Blindster Frequently Asked Questions Part 3
If you’ve got questions about window treatments, we’ve got answers. At Blindster, we know that many homeowners and homebuilders put their priorities elsewhere during the construction and buying process. Whether they’re picking out appliances for the kitchen, deciding which color to paint the living room, or debating if it’s worth it to install hardwood floors, those decisions often push things like buying blinds and shades to the bottom of the list.
But eventually, all homeowners and homebuilders have to decide what types of window coverings to install—and making a smart decision often means asking many questions. If you want more information to help make the measuring, installing, and buying process easier, check out our frequently asked questions below or contact one of our customer support representatives.
Wood blinds are a great option for homeowners who want a natural and elegant look when purchasing window treatments. If you ordered wood blinds and found that they’re too long to fit your windows, or if you want to move them to smaller windows in your home, you can shorten them to a get a perfect fit.
**Note that you cannot shorten a cordless wood blind - cutting the lift cords and ladders will cause the tension mechanism to pull the lift cords into the headrail, rendering the blind inoperable. For standard cordlock blinds, follow the below steps:
To shorten your wood blinds, remove the plus on the bottom rail to reveal the knotted lift cord. Untie that knot and slide the bottom rail off the cords. With the bottom rail remove, pull the cords out of the slats you wish to remove. Store the extra slats in a safe location in case you need to reattach them to your window or replace broken slats.
After removing the extra slats, reattach the bottom rail by placing it at the bottom of the blind and feeding the cords through its openings. Cut any additional lengths of cord, slide the plugs back on, tie the remaining lengths of cord together, and place the plugs back inside the bottom rail.
If you live in a hot climate or have felt the sun’s hot rays heating up your home during the summer, you’ve probably wondered how to make your windows more energy efficient by keeping hot air outside of your home. Cellular shades are highly effective at insulating your home and keeping cold air inside and hot air outside. You can also consider purchasing blackout shades, which are designed to eliminate as much light as possible from entering your home.
Cellular shades are sometimes more expensive than other types of shades due to their complexity and versatility. Instead of being made from a single piece of fabric, cellular shades are manufactured by combining multiple layers of material to create pleats. Single cell shades work well to insulate your home and aer perfect for budget-minded homeowners, while double and triple cell cellular shades have a higher upfront cost but can help reduce your home’s energy bill.
As the name suggests, cordless cellular shades are shades that are operated without the use of a cord, string, loop, or chain. Cordless cellular shades are a popular choice because of how easy they are to operate, their matte and sleek appearance, and their lack of lift cord, which can ease the minds of parents and pet owners.
Plantation window blinds look like shutters that you install inside your home as indoor window coverings. Plantation shutters can provide a unique and charming look to your windows while also offering excellent insulation, light blocking/regulation, and resale value. With real wood and faux wood options, plantation shades can fit virtually any home’s interior and budget.
Whether you’re replacing, repairing, or moving vertical blinds, removing them from your windows or doors is a snap and easy process. The first step involves removing the blades from the track that holds them in place and allows them to slide along the length of the window or door. To do this, rotate the blades until they halfway open. Then, remove each individual blade by pushing upwards, opening the clip, and then twisting the blade until it is able to be removed from the track.
Once the blades are removed, locate the brackets on the back of the track. Place a screwdriver inside the opening of the spring clip and twist it until the clip releases. Complete this process on both sides of the track to release it from the brackets. If you plan on removing the blinds entirely or installing a different type of window covering, you should also remove the mounting brackets after removing the vertical blinds.
Because windows come in all shapes and sizes and blind installations can vary from inside and outside mounts, there is no true standard size for window blinds. However, many windows fall within the range of 36 to 72 inches in length and 24 to 60 inches in depth, especially in homes with traditional floorplans and apartments. If you’re considering purchasing blinds or shades from Blindster, it’s important that you properly and accurately measure the interior of your window frame for an inside mount and the full area you wish to cover with the window covering for an outside mount.
Picture windows are great for providing breathtaking views of the outdoors and letting in ample amounts of natural lighting, but buying the perfect window coverings can be difficult given their size and prominence in your home. At Blindster, we recommend choosing a window covering that fits your home’s décor and style, as well as your personal preferences. Large wood and faux wood blinds can greatly enhance the beauty of large picture windows, while aluminum blinds offer a more practical and economic approach.
Roller shades are a simple and yet highly effective window covering that are completely obstructing when fully opened while also being great for blocking out light and protecting your privacy when closed. Some of the most prominent pros and cons of this type of window treatment include:
Pros
- A sleek, built-in look that disappears when the shade is fully open
- Provides an alternative to curtains and other heavy draperies
- Quick and easy to clean, requires very little maintenance and upkeep
Cons
- May not provide the visual appeal some homeowners look for in window coverings
- Can be difficult to operate if the rolling mechanism becomes damaged or jammed
