Aria™️ Fabric Blinds
Crafted of lightweight and translucent fabric. For a first-of-its-kind design.
PowerView® Automation
Program your window treatments so that they adjust themselves automatically, creating the perfect room ambiance morning, noon and night.
Sheer Shades
Learn more about Hunter Douglas custom window sheers, including our shadings and privacy sheers. Innovative, light-diffusing sheers. Your trusted source for window treatments.
Cellular Shades
Cellular honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas. An energy-efficient design that traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Roman Shades
Custom-made fabric Roman Shades by Hunter Douglas, combining the look of soft folds with the ease and convenience of a shade. Custom-crafted.
Roller Shades
The Hunter Douglas roller shades & solar screen shades collections offer excellent light control and a clean, stylish look in a range of fabrics and materials.
Woven Shades
For a warm, natural look our Hunter Douglas Woven Wood Shades collection of window treatments transforms sunlight into captivating design statements. Choose yours today.
Vertical Shades
Find the right custom vertical shades for any room in your home. Search our most popular window shades.
Wood Blinds
From controlling light to their stylish, sleek look, wood blinds have been a favorite among homeowners for decades.
Metal Blinds
Find the perfect metal blinds for any room in your home. From controlling light to their stylish, sleek look, metal blinds have been a favorite among homeowners.
Vertical Blinds
Discover Hunter Douglas customized vertical blinds featuring elegant styling and translucency in a large selection of colors, treatments, and textures. Lifetime guarantee.
Shutters
Hunter Douglas custom window shutters provide superior light control and privacy with classic styles, long-lasting finishes, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Drapery
Choose from timeless and on-trend fabrics, including lofty textures and alluring jacquards, artisanal embroideries and luminous sheers.
Light Enhancing
Enjoy the beauty of natural light and make any space more captivating, with the following light-enhancing shades.
Room Darkening
Want a darker room for better sleep or optimal movie binging? These shades and drapes help block light at the window.
Energy Efficient
Live comfortably and save energy with these shades. Designer to keep a room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Door Coverings
Manage natural light and add privacy with these window treatments that work well for sliding-glass and patio doors.
Sound Absorption
Create a quieter, more relaxing room with these window treatments, which help absorb sound, reducing exterior noise.
Top-Down Bottom-Up
For privacy and natural light, position shades from the top, bottom or both. These shades have this feature available.
Sonos Audio
At Smart PNW, we’re thrilled to be your go-to local Sonos dealer, offering the best place to buy Sonos products while supporting a small business that’s rooted in our Proctor and Tacoma community.
Consumer Financing by Wells Fargo
We offer financing options for our customers, subject to approved credit.
Window Covering Measuring & Installations
Our measuring and installation service will ensure an exact fit for your window coverings.
Blower Door Test
Whether you're a builder or a home owner, we are here to make your blower door test as smooth as possible.
Energy Audit
An energy audit, designed for home owners, includes a blower door test, a thermal camera, and a smoke stick.
About Us
Smart PNW was founded by James Roddy and his wife, Jill Roddy. The Roddys wanted to start a company to provide local families with employment opportunities and education about energy efficiency and home improvements.
Seattle, WA
We are James and Jilly Roddy, owners of Smart PNW, and we are invested in the beauty of the Seattle community.
Testimonials
See what our customers say about our products and services.
Interior Design Ideas
All Design IdeasBlinds & Shades by Room
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See current and past decorating ideas from our 'Fresh Ideas' Newsletter.
Bathroom
See window covering solutions for privacy and moisture-resistance.
Bedroom
See window covering solutions for privacy and room darkening.
Home Office
See window covering solutions for light filtering and glare control.
Kitchen
See window covering solutions for a variety of needs and kitchen styles.
Living Room
See window covering solutions for light filtering and UV protection.
Media Room
See room darkening window treatments for your media room.
Nursery & Kids Room
See child-safe window coverings for baby nurseries and kids rooms
Angled Windows
See blinds and shades for angled, sloped, and triangle-shaped windows.
Arched Windows
See blinds and shades for arched, half-circle or half-moon windows.
Bay, Bow, Corner Windows
See blinds and shades for bay, bow and corner windows.
French Doors
See shutters, blinds and shades for French Doors.
Sidelights
See blinds and shades for sidelight windows.
Sliding Glass Doors
See blinds and shades for patio and sliding-glass doors.
Skylights
See blinds and shades specifically suited for skylights.
Automated
See all options for automated blinds and shades.
Blackout
See our options for blinds and shades that best control light.
Energy Efficient
See blinds and shades that help save energy at the window.
Light Filtering
See blinds and shades for light filtering and UV protection.
Child and Pet-Friendly
See blinds and shades that are safer for children and pets.
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Blog
Which is Better: Patio Door Shades or Vertical Blinds?
Glass patio doors comprise glass panels, letting in abundant sunlight. But homeowners sometimes need to filter that brightness and protect their privacy. At Smart PNW in Seattle, Washington, clients often ask us about the best window treatments to achieve these functions.
The choice typically comes down to patio door shades versus patio door blinds.
Patio Door Shades vs. Vertical Blinds for Patio Doors
Window shades are fabric coverings that roll or fold up, while vertical blinds tilt or slide open.
There are many types of modern shades and vertical blinds for patio doors, each with its own advantages worth exploring to find your preferred style.
Light Control and Privacy
Shades let you control the light while preventing outsiders from looking in. For example, Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades filter light with various opacities, colors, and textures. You choose the light filtering amount needed, which is beneficial for patio doors exposed to direct sunlight.
For vertical blinds, adjust the angle of the slats for light control and privacy. Choose custom blinds and window covering measuring and installations for the best effect and minimal light gaps.
Aesthetic Appeal
Patio door shades have a sophisticated aesthetic that makes backyards inviting. Pirouette®Sheer Shades are an exceptional choice. They create a radiant glow and offer UV protection, keeping your home’s furnishings and floors from fading. Hunter Douglas Vignette® Roman Shades are another excellent example of how shades can beautify your patio doors. They offer a more tailored look with durable fabrics and gentle folds.
Alternatively, Hunter Douglas Cadence® Vertical Blinds are a fine choice for patios, especially if you want to create an elegant feel. They resemble luxurious drapery but are a modern hybrid. Other vertical blinds for patio doors offer clean lines and a streamlined appearance. Skyline®Panel-Track Blinds are gorgeous and functional. These vertical blinds cover large expanses, like patio doors, easily.
Energy Efficiency
Duette® Cellular Shades are hard to beat in terms of energy efficiency. The honeycomb design traps air in its cells, forming a protective barrier that regulates room temperatures. Roman shades also offer good energy efficiency for patio doors because their room-darkening fabric blocks heat from entering.
While vertical blinds may not be as effective as shades in insulating your space, they can still help save energy by blocking harsh sunlight and reducing heat gain.
Customization and Versatility
Patio door shades are highly customizable and versatile. Choose from countless fabric types to match your decor and different opacities for more light filtering and privacy. Many Hunter Douglas shades accommodate patio doors and French doors.
Vertical blinds also offer customization options, especially material and color. Like custom shades, you can tailor blinds to fit your patio door’s dimensions, making them fit seamlessly in the space.
Shop Window Blinds & Shades in Tacoma, Washington
Understanding the various advantages of shades and vertical blinds for patio doors allows you to narrow down your choices for your home. Get started with our interior design team at Smart PNW in Tacoma, Washington, by requesting a consultation or calling (425) 448-3279.
Our team proudly serves Tacoma and its surrounding areas, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.