Project Spotlight: Installing Norman Top Down Bottom Up Honeycomb Shades in Storrs, CT

Project Spotlight: Installing Norman Top Down Bottom Up Honeycomb Shades in Storrs, CT

When a homeowner seeks both reduced glare and quieter surroundings in their dedicated reading room, choosing the right window treatment becomes key.

Quiet Luxury for a Relaxed Reading Room

In a lovely residence in Storrs (Mansfield), CT, our team at New England Window Fashions was called in to resolve a dual challenge: the client wanted to reduce incoming light — particularly for reading comfort — and also curb noise intrusion from outside.

The Challenge and What Led the Process

Situated in Eastern Connecticut, this home’s reading room faces generous windows that invite daylight but also spill in distracting brightness and carry ambient noise from outdoors. The homeowner needed a solution that maintained natural light when desired but offered privacy, sound dampening, and flexible control over the environment. We explored options and recommended a refined, functional treatment: top down bottom up cellular shades.

What We Did

After guiding the homeowner through our design consultation and measurement process, we selected the Norman double-cell top down bottom up honeycomb shades for this space. These shades offer the unique capability to lower from the top and raise from the bottom — granting reading-room flexibility to admit soft daylight while shielding the lower portion of the window and reducing external distractions. The double-cell structure enhances insulation and sound dampening — ideal for the client’s need.

Why This Solution Worked

  • The top down bottom up functionality allows precise control of light and view — ideal for a reading nook.
  • Double-cell honeycomb construction increases thermal insulation and helps mitigate external noise.
  • Custom-fitted for the homeowner’s exact window dimensions, ensuring clean lines and optimized performance.
  • Manufactured by Norman, a trusted brand in high-quality window treatments, aligning with our commitment to durable, refined solutions.

A Reading Room Re-imagined

The finished installation transformed the space. With the new top down bottom up honeycomb shades in place, the homeowner now enjoys:

  • A calm, softly lit environment ideal for reading or relaxing, even on bright afternoons.
  • Better insulation during Connecticut’s cooler months, helping maintain comfortable interior temperatures.
  • Reduced auditory distractions from outdoor movement or traffic, enhancing the room’s serenity.
  • A polished aesthetic finish that complements the home’s design while offering superior functionality.


Living in New England means facing varied light levels, changing seasons, and external noise — our solution elegantly addresses all three for the homeowner in Storrs.

Final Look: Stunning Results

View the transformation in the reading room — from uncontrolled glare and sound intrusion to a refined, functional space outfitted with custom shades that deliver comfort and style.

Ready to Elevate Your Home’s Comfort and Style?

Custom window treatments can dramatically enhance the livability and value of your home. From controlling light and noise to improving energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal, the right solution makes an impact. At New England Window Fashions, we pair design expertise, professional measurement and installation, and high-quality products to deliver lasting results.

If you’re in Eastern Connecticut or Rhode Island and want to explore how tailored window solutions can work for your space, let’s chat. We’ll come to you, walk through your needs, and help you choose treatments that combine elegance and performance. Book an appointment with our team today.