Kirsch Louverdrape Vanes

Hi Tom,

I ordered a Kirsch Louverdrape Vertical blind from a big box store and I am unhappy with the product. I had a handy man do the installation for me and it just doesn't look right. Not only that, but the vanes barely open. Do you know what might be causing this? Thanks. -Carrie, Waterford, WI

Hi Carrie,

Yes, there is a reason why you are unhappy with your product. I am going to assume that you have ordered the S-Shaped vanes. If this is the case, the place where you bought them from might have ordered the wrong vanes for you. Kirsch Louverdrape S-Shaped vanes have two ways that they can have the holes punched in the vanes.

The first way is by using a standard punch. A standard punch means that the big hill in the vanes is on the right. The second way is by using a reverse punch. A reverse punch will flip the vane around and the hill will be on the left. See the picture below for a diagram of the difference.



The next step is to figure out when a standard punch is required and when a reverse punch is required. A reverse punch is only used when you have your vanes stack on the left. By stack, I mean what side of the headrail the vanes are located when the vanes are pulled open. If there are vanes on both sides, then you have a split stack.

Therefore, if you feel that the vanes aren't laying right, I would contact the place where you ordered them from immediately. Explain to them the problem that you are having. Ask them if they ordered the correct vanes for you (either standard punch or reverse punch).

Great Question!

Control Light Yet still Have Privacy

Hi Tom, I have a sunroom that is used constantly during the spring and summer months. The room has windows During the day I need have protection on my windows that will block the sun from fading the fabric in the room. I also need privacy at night so people can't see into the room. However, when I am home during the day, I would like a product that blocks some light, but lets the majority of light in. I know that this is a lot to ask, but do you have anything that can meet these needs?

-Shirley, Waukesha, WI

Hi Shirley,

Yes, in fact we do have a product that will meet all of your needs. The perfect solution for you is the Silhouette Window Shade by Hunter Douglas. The Silhouette shades has fabric louvers that are suspended between two sheets of soft sheer fabric. With the vanes in an open position, the sheer fabric will let soft light into the room. Thus giving your sunroom a warm appearance. With the vanes closed, the sun will be blocked during the day. Also the closed vanes will provide privacy at night. The silhouette comes in three different opacities, thus enabling you to have the privacy that you desire. There is a wide selection of colors that will enable you to find the right color to fit you room.

To learn more about the Silhouette product, click here.

Tom