Telescoping Pole Hack for Skylight Window Coverings

Recently, I helped an elderly woman in Reno NV to reduce the heat from her skylights in her upstairs room. We installed Hunter Douglas Applause Simplicity Shades. These specific shades were a Double Cell construction, which has 21% more insulation then their single cell counterparts. Because they are mounted in a ceiling opening, they have a frame that holds up the materials. The moving rail is controlled, in this case, by a handle.

This handle needs to be “grabbed” in order to move the  skylight shade. So, if a shade is out of reach from your hand, you would need a step stool or ladder. Another option is to order the Hunter Douglas Extension Pole. Or…

I wanted to find a lower cost solution for this woman because she was very cost conscious. Because she only needed a pole that was about 3 feet long, I did the following for her:

1. I purchased an 8 foot long pole with a 1″ diameter.
2. I cut the pole in half, creating 2 4 foot poles.
3. I pre-drilled a hole in one end of each pole using a 1/8″ bit.
4. I purchased 2 swag hooks with the screw-in adapter.
5. I screwed in the swag hooks.
6. I handed the 2 poles to the client.

The cost for each official Hunter Douglas skylight extension pole is $92. In contrast, I was able to supply this nice lady two functional skylight poles for a cost of under $12. Since they were homemade, I didn’t charge her for the poles

About Us

Kempler Design is located in Reno NV and serves the northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe regions with a mobile design showroom. Paul Kempler, its founder is considered a window fashions expert. Kempler Design has been featured in many prestigious projects, including the HGTV dream home in Lake Tahoe. Kempler Design works with homeowners as well as interior design firms looking for a local contact in the Reno/Tahoe area or is available for travel.