Usually one, and it's glorious: a single wide roller or cellular in one uninterrupted sweep keeps the ’50s intent — a frame around the yard — instead of slicing it into thirds. Past a certain width we'll talk honestly about a two-panel split or motorization, because fabric physics votes too; the measuring visit settles it in minutes.

In practice, no drama: the standards care about what the street sees, and a neutral backing satisfies them on nearly any product while the room side stays entirely yours. We write it into the spec by default in the planned neighborhoods — you'll never have the conversation.

This is where motorization stops being a luxury: one remote or a wall button runs every shade in the suite, no reaching, gripping, or twisting — and scheduled scenes can handle mornings entirely. Where budget matters, cordless lift with an easy bottom rail is the manual alternative. Independence is the spec; we design to it often.

Buy the material, not the color: bargain vinyl yellows because the polymer degrades in UV, while quality composite and faux wood from Norman, Graber, and Hunter Douglas are UV-stabilized to hold their white through the south sun that cooks the Pike side of a house. Same look at year eight is the difference you're paying for.