Window treatments for our "new" 87 Excella 34'

[tslanier]

We are refurbishing our unit. We have removed the blinds and curtains and want to do new window treatments with nice blinds and maybe valances instead of the curtains which attract so much dust. I would appreciate input on the type of blinds/window treatments which are attractive and functional.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by tslanier

We are refurbishing our unit. We have removed the blinds and curtains and want to do new window treatments with nice blinds and maybe valances instead of the curtains which attract so much dust. I would appreciate input on the type of blinds/window treatments which are attractive and functional.

You have many options. Just one word of advice:
Due to the curvature of the walls, blinds will leave a gap between the blind and the wall, allowing light and heat to intrude. Blinds will also have to be fastened on the bottom to keep them against a curved wall.
You will have to most likely open the blinds completely every time you open or close the window, unless you cut them very close to the inside of the window, and then concern #1 applies.
Blinds work very well if they have window valances/boxes built around them. Depending on the amount of windows, size of the blinds, and the associated cabinetry, it will add quite a bit of weight to your trailer.
Ok, that was more than one word...sorry.

[tslanier]

You mentioned many options. Which window treatment option to you like best?

[caseyd45]

We have decided to go with blinds on some windows and curtains on the others. We found a great web-site to order custom blinds (stainless steel look, but aluminum).
We have just ordered 1/2" blinds from www.justblinds.com , they are very reasonable and they are going to look great. As for the curtains, they are being custom made by my mother in law. We are doing curtains on all the curved windows. We are doing blinds in the kitchen, bed, bathroom, and the big center window in front. Now are windows are slightly different because we have a 1975 Argosy. We have big front curved windows. We are actually doing kind of resto-mod. Modern fabrics, floor coverings, countertops, flat screen TV, etc. Hope this helps.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by tslanier

You mentioned many options. Which window treatment option to you like best?

I like wooden blinds in vintage trailers, and i also like simple drapes in the newer models.
Drapes make an interior feel warmer, and quieter, as they absorb sound inside the Airstream.
Pull down shades seem practical for a modern, clean look, and work well in the galley.
I am not sure of your personal taste, so it's really up to you which look you like best.
I went with drapes for my 1963 Overlander restoration/modernization for reasons of sound and a warm ambiance ( not temperature)
My window layout would have made wooden blind installation very difficult, and probably not very practical due to the location of my window operator levers.
Often a very plain pattern works best in a busy environment such as the interior of an Airstream. Drapes would also likely be your most efficient choice.

[richard5933]

Regardless of what you put up for window treatment you will be dealing with dust. There is no way around it - this is not something limited to drapes. For me, the drapes are pretty simple to remove and clean. Probably more simple than blinds would be, and they can just be sent to the dry cleaners if needed.

We have the roller shades which were mounted years ago, likely be a previous owner. I don't know if they are factory or not. They do a nice job of helping to reduce light into the trailer, especially when combined with the lined drapes I made this summer. I'm not sure how you'll block the light with just blinds since they won't follow the curve of the walls well.

Also, how do you plan to handle the corner windows with blinds? I've yet to see a good plan for addressing the wrap-around windows without curtains or drapes.

[Dan and Liz]

For general info: if you search for Airstream Curtains on Etsy you'll find Sew Country Awnings.

Beverly made beautiful replacement curtains for our '87, including snaps and glides. We shipped the old curtains as a pattern and selected the fabric.

We felt she undercharged a lot considering the quality of her work -- less than 1/2 of what we expected to pay considering the quality of her work and prices we had seen elsewhere (we sent her a bonus). Delighted with her work!