicked in, and they started searching for the best windows blinds for large windows.
What counts as “large windows”?
Large windows usually mean wide patio doors, floor to ceiling glass, or big picture windows that dominate a wall. They let in amazing light but can also bring serious heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Natural Resources Canada notes that windows, doors, and skylights can account for up to around one third of total house heat loss.
That is why choosing the best blinds for large windows is about more than just avoiding glare.
Why blinds matter so much on large glass areas
For large windows, blinds are critical because they:
- Control glare on screens without plunging the room into darkness
- Help manage overheating in summer
- Add a layer of insulation in winter
- Preserve views when open, which is often the point of big windows in the first place
Comparing options for large windows
| Parameter | Vertical blinds | Panel track shades | Motorized roller shades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best width | Very wide openings | Very wide openings | Wide or tall windows |
| View when open | Stack to one side | Stack to one side | Roll into cassette |
| Insulation | Basic | Depends on fabric | Depends on fabric |
| Ideal use | Patio doors | Sliding doors, big spans | High or hard to reach glass |
Vertical blinds and panel track systems are popular because they move sideways, which is intuitive for patio doors. Motorized rollers shine when windows are tall or hard to reach.
How to choose the best blinds for large windows
- Decide on stacking direction
- Think about traffic flow to decks or balconies and choose stacking on the side you use less.
- Consider energy performance
- Pair efficient windows with appropriate fabrics. NRCan recommends focusing on both window performance and how you manage solar gain, which blinds directly influence.
- Plan controls
- For high or wide windows, motorization can be safer and easier than long chains, especially with Canadian regulations around cord length and accessibility.
- Think about view vs privacy
- Sheer or solar fabrics can protect from glare while preserving some view; layered solutions can add a separate blackout option if needed.
In my friends’ case, they ended up with solar motorized shades plus side panels. Now they can sit on the sofa at 2 p.m. without squinting at the TV.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating fabric weight on wide spans and skipping motorization
- Choosing very dark fabrics on south facing glass, which can cause extra heat absorption
- Forgetting about door handles when planning where the stack will sit
- Ignoring safety on long cord loops
Discussion: one big blind vs several narrow ones
One large blind looks clean but can be heavy and hard to service. Multiple narrower blinds give more flexibility (for example, leaving one panel open for access) but add more visible hardware.
Most Canadian homeowners choose a compromise, such as two or three panels on a very wide patio door, balancing simplicity with usability.
FAQ
What should I consider first when choosing the best blinds for large windows?
Measure the full width and height, think about how people move through the space, and decide whether sideways or up down movement makes more sense.
Are vertical blinds outdated for big windows?
Not necessarily. Modern fabrics and slimmer tracks make them a practical choice, especially on sliding doors.
What are the pros and cons of motorized blinds on large windows?
Pros: safer (no cords), convenient, and ideal for hard to reach glass. Cons: higher budget and the need for power or batteries.
Conclusion
The best blinds for large windows in Canadian homes are the ones that respect how you actually use the space. By balancing view, glare control, energy performance, and safety, you can keep your open plan living room bright and inviting without turning it into a greenhouse or losing your TV to reflections every evening.
