How to Cover Tall and Two-Story Windows in Austin Homes

Why tall windows are tricky

• Reach: you can't pull a chain or cord 18 feet up, and a pole gets old fast.
• Heat: a wall of west- or south-facing glass can heat the whole room, even the floor above it.
• Glare: upper windows throw sun across TVs and into eyes at angles lower shades don't block.
• Looks: from the second floor and the street, mismatched or sagging treatments are hard to miss.

Option 1: Motorized roller and solar shades

For most tall windows, motorized shades are the answer. The motor hides in the roller, and you raise or lower every shade on the wall with one button, an app, your voice, or a schedule.

Pair motorization with solar fabric to cut heat and glare while keeping the view. On hot west-facing walls, 3% openness is our usual pick. For bedrooms or media rooms with tall windows, a dual day and night shade adds blackout behind the solar layer.

Schedules are the real win: the upper shades can close themselves at 2 p.m. every summer afternoon, whether or not anyone is home.

Option 2: Ceiling-mounted draperies

Floor-to-ceiling draperies on a ceiling track make a two-story room feel finished and warmer, and they soften all that glass and echo. Ripplefold is the cleanest style for tall windows because the folds stay even top to bottom.

At this height, draperies should be motorized. Long, lined panels are heavy, and a motor opens them smoothly without tugging on the fabric. Many homes combine both: motorized solar shades for daytime and motorized draperies for evenings.

Option 3: Shutters for specialty shapes

Arches, half-rounds, and angled windows near the roofline are harder to fit with shades. Custom plantation shutters can be built for many of these shapes and give tall windows a built-in, architectural look. For very high specialty windows, we'll talk through what's practical at your consultation.

Power options for motorized shades

Rechargeable battery motors need no wiring and usually go 6 to 12 months between charges. For windows you can't easily reach to recharge, we can add small solar charging panels or plan for hardwired power.

If you're building or remodeling, ask your builder or electrician to run power to the top of tall windows before the drywall goes up. It's inexpensive during construction and gives you the most options later. We're happy to coordinate with your builder.

What to plan for

• Measure and install with the right equipment: tall windows need lifts or tall ladders and two people. Don't attempt it from a step stool.
• Match the look: use one fabric and color for the upper and lower windows so the wall reads as one design.
• Group the controls: put each wall or room on its own button or schedule.
• Think about privacy at night: solar fabrics aren't private after dark with lights on, so add blackout or draperies where it matters.
• Budget for the windows that matter most: many homeowners motorize the unreachable windows and use cordless shades on the ones they can reach.

Frequently asked questions