Window Woes be gone: Ideas for Clerestory Window Coverings

Clerestory windows are great for light, but what if you want it dark for sleeping?

Clerestory windows are one of the many reasons we love our mcm homes. These windows are generally placed high on the wall to let in an abundance of natural light.

Because they follow the roofline, they are often in interesting geometric shapes. But the unusual shape and position of these windows present a challenge if you want to block unwanted sunlight, especially if the windows are located in a bedroom.

Many homeowners opt for shades — rollers, roman or cellular. These have a modern look (and can often be motorized) but there will always be some sort of light gap on the sides.

Ask An Expert

Laura Skinner is an experienced interior designer and a project manager with Magnolia Lane Soft Home Furnishings. Skinner suggested another approach and one that is generally not thought of for midcentury homes — curtains combined with a roller shade. Her comments are below in italics.

Curtains provide the most light blocking on clerestory windows.

Midcentury homes are about light - and clerestory windows are a beautiful and elegant way to bring light into spaces and move the eye upwards. They add to the poetry of the space. But poetry is overrated when you want to sleep. So the solution will always be a compromise.

First question - light blocking  — do you want total blackout of the light or light filtering. If blackout, realistic expectations about how much light will still get through is important.

Basically, the rules of physics and geometry are not on your side when blocking light from angled windows - it's why I like curtains - the fluidity of a curtain gracefully mitigates some of those rules while preserving the elevated feeling of space and light, and framing your window instead of covering it up.

Curtains are my favorite way to cover clerestory windows using minimal ceiling mount track - this preserves the simplicity of the architecture while also keeping the eye moving up, and ideally there is enough room for the curtains to stack off of the window.

These regular shaped clerestory windows use rollup shades on the upper section. Photo Credit: J Geiger Shading Company

Fabric choice is everything here. A roller shade can be added directly above the window to add blackout coverage - you can get light filtering and blackout with these two options together. I recommend curtains to the floor for an unbroken line. The fabric will drape along the ground as the higher side comes down towards the lower end. These can be gathered up with tiebacks. There are some good looking modern tieback options and curtain rods available.

Mid Century Curtain Tie Back. Photo credit: West Elm

Mid century modern curtain rod. Photo credit: West Elm

I definitely recommend that you work with a professional designer to advise you on what style works best for your home. They will then also supervise the installation. This is a difficult area for DIYers.

And one last thought, after you have installed your window treatments, please remember to regularly clean or dust them as needed. Nothing can make your space look dinghy like dusty or dirty window coverings!

What solution have you found for blocking the light in your midcentury home? Share your images with us and we will post them on our social media.

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