SMARTDRAPE® SHADES: THE VERTICAL BLIND REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR ASHEVILLE-AREA HOME
AUTHORIZED NORMAN® DEALER: AVL Window Blinds is a certified authorized Norman® dealer serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and the surrounding Buncombe and Henderson County area. Every SmartDrape® installation comes with full manufacturer warranty protection and professional installation by our local team.
SmartDrape® by Norman® is a distinct product from our panel track shades — purpose-built specifically to replace vertical blinds on patio doors, sliding glass doors, and wide windows. If your current vertical blinds are dated, clattering, or falling apart, SmartDrape® is the upgrade to know about.
FINALLY: A BEAUTIFUL REPLACEMENT FOR VERTICAL BLINDS IN YOUR ASHEVILLE-AREA HOME
If you have vertical blinds on your patio door, wide windows, or main entryway, you already know their limitations. They clatter when there's a breeze, push aside awkwardly every time you step outside, and the vanes crack, warp, or go missing over time. No matter how clean your home looks otherwise, old vertical blinds make it look dated the moment someone walks in.
Homeowners across Buncombe and Henderson County are replacing their vertical blinds every year. If you want something that looks dramatically better, gives you more control over light and privacy, and is safer for children and pets, SmartDrape® shades by Norman®, installed by AVL Window Blinds, are the answer.
Problems with Vertical Blinds
They look outdated the moment guests walk in.
Vertical blinds became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Styles have moved on, but the blinds on many patio doors have not — no amount of cleaning or repositioning changes their dated, institutional look.
You have to open them every time you step outside.
On a beautiful Buncombe County afternoon, you should be able to move freely between your living room and your deck or patio. Instead, you're wrestling with a stack of plastic vanes every time.
The vanes break, bend, and go missing.
Vertical blind vanes crack, warp in sunlight, and snap at the clips. Once you lose a few, the gaps ruin the look of the entire window, and replacement vanes are hard to find and rarely match.
They aren't safe for children or pets.
Most vertical blinds still use long looped cords that pose a documented strangulation risk for young children. Cats and dogs that push through the vanes regularly damage them beyond repair.
Light control is one-note.
With vertical blinds, your choices are basically open or closed. There's no way to enjoy soft, filtered natural light while maintaining privacy at the same time.
Cleaning them is a chore.
Vertical blinds collect dust on both sides and can't be machine washed. Wiping each individual vane by hand is tedious, and most homeowners avoid it entirely.
MEET SMARTDRAPE®: THE VERTICAL BLIND REPLACEMENT ASHEVILLE-AREA HOMEOWNERS ARE CHOOSING
SmartDrape® shades by Norman® aren't just a better-looking version of a vertical blind. They're a fundamentally different kind of window treatment — one that solves every problem vertical blinds create, while doing things no vertical blind ever could.
SmartDrape® features individual fabric vanes suspended inside a flowing sheer panel, creating a layered, floating look. It has the appearance of custom drapery but functions with the precision of a modern shade. From a patio door to a picture window with a mountain view, SmartDrape® transforms the way your home looks and how you live in it.
As your authorized Norman® dealer in Buncombe and Henderson County, AVL Window Blinds brings SmartDrape® directly to your home, with expert guidance, precise measurements, and professional installation by our local team.
Drop in a real AVL customer review here once available. Suggested format: star rating, 2-4 sentence quote, customer first name + last initial, and city/town (e.g., "— Sarah M., Weaverville, NC").
Space reserved for an AVL-branded video — ideally a short walkthrough of a real SmartDrape® installation in a Buncombe or Henderson County home
SMARTDRAPE® VS. VERTICAL BLINDS: A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
| What Matters To You | SmartDrape® Shades | Traditional Vertical Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | ✅ Soft custom drapery look | ❌ Dated institutional look |
| Walk-through freedom | ✅ Walk through open OR closed | ❌ Must open them every time |
| Light control | ✅ Sheer + darkening (dual opacity) | ❌ Open or closed only |
| Cord & child safety | ✅ Cordless — Best for Kids certified | ❌ Many still have looped cords |
| Pet & family friendly | ✅ Walk-through vanes — no damage | ❌ Vanes snap and go missing |
| Vane durability | ✅ Fabric vanes — no cracking | ❌ Plastic vanes break and warp |
| Cleaning | ✅ Machine washable panels | ❌ Wipe each vane by hand |
| Wide window coverage | ✅ Up to 26 ft (two shades combined) | ⚠️ Limited configurations |
| Motorization | ✅ Norman Smart app & remote | ⚠️ Limited options |
| Hardware finish options | ✅ 6 premium finishes | ❌ Minimal choice |
| Fabric patterns | ✅ Plain Pacific Circle Teardrop Stripe & more | ❌ Fabric or vinyl only |
| NC mountain home fit | ✅ Tailored for views & outdoor living | ❌ Blocks views & interrupts flow |
The comparison isn't close. SmartDrape® doesn't just look better than vertical blinds — it outperforms them in every practical dimension that affects your daily life and your home's long-term value.
WHY SMARTDRAPE® IS THE IDEAL VERTICAL BLIND REPLACEMENT FOR ASHEVILLE-AREA HOMES
It fits the same openings — with a dramatically better result
SmartDrape® is engineered for the same applications where vertical blinds are most common: patio doors, sliding glass doors, and tall entryways. A single SmartDrape® shade covers openings up to 12 feet wide, and combined panels cover up to 26 feet, handling even the widest openings in Buncombe and Henderson County mountain homes and new construction.
Explore wide window solutions
You can still walk through it — even when it's closed
This is the feature that surprises homeowners most when they first see SmartDrape® in person. Unlike vertical blinds, you don't have to push the panel open every time you step outside — SmartDrape®'s individual vane construction lets you walk right through it, whether the shade is fully open or fully closed. On a sunny afternoon with your patio door covered in SmartDrape®, you can move freely between inside and outside without touching the shade at all.
See SmartDrape® in action
Dual opacity gives you light control vertical blinds never could
Vertical blinds offer one mode: open slats or closed slats. SmartDrape® gives you two completely different experiences in a single shade. Twist the wand one way and the sheer side faces forward, filtering beautiful, soft natural light through a patterned or plain fabric. Twist it the other way, and the room-darkening or light-filtering solid vanes take over, creating full privacy without losing the elegant look.
Learn about light control options
Certified child & pet safe — no cords, no worries
SmartDrape® is certified "Best for Kids" and operates completely without pull cords, eliminating a leading cause of window-treatment-related injuries in young children. The walk-through vane design also means cats and dogs can move through the shade naturally without getting tangled or snapping it. For the family homes we serve across Asheville, Weaverville, Arden, and Fletcher, this is one of the most important reasons customers choose SmartDrape® over any other vertical blind replacement.
Learn more
Machine washable — no more wiping vanes one by one
One of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners with vertical blinds is how difficult they are to keep clean, especially during pollen season and the summer humidity that's part of life in Western North Carolina. SmartDrape®'s fabric panels are machine washable — remove the fabric from the clips, place it in a mesh laundry bag, and run a cold, gentle cycle. It's one of the easiest upgrades you can make to a high-traffic window in your home.
Schedule your walkthrough
Motorization makes it even easier
AVL Window Blinds also offers SmartDrape® with Norman® Smart Motorization, taking convenience to the next level. Control your shades with a handheld remote, the Norman® app on your smartphone, or set automated schedules so your shades open in the morning and close at dusk without you lifting a finger. If your old vertical blinds had a cord that was already hard to reach, motorized SmartDrape® is a real upgrade.
Explore motorized options
CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS: MAKE SMARTDRAPE® PERFECTLY YOURS
Every SmartDrape® installation by AVL Window Blinds is custom-built to your exact window measurements and personal style. When our expert comes to your home for your free consultation, we bring the full fabric collection so you can see every option in your own space, in your own light, next to your own furniture and finishes.
Fabric Collections:
Plain
Timeless, versatile fabric in a range of neutrals from white to charcoal — light filtering or room darkening
Pacific
A subtle woven texture in the same elegant color family — light filtering or room darkening
Circle
A delicate circular cut-out sheer pattern — light filtering
Teardrop
An organic teardrop cut-out for a softer, more decorative sheer effect — light filtering
Hardware Finishes:
Choose from multiple premium hardware finishes to match your interior — from White and Satin Nickel to Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Matte Black. Whether your Buncombe or Henderson County home is mountain craftsman, modern farmhouse, contemporary, or traditional Southern style, there's a finish that fits your space.
Stack Configurations:
Choose from Stack Right, Stack Left, Side by Side, Traveling Center Stack, or Center Opening to perfectly suit your window layout and how you use the room. Our installation expert will recommend the best configuration for your specific door or window during your free in-home consultation.
WHY ASHEVILLE-AREA HOMEOWNERS ARE REPLACING VERTICAL BLINDS WITH SMARTDRAPE®
At AVL Window Blinds, we've installed window treatments in homes from Asheville and Hendersonville to Weaverville, Black Mountain, Arden, and Fletcher. SmartDrape® has become one of our most requested vertical blind replacements, for reasons that come down to how homeowners actually live in Western North Carolina:
Mountain views deserve better
Homes in our region are built to take advantage of stunning natural landscapes. SmartDrape®'s sheer panels let you see and enjoy those views while still managing privacy and glare — something a solid vertical blind actively works against.
Seamless indoor-outdoor living
WNC's climate makes outdoor living valuable most of the year. SmartDrape® on patio and sliding glass doors makes moving between inside and outside genuinely effortless and beautiful.
Humidity & pollen seasons
Asheville-area summers bring real humidity, and spring brings heavy pollen. SmartDrape®'s machine-washable panels are a meaningful advantage over vertical blind vanes that collect dust and have to be wiped by hand.
New construction boom
The Asheville metro and surrounding communities have seen significant new home construction. Builders and new homeowners consistently choose SmartDrape® for open-plan designs with large windows and sliding glass doors.
Family-first safety
The cordless, walk-through design and "Best for Kids" certification make SmartDrape® the natural choice for the family homes and primary residences that make up the majority of our customer base across Buncombe and Henderson County.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR REPLACING VERTICAL BLINDS WITH SMARTDRAPE®
Q: Can SmartDrape® replace vertical blinds on my patio door or sliding glass door?
Yes, SmartDrape® is specifically engineered to replace vertical blinds on patio doors and sliding glass doors. It's built to cover the same wide openings, with a single shade spanning up to 12 feet and combined panels covering up to 26 feet.
Q: Will SmartDrape® look as good as it sounds in my Asheville-area home?
Yes — SmartDrape® is designed to look like custom drapery while functioning with the precision of a modern shade, and it's built to complement everything from mountain modern to historic home interiors. The best way to know for sure is to see fabric samples in your own home during a free in-home consultation, which is how we recommend every customer make their final choice.
Q: Is SmartDrape® safe for homes with young children and pets?
Yes, SmartDrape® is certified "Best for Kids" and operates without pull cords, removing one of the most common safety hazards of traditional window treatments. Its walk-through vane design also holds up well against curious pets, unlike vertical blind vanes that snap and tangle easily.
Q: Does AVL Window Blinds offer motorized SmartDrape® shades?
Yes, AVL Window Blinds offers SmartDrape® with Norman® Smart Motorization, which can be controlled by remote, smartphone app, or automated schedule.
Q: How much disruption does installation cause?
Most SmartDrape® installations are completed in a single visit with minimal disruption to your home. Our local team handles measuring, mounting, and adjustment, and most homeowners are back to using their space the same day.
Q: How do I get started replacing my vertical blinds with SmartDrape®?
Getting started is simple — contact AVL Window Blinds to schedule a free in-home consultation. We'll bring fabric samples, take precise measurements, and walk you through your options so you can see exactly how SmartDrape® will look in your own space before you commit.
PANEL TRACK SHADES: TRANSFORMATIVE WINDOW TREATMENTS IN YOUR ASHEVILLE-AREA HOME
Are you seeking stylish solutions for your wide windows, sliding glass doors, or even a room divider?
AVL Window Blinds
introduces a cutting-edge choice with our assortment of panel track shades, built for homes across Buncombe and Henderson County.
EXPLORE OUR PREMIER PANEL TRACK SHADES
ESSENTIALS OF PANEL TRACK SHADES
Panel track shades are contemporary window treatments featuring large, smooth panels that glide effortlessly along a track system.
Ideal for expansive window settings, these shades merge simplicity of operation with a refined appearance. Fabricated from premium woven materials, they're available in a variety of patterns and textures, integrating effortlessly with your current interior design.
As a key part of our extensive window shades collection, panel track shades deliver both functionality and elegance to any dwelling.
CHOOSING YOUR IDEAL Panel Track SHADES: A HARMONIZED APPROACH
Vertical Panel Track Shades
Perfect for adding dimension to tall windows, these shades feature vertical vanes that provide a streamlined and elongated appearance.
Sliding Panel Tracks
An excellent solution for broad windows or patio doors, these shades consist of multiple panels that slide smoothly on a robust track system.
ADVANTAGES OF PANEL TRACK SHADES
Panel track shades not only captivate visually but also bring numerous practical benefits. Their design minimizes dust accumulation, simplifying upkeep and extending longevity. Their stable movement promotes durability, ensuring a long service life with minimal wear and tear.
Panel track shades are also versatile, doubling as both window coverings and temporary room dividers. This flexibility lets you enhance privacy and aesthetics without permanent structural changes, making them a smart, fashionable option for any setting.
Panel track shades are not merely functional; they are also incredibly versatile!
LIGHT FILTERING
Softens incoming natural light to foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere in any room.
NATURAL MATERIALS
Opt for sustainable materials like bamboo and jute for an organic, textured aesthetic.
SPACE DARKENING
Ideal for bedrooms, these shades effectively block out light, ensuring a restful sleep environment.
SOLID SOLAR
Block up to 97% of UV rays with solar shades that maintain your privacy and protect during daylight hours.
LIGHT FILTERING
Softens incoming natural light to foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere in any room.
NATURAL MATERIALS
Opt for sustainable materials like bamboo and jute for an organic, textured aesthetic.
SPACE DARKENING
Ideal for bedrooms, these shades effectively block out light, ensuring a restful sleep environment.
SOLID SOLAR
Block up to 97% of UV rays with solar shades that maintain your privacy and protect during daylight hours.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PANEL TRACK SHADES
Originating from traditional wooden coverings, panel track shades have evolved to meet modern preferences with fabric and woven wood options. Today, they serve as a stylish alternative to conventional vertical blinds, particularly well-suited for the contemporary residential and commercial spaces found across Buncombe and Henderson County.
At AVL Window Blinds, we're dedicated to helping you select the ideal panel track shades that complement both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Reach out to us today to explore our full selection and arrange a customized consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CUSTOMIZED PANEL TRACK SHADES
Q: What are panel track shades, and how do they function?
A: Panel track shades are chic window covering options composed of large panels that slide along a track, offering a versatile and elegant solution for covering large areas or serving as room dividers.
Q: What advantages do panel track shades offer for my North Carolina home?
A: These shades provide superior light control and privacy, are simple to operate, and offer a modern, streamlined look that complements contemporary decor. They also help insulate against North Carolina’s variable temperatures.
Q: How do I select the appropriate fabric and design for my panel track shades?
A: Evaluate the room’s decor, desired light filtering, and privacy levels. Love is Blinds offers a spectrum of materials and designs, including sustainable options and varying opacities, to flawlessly enhance your home’s design.
Q: Is professional installation necessary for panel track shades?
A: While DIY installation is possible, we recommend professional installation for optimal results, especially for extensive or complex configurations. Our experts ensure a perfect fit and hassle-free functionality, tailored to your specific needs.
Q: What maintenance is required to preserve the appearance of my panel track shades?
A: Regular dusting and the occasional use of a vacuum with a brush attachment are usually sufficient. For more thorough cleaning, gentle spot cleaning with a mild detergent is advisable. Always adhere to the care instructions specific to your shades to ensure their longevity.
COMPREHENSIVE WINDOW TREATMENT SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY ROOM
AVL Window Blinds has a solution for every space.
WHOLE HOME WINDOW TREATMENTS
Experience comprehensive style and functionality with our whole home window treatments. Each product is chosen to harmonize with the aesthetics of your entire house, ensuring a seamless look that enhances both privacy and energy efficiency from room to room.
BEDROOM WINDOW COVERINGS
Create a serene retreat with our bedroom window coverings. Choose from light-filtering curtains to blackout blinds that promise a restful night's sleep by blocking out unwanted light and noise, ensuring your bedroom is a haven of tranquility.
KITCHEN WINDOW TREATMENTS
Our kitchen window treatments combine practicality with style. Whether you’re looking for faux wood blinds that resist moisture and heat, or stylish café curtains that offer privacy without sacrificing light, we have options that blend perfectly with any kitchen decor.
HOME OFFICE LIGHT CONTROL
Optimize your productivity with our home office light control solutions. From adjustable shades that reduce glare on your screens to light-diffusing sheers that maintain brightness without the harshness, our treatments help create an ideal working environment.
BATHROOM PRIVACY CONTROL
Enhance your bathroom with privacy controls that don’t skimp on style. Our range includes frosted window films and top-down bottom-up shades that provide privacy while still allowing natural light to enter, perfect for maintaining a bright yet private bathroom space.
MEDIA ROOM LIGHT CONTROL
Transform your media room with specialized light control window treatments. Our blackout shades and curtains eliminate glare on your television or projector screen, providing an ultimate viewing experience without the interference of outside light.