In our blog and video series, we tend to show the fancy window coverings. Therefore we show a lot of Motorization for hard to reach windows. But, we live in a practical world, so we have to show other options that our clients select.
Wands Are Easy to Use
In this case, we need to focus on the functional aspects of the design. This client and I discussed doing PowerView shades on these windows. PowerView is the trade name that Hunter Douglas uses for their automation systems. But after we discussed the circumstances, we determined that a manual operation might be a better choice for them.
I will tell you why we went this way in a minute, but for now, let’s discuss the telescoping wand and things to consider. The shortest this wand can shrink to is about 4 feet. Also, the top of it kind of looks like the alien ships from War of the Worlds, so if you are leaving it out, it might look a little strange.
Wands For Hard to Reach Windows
The angle of the “grabber” is not adjustable, so you have to be below the shade to make it work. For example in this case, if I tried to work the shade while standing on the floor above the stairway, I would not be able to lower my hands enough to get the “grabber” to grab the handle of the shade. It requires that you match the angles of the unit with the handle on the moving rail of the shade.
You will notice if you watch the video that I struggled a bit to connect them. This is two-fold. First, I was using one hand while trying to focus with the camera, but secondly, it is a bit awkward at the beginning. You will get the hang of it, but it takes a little practice. Which brings us to the why portion of the discussion.
Why Choose a Wand
Why didn’t the customer want motorized shades? In this case it had to do with a couple of things. This stairwell is very difficult to set up simple ladders in. So, changing batteries would have been a major issue. This house was not wired for window coverings, so battery units would have had to be mounted at the top of the window or they would have had ugly wires showing from the satelite battery packs that are available.
Next has to do with the use of the home. This home will be rented out for a while and leaving motorized products with renters can be an issue. They chose to work them manually. The last and most important factor has to do with how often the shades would be adjusted. In this case, the homeowner feels that they will rarely, if ever adjust these shades, so adding the hassle of motorization wouldn’t be worth it.
The client could have chosen other operating mechanisms, but they are thrilled with this choice that we made together.
About Us
Kempler Design is located in Reno NV and serves the northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe regions with a mobile design showroom. Paul Kempler, its founder is considered a window fashions expert. Kempler Design has been featured in many prestigious projects, including the HGTV dream home in Lake Tahoe. Kempler Design works with homeowners as well as interior design firms looking for a local contact in the Reno/Tahoe area or is available for travel.