Layer Up with Side Panels

Pairing stationary side panels with blinds or shades is another option for blinds or shades already adorning your windows—and one that adds depth and dimension to a room.

Of course, side panels are also an option if you’re considering new window treatments and want to avoid light gaps from the start. If that’s the case, look to our Design Studio™ family of side panels and drapery, which are designed to layer and coordinate with all Hunter Douglas window treatments.

The exclusive fabrics in our Design Studio collection include luxe basics, lofty textures, alluring jacquards, artisanal embroideries and luminous sheers. Fully lined with a light-filtering or room-darkening liner (except for sheers), side panels are available in multiple styles.

Mount Your Shade Outside the Window

If you’re planning on investing in new blinds or shades, you might want to think about mounting them on, outside or above the window frame.   

When you lower a blind or shade that’s mounted outside rather than inside the window frame, it will fully overlap the window, helping to block light gaps between the window’s outer edges and the window frame. (Keep in mind that you might still get a little glow, but you won’t get as much light sneaking through as you would with an inside mounted window treatment.)

Other benefits of mounting blinds or shades above the windows include making the windows (and the room) feel taller, and an unobstructed view when you fully raise the blinds or shades.

Take Advantage of our LightLock^® Feature

For the ultimate light gap blocker, look to our LightLock^® feature, exclusively for Duette^® Honeycomb Shades. This innovation has unique U-shaped side channels that fit securely into the window frame, absorbing or reflecting nearly all incoming light. With the LightLock system, you can sleep tight—in unparalleled darkness. 

(For an easy interim solution, you might also consider light-blocking strips—L-shaped PVC strips that mount to the sides of a window frame. Check for them at your local big box store.)