Magnetic Hold-Downs Are The Best
Let me start by saying that off the hundreds of door window treatments that I have installed over the last 30 years, I have only put about 25 hold-downs on doors. Most of my clients don’t see the need to have them installed. The primary reason has to do with the fact that most of my clients put shades on their doors. Surprisingly, they don’t move that much when the door opens or closes. But there are cases when it is the right choice. I’m not telling you to install them or not to install them. I’m just showing you how it works so you can decide if you want them for your home. Below, I will discuss the way this product has changed over the years.
How Hold-Downs Have Changed
The current trend as of 2023 is to use magnets to hold the bottom rail of shade at the bottom of the window opening. But in the past, they used the insertion of a plug into an opening in the bracket. Not only was the mechanism more difficult to operate, since you needed to reach the bottom of the window covering to attach or unattach it, but it added a more unattractive bracket to the side of the shade.
Old Style Hold- Down Brackets
Take a peek at the brackets in the attached picture. You will see how those brackets are very functional, but add to the widths at the side of the bottom rail. Whereas, the magnetic types of hold-downs are a little more subtle.
I will say this. The ones that insert the plug into the hole are a bit more stable. For example, if someone were to slam the door, the magnetic version will pop off. The vintage version would probably hold its position a little better. But realistically, that won’t matter.
Elderly People Like Magnetic
Some of my clients are not young anymore. And neither am I! So, one huge advantage of the magnetic version of the hold-downs is that you never have to lower your hands to near the floor. It takes the pressure off of your back. This is a pretty important reason to consider using the magnetic version of these hold down brackets.
Personal Opinion
Hello Hunter Douglas, thanks for reading this blog. Please re-design the magnetic hold-down brackets. They are such a pain to install and they have so many flaws. It doesn’t impact the client at all, but it makes our job so much harder. If you want some suggestions, please contact me and I will give you my feedback. But I still very much like the overall concept and I like the way it works. The clients like it too.
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.