How to Shop for Window Blinds

Window treatments are an important part of your decorating scheme. Blinds can add a punch of color or drama, or blend with the background. More importantly, they offer privacy and light control. But shopping for blinds can be confusing and frustrating. Knowing a few simple guidelines will make the task easier.

Preparation

Before heading out to the store, measure the window. Use a steel tape measure. If you are planning on hanging the blinds inside the framework of the window, measure from frame to frame both in width (across) and length (top to bottom). For the average blind, you will need a minimum of 2 and one half inches of depth. If there is an insufficient amount of depth to the sill, you will need to mount the treatment outside the frame. Add two inches to each side and to the top and bottom. Bring these measurements with you to the store.

In Stock Blinds

Most stores have a limited choice of blinds in stock. There will usually be plantation style blinds, with 2-inch slats and a valance. These will come in various widths and one or two lengths, with a choice of one or two colors, usually white and off-white. Often, these are faux wood, or fake woods; they are constructed from dense plastic and imprinted with fake graining. They are inexpensive and practical if you have young kids, cats, dogs, or are putting them in a rental property.

Also available are mini-blinds. These are either aluminum or vinyl, with one-inch slats. Like plantation style blinds, these will come in various widths, and one or two lengths. These are usually very inexpensive, and are appropriate for laundry rooms and small kitchen windows.

The two biggest drawbacks of in stock blinds are limited color selection and sizing. But it is the least expensive way to purchase blinds.

Custom Order Blinds

If you want something that fits the size of your window, and want a color other than white or off-white, you most likely to custom order. This raises the price considerably, but also ensures a better product.

Most stores that offer custom blind services also offer installation of the window treatments. If you feel confident that you can install them yourself, then be very sure of your measurements; most stores will not accept returns on custom orders. If you would prefer to take advantage of the installation service, as the associate to explain how much it costs for labor, what’s involved in the process, and is the installer bonded and insured.

Once you’ve decided to custom order, you will need to look through the sample books. Be prepared to spend some time with this part of the process. The selection when custom ordering expands considerably.

Not only will you have a choice of plantation style blinds or mini-blinds, you can look at roller shades, woven shades, pleated and cellular shades, and roman shades. You can choose from blinds with two-inch slats, or three-inch slats, or one-inch slats. You can choose from real wood or faux wood, in natural wood colors or white or red or even black.

With custom order, a whole world of window treatment options becomes available to you. But the price difference is considerable. An in stock plantation style blind for a window 46 inches wide by 60 inches long may cost forty or fifty dollars. To custom order such a blind could cost as much as three hundred dollars.

Which is Right for You

Your budget is the first consideration. If you don’t want to invest in good window treatments, and just need to cover the window for now, then in stock is a good option. But if you are going to be in your home for sometime, and are investing in the décor, budget for custom order window treatments.