The Good and the Bad of Top Selling Blinds

For those looking to redecorate or update their homes, installing window treatments is the simplest place to start. Updating a home with modern window treatments helps increase the resale value. For those looking to redecorate, blinds and shades can change the feel of a room without an expensive remodel.

For those unsure of what to look for in new window treatments, the following list breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of top selling blinds:

• Faux wood blinds are inexpensive, offering a real wood look at a fraction of the cost. They resist moisture and are easy to clean. The suit kitchens and bathrooms well. The composite materials make them durable, which is great for homes with children and pets. The disadvantages include the weight of the blinds. Larger blinds are harder to lift. Faux wood blinds come in a limited color selection.
• Wood blinds come with real wood stains, allowing for more color options. They are lighter than faux wood blinds and cheaper than shutters. The only disadvantage is the larger stack height, which may block views when raised.
• Honeycomb Cell Shades provide excellent insulation and are great for energy savings. They have a small stack height when raised to allow unobstructed views. There is a wide color selection to choose from. They offer a modern look, which can be a disadvantage to those looking for a more traditional window treatment.
• Vertical Blinds are the best option for larger, hard to cover windows. They are economical and easy to clean. Again, these window treatments offer a more contemporary look to a home.
• Aluminum Mini Blinds are some of the cheapest blinds on the market. The lightweight quality makes them easy to operate by almost anyone. They come in a wide range of colors to add a touch of color, or maintain a neutral feel in a room. One of the disadvantages is that they provide poor insulation. Another downside is the aluminum slats can bend, so these blinds are not ideal for areas heavily trafficked by kids and pets.
• Roman Shades are both stylish and versatile. They come in a wide color selection and offer class to any room. Roman shades are good insulators and versions that pair roman shades with honeycomb cell shades offer some of the best insulation on the market. The only disadvantage is they must be fully raised for a complete view.
• Roller Shades These shades block UV light as well as cutting glare from the sun and acting as an insulator against the heat. They come with a wide color selection and have a small stack height when raised to allow for an unobstructed view. The disadvantages are they are not great insulators in cold climates and they must be fully raised for a complete view. However, some roller shades and solar screen shades allow view-through options, meaning the weave still allows for a partial view when lowered.

It can be confusing to even know where to start if you don’t know what each type of blind offers. This list is a starting point for shoppers. If you have an idea of which type of window treatment might work best for you, order a few samples so you can see the materials and colors for a perfect fit.

Door Blinds - How to Measure for French Door or Traditional Door Blinds
Door blinds can be any blind or shade mounted as a door mount blind. French door blinds or traditional door blinds are simply outside mount blinds or shades with hold downs to keep them from swinging as the door opens or shuts. People commonly mount blinds in a door at their home or office. Popular blinds that are used on doors range from faux wood, wood, cellular shades and roller shades. When measuring for french door blinds there are several things to consider.... more

Corner Window Blinds
If two windows meet in the corner and privacy is a concern, the best way to install window blinds or shades is to overlap them (see figure). One blind will be the measurement from the wall to the window. The second blind will be the measurement from the wall to where the second blind will be. This measurement will be from the wall to the window subtracting the width of the blinds. For a 2 inch wood blind, that will be about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.... more

Measure Window Shades or Blinds for Tile or Moulding
Occasionally obstructions can get in the way of window shades or blinds such as wood moulding or a tile back splash. Cut-outs can be made in the blind or shade for proper clearance in these areas. There is a surcharge for each cut made.... more

How to Measure Vertical Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
When measuring window blinds for sliding glass doors it is important that you measure the blind to fit as on OUTSIDE mount. Vertical blinds are a common window treatment for sliders. More times than not there is not enough depth in a window to mount vertical blinds inside the window frame. Often there is Moulding encasing the window and your measurement must allow for it. A common rule of thumb is to ADD 2 inches to the length of the vertical blind. In other words measure from the floor to 2 inches above the moulding. If you have no moulding measure from the floor to 2 inches above the top of the opening.... more

Blinds for Angled Top Windows
Blinds or shades can be difficult to find for angled top windows. A few manufacturers make window blinds or shades with angled headrails for this purpose. Another option is to leave the angled top of the window open and just mount the window blinds or shades with the headrail just before the angled portion of the window. This article will discuss how to the the later.... more

2" and 2 1/2" Horizontal Window Blinds Installation Instructions
When installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more

Parts for Installing Horizontal Window Blinds
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more

Mini Blinds - Instructions for Installation of 1" Aluminum Mini Blinds
1/2 inch micro and 1 or 2 inch aluminum mini blinds installation instructions. This page explains basic installation for aluminum blinds which is similar to installing horizontal wood blinds. Here are some simple steps for installing mini blinds.... more

Vertical Window Blinds Installation Instructions
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more

Vertical Blinds - Parts for Installing
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing vertical blinds. Note: You may not receive all the vertical blinds parts listed. We will send you the parts you need to install your vertical blinds.... more