I replaced vertical blinds in my downstairs daylight basement as the blinds did not close well and I wanted something of an insulating quality.  The walls in this large room face east and are a medium light gray, and white curtains were needed.  The curtains now allow light into this room and I am hoping this winter will help in keeping the cold from coming through.  I had to hem the curtains, but had no difficulty in doing so.  I wanted the curtains as they are a single panel and I used a tension rod in the area slightly built out from the sliding door.  Only negative is I waited almost 3 months for them to arrive.