Window Treatments for Milwaukee & Chicago Homeowners

Hunter Douglas Vertiglide

The Energy-Efficient Solution for Doors and Wide Windows

a sliding glass doors solution

Sliding glass doors and large, expansive windows are wonderful for letting in natural light and providing beautiful views, but they are also one of the primary sources of energy loss in a home. The vast surface area of glass can let in intense heat during the summer and allow precious warmth to escape in the winter. The solution? A window treatment that is specifically designed to insulate these large openings. For this, the clear leader in performance and style is the Hunter Douglas Vertiglide™ operating system for vertical cellular shades.

This guide explores how the innovative Vertiglide system brings the incredible energy efficiency of honeycomb shades to your home’s widest windows and doors.

The Genius of Vertical Cellular Shades: How Vertiglide™ Works

The concept behind vertical cellular shades is both simple and brilliant. It takes the same industry-leading honeycomb fabric found in the Duette® and Applause® collections and turns it vertically to glide smoothly from side-to-side. The shade is constructed with unique cellular pockets that trap air, creating a powerful layer of insulation at the window.

Unlike traditional vertical blinds with individual vanes, the Vertiglide™ system operates as a single, continuous piece of fabric. It moves effortlessly along a discreet track and stacks neatly to the side when opened, requiring minimal space. This provides a clean, modern aesthetic and full, unobstructed access to your door—a significant advantage over bulky drapery. It’s an intelligent design that combines high-performance insulation with sleek, space-saving style.

The Unmatched Benefits of the Hunter Douglas Vertiglide System

Choosing Vertiglide™ for your patio doors or large windows offers a unique set of benefits that directly address the challenges these openings present.

window treatments for large windows Duette® vertiglide™

Superior Energy Efficiency

The most powerful benefit of the Hunter Douglas Vertiglide system is its ability to insulate your home. The air-trapping cellular pockets create a formidable barrier against heat transfer. For homeowners in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas, this means:

  • In the Summer: It blocks solar heat from entering, keeping your home cooler and reducing the workload on your air conditioner.

  • In the Winter: It prevents heat from escaping through the glass, keeping your rooms warmer and cozier.

This year-round performance can lead to a more comfortable home and significant savings on your energy bills.

vertical cellular shades

A Perfect Match for Your Windows

A common design challenge is coordinating window treatments for a standard window and a sliding glass door in the same room. Vertiglide™ solves this beautifully. Because it uses the exact same fabrics as Hunter Douglas Duette® and Applause® horizontal shades, you can create a perfectly seamless and coordinated look throughout your space.

vertical cellular shades vertiglide

Customization and Modern Operation

The Vertiglide™ system is designed for convenience and can be tailored to your needs. It is operated easily by hand with a simple handle—no cords, wands, or chains required, making it a safe choice for homes with children and pets. You can choose to have the shade stack to the left, right, or even split in the middle to open from the center out.

For the ultimate in modern convenience, the Vertiglide™ system can also be equipped with PowerView® Automation. Imagine your expansive patio door shade gliding open with a simple voice command or closing automatically at sunset. This high-tech option makes operating even the largest shades completely effortless.

Experience Vertiglide™ at NorthShore Window Treatments

The insulating power and smooth operation of vertical cellular shades are best understood firsthand. For homeowners throughout the greater Milwaukee and Chicago areas, NorthShore Window Treatments offers the complete collection of shades featuring the Vertiglide™ system. Our design experts can help you select the perfect fabric and operating style to insulate and beautify your home.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the smartest solution for your doors and wide windows.

Shop-at-Home Convenience

(414) 510-2755 Wisconsin

(847) 444-9949 Illinois

Visit Our New Displays at

11300 N. Port Washington Rd. Mequon, WI 53092

© 2025 NorthShore Window Treatments