Redi Shade No Tools Original Arch Light Blocking Pleated Fabric Shade Natural, 72" W x 36" H

I bought this to replace a presumably, 20-year-old version of a similar shade. The old one was dingy and dusty, and we wanted one that would block more light and insulate the window because the window it’s in gets a ton of light during the day and the room gets very warm. And frankly we need all of our windows replaced as well. So this shade is sort of reflective on one side, so we have that facing outward to repel sun rays and it seems to be working really well especially in tandem with the blackout curtain. We got to keep the room nice and cool. It was pretty easy to install. I was able to cut it to size just with the box cutter very easily. Our original purchase did not come with the little plastic thingy that you need in the center of the arch. It just was not included in the box. But after speaking with Amazon customer support, they just sent me a second one so it all worked out. I really only needed the little plastic piece but they were unable to send me just the little plastic piece so now I have a back up shade. We tried to use the existing plastic piece that we had from the old shade, but it was too thin. But it all worked out!

Our TV has a glossy screen, and this shade works way better than our blinds at blocking the light! Quality: Good. It's not real thick, but it does block the light, as indicated in description! Installation: Fairly simple...just took a couple extra steps. It was a little tough to get it to fit perfectly, but this is NOT the fault of the manufacturer, in my opinion....it's due to the irregular finishing of the window itself by the home builder. I measured the window, cut down the entire piece with a razor, then placed it, open, in the window. Then I marked where it was still not fitting properly and carefully trimmed the necessary areas by hand (with scissors) while still open - until it fit. When it's closed, the trimmed edge is irregular, but nobody sees that anyway. I used Velcro to place it instead of the adhesive, to make it easy to fold closed or take down when we feel like it. I purposely purchased a color that would complement the outside of our home since our half moon window faces the front yard, and our living room walls are white. So I actually have it placed backwards, but it works better in our case. My photos include one from the outside, one inside with lights off, one inside with lights on.

If you want an inexpensive solution to a south-facing half moon window, this is it! It's cheaply made, but you can't tell unless you're close up - which would be unlikely since these windows are usually high above the regular windows. It has made a significant difference in the temperature of the room during the hot Texas summer. While it blocks the sunlight, it isn't completely opaque so it still looks pretty. I was concerned about using my expensive chef's knife but it didn't seem to harm it -- I just sharpened it before and after. It would have been better if I was stronger so I could have cut straight down to the bottom but I had to turn it on the side to finish cutting. This made the cut less than perfect, but don't worry, you can't tell once it's up. In hindsight, it could have been that the blade got dull at 3/4 of the way and probably should have tried re-sharpening. But it turned out fine anyway so no complaints.

For my previous house, I had purchased arch window shades for $100+ for each window. This time, I decided to try these out first. They were simple to install. There’s wiggle room if you cut them correctly. Remember to sharpen your knife before you start. I did 3 windows. Pics are from the first window I did. First window required me to cut the shade 3x, 2nd window, I had to cut it 2x, and the last one only required 1 cut. For me, it was better to be safe than sorry. Anyway, my arch wasn’t a “perfect arch size.” The window pictures displayed size was 67 1/2 x 33. So doubling the height would’ve only gotten me to 66” and the directions want you to take of 1/4”. In regards to the measurements, I cut it to 65 3/4. Make sure you center the plastic stand in the center. I used some clear shipping tape to keep it steady. From there I fanned it out and it was a perfect fit (remember I cut it 3x on my first try.) Here comes the wiggle room. I stretched it out to reach the end of the arch before actually taping it down and did the same for the other side. Keep in mind that the length was 67 1/2 but I had to trim it to 65 3/4 to fit the height. Voila!! Perfect arch! Make sure you clean the sill very well to ensure adhesion. Also, please note that one side is white (a bit shiny like it’s laminated) and the other side is like a fabric gray color. It looks a bit ombré because it’s so dense at the base. It appears to be quite sturdy and should last for a good long while. It actually looks better in person. I promise! ; )

Perfect

I have had this product for 2 years now in a very hot and sunny window exposure and looks as new, easy to install and looks professional NOT cheap.

Shades did the jod

it was easy to cut to size. I added an aluminum flat to both sides (using the sticky tape) which meant I could sit it in place, opened out, and it stays there. I can close the fan and take it down to clean the window. Win win.

Awsome..looks great