Today we’re sharing how we utilized the new EasyTouch lift system from our friends at Bali Blinds to put the finishing touches on the window coverings at our Michigan Tree House.
Throughout the process of renovating our Michigan Tree House, we’ve given lots and lots of consideration to the window coverings. Tailored Roman shades, solar shades and custom drapery have all been used to block light and offer privacy inside the home. This time around, we’ve selected Bali’s newest lift system offering for the back doors and bathroom windows.
This post is in partnership with Bali Blinds, a brand we’ve used for years and continue to love. Fabric samples are always free, and Bali Blinds can be purchased at any of these retailers or you can click here to find a retailer near you!
EasyTouch to the Rescue!
When it came time to select shades for the vintage back doors and bathroom windows, we were excited to learn about Bali’s new EasyTouch lift system. EasyTouch offers silent operation, smooth movement and effortless placement with just one finger!
Both the large bathroom window and the original french doors at the back of the home had remained uncovered for the almost 5 years that we’ve owned it. After receiving some constructive feedback from a handful of Airbnb guests, we decided it was finally time to offer some window covering solutions.
Living Room French Doors
The original french doors at the rear of the home look directly out into the fenced-in backyard. As much as we love the view out onto the perfectly-centered fire pit, the option for privacy and a darkened room throughout the day called for the installation of a pair of custom solar shades. After reviewing a batch of sample swatches (which are always provided free!) we found Feedback 5% fabric in Mineral Point to be a near-perfect match to the refinished vintage doors. Installation was a snap with a few quick measurements and a minimal tool kit.
The 5% openness of the fabric means that 95% of light transmission is blocked. This is the perfect solution to keep the space feeling calm and private, without completely shutting out the beauty of the outside world. After all, one of our favorite aspects of this home is how the multitude of windows and glass-paned doors draws us to spend more time outdoors regardless of the season. Bali has also done a fantastic job on the minimal decorative hardware on these shades! All mechanical components are hidden and the mounting hardware coordinates with the shade itself. These are among the least visible shades we’ve ever installed! Seriously, check out the photos above – the shades blend right into the door!
The near-black shades looked particularly striking against the foot-deep blanket of snow that welcomed us on this particular weekend. We’re confident they’ll also look fantastic when the backyard and surrounding woods show off their full green summer beauty.
EasyTouch Operation
As we mentioned earlier, the EasyTouch lift system operates effortlessly with just one finger. The shades can also be stopped precisely at any point to control the amount of light allowed into a room.
Here’s a 10 second video demonstration to show how effortless it is to operate with a light touch:
The operation is just so dang simple! Lift them up or pull them down. The shades stop exactly where you like and lift completely out of the way at the top of their range. In addition to common spaces, we could also envision fantastic applications for the EasyTouch lift system in bedrooms where quiet operation is a priority. One consideration to keep in mind – since EasyTouch isn’t spring assisted, taller windows can be ordered with the Dual Lift system that can be operated both as a continuous loop and cordless lift. Once again, Bali has thought of everything!
The Bathroom Window(s)
The EasyTouch system proved to be the perfect solution for twin windows in the bathroom, since we needed clearance for the vintage latches that protrude from the windows’ faces. We knew the Mineral Point fabric would be a great match for the taupe trim throughout the bathroom, but it can be a bit tough to discern from a small sample swatch. Once the shade was in place, we were absolutely blown away by how perfectly the fabric matched the existing paint!
As with the back doors, installation took just a few minutes. The 1% openness here means that 99% of light is blocked and gives the bathroom a very private feel.
The EasyTouch lift system is currently available for solar and roller shades, with more options to come! As with all of the previous innovations we’ve seen from Bali, we’re thoroughly impressed with this new technology. It’s yet another tool in our window covering toolbox that allows us to find the perfect covering for any window we’ve ever come across.
In This Post:
Living Room shades: Bali Blinds solar shades with EasyTouch lift in Muse 1% Irish Oatmeal
Bathroom shade: Bali Blinds solar shades with EasyTouch lift in Feedback 5% Mineral Point
Thank you to Bali Blinds, a brand we’ve used for years and continue to love. Fabric samples are always free, and Bali Blinds can be purchased at any of these retailers or you can call their customer service directly.
what is the view when seen from the outside? when the shades are down what can you see in from the outside?
Hi gigi! Here’s a post that dives into that, including a view inside during the evening: https://yellowbrickhome.com/which-type-of-window-treatment-should-you-use/
These are lovely! I have been thinking about privacy shades for our new french doors, myself… Do you have any mechanism to prevent the shades from swinging and banging against the doors when they are opened or closed?
We don’t, but chances are if we’re coming and going from this door, the shade will be open so it won’t be swinging. We use them for privacy at the end of the day or during movie watching.
Have you looked from outside spaces looking in with lights on at night? How much can you see into the bathroom and living room?
The bathroom has 1% opacity and is much more private, but it’s also on a side of the house that’s tough to see unless you’re RIGHT UP to the window. The living room is 5% opacity and is less private, but still blocks the right amount of light during the day for filtering! Here’s a post that shows inside vs. outside a little better: https://yellowbrickhome.com/which-type-of-window-treatment-should-you-use/
They turned out gorgeous! Such an upgrade from mini blinds!
Are your french doors wood?
Oh no, I just re-read it, they’re vintage, of course…ignore me! :)
Yup, solid wood
It’s a good idea to add this roller blind in your house. It can help protect the furniture from strong sun. Also it can protect the privacy and safety.