Little Dreamer Light Filtering Roller Shades in Avery Salmon
November is Child Safety and Protection Month, and as the month comes to a close, we wanted to remind you of one of the most important innovations in window coverings to date: The Cordless Lift System.
“Wait a minute,” you might be thinking. “What does a cordless lift have to do with child safety?”
It has everything to do with it! On average, about nine children, age 5 and younger, die every year from strangulation in window coverings with cords, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
That’s why SelectBlinds became the first custom window covering company to go cordless on all products in March 2016.
We care about keeping your family safe! We have the Cordless Lift System option on every product we sell.
Operate these with ease; simply push up and pull down on the bottom rail.
Cordless Lift & Lock™
When you press and hold the button, you can move the blind up and down to your preferred position. To lock it into place, simply let go of the button.
Easy Lift and Tilt
These blinds won’t go up until you grab the bottom rail to lift and tilt it.
Pull Tassle Lift
A tassel hangs closely to the bottom rail so there are no dangerous, long cords. Pull it down and let it raise the blinds automatically.
Cordless Top Down Bottom Up
These shades can be raised and lowered from the top and the bottom for privacy and light control. Lift the bottom rail to raise, and pull to lower. If you choose a Lift & Lock™ system, both rails will have a push button.
Motorized Wand or Remote Control
The cordless motorized wand is attached to the headrail and has two buttons – one to raise the window covering and one to lower it. If you want to operate a single shade or multiple shades from across the room, the remote control option is the perfect solution for you.
Home Automation
Take motorization to the next level by pairing Alexa, Google, & Apple products for shade operation by voice control. Everything else is automated. Why not your windows?
Want to talk through these cordless options? We’re happy to help! Chat with one of our Design Consultants, or call them at (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!
P.S. For all our history buffs, here’s how the #gocordless movement came to be.
The 1990s
The first study that window blind cords were a threat to children came out.
1994 – 2003
A series of patents were submitted for cordless innovations.
2002 – 2004
The CPSC staff and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA), voluntarily, and jointly review investigation reports between 1996 and 2002 to find solutions to hazard scenarios. Their findings, which were shared in 2004, showed that the majority of leading incidents were a result of a continuous loop cord or multiple cords.
2012
CPSC and WCMA’s National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products was approved in November 2012 with requirements like: “new testing requirements for cord accessibility, hazardous loop testing, roll-up style shade performance, and durability testing of all safety devices.”
2014
The CPSC officially got involved and started the rulemaking process to develop a mandatory standard for manufacturers.
2016
In March, SelectBlinds became the first custom window covering company to go cordless on all products.
2017
The CPSC proposed revising the standard for manufacturers to no longer use cords in window blinds.
2018
In January, the proposal was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The majority of window covering products now have to produce coverings with
1. No operating cords (cordless);
2. Inaccessible operating cords; or
3. Operating cords shorter than 8 inches in any position.
In December, manufacturers adopted the new standard on cordless blinds and consumers are no longer able to purchase blinds with cords longer than 8 inches in retail stores.
Corded window coverings are available by custom-order products; however, the cords must have a default length of 40% of the blind height and default to a tilt wand instead of a tilt cord.
2022
In May, Canada enforced regulations and restricted certain products being sold.
In November, the CPSC approved a federal safety standard for operating cords on custom window coverings. They also approved a federal safety rule that non-compliant window covering cords are added to the CPSC’s substantial product hazard list.
It’s no secret that cellular shades, sometimes called honeycomb shades, are amazing. They are, after all, the most popular customer choice here at SelectBlinds.
To name a few of their well-known features:
Insulation: The “cell” construction traps air and provides insulation from the heat and cold.
UV Protection: Cellular shades can block up to 99% of incoming light. Blackout cellulars are best for this purpose.
Energy Efficient: In addition to insulation, the soft fabric diffuses light and reduces heat from entering the room, saving you money on electricity.
Sound Reducing: Their layers block out not only light, but also outside noise.
Cellular shades come in a variety of colors, and they can be framed with curtains or drapes to create dimension. Did we mention that they’re easy to clean?
But before you buy cellular, here are 5 questions to ask yourself to ensure you’re choosing the best one.
1. How many cells should you get?
SelectBlinds cellular shades come in single- or double-cell constructions. Double-cells, you guessed it, trap more air than single-cells, so it’s another layer of insulation.
Do you live in the sunny, warm side of the country? A single-cell shade may be enough for you. If you’re somewhere more temperamental, a double-cell will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Left: Cordless Light Filtering Top Down Bottom Up Shades in Taupe; Right: Select Blackout Cellulars in Black DC
2. How wide should the cells, or pleats, be?
SelectBlind cellular shades come in a variety of pleat sizes, from ⅜” to 2” wide. Smaller pleats will look more natural in shorter window frames; while the wider pleats are more proportional for larger sized windows.
However, your answer to the last question will play a part in this. Typically, double-cell construction means smaller pleats, and single-cell means larger pleats. Depending on your frame, you may need to adjust how many cells to get.
Wider pleats are also lighter per square foot, which makes them ideal for large sliding doors and wider windows. This principle also applies when using them for skylight blinds and arches and window arches.
3. Where is the placement of the cellular shade in your home?
Cellulars can absorb moisture and even odors due to their fabric material. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms exposed to condensation are not recommended for cellulars. (Faux wood blinds would be a good alternative though.) However, cellular shades are great for rooms by busy streets because they reduce sound.
4. What extra features, if any, do you want to add?
Like all our blinds, you can choose if you’d like a Continuous Cord Loop Lift or one of our Cordless Lift options. For example, the Top Down Bottom Lift allows you to raise your cellular shades from the bottom or lower from the top, and it’s available as corded or cordless.
Motorization is another feature that customers love. Choose from a remote control, motorized wand, or home automation system.
Remote Control Motorization with a Roller Shade. This feature is available for selected cellular shades too.
Eliminate the need for multiple coverings with this two-in-one custom window treatment. This shade can both filter light and black it out entirely, depending on how you adjust the sections. Simply pull down the light filtering handle to let light in, or pull up on the handle for the blackout feature.
Remember when we talked about placement earlier? TriShades are great for rooms primarily used during the day but that host the occasional overnight guest.
Left: Modern Light Filtering/Blackout TriShades in Gray Cloud; Right: Premier Light Filtering TriShades in Silvery Moon DC
Call or chat with one of our Design Consultants to learn more about cellulars! Call (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!
We at SelectBlinds love collaborating with, and being inspired by, designers, DIYers, content creators, and influencers.
We thought it was a great time to share some of our influencers’ top SelectBlinds product picks, as well as where in their homes they installed them, and why they like them so much.
You can strike an elegant layered look and dimension for your windows with natural, woven wood shades. Alicia, who runs @ourvintagenest, loves the woven wood shades look.
“We chose this particular blind because of its beautiful texture and color. It literally reminds me of a woven basket on your window and who doesn’t love an amazing woven basket? We wanted the look of warm and cozy; I feel like we achieved that with these blinds!”
Two custom options Alicia chose for her woven woods were the no-liner option and the cordless lift.
“We chose unlined option for our downstairs blinds, because we wanted more natural light to come through in the mornings and during the day,” she says. “We chose the cordless lift option, which includes a hidden ring pull (in the middle) at the bottom of each shade. We love this option for a clean look, but most importantly… because it’s child safe!”
Motorized Roman Shades: Chrissy, @homewithchrissym
Who knew you could be trendy and traditional at the same time? Take the classic look of Roman shades. This custom fabric window covering never goes out of style and works with the trendiest, as well as with the most traditional, interiors.
Chrissy, from @homewithchrissym, fell in love with our Classic Roman Shades in Natural Linen.
“Our new motorized shades are up and ‘Wow!’ Why did we not do this sooner?” Chrissy tells us. “SelectBlinds makes the ordering process very straightforward and user-friendly. Once ordered, we had our new shades in a matter of weeks, not months. The best part? They are beautifully made and all you need to do is push a button to open/close them.”
Chrissy selected the standard pleated fold option, without a valance for a cleaner look. She also decided to go with a standard white privacy liner as these shades were going in a bedroom.
Keep your vibe at home cool, calm, and quiet with energy-efficient cellulars. With kid-friendly cordless or motorized lifts, they’re the safest choice for homes with pets and young ones.
Brianna was looking for a motorized window covering solution for her hard-to-reach windows. She needed them to block the glare on the TV while also providing privacy and energy efficiency.
She went with our 2” Premier Light Filtering Cellulars in Thunderstorm, selecting the double-cell customized option for extra energy-efficiency.
“I am so happy with them!” Brianna says. “I ordered the Premier Light Filtering Cellulars with solar chargers and a remote (because I can’t reach those top shades without a scaffolding). These shades have made it so we can actually watch TV during the day without being blinded by the sun. Plus, they help block out the heat, the cold, and even noise!”
Jessi, from @thegoodwrench also loves the natural look of woven woods.
“Sometimes taking care of three small kids just wipes me out, and in the middle of the day, I’m DONE,” Jessi tells us. “In the middle of the day, when I feel the need to take a load off, my wishes come true with my SelectBlinds automated shades in my bedroom. With a quick verbal command, I can get my shades closed, and then shut my eyes for a refreshing power nap.”
Fun fact, she challenged her followers to vote on a few shades she liked and the winner was the Luxe Modern Woven Wood Shades in the color Aria for her bedroom.
DIY and Interior Design Influencers: interested in collaborating with SelectBlinds? Download the Select Blinds Influencer Media Kit here.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day.
We get to live in a day when watching impressive new technological advances has become commonplace. Easy home automation and “smart homes” are among those perks we’ve gotten to observe and enjoy. No more analog plug-in cords or clunky jerry-rigged workarounds. Home automation is all right there at the touch of a button, and it can even travel with us in our phones to be operated from just about anywhere in the world.
What Is Easy Home Automation?
Easy home automation, also known as smart home technology, generally references devices, appliances, systems, etc., that interconnect via a common network–these devices can be remotely controlled individually, as well as in unison. You might also be familiar with the term “connected home,’ where your home’s lights, garage door, thermostat, security cameras, audio system, etc., are synced and automated through your home network. Yes, even your window blinds and shades can be motorized and automated, so you don’t even have to remember to put that task on your to-do list. Use your smart phone to operate them and automate them as suits your personal needs best.
Enjoy your life and time with your favorite people with unprecedented ease and convenience. One built-in benefit of smart home technology is that it is constantly being updated and upgraded. Imagine the possibilities!
Advantages of Easy Home Automation to Help You Get More Out of Life
Instead of thinking of keeping up with smart home technology updates as an end in and of itself, or as a way to “show off” by keeping up with the Joneses, so to speak, consider a few of the impressive and practical aspects of home automation as benefits for you and your household. Easy home automation allows you to:
Maximize Home Security. As mentioned, you can incorporate your home security system into your smart home network. In regard to window coverings, you can manage your privacy (and your own peace of mind) easily and quickly by programming your blinds and/or shades to raise and lower at the same time of day, or whenever you need them to. Forget whether or not you closed the blinds in your child’s room before leaving the house? Just check them on your phone, no matter where you are in the world. You can also receive notifications if something unexpected is going on in your child’s room or anywhere else in your home. The potential for home security automation is endless.
Increase Energy Efficiency. Opportunities for efficient use of energy are also boundless using smart home technology. Manage the heating and cooling of your home via your phone, including the aforementioned ability to manage the raising and lowering of your window coverings to darken and cool rooms on demand. Program your smart thermostat to learn your schedule and home temperature favorites, and receive recommendations for how to improve your home’s energy efficiency settings. Have your home as cool or warm as you prefer before you come home, and have your house lit up with all blinds / shades shut to help you feel more secure upon your arrival. You can maximize your control over your energy expenditures using smart home technology.
Ease of Incorporating New Appliances and Devices. One impressive aspect of easy smart home automation is its ability to implement new appliances, window covering technologies, and devices as part of your smart home network. No matter how updated your devices and appliances are, you’ll likely feel the need to continue updating as time goes on. Integrating new devices, appliances, etc. only makes the process much easier and more seamless.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
We’ve shared a few benefits of living in a smart automated home, but the possibilities and benefits are endless. Home automation developers are constantly in a race to outdo one another in meeting consumer needs, and that is only of benefit to you as a homeowner. Find out for yourself how much easier and enjoyable smart home technology can make your life!
Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Easy Home Automation Needs
How about some SelectBlinds staff recommendations for you to start enjoying the convenience and benefits of smart home automation?
SelectBlinds staff loves offering up our selections from our different product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. We’ve offered some recommendations below, but we have countless customizable solutions available for you.Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!
Diffuse up to 99% of UV rays with the quality sun-control fabric in these sheer window coverings. Use with cordless lift or an optional motorized lift on taller windows.
*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.
You won’t need a WiFi hub for this one-of-a-kind ease of operation and modern, high-quality design – meet SelectBlinds’ stylish motorized light filtering roller shades powered by Eve MotionBlinds™ motors.
Hard to find better room darkening fabrics in such an eye-catching selection of colors for convenient function and timeless style. Powered by Eve MotionBlinds™ motors. All the benefits of home automation without the use of a WiFi hub!
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.
Your Easy Automated Home Calls for the Best Customized Solutions
Our philosophy has long held that DIY Design was never meant to be done “ALL by Yourself.” For your dream home’s design, whether for indoors our outside in your back patio, we’re here to help.
Nothing makes an outdoor patio oasis more enjoyable than attractive bamboo or exterior solar shades to keep the harmful UV rays out of your face, while keeping your patio or deck area cool. SelectBlinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you all the helpful resources you’ll need to make your life (and projects) easier, because your success is our success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you will save plenty of money and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage ofour free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day.
We’re 19 now! And our relationship with our customers is stronger than ever.
We were thrilled recently to celebrate our 19th birthday in August!
Since our inception in 2003, when our dynamic founder, Rick Steele launched our company, it’s been quite a ride! Several years ago, Rick was on the hunt for blackout shades for his daughter to help her sleep better when he discovered only hassle and high costs in his search to find custom window treatments. He decided to create a company for people like himself who like to DIY-design their homes, and are in need of customized solutions. SelectBlinds.com (back then we were known as “Select Shops”) was born. Since then, our dedicated Customer Care Team has served well over 9 million happy customers (that’s a lot of windows covered!) as a proud Arizona-based company, with nearly 200 employees.
We couldn’t do any of this without such an amazing team, that offers one-on-one assistance and guidance to help make our customers’ journey as seamless as possible. Together, we’re bound and determined to make the world a better place. One window at a time. Our relationship with our customers is stronger than ever, and we’ve never been more excited to help people with their window covering and interior design project needs.
In the spirit of bragging about ourselves (just a little bit), here are some more stories, landmarks, and information about our company that we like to share to help you get to know us a little better.
SELECTBLINDS.COM: Custom-Crafted, Not Pre-Fabricated
All our custom solutions are carefully designed and crafted.
Since 2003, we’ve focused on one thing: making online custom window décor shopping as smooth as possible. We’ve helped millions of happy customers save tons of money by letting us help them become DIY designers! We’ve become window covering and interior design experts ourselves, and love nothing more than helping you turn your house into your dream home.
We offer an expansive and diverse selection of quality hand-crafted window treatments (over 170 customizable, carefully crafted products, in over 1,800 different colors and patterns) that can add dimension and depth in your windows, and bring out the allure for any interior. All personalized to your unique needs and specifications. To sweeten the deal for you we offer free samples shipped free to your door, free shipping on all orders (up to 15 free shipped samples daily), plenty of helpful resources along your project’s journey (including free design consultation for any size project), and Kid-friendly options for all our products. We’ll help you find the perfect “blinds you’ll love.”
“To create an exceptional customer experience that builds confidence with the most diverse selection and helpful resources.”
SELECTBLINDS.COM: Our Vision
“Empower people to create spaces they can be proud of.”
We love helping our customers save money by tapping into their inner DIY Diva.
SELECTBLINDS.COM: Sustainability & Top-Shelf Materials You Can Feel Good About
SelectBlinds.com window treatments are crafted with care. We ensure that the best quality materials go into crafting each individual product you buy. They’re not just long-lasting, they’re also easy to care for, so you can keep them looking crisp and new for as long as you own them. Customize and reframe your home with confidence to make it all yours. See below how we make our products.
SELECTBLINDS.COM: We’re All In
Our SelectBlinds CEO, Satya, spending some time coaching our A-team.
SelectBlinds.com was the first window treatments company to make ALL of its products available with Kid-friendly cordless lift. A few years back we announced a “free cord cleats” initiative, for customers and non-customers alike. In turn, the company donated more than 82,000 window blind/shade cord cleats to families with children (Cord cleats are metal or plastic safety devices that attach to the inside of a window frame. They allow a user to wrap/tie down a loose window covering cord to prevent its being left dangling and accessible to children or pets).
SelectBlinds.com is also considered one of the pioneers in popularizing the use of online customer reviewsas a marketing driver.
The SelectBlinds.com Guarantee
We offer you all the custom solutions you’ll need for your unique space and sense of style.
We stand behind the quality of all our products, and offer a free 3-year limited warranty on each one that we sell – with always the option to upgrade to a 3-year unlimited or a 5-year unlimited warranty.
We also offer you with our F.I.T. Guarantee. If you happen to submit an incorrect measurement by mistake and your product doesn’t fit your window, your first replacement per order is on us!
We’re that certain you’re going to love our products, and that they’ll be a lovely addition to your home for a long time to come.
SELECTBLINDS.COM: The Talk of the Town
We’re proud to have been featured and highly acclaimed in many widely known publications and TV shows, including:
See what David Ragan has to say about his experience installing his own SelectBlinds.com window coverings:
The SelectBlinds team takes an opportunity to unwind and bond over some friendly bowling.
DIY You’ll Love
In addition to our vast knowledge of interior design, we’re problem solvers first and foremost. We want you to have the most seamless experience possible throughout your home DIY projects, so we’ve created a library full of tutorials and guides to show you how to effectively measure your windows for the custom size you need, then install your beautiful new window treatments so you can enjoy them as quickly as possible. We also offer you a top-shelf group of specialists who are excited about helping you succeed, including our A-team of design consultants who are ready to assist you (for free!) with everything from quick questions to larger, more involved design projects.
Meet our A-team of customer care!
Many Thanks to Our Customer Care Team, and to Each of Our Customers!
Thank you so much for 19 wonderful years! We’re looking forward to the next 19 years together!
Nothing warms up an empty space like beautiful, quality window treatments. Bring your dream home to fruition, make it all yours, and save plenty in the process. DIY doesn’t have to mean “all by yourself.” We’ll be with you every step of the way.
A contemporary TV room with arch-topped windows.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. At SELECTBLINDS.COM.
Panel track shades are an excellent solution for covering wide windows and particularly, sliding glass doors. They’re functional, and they look great! You can even add the convenience of remote control motorization or automation to make your life even easier.
Home furnishings giant IKEA also sells panel track window coverings for seemingly less. But what are you really getting when you shop with IKEA? What is your shopping experience like?
Higher Better Business Bureau Customer Review Ratings
The difference between SelectBlinds.com Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer review ratings as compared with those IKEA might be the most glaring difference of them all. SelectBlinds.com rates at 4.25 out of 5 among its customers (currently with about 1,300 reviews) vs. IKEA, which rates at 1.11 rating out of 5 among its customers (currently ~250 reviews).
Why the difference? We’re invested in our customers’ success and go out of our way to create as seamless and helpful a shopping experience for you as we can. We love our customers and our customers love us. And it shows.
We’re The DIY Window Covering Experts!
We’ve been specializing in window coverings for the last 19 years (we recently celebrated another birthday!), and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. We’re subject matter experts when it comes to DIY window coverings, interior design, and what works best for your home design projects. IKEA does offer a wider variety of furniture, window coverings, and home improvement products, but without specialized window covering expertise.
You can tell we’re the best at what we do at SelectBlinds by our assortment, customer service ratings, and customer ratings. Who would you want to consult and do business with when it comes to finding the best, most stylish coverings for your windows?
Compare Our Assortment of Options
We offer a vast selection of window covering products (over 170), over 1,800 colors, to help you find exactly the window covering solution you need. You can customize your panel track shades in just about any size you can measure, with countless customization options, including remote control motorization and sync with Alexa or Google Home.
Though their price tag might look nicer, IKEA offers a very sparse selection of sheer sliding panel track window coverings at best, and without customization options. We’ve got what you need, customizable, and virtually always in stock.
We Offer You a Free Warranty
We’re so confident in the quality craftsmanship of our products, we offer a free warranty on ALL our products, not to mention free shipping, even for oversized orders. IKEA doesn’t offer any warranty on its meager selection of window coverings.
We Offer You Friendly, Personalized Customer Service
If you’ve ever spent an afternoon trying to resolve an outstanding issue with “big box store” customer service, you probably know how frustrating it can be. Often you’ll spend long stretches of time on hold, many times you’ll have to re-explain your situation to two or three different people, and sometimes you’ll have to call back at another time because you simply can’t spend another minute on it today. Every weekday between 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. PT you can easily reach us for prompt service, and then again from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT on Saturdays and Sundays. We also have online chat, and we also make a point to return emails promptly.
Case in point: How does the SelectBlinds.com customer service experience stack up against IKEA’s? According to company/customer service rating website Trustpilot.com, IKEA gets a 1.5 customer service ratingout of 5 from its customers (~19K reviews, 74% of which are categorized as “bad”) compared to SelectBlinds customer service review of 4.5 out of 5 (~1,300 reviews, 72% of which are categorized as “excellent”).
Need a good panel track shade recommendation? We make panel track shade selections from our four different product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!
Stay “on track” with the sun using versatile, light-filtering panel track verticals on sliding glass doors and large window walls. Mount them from the ceiling as a unique room divider, too.
Darken any room with a whole lotta flair. These modern vertical window coverings add style and elegance to any space, plus they work great for larger windows and sliding glass doors. Excellent for bedrooms and media rooms.
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.
Here’s the ideal solution for your sliding glass doors and large windows. Use the panels as a space divider or as a closet door. Style, function, and lovely light filtering.
Wherever you may roam, these “sun-sational” light-filtering solar panel track treatments will help you feel right at home with your large windows and patio doors.
*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.
We Want to See You in Your Dream Home!
DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating.
Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only atSelectBlinds.com.
You can always expect higher quality artistry from our custom bamboo & woven wood shades. When you compare custom-crafted woven wood shades with the off-the-shelf versions, you’ll start to notice some noticeable differences, beginning with the quality of workmanship. One factor that can add a degree of quality to your custom shades comes with adding a privacy or blackout liner. The type of liner discussed in this article is attached to the back of a window covering and is meant to face the exterior.
For starters, a liner adds a subtle, formal touch to bolster the overall aesthetic of your window treatments, not to mention a liner will enhance their functionality and how long they’ll last. Not only does a lining add some nice weight and depth to your window treatment, but it also helps it keep its shape intact and keep its crisp, unmussed appearance.
Types of Shade Liners
Liners offer a crisper, more professional look for your window treatments, but there are also different types of liners that serve different purposes. The most common types of liners are standard/privacy liners and blackout liners.
There are others like thermal liners, water-repellent liners, and interlining (which, in the case of fabric window coverings, like drapery or Roman shades, is inserted between the front and back of the window covering). We’ll go over standard and blackout liners here.
Standard, or Privacy Liner – A standard shade liner (often referred to as a privacy liner) usually consists of lightweight fabric (usually white or off-white) to add weight to reinforce your shade’s thickness, and create, overall, a fuller, richer window covering. The neutral white color keeps a consistent appearance for street-facing windows. Standard liners enhance the privacy offered by your window treatment, and they can also reduce incoming UV rays to help keep your furniture and interior from fading.
Blackout Liner – These liners are ideal for bedrooms and media rooms, and are meant to block out up to 99% of incoming light and glare. Blackout liners typically come in white/off-white neutral colors, and tend to be of heavier, thicker weight. They’re great for when you want to watch your favorite movie or game, unencumbered by incoming glare, and also for weekends . . . when you might just want to sleep in!
Room Darkening Liner – These liners are also great for bedrooms and media rooms, and you might even like one in your home office. They don’t block out as much light as a blackout liner, but you’ll still get a subdued lighting effect in your interior space. Room darkening liners also generally come in white/off-white neutral colors, and tend to be of heavier, thicker weight.
The 3 Best Things About a Shade Liner
Better Insulation
Liners on the back of your woven wood shades add an additional layer of insulation between incoming noise and your interior. This is the perfect enhancement for more quiet indoors that you’ll appreciate.
Better Light Control
More insulation on the back of your shade means fewer UV rays peeking through, and more protection for the shade itself, and for your furniture and indoor space. Keep the outside outside, and your indoors indoors.
Better Privacy Control
Shade liners are especially effective for lining window treatments made with thinner and more sheer fabrics. They can provide more privacy, especially at night.
More Personalized
In short, liners for your custom bamboo & woven wood shades (or for any other type of window treatment) add an additional degree of personalization and quality to make your window coverings more ‘yours.”
Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space
What would look amazing with those liners you’re considering? Some of our beautiful, custom-crafted woven wood and bamboo shades for your windows! If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!
Liven up your windows with this popular array of exotic woven woods. Naturally filter light through the unique textures, or add a privacy or blackout liner for more light and privacy control. Privacy and blackout liner upgrades available.
Upgrade your interior aesthetic, starting with these window coverings to go from basic and boring to exotic and exciting. These lovely woven woods come in beautiful, natural materials and patterns to match any design you can dream up for your space. Privacy and blackout liner upgrades available.
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.
Level-up your interior design skills by featuring these dazzling woven woods. Choose from a wide selection of gorgeous woods ranging from light to dark neutrals. Room darkening and blackout liner upgrades available.
Create the ultimate escape in your own interior space. These timeless woven woods are just the ticket to finish off your latest home reno project, regardless of your personal sense of style and design. Room darkening and blackout liner upgrades available.
*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.
Create the Home You’ve Always Dreamed About
So you’ve decided to do a home redesign, and your vision is to create a dream home you’ll be proud of. Or, maybe you just want to redesign a single room in your house. Never fear! DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating.
Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only atSelectBlinds.com.
Maybe your personal design taste calls for a traditional window style, or perhaps for something more modern. Regardless of what your personal style dictates, or what your budget is, we at SelectBlinds are pleased to tell you that we have the perfect custom solution for you. We offer you more than 170 different customizable products, in a selection of over 1800 colors, with countless feature combinations, upgrades, and add-ons available. Did we already say that we can make any budget happy?
You might not want window coverings that are merely functional. You might want something stylish, as well. It will likely be great news to you that you can enjoy window shades that are stylish and also that function smoothly, the way you want and need them to! What would work best in your home?
What Is the Difference Between Shades and Blinds?
First, though the two terms are often used interchangeably, let’s distinguish shades from blinds.
Basically, shades hang down from the top of a window to the bottom, but they feature a solid, continuous surface that covers the window, and which can be raised or lowered to open up the view outward or to cover up for privacy. Shades are commonly crafted using fabrics, bamboo/woven woods, lightweight cellular material, and sheer fabrics. Curtains, though not technically shades, have similar qualities, in that they’re a solid, hanging surface that covers your windows.
Blinds are also hanging window treatments, but they feature either horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted open or closed, usually with some sort of mechanism. Different kinds of blinds are crafted using various materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and PVC.
What Types of Shades and Curtains Are In Style?
Here are some examples of popular styles of shades and curtains, ranging from traditional to less traditional.
Roller Shades – Regardless of how you roll — casual, modern, Farmhouse — there are custom roller shades to match your unique sense of style. Layer roll-up window coverings in colors, textures, and patterns that fit any interior design.
Cellular / Honeycomb Shades – Keep the home vibe cool, calm, and quiet with energy-efficient cellular shades. With kid-friendly cordless lift options, they’re the safest choice for homes with little ones and/or pets.
Roman Shades – Can you be trendy and traditional at the same time? Of course! For example, take the classic, customizable Roman shade. This luxurious fabric window covering never goes out of style and works with the trendiest interiors.
Bamboo / Woven Wood Shades – Get your home Pinterest perfect with these natural-looking custom bamboo / woven wood shades in your windows. Personalize them even more with your own lined option selections for more light & privacy control.
Dual / Zebra Shades – Your home is your showcase. Show off your unique taste with stylish, unique sheer zebra shades. Enjoy the ease of a roller with the look of a horizontal blind to add dimension and texture to windows. Watch them operate, and you’ll be sold!
Solar Shades – You love bright sunlight streaming through your windows. And who wouldn’t? Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, though. Harmful UV rays can fade furnishings. Custom interior solar shades can help.
Exterior Solar Shades – Keep your cool and enjoy your patio and decks longer. Beat the heat while protecting your outdoor furnishings with a weather-resistant custom cordless exterior solar sun shade. You’ll also maintain your exterior view!
Skylight Shades – Whether you live in a tiny house or a mansion, a skylight window is a feature worth showcasing. Show it off right with custom, sun-blocking shades that fit your style. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
Arched Window Shades – Do coverings for your arched windows seem out of reach? Not with these custom shades for arched windows. Light filtering or blackout fabrics add function and elegance to even the highest arched windows. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Window Treatments?
Image courtesy of Noby Howell, @howell.home
Quality shades, curtains, blinds, or shutters can last for several years (especially when installed correctly and maintained regularly), and there is no hard rule of thumb regarding how often you should replace them. Basically, replace them as needed, and according to your personal preference, as trends and fashions change and evolve.
Follow manufacturer directions when using and maintaining your window treatments, in order to preserve them as long as possible. Dust and/or wipe them down on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean your window treatments at least twice annually in order to reduce heavy dust accumulation. Curtains tend to be somewhat easier to maintain, as they can be removed for laundering, dry cleaning, or steaming as you need to.
Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space
If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!
Sleep better (and longer!) with budget-saving blackout roller shades crafted with flame-retardant vinyl fiberglass and then laminated with another layer of vinyl for extra strength and durability.
Less cluttered, kid-safe, budget-friendly, and simply stylish, these energy-efficient cordless cellulars are the perfect finishing touch to any window and design aesthetic.
Upgrade your windows with these trend-setting favorites! Clutter-free, stylish, and affordable, there’s virtually no limit to how good your windows will look.
*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.
Alternating wide and narrow bands of durable, easy-care fabric combine to give this modern light control window treatment its distinctive zebra-stripe appearance.
Picture these luminous, custom-made sheer fabric window treatments blocking up to 99% of UV rays when closed and up to 88% when open to help protect your furniture and interior, and to gently diffuse light.
*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.
See it all more clearly inside and out with these interior solar shades. The 5% openness of the fade resistant fabric helps reduce harsh incoming light so you can still enjoy your outward views.
Elevate your outdoor experience with the convenience and ease-of-use of these motorized solars. Plus, they come with a gorgeous oil-rubbed valance along with cable tie-downs!
The perfect combination of fashion and function with these visually tantalizing jewel-toned window drapes. Manage light and privacy in style. Perfect for any room’s interior design.
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.
Your hard-to-reach skylight windows should be a breeze to cover with these room-darkening honeycomb shades. Several alluring colors, with optional motorization and other upgrades!
You’ll love this modern and functional solution for your arched windows in light-filtering fabric that comes in a wide selection of colors. A custom fit for even the most uniquely shaped arched windows.
*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.
Take More Control Over How Your Dream Home Turns Out
DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating.
Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only atSelectBlinds.com.
Whether you prefer a traditional window style, or something more modern, we at SelectBlinds have the perfect custom solution for you. We offer you more than 170 different customizable products, in over 1800 colors, with countless feature combinations, upgrades, and add-ons available. Did we already say that we can make any budget happy?
What are the most popular types of window treatments? You might not want window coverings that are merely functional. You might want something stylish, as well. It should come as good news that you can enjoy window treatments that are stylish and also that function smoothly, the way they’re supposed to! So, what would work best in your home? In the second installment of this article, we’ll go into more detail regarding window shades and curtains. For now, let’s discuss some of the most popular types of window treatments, blinds in particular, and how they function.
What Is the Difference Between Blinds and Shades?
First, though the two terms are often used interchangeably, let’s distinguish blinds from shades.
Basically, blinds are hanging window treatments, that can have either horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted open or closed, usually with some sort of mechanism. Different kinds of blinds are made with a wide variety of materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and PVC. Shades, on the other hand, also hang down from the top of a window to the bottom, but they feature a solid, continuous surface that covers the window, and which can be raised or lowered to open up the view outward or to cover up for privacy. Shades can be made from fabrics, bamboo/woven woods, lightweight cellular material, or sheer fabrics, to name a few.
What Types of Blinds Are In Style?
Let’s talk about blinds first. Here are some examples of popular styles of blinds, ranging from traditional to less traditional.
Wood Blinds – Solid, natural-looking wood blinds can add real value and style to your home. They are custom quality-crafted to be long-lasting and to add texture, depth, and dimension to your windows and interiors.
Faux Wood Blinds – Custom faux wood blinds are more budget-friendly, yet still, high-quality window treatments that don’t look like fake wood! Try faux woods out and get that real-wood look without stressing out your budget! Note that faux wood and aluminum blinds work exceptionally well in damp environments, like kitchens and bathrooms, where they won’t get warped or get moldy. If you decide to install wood blinds or fabric shades in your kitchen (i.e., over your kitchen sink) or bathroom, know that you might need to replace them sooner.
Aluminum Mini Blinds – If you’re looking for solid, durable, all-purpose custom window treatment, that also looks great, you should give aluminum mini blinds a chance. Mini aluminum blinds feature slats that measure about half the width of the slats of regular size blinds. They are not only budget-friendly, but they also add a modern, crisp, clean touch to your space. Note that aluminum and faux wood blinds work exceptionally well in damp environments, like kitchens and bathrooms, where they won’t get warped or get moldy. If you decide to install wood blinds or fabric shades in your kitchen (i.e., over your kitchen sink) or bathroom, know that you might need to replace them sooner.
Shutters –Louvered shutters, a traditional framed blind with an exposed vertical tilt bar in the middle of the panel for opening and closing, are the peak of posh for window treatments. Easily hang them yourself to transform your house with the unsurpassed style and quality found only in this coveted take on slat blinds. Either in wood or faux wood, they are an excellent investment in your home’s resale value!
Vertical Blinds – A trendy twist on these classic coverings for sliding glass and patio doors provides an excellent solution for covering wide doors and windows. Our versatile vertical blinds come in updated colors, fabrics, and textures to complement your interior design anywhere in your home.
Panel Track Blinds – Get your window design right on track with trendsetting, smooth custom sliding panel track blinds. Just choose the number of wide vertical panels you prefer to make a stunning statement for covering sliding glass doors, as well as for large windows.
Fabric Blinds – A much softer version to the eyes and to the touch of the classic blinds made of solid materials? Soften up any room with the flexible fabric slats (or solid slats wrapped in fabric) of these fresh-looking, custom fabric blinds for your windows.
How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Window Treatments?
Quality blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, or any other types of window treatments can last you for many years (particularly when installed correctly and maintained regularly). There really is no rule of thumb regarding how often you should replace them. Basically, replace them according to your personal preference, as trends and fashions change and evolve.
Just be sure to follow manufacturer directions when using blinds or shades, in order to preserve them as long as possible. Dust and/or wipe them down on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean your window treatments at least twice annually in order to reduce heavy dust accumulation. Curtains tend to be somewhat easier to maintain, as they can be removed for laundering, dry cleaning, or steaming as you need to.
Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space
If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer viable design solutions for any budget. How about spending some time window shopping to see what custom solutions we’ve got for you?
Cover your large windows and patio doors with the subtle textures and soft color palette of these soothing fabric verticals. Amazing for almost any space!
*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.
Budget- and kid-friendly cordless faux wood blinds are exactly the solution your family and home need. The printed wood grains give the horizontal slats a realistic, wood-like look and feel.
These versatile, modern-looking cordless aluminum mini blinds are amazingly affordable and simple to install and use. No wand needed. Just tilt and lift with the bottom rail.
*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.
Take your décor up a notch with these high-quality fabric vertical blinds, available in a trendy selection of relaxing colors and patterns. Perfect for patio doors and wide windows.
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.
Forget those traditional verticals and deck out your large windows and sliding glass or patio doors in ultimate style with these blackout panel tracks.
Upgrade your windows with the classic, elegant look they deserve. These beautifully hand-crafted natural basswood shutters will astound for years to come!
*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.
Take More Control Over How Your Dream Home Turns Out
DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating.
Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only atSelectBlinds.com.
Have you met any of our Select Blinds design consultants? Select Blinds customers now haveFREE access to professional one-on-one design consulting, as another way SelectBlinds.com strives to support you in all your home upgrade project efforts. That’s right. Free design consulting.
Got a quick question? Give one of our consultants a call.
Have an interior design hiccup you need help troubleshooting and resolving? Give your consultant a call.
No matter the size or scope of your project, no matter what you’re working on, or whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or real estate agent, we’re here for you. For free!
Call us today at (855) 235-3120.
So, What Does a Typical Day Look Like for a SelectBlinds.com Design Consultant?
How exactly does your design consultant work?
Your consultant is responsible for:
Learning all about your projects and goals and then guiding you forward to get them over the finish line.
Engaging with your projects and goals by asking probing follow-up questions.
Getting to know you one-on-one and giving you the personalized care and attention you deserve as you work through your projects.
Understanding your level of knowledge, and exactly what kind of assistance you need or want.
Providing design guidance, recommendations, and troubleshooting obstacles that may arise.
Always following up with you, as needed. In other words, one less thing for you to worry about.
Once your design consultant learns more about your goals, the applications, and your desired level of assistance, he or she can customize each interaction to perfectly meet your needs and help save you time.
Interactions between you and your consultant go beyond simple Q&A sessions and are meant to be more conversational. Your consultant will closely follow and track the thread of your project, documenting your project journey along the way. Your conversations will not be sales-focused, but rather are intended to best educate, guide, and fulfill your goals.
Through the relevant information, your consultant and you will get to know one another, develop a rapport, and you can expect timely follow-ups that you don’t have to plan yourself.
Well-versed and trained on all quality products and solutions, including their optimal applications, differences, and benefits.
Excited about staying up-to-date with all the latest design and style trends, as well as geographical considerations
Focused on helping anticipate/prevent problems before they occur, depending on your needs and their applications.
Tools are provided to your consultant to better classify your projects, to better take the opportunity for needed follow-ups, and to better see each of your projects through to completion. Your consultant will also be given omnichannel communication capabilities to help him or her meet a wide variety of customer project needs.
Take Control of Taking Your Home to the Next Level!
DIY doesn’t have to mean “all by yourself.” For indoor spaces or outdoor spaces, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating.
SelectBlinds.com is here to support you all the way from start to finish with tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier. We’re just as invested in your success as you are! Make your house ALL YOURS as you personalize it just for you, without breaking the bank. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process.
Check out our FREEinterior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every day. Only atSelectBlinds.com.
