Light keeping you up at night—or washing out your living room view? In the Merrills Cove area of Fairview, NC, we completed a full-home installation designed to reduce light pollution and create a calmer, more comfortable living environment. Our solution paired Alta TouchLift™ roller shades on accessible lower windows with motorized roller shades on high, hard‑to‑reach windows. The result: smooth, safe control at every height, better glare management, and a clean, modern finish that complements Western North Carolina architecture.
In this project recap, you’ll see how we approached fabric selection, controls, and installation for a home with varied window heights. You’ll also learn when to choose cordless TouchLift vs. motorization, how fabric openness affects glare, and why working with Love is Blinds is different from ordering off the shelf.
Project at a Glance (Fairview, NC)
- Primary goal: Reduce light pollution and glare in main living areas for a more comfortable day–night routine.
- Products: Alta
Motorized Roller Shades (upper windows) + Alta
TouchLift™ Roller Shades (lower windows). (Alta Window Fashions)
- Why this mix: Motorization for out‑of‑reach clerestory/transom windows; cordless TouchLift for everyday, fingertip lift on lower windows—no cords, a cleaner look. (Alta Window Fashions,
htbarnes.com)
- Outcome: Softer daylight, reduced TV glare, and quick, quiet control across all elevations—without visual clutter from cords or chains.
Trust note: Love is Blinds is BBB‑accredited (A‑ rating, 2025). (Better Business Bureau)
What are Alta TouchLift™ Roller Shades—and why are they great for living rooms?
Alta’s TouchLift is a cordless lift system for roller shades. You raise or lower the shade with a gentle push or pull; there are no dangling cords, which improves safety and streamlines the look—perfect for open‑plan living spaces. For this Fairview home, TouchLift delivered everyday convenience on lower windows while keeping sightlines clean. (htbarnes.com)
Benefits you’ll notice:
Minimalist, cord‑free aesthetic
- Smooth, reliable lift (no tugging, no chain rattle)
- Safer around kids and pets
- Compatible with the same designer fabrics used in motorized shades for a consistent look throughout the room. (Alta Window Fashions)
Want to compare fabrics and textures? Explore our
Roller Shades lineup for Western NC homes.
When do motorized shades make more sense—especially in Fairview, NC homes?
If your home features vaulted ceilings or clerestory windows, motorized shades are a game‑changer. With Alta’s automation platforms (e.g., BLISS™ or Somfy®), you can control high windows by remote, wall switch, app, or voice—no ladders, no strain, and no uneven light bands across the room. You can also set schedules (morning open, sunset close) to tame late‑day glare and nighttime light pollution. (Alta Window Fashions)
Motorization advantages we built into this project:
- Access: Effortless control of upper windows
- Comfort: One‑tap scene for “Movie Time” to cut reflections
- Consistency: All shades align to the same height automatically
- Smart home: Voice/app control and automations via Alta’s platforms. (Alta Window Fashions)
Considering a broader upgrade? See how we integrate controls on our Motorized Shades page.
Light Pollution 101: How roller shade fabrics shape day‑to‑day comfort
“Light pollution” at home often means unwanted brightness, glare, and after‑dark spillover from exterior sources. Fabric selection matters:
- Solar screen openness: The tighter the weave (e.g., ~1–3% openness), the more glare reduction and privacy; looser weaves (5–10%) preserve more view but let in more light. We typically mix openness by orientation—tighter on west‑facing glass, more open where view matters most. (Alta Window Fashions)
- Light‑filtering vs. room‑darkening: In living areas, most homeowners prefer light‑filtering solar/screen fabrics to soften daylight without going fully opaque. Bedrooms or media rooms may add room‑darkening layers.
In the Merrills Cove project, we tuned openness to reduce screen glare while keeping the mountain backdrop visible during the day, then used schedules on upper shades to eliminate nighttime glow.
Why this Alta pairing works: TouchLift below, motorized above
A mixed‑control plan delivers the right tool for each window height:
- Lower windows (TouchLift): Quick, quiet cordless operation and precise micro‑adjustments by hand. (htbarnes.com)
- Upper windows (Motorized): Reliable control from anywhere; perfectly even shade alignment; and the option to integrate with lighting scenes for evenings in. (Alta Window Fashions)
Visually, both systems share the same fabric line, fascia, and cassette options—so your space reads as one cohesive design. (Alta Window Fashions)
Why homeowners in Fairview, NC choose Love is Blinds
Local design expertise. We know how Blue Ridge sun angles and valley winds affect glare and privacy, from Garren Creek to Charlotte Highway. We bring samples to your home, so you can judge texture and color in your actual light.
Precision measuring & certified installation. High ceilings, deep jambs, and uneven mountain framing require pro templating. Our installers handle ladder work, balanced brackets, and concealment details so your shades track true—top to bottom.
Trusted service & accountability. We’re BBB‑accredited (A‑ rating) and coordinate with manufacturer warranties should anything need attention. You get one accountable partner from consult to final check. (Better Business Bureau)
Not big‑box. Not a gamble. National retailers and online shops can be convenient, but complex windows often require professional measurement and setup—especially for motorization. Even consumer guides note the value of pro measuring when buying blinds and shades. (Real Simple)
Explore more of our Services or browse styles like Woven Wood Shades and Honeycomb Shades.
Local spotlight: Fairview, NC (Merrills Cove & beyond)
Fairview sits in eastern Buncombe County—close to Asheville, yet ringed by working farms and Blue Ridge vistas. It’s a place where visitors spend weekends on the Parkway and locals wind down on porches watching the ridgeline turn blue at dusk.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favorite Drive, with overlooks and hiking just a short hop from Fairview. Check current road status and plan your visit with the National Park Service. (National Park Service)
- Pisgah National Forest: Endless trails and waterfalls in one of the country’s most‑visited national forests; the Pisgah Ranger District visitor center is your launch point for maps and current conditions. (US Forest Service)
- Bearwallow Mountain (Conserving Carolina): A beloved local hike that rewards you with sweeping, nearly 360° views—great context for choosing fabrics that temper intense western sun. (Conserving Carolina)
Fairview’s mix of
big sky and broad windows is exactly why smart shading makes sense here: you keep the view and tame the glare.
Before/After: What homeowners typically notice
- Daytime TV and monitor reflections drop noticeably
- Even, diffuse light across seating zones
- Nighttime privacy with automated sunset scenes
- A quieter visual field (no cords, no clutter)
If you’d like to see fabrics and controls in person, we’re close by and happy to help.
FAQs
Will motorized roller shades work with my voice assistant?
Yes. Alta’s automation platforms (e.g., BLISS™ and Somfy®) are designed for smart‑home control via app and popular voice assistants when paired with the appropriate hub. (Alta Window Fashions)
Are TouchLift roller shades safe for homes with kids and pets?
TouchLift is a cordless lift system—no dangling cords—offering a clean look and improved safety in active living areas. (htbarnes.com)
Which fabric openness should I choose to cut glare without losing the view?
As a starting point, 3% (tighter) tames glare more effectively; 5–10% keeps more view but allows more light. We often use tighter weaves on west‑facing glass and slightly more open fabrics elsewhere. We’ll bring samples so you can test in your own light. (Alta Window Fashions)
Thoughtful details we recommend for Fairview installs
- Unified top treatments: 3" Black Fascia across motorized and TouchLift shades for a custom, built‑in feel. (Alta Window Fashions)
- Scenes & schedules: “Morning Rise,” “Work‑From‑Home,” and “Evening Wind‑Down” scenes to match your routine. (Alta Window Fashions)
- Sun‑angle tuning: Slightly different openness by orientation to balance view and glare street‑to‑ridge. (Alta Window Fashions)
Ready to reduce light pollution in your Fairview home?
If you’re in Fairview, NC (or nearby Asheville, Black Mountain, Arden, Fletcher, and Candler), we’d love to design the perfect mix of Alta TouchLift™ and motorized roller shades for your space. Call 828‑532‑2213 orschedule a free in‑home consultation today. You can also find us on our Google Business Profile to check hours and reviews.
