Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds for Sonoma County Homes and Businesses
Somner Custom Vertical Blinds are Hunter Douglas premium vertical blinds built with UV-resistant, water-resistant Polysatin compound and interior aluminum bracing. Available in 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, and 4.5-inch louver widths with SoftClose Quick Align technology, they serve residential sliding doors, wide windows, and commercial office environments. Discount Best Blinds and Shutters offers free in-home and on-site consultations throughout Windsor and Sonoma County.
Modern Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds have nothing in common with the flimsy builder-grade verticals that gave the category a bad name. Hunter Douglas engineered the Somner line with a proprietary Polysatin compound that resists UV degradation and moisture, interior aluminum bracing that prevents warping, and optional sound-absorbing materials for acoustic comfort. The design range spans bold patterns, soft neutrals, and sleek metallic finishes that hold their own alongside any premium window treatment. Discount Best Blinds and Shutters installs Somner vertical blinds in homes and commercial spaces across Sonoma County with free professional measurement and consultation.
Are Vertical Blinds Still a Good Choice for Large Windows?
Modern Somner® vertical blinds are engineered with UV-resistant, water-resistant Polysatin compound and interior aluminum bracing that eliminates the warping, fading, and rattling of older verticals. With bold patterns, soft neutrals, sleek metallics, and optional sound-absorbing materials, they deliver performance and design range that rivals any premium window treatment.
The Polysatin compound that forms the core of Somner louvers is a proprietary material developed by Hunter Douglas specifically to solve the durability problems that plagued earlier vertical blind designs. It does not yellow from sun exposure, does not absorb moisture in humid environments, and does not become brittle over time. The interior aluminum bracing within each louver provides structural rigidity that keeps the vanes straight and prevents the sagging that causes older verticals to hang unevenly. For commercial applications, this construction means Somner verticals maintain their appearance through years of daily use in offices, conference rooms, and reception areas. For residential installations on large sliding glass doors and wide windows, the same durability translates into a product that looks as good in year ten as it did on installation day.
Commercial and Residential Applications
Somner Custom Vertical Blinds are equally at home in commercial offices and residential living spaces. In commercial settings, they cover conference room glass walls, office windows, and lobby glazing with a professional finish that complements modern workplace design. Left, right, or split stacking options accommodate any door or window configuration, and the PermAssure Safety Wand eliminates cord hazards required for commercial child safety compliance. For residential applications, Somner verticals are a smart solution for sliding patio doors, wide picture windows, and any opening where vertical orientation provides better access and light control than a horizontal treatment. The louver rotation gives you continuous adjustment from fully open to fully closed, directing light precisely where you want it throughout the day. Discount Best Blinds and Shutters has installed Somner verticals in professional offices across Santa Rosa, residential great rooms in Windsor, and estate properties throughout Sonoma County wine country.
SoftClose Louvers with Quick Align Technology
One of the most common complaints about traditional vertical blinds is louvers that hang at different angles, creating an uneven, sloppy appearance. Somner's SoftClose system with Quick Align technology solves this with a one-touch closure mechanism that automatically aligns every louver to a uniform position. Simply draw the louvers closed and the Quick Align system snaps them into perfect parallel alignment. The dust cover valance conceals the headrail hardware for a clean, finished appearance that eliminates the industrial look of exposed track mechanisms. Combined with the structural rigidity of the aluminum-braced Polysatin louvers, the SoftClose system ensures Somner verticals maintain a crisp, uniform presentation that holds up to the design standards of even the most discerning Sonoma County homeowner or commercial interior designer. For hands-free operation, PowerView motorization automates louver rotation and traversal on a schedule or through voice commands via Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant.
Somner® Custom Vertical Blind Specifications
| Feature | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Louver Sizes | 2.5", 3.5", 4.5" | 3.5" most popular residential |
| Materials | Vinyl, Fabric, Aluminum | Polysatin compound available |
| Stacking | Left, Right, Split | Configurable to opening |
| UV Resistance | Polysatin UV-resistant compound | Prevents fading and warping |
| Water Resistance | Polysatin water-resistant | Suitable for humid environments |
| Operating Systems | PowerView, PermAssure Safety Wand | Motorization available |
| Child Safety | ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 compliant | PermAssure wand standard |
Specifications and Standards
Independent references for the performance and safety claims on this page.
- Hunter Douglas official Somner Custom Vertical Blinds page, manufacturer specifications and warranty
- NFRC.org, National Fenestration Rating Council, U-Factor and SHGC certification body
- U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient window treatment guidance
- WCMA, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 child safety standard
Santa Rosa Commercial Office
We outfitted a downtown Santa Rosa commercial office (ZIP 95401) with Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds in a brushed metallic finish for a conference room with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. The project specified 3.5-inch louvers with split stacking to allow independent access to both door panels. The PermAssure Safety Wand was required for commercial code compliance, and the dust cover valance was color-matched to the office's existing ceiling trim. The SoftClose Quick Align system was a key factor in the selection, as the building manager had previously struggled with older verticals that never closed evenly. After installation, the conference room went from being the least-used space in the office to the most requested for client meetings.
Somner® Vertical Blind Questions Answered
Are modern vertical blinds better than the old builder-grade versions?
Yes. Hunter Douglas Somner Custom Vertical Blinds bear little resemblance to the flimsy builder-grade verticals from decades past. Somner louvers are constructed from a UV-resistant, water-resistant Polysatin compound with interior aluminum bracing that prevents warping and sagging over time. The SoftClose system with Quick Align technology ensures uniform louver alignment with a single touch, eliminating the crooked, uneven appearance that gave older verticals a bad reputation. Available in bold patterns, metallic finishes, and textured neutrals, Somner verticals are a legitimate design choice rather than a budget compromise.
Can Somner vertical blinds be used in commercial spaces?
Absolutely. Somner Custom Vertical Blinds are one of the most specified products for commercial interiors, including offices, conference rooms, medical facilities, and hospitality spaces. Their durability, UV resistance, and water resistance make them practical for high-traffic environments, while the broad design range from sleek metallics to soft neutrals allows them to complement any commercial aesthetic. Left, right, or split stacking configurations accommodate different door and window layouts, and the PermAssure Safety Wand meets commercial child safety requirements.
What louver sizes are available for Somner vertical blinds?
Somner Custom Vertical Blinds are available in three louver widths: 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches, and 4.5 inches. The 3.5-inch louver is the most popular for residential applications because it provides a clean proportion on standard sliding doors and wide windows. The wider 4.5-inch louver creates a more dramatic visual statement and works well on very large openings. The narrow 2.5-inch option offers a more refined, detailed look for smaller windows or commercial spaces. Phil D. Skikos brings all three sizes during your consultation so you can compare the proportions against your specific windows.
Are Somner vertical blinds safe for homes with children?
Yes. Somner Custom Vertical Blinds are available with the PermAssure Safety Wand, which replaces traditional cord-and-chain controls with a fixed wand that eliminates dangling cord hazards. The PermAssure system meets the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 child safety standard. For additional safety and convenience, Somner verticals also support PowerView motorization, which removes all manual controls from the window entirely. Discount Best Blinds and Shutters recommends motorized operation for families with young children across Sonoma County.
Related Products and Solutions
Installed in Sonoma County Homes
Discover Modern Vertical Blinds for Your Space
Book a free consultation and Phil will bring Somner fabric and finish samples to your home or office. We serve Windsor, Santa Rosa, and all of Sonoma County.