Stoneside Custom Drapery

Guide to the Best Window Coverings for Large Windows

By: Natalie Elmhurst

Updated: 7/1/2025

Bathing in that morning light, gazing out on expansive views, feeling the warm evening sun on your neck as your day winds down — there’s so much to love about oversized windows. Everyone fortunate enough to have extra large windows knows there’s much to love about the way they frame massive views and let in extra light. But, let’s be honest, that’s not to say they’re perfect, is it?

Do you sometimes wish the expansive views didn’t make it easy for people to look into your home? Or do you find yourself retreating to other rooms when the sun’s high and your oversized windows let in too much light? And let’s not even get started on how hot those rooms with large windows get in summer.

In this guide, we’re going to explain just what makes large windows tricky so that you can find the best window coverings for large windows.

What’s So Difficult About Large Windows?

Shopping for the best blinds and shades for large windows requires that you first understand what makes finding wide window treatments so difficult. Some of these challenges are obvious—more natural light to manage or less privacy—but you may not be aware of issues such as energy efficiency and sound dampening.

7 Areas of Consideration for Large Windows

When putting together a list of shade and blind ideas for large windows, you’re going to want to keep the following 7 points in mind:

  1. Light management: Those large windows will let a lot of sunlight in. How do you want to manage it? Do you need to black out your room, or will sheer window coverings be sufficient?
  2. UV protection: UV rays will damage paint and furnishings over time—large windows up the ante on this front.
  3. Privacy: Large windows make privacy an even larger concern. How are you going to keep prying eyes at bay?
  4. Insulation: Windows are incredibly porous, letting out heat during winter and heat in during summer. Large windows exacerbate this.
  5. Sound dampening: If you live in a busy area with lots of noise or want to keep sounds from seeping outdoors, you’ll need a window covering to dampen the sound.
  6. Operation and motorization: Large windows require large window coverings, which may make it more difficult to operate them. Motorization alleviates this problem.
  7. Aesthetics: You’ll want to keep the aesthetics of your window coverings in mind since they take up so much real estate on your walls.

Depending on your situation, some of these may be larger concerns than others. Either way, now that you have a good idea of what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best window coverings for large windows.

Vertical Blinds for Ease of Use

Vertical blinds are often overlooked, but we’re here to challenge that. With new technology and design, vertical blinds offer effective light control and privacy for those with large windows in their home.

Vertical blinds are precisely mounted so that the light gap around the edges of your window is minimal, optimizing privacy and light control. Safety is also one of their best features, as they come with cordless options to minimize risk to children and pets.

Stoneside’s vertical blinds are made in an ‘S’ curve, meaning the material overlaps more snugly than standard vertical blinds. Each slat is curved in an “S” rather than the classic slightly curved “C” shape. This ‘S’ curve allows the vertical blind to nestle into the adjacent slat, keeping the look unified and attractive and giving even more light-blocking capability.

Our vertical blinds are crafted from many different material options, including softer cloth as opposed to vinyl. Vertical blinds offer you an array of looks for your large windows, from textured and dynamic to clean and simple.

Cellular Shades for Supercharged Energy Efficiency

Looking for a window treatment that will do more than just block light? Cellular shades are one of the best window coverings for large windows thanks to their unparalleled ability to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, use multiple layers of pleated fabric to create small pockets of air that slow heat transfer. This is especially important for large windows since they’re so much more prone to letting heat in and out. With cellular shades, more of your precious heating will remain indoors during winter, while also keeping your home cooler in summer.

The benefits of cellular shades don’t end there. They can also be outfitted in a top-down/bottom-up configuration for superior adaptability to any lighting or privacy condition. With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that cellular shades are one of the best window treatments for large windows.

Vertical Cellular Shades

Vertical cellular shades have all the same insulating benefits of regular cellular shades in a vertical configuration. This can be a great option if you have large windows that swing open or just want to operate your window treatments horizontally. You can even use vertical cellular shades as room dividers.

Roller Shades Are Always an Excellent Choice

Ahh, roller shades. Particularly suited to modern spaces but versatile enough for traditional homes, the roller shade is a favorite of ours — and our customers. These streamlined shades are one of the best window coverings for large windows because of their simple, sleek design and effective functionality.

Roller shades provide a flat, modern look that can be softened with different textures and materials. Their modern style is most evident in the lack of multiple layers or a draped effect (found in window coverings like roman shades or drapery). Featuring a minimalist design, roller shades are more popular than ever.

These beauties are perfect if you like having options; they’re available in everything from slight light filtration to room darkening for ultimate light control. With roller shades, you’ll get to decide the exact specifics for style, design, and functionality of your large window coverings.

Looking for more UV protection? Consider solar shades to help minimize UV exposure, glare, and heat transference.

Sheer Drapery to Let in the Light

Sheer drapes are breathtaking. When you opt for longer window treatments that extend the full length of your windows, you capitalize on the look of your window treatments whether they are open or closed. Elegant and timeless, these breezy window coverings are one of the best for large windows because they tend to pull your eye upwards — making those show-stopping windows feel even more wow-worthy.

With sheer drapery, you get an unobstructed view of the outside, creating the illusion of a much larger space and keeping your room feeling fresh and open.

Motorization Is Essential for Large Window Coverings

Large windows require large window coverings, which can be difficult to operate manually. No matter how stylish your window treatments are, you won't enjoy them if they're cumbersome to use. This is where motorization becomes invaluable.

Smart home motorization lets you adjust your blinds and shades with the flip of a switch or tap on your phone (from anywhere in the world!). For large windows, motorized window coverings are not just a luxury—they're often essential.

Shop Large Window Treatments with Confidence at Stoneside

These window coverings may be best for large windows but aren’t your only options. How do you know what’s right for your specific windows? At Stoneside, we don’t believe in guessing. Our design experts will ensure you get everything you need to know to make the best decision for your home. Schedule a free design consultation with us today and let us help you in finding the best window coverings for your large windows.