What is the Best Window Covering for Tall Windows?

TLDR;
The best window coverings for tall windows are motorized shades, cellular (honeycomb) shades, and floor-to-ceiling curtains due to their functionality, ease of use, and design impact. These options enhance energy efficiency, light control, and style while being accessible and scalable for large window formats.

Style and Energy Efficiency for Large Window Spaces

Covering tall and hard-to-reach windows is both a design challenge and a functional necessity. At Shop Love Is Blinds, we often work with homeowners and commercial clients who want their tall windows to look beautiful and perform efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale glass panels, or windows perched on vaulted walls, your treatment choice needs to strike a balance between accessibility, energy control, and aesthetic harmony.

From natural light management to maintaining indoor temperature and privacy, selecting the right tall window treatment transforms your space — both visually and functionally.

What Makes Tall Windows Unique?

Tall windows offer drama, elegance, and an influx of natural light — but they also present unique complications.

Challenges of High Windows:

• Light Management
  More glass surface means more sunlight. This can lead to glare, fading furniture, or excessive brightness.
  
  
• Energy Loss
  Expansive windows increase thermal exchange. Without proper insulation, rooms become harder to heat or cool.
  
  
• Accessibility
  Adjusting or cleaning tall window treatments is a hassle without the right technology or tools.
  
  
• Privacy Control
  Especially in urban areas or homes with neighbors nearby, tall windows compromise privacy without the right coverings.
  
  

These windows, often paired with vaulted ceilings or expansive glass panels, require smart planning to control solar heat gain while maintaining a cohesive interior design.

Best Window Covering Options for Tall Windows (Comparison Guide)

Choosing the right treatment means evaluating each option’s function, design fit, and operational ease. If you're looking for more inspiration, check out our favorite large window covering ideas that blend style, practicality, and impact.

Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)

Best for: Energy efficiency and modern aesthetics

Use Case: Insulating window treatments for tall windows

• Excellent thermal insulation through air-trapping cells
  
• Filters light softly while providing privacy
  
• Lightweight and suitable for stacking on tall frames
  
• Ideal for minimalist or contemporary homes
  
• Can be motorized for convenience
  
  

Why It Works:
These shades help regulate indoor temperature, reducing energy bills — perfect for areas with intense seasonal changes.

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Best for: High-tech ease of use

Use Case: Automated window treatments for hard-to-reach windows

• Remote control or app-enabled
  
• Integrates with Alexa, Google Home, or smart hubs
  
• Programmable schedules for energy savings
  
• Sleek, modern, and ideal for high windows
  
  

Why It Works:
No more struggling with cords or ladders. Automated shades bring style and intelligence to towering glass setups.

Vertical Blinds

Best for: Large sliding doors or extra-wide windows

Use Case: Practical vertical blinds for tall windows

• Affordable and accessible solution
  
• Tilt and draw function for precise light control
  
• Durable materials: vinyl, fabric, or wood
  
• Customizable in width, length, color, and texture
  
  

Why It Works:
These are workhorses for businesses and homes. Their straightforward mechanism suits high-traffic spaces.

Roman Shades

Best for: Soft luxury and timeless appeal

Use Case: Luxury window coverings for tall windows

• Decorative yet functional
  
• Ideal for formal living rooms, libraries, or bedrooms
  
• Offered in blackout or light-filtering styles
  
• Adds softness and folds to stark, tall walls
  
  

Why It Works:
Roman shades bring character and comfort to vertical spaces with high design aspirations.

Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

Best for: Statement-making interiors

Use Case: Curtains for high ceilings

• Adds drama and enhances room height
  
• Works well with layered sheers or blackout drapes
  
• Mounted at ceiling height for full-length effect
  
• Perfect for traditional, classic, or romantic interiors
  
  

Why It Works:
Nothing visually elongates and elevates a space like custom drapery. Paired with the right rod system, it’s pure sophistication.

Best Coverings for Tall Windows by Room Type

Match your tall window treatment to the room’s function. Not every space needs the same features.

• Living Rooms / Great Rooms:
  
  
• Use motorized blinds or curtains for comfort and grandeur
  
• Favor light filtering over blackout
  
• Enhance vertical lines with full-length panels
  
  
• Bedrooms:
  
  
• Opt for blackout cellular or Roman shades
  
• Prioritize privacy and thermal control
  
• Consider dual-layer systems for flexibility
  
  
• Kitchens or Dining Areas:
  
  
• Install easy-clean cellular shades or minimalist vertical blinds
  
• Use materials that resist moisture and stains
  
  
• Offices / Studies:
  
  
• Choose motorized roller or honeycomb shades
  
• Reduce glare on screens while allowing ambient light

Smart Solutions: Integrating Automation with Tall Window Coverings

Why go smart with tall windows?

Manual controls aren’t practical for hard-to-reach places. Smart coverings make your life easier and your home more energy-efficient.

Smart Benefits:

• Hands-Free Operation: Use voice commands or smartphone apps
  
• Schedule Integration: Open and close with sunrise/sunset
  
• Energy Saving: Minimize heat gain and loss by automating shade movement
  
• Enhanced Security: Operate blinds remotely when you're away
  
  

Smart-compatible covering types:

• Roller shades
  
• Roman shades
  
• Cellular shades
  
• Draperies with motorized tracks

How to Measure for Tall Window Blinds and Curtains

Getting the right fit for tall windows is critical to function and aesthetics.

Steps for Accurate Measuring:

• Width: Measure inside frame edge-to-edge or desired outside mount width
  
• Height: Measure from top mount (ceiling, frame, or wall) to floor or sill
  
• Depth: Ensure space for mounting brackets (especially for recessed installs)
  
  

Considerations:

• Always measure multiple points — windows may not be perfectly level
  
• Account for header fabric and pooling in drapes
  
• If motorized, factor in cord pathways and power sources
  
  

Professional installation from Shop Love Is Blinds is recommended for high windows due to access challenges and the need for precision.

Easy-to-Clean Window Treatments for Tall Windows

Tall windows often attract more dust, especially near ceilings. Here's how to keep them clean:

Low-Maintenance Options:

• Faux Wood Blinds: Wipe with damp cloth
  
• Roller Shades: Use fabric-safe vacuum attachments
  
• Cellular Shades: Lightly vacuum or spot clean
  
• Vertical Blinds: Snap out panels for individual cleaning
  
  

Long-Term Durability Tips:

• Choose stain-resistant fabrics and UV-treated materials
  
• Avoid heavy fabrics that sag over time
  
• Use telescoping tools or hire professionals for safe cleaning

Decorating Tall Windows: Modern Ideas and Design Tips

Window treatments do more than block light — they define the character of your space.

Styling Approaches:

• Minimalist: Neutral-toned roller shades or cellular blinds for clean lines
  
• Dramatic: Velvet or patterned floor-length curtains to create a focal point
  
• Layered: Combine sheers and blackout panels for flexibility
  
• Traditional: Roman shades with trim or tassels for a classic vibe
  
  

Fabric and Color Choices:

• Cool tones enhance calm, airy rooms
  
• Warm, textured fabrics make rooms feel intimate
  
• Bold patterns draw the eye upward and emphasize height

FAQs About Window Treatments for Tall Windows

What’s the best window covering for tall living room windows?

Motorized roller shades or full-length curtains work best, combining convenience with high style.

Can I install motorized blinds on very high windows?

Yes. Shop Love Is Blinds offers smart motorized systems suitable for windows 12 feet or higher.

How do I clean tall drapes or curtains?

Use telescoping dusters for light maintenance. For deep cleaning, professional drapery services are recommended.

Are vertical blinds outdated for large windows?

Not at all — modern vertical blinds are available in sleek finishes and materials that match contemporary decor.