FAQ – Window Coverings
1. How do I choose the right window covering?
Think about why you need to cover your window and what are your primary concerns, privacy, insulation, energy savings, security, light control, or style?
2. What is the difference between shades, blinds and shutters?
These are known as hard coverings or treatments rather than drapery, which is soft coverings or treatments.
Shades
Shades are a classic way to cover your windows. Shades are made from rolled, folded or stacked fabric that can be raised or lowered to let in light or provide privacy. Types of shades include: Roller Shades, Woven Shades, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Solar Shades, and Roman Shades.
Blinds
Blinds are a classic window covering choice because of their versatility and simplicity. Blinds have louvers, or slats, that can be opened or closed to allow more or less light into a room, and they come in different colours and styles. Types of blinds include: Wooden Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds, and Aluminum Blinds.
California Shutters
California shutters are horizontal blinds made from wood and have wider louvers than traditional blinds. They can be used to let in air while keeping out sunlight and are available in various finishes. Types of shutters include: Wood Shutters and Polyresin Shutters.
3. Why are energy-efficient window coverings important?
Energy-efficient window coverings will save you money year-round on the cost of heating and cooling the rooms which they are installed as they prevent heat loss and heat gain in order to keep the rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Types of energy-efficient window coverings include cellular shades/honeycomb, roller shades with very high-density fabrics, and California shutters.
4. What are the benefits of motorized window coverings?
Convenience
The ability to adjust every window covering in your home with a simple touch of a button. This is a time saver for homes with a lot of windows, or those hard to reach windows.
Security
Automation of your window coverings can make your home look “lived in” while you’re away. Some motorized window coverings can be opened or closed using an app on your phone, others can be set on a timer.
Child Safety
The elimination of the pull cords makes motorized window coverings the ideal option for families with babies and young children. With the flip of a remote switch, or through your phone the motorized technology allows for safe, and effortless control.
5. What are the benefits of cordless window coverings?
Cordless system is one of the safest options for homes with babies and young children as there are no dangling cords to get caught on. Not only is this system safer, it is also convenient since it makes raising and lowering blinds and shades easy. Cords are out of reach and provide a clean and uncluttered look while holding blinds and shades securely in any position.
6. What is opacity?
The term when speaking of window coverings is how much light filters through the fabric. There are several opacities for various usage. Light, to let in most light, medium light filtering shades, and room darkening, or blackout shades that let in little to no sunlight. Types of window coverings with blackout feature include cellular shades/honeycomb, roller shades (both of them with opaque fabrics), and California shutters.
7. What are the benefits of top-down/bottom-up window coverings?
This feature is on all cellular, pleated and natural wood shades that use two sets of lift cords. This enables the shade to be opened by lowering the top-down or by lifting the bottom-up. Different than the standard shade that are opened by lifting the bottom. This is great for privacy while still allowing your preferred amount lighting in.
8. What are the differences between inside mount, outside mount and side mount?
The mount refers to the way in which the window covering will be hung, this can be either inside, outside, or on the side of the window.
Inside Mount
Mounted inside the window opening. An inside mount is the most common way to hang blinds and provides a clean look.
Outside Mount
Mounted outside the window either on the wood frame, or above the wood frame. Outside mount can make a window appear larger and is great for doors, or windows with shallow depth.
Side Mount
Mounted within your window frame on both the left and right side. Select products may only come with a side mount if inside or outside mounts is not an option.
Not sure if you should go with blinds, shades or shutters? We’re more than a window covering store. Come speak to one of our in-store experts and he or she will help you through every step of the process — including coming to your home to measure your windows for free with our Shop-at-Home service! We guarantee that you will be 100 percent satisfied, from selection to installation.
