If you read my blog then you all know how we moved into our new home in August, 2007. Well, since it was a brand new home, all the window treatments and such came with the house. The sliding glass door has the worst type of vertical blinds I have ever seen, I would much rather have these vertical blinds. They are made of fabric and so much nicer than the ones I have, these are constantly getting bent and twisted....I just hate them....just as soon as I am able, I am going to get a set of the fabric vertical blinds, they look really nice. And they look to be sturdy enough to keep functioning properly, they can be cleaned and they should last for years...if I get the kidz the leave them alone!