Hey there! Now I am here today to help you with what seems to be one of the trickiest parts of a room, besides probably choosing paint color. Let’s talk about window treatments!

If you haven’t picked out and installed several blinds or shades, this process can be super intimidating. I have been there! But after adding window shades to countless windows, I want to help demystify the process and help you shop for budget or custom window shades with more confidence.

Understanding Window Shades vs. Blinds

A little clarification: I’m not talking about drapes or curtains today; that is a whole other topic for another day. Let’s dive into window shades specifically, which brings up another very important clarification. You’ll need to know the difference between window blinds and window shades. An easy way to remember this is simply that blinds are hard and shades are soft.

Blinds are often made of wood slats or hard vinyl slats, even metal sometimes. These hard slats can lay vertically or horizontally or be on wider panels. In contrast, window shades are often fabric. They can be made of linens, soft vinyl fabric, cotton, polyester, bamboo, grass, and many more materials. They come in many beautiful styles, like roller shades or woven shades, which I love for adding texture to a room. My new favorite are Roman shades, which create lovely soft folds and pleats out of fabric.

How to Shop for Window Shades

Now I want to walk you through specifically how to shop for shades today and what options you have. I have yet to ever put hard blinds in my home; I just don’t really love them. There are definitely circumstances when they are best, but I prefer the soft look of shades, especially layering them with curtains if a room calls for that.

Budget vs. Custom Shades

There are basically two worlds of window shades: budget options and custom window shades. Budget shades are standard sizes and don’t offer a lot of options. The process is simple: you need the measurements of your window and need to decide whether to install them as an inside or outside mount.

On the other hand, custom window shades offer you many more options and can get a bit overwhelming. Yes, they cost more, but you can select types and options that will save you money and provide a high-end look. I just want to make you aware of the process today and show you what’s possible. I’ll even walk you through the selection process of one of our shades that I took myself.

Step-by-Step Shopping Process

Let’s take this step by step:

1. Order Samples: I can’t stress the importance of this step enough. When you get into the custom shades world, there are just so many options, especially with Blindsgalore. It is so cheap to order a sample swatch, so just do it. Get lots of them in various textures you might be considering, whether that’s patterned fabric, bamboo woven, or whatever. The importance of getting samples is equivalent to painting samples in a room to see how it will look before you paint the entire room.
2. Select Your Size: You are going to need to plug in your custom width and height. I won’t go into too much detail here, but I’ll link you to some resources that explain the process really well.
3. Select the Material: Here’s where you choose the color and material for the shade. Some cost more than others, so click around and find what fits your budget.
4. Select Your Mount: Define whether you’re doing an inside or outside mount, as that will specify the type of hardware used for installation. You want to verify the size you input again.
5. Select Your Lift Style: This is where it can get fun and possibly expensive. You can have a cordless lift, which is my preference, especially with kids. There are also motorized shades, which are amazing if you have high windows.
6. Select Your Shade Style: You may have a style choice, like classic pleated or relaxed Roman shades. I love the relaxed style.
7. Select a Liner: Many shades can be lined. I chose blackout lining for the kids’ bedroom to darken the room well while they sleep.
8. Select a Valance: This is mostly a decorative addition. Sometimes it’s nice to hide the hardware underneath, but I prefer a clean look without it.

That’s generally all the options you will have. Some sites may offer warranties, but you can just follow the process through to check out. Once you order, your blinds are custom made to your specific window, which is neat but can be a nerve-wracking wait. A pro tip: watch for sales on custom window treatment sites; Blindsgalore often has great sales running.

FAQs

1. How do I measure my windows for shades?
Make sure to measure both the width and height of your window accurately. If you’re doing an inside mount, measure the width inside the frame. For an outside mount, measure the desired area outside the frame.

2. What styles of shades are available?
You can choose from various styles, including roller shades, Roman shades, cellular shades, and woven shades. Each style has its unique look and functionality.

3. Are there options for energy-efficient shades?
Yes, many custom shades offer energy-efficient options, such as cellular shades, which can help insulate your home and reduce energy costs.