Blinds Shades
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 BaMBOO RoMAN SHaDES BLiNDS 36x72 WiNDoW TReATMeNTS MaHoGANY NePAL CoLoR  US $19.95
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 Bali Today 36 x 54 in Coconut Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5405 95 US $16.99
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 Bali Today 42 x 72 in Coconut Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5407 95 US $22.99
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 Bali Today 36 x 54 in Honey Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5405 63 US $16.99
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 Ambria 23W x 72L Roller Shade Bamboo Oriental or Tropical Decor with Valance US $30.00
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 INDOOR OUTDOOR WOODGRAIN PVC ROLLUP WINDOW SHADE BLIND US $89.96
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 NEW Umbra Pole Pocket Origami Cloth Fabric Roman Shade 30 x 64 ColorLinen US $49.95
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 Bali Today 27 in x 72 in Honey Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5401 63 US $14.99
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 Custom Bali Today 33 x 72 in Coconut Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5404 95 US $18.99
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 Somfy Impresario Chronis RTS Silver US $300.00
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 Bali Today 23in x 72in Coconut Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5400 95 US $14.99
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 Bamboo Roll Up Blind 34 W 64 L US $8.95
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 Angels Baseball Mini Blinds Shade Window Coverings Anaheim Los Angeles Angels US $5.00
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 Bali Today 48 in x 72 in Honey Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5408 63 US $22.99
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 Bali Today 23 in x 54 in Coconut Premium Faux Wood 75 5412 95 US $14.99
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 Custom Bali Today 215 x 72 inch Coconut Premium Blind 75 5400 95 US $14.99
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 Custom Bali Today 21 x 72 in Honey Premium Faux Wood Blind 75 5400 63 US $15.99
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 Custom 1 Cordless Aluminum Mini Blinds FREE SHIPPING US $30.99
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 Custom 1 2 Cordless Honeycomb Cellular Shade Blind US $29.99
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 Custom 2 Designer Faux Wood Window Blinds FREE SHIP US $26.99
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 Custom 3 1 2 Vertical Designer Faux Wood Window Blinds FREE SHIPPING US $47.99
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 Custom Express Faux Wood Window Blinds FREE SHIPPING US $16.99
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 Custom 2 Premium Faux Wood Blinds FREE SHIPPING US $29.99
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 Custom Made 3 1 2 Vertical Faux Wood Window Blinds US $39.99
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 Custom 2 Real Wood Window Blinds FREE SHIPPING US $31.99
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 Custom 1 Aluminum Mini Blind FREE SHIPPING US $18.99
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 10 VERTICAL BLIND Zinc Vane Saver CURVED REPAIR CLIPS US $4.95
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 Hunter Douglas Horizontal Blinds 2 Wood used Very Good Condition US $20.50
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 Window Filter Fabric Blind Shade Size 283 8 W x 56 3 8 L Unused US $19.99
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 Cordless Aluminum Mini Blind FREE SHIPPING US $29.99
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 Rollereze Solar Shades Heat Controlling Window Shade US $60.00
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 Wrights Drapery Roman shade blind polyester cord 24yds US $3.50
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 Bamboo Roll Up Blind 48 x 62 by Lewis Hyman US $54.99
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 lewis hyman Roll Up blind 48x 68 exellents conditions in box not use US $22.83
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 SET OF 3 ROLL UP BAMBOO WINDOW SHADE BLIND 4W X 6L NEW US $44.85
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 Pair Double Helix Blackout Blinds Tan New In Package Free Shipping US $55.00
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 2 C MOR 1 Vinyl Slat Mini Window Blinds Alabaster 14 Widex76 Long 14x76 NEW US $23.64
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 ONE DOZEN 2 1 2 VALANCE CLIPS for 2 WOOD BLIND S57D US $5.95
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 Rangoon NEW Flat Fold Roman Bamboo Window Blind Shade 35 X 72 US $15.99
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 NEW HUNTER DOUGLAS VIGNETTE FABRIC WINDOW SHADINGS 15 3 4 X 66 INCH US $7.95
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 Rangoon NEW Flat Fold Roman Bamboo Window Blind Shade 48 X 64 US $15.99
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 2 New Illinois Shade Co Antique Gold Metal Shades Blinds Pulls US $9.99
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 ONE DOZEN 2 1 2 VALANCE C CLIPS for 2 WOOD BLIND US $2.95
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 INDOOR OUTDOOR WHITE OVAL PVC ROLLUP WINDOW SHADE BLIND US $89.96
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 10 Pk VERTICAL BLIND Vinyl Vane Saver ZINC REPAIR CLIPS US $4.95
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 CORDLESS TOP DOWN BOTTOM UP CELLULAR WINDOW SHADE BLIND CUSTOM MADE FREE SHIP US $212.00
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 2 23 x 72 Woven Wood Blinds NEW Never used in original Box US $19.99
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 natural cotton roman shades US $75.00
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 Installation Spacer 1 1 2 x 1 1 8 x 1 2 for shades or blinds US $3.99
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 4 Extension Brackets 6 for shades or blinds US $4.99
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 10 VERTICAL BLIND Vane Saver WHITE CURVED REPAIR CLIPS US $9.95
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 ONE DOZEN 1 MINI BLIND Double Slat VALANCE CLIPS S55D US $5.95
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 Roman Blinds US $200.00
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 10 Pk VERTICAL BLIND Vinyl Vane Saver FLAT REPAIR CLIPS US $4.95
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 ONE DOZEN 2 WOOD BLIND Short Projection VALANCE CLIPS US $6.75
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 Park B Smith Magic Window Blinds Roman Shades Lined Pole Pocket Rod Slip Red US $14.99
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 BLACKOUT CORDLESS TOP DOWN BOTTOM UP CELL WINDOW SHADE BLIND CUSTOM FREE SHIP US $248.00
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 10 Pack VERTICAL BLIND Vane Saver OFF WHITE Ivory CURVED REPAIR CLIPS for Vinyl US $9.95
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 Mandelhi Bamboo Roman Shade length 98 inch US $92.99
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 ONE DOZEN 3 VALANCE CLIPS for Wood or Vertical Blinds US $5.95
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 Vertical Blind Channel Panel VALANCE CLIP cp196 US $1.45
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 2 Faux Wood Blinds Size 28 x 84 Stain Colors Real Grain Look US $44.88
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 2 Faux Wood Blinds Size 24 x 84 Stain Colors Real Grain Look US $41.88
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 Indian Ginger Bamboo Roman Shade length 74 inch US $47.99
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 Tropical Rustic Bamboo Roman Shade length 74 inch US $42.99
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 2 Faux Wood Blinds Size 32 x 48 Stain Colors Real Grain Look US $33.88
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 Customized 2 faux wood blinds width 69 US $68.39
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 Pure White Window Roller Shades Length 72 inch FS US $40.99
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 Bali Natural Bamboo Roman Shade length 54 inch US $35.69
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 Premium Cream Window Roller Shades Length 72 inch FS US $40.99
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 Petite Tropical Bamboo Roman Shade length 74 inch US $32.99
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 35 x 64 Savannah Roman Shade GOLDUST 1595 FREE SHIPPING US $25.00
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 TribenBamboo Roman Shade length 54 inch US $32.99
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 Petite Tropical Bamboo Roman Shade length 54 inch US $32.99
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 STRAIGHT EDGE EASY FIT BLOCK SUN WALL WINDOW ROLLER BLIND COLOUR SIZES AVAILABLE US $31.60
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 Custom Fabric Roman Shades 47 to 72 FREE SHIPPING US $49.49
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 Hunter Douglas Window Shades Factory Sealed CLEAROUT PRICE US $1,250.00
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 Lights Out sealed blackout window cover small US $18.75
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 Linden Street COTTON THERMAL ROMAN SHADE Blind 64L NIP US $47.88
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 2 Elegant Fauxwood Window Blinds Size 30 x 60 5 Beautiful Color Choices US $35.88
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The Confusing World of Blinds and Shades
If you think about it, there are probably very few homes, apartments or condominiums without some kind of window covering. And, yet, this ubiquitous household item seems to fly under just about everyone’s radar - that is until we need them.
Window treatments are not a sexy topic, let’s face. But, we all need them and I believe they are underrated and under-appreciated. It is also my experience that there is a lot of confusion about blinds or shades. There seems to be so many choices, colors, sizes, and functions. Then there are other issues like, how to measure your windows and how to install them. For the uninitiated, I imagine that selecting, purchasing and installing blinds can seem like a real pain. So people turn to professionals and end up spending much more than is necessary. This article is intended to address the most common questions and confusion points, help you get past them, be more satisfied with your purchase and hopefully even save you some money.
One of the most common areas of confusion exists in measuring, specifically height versus width versus depth. So which is which? The height of a blind or shade is how tall it is when it is fully covering the window, normally the long vertical axis of a window (up and down). A simpler way to think of this is the part of the window shade that moves up and down. This doesn’t hold true for window shutters. The width of a blind or shade is the horizontal axis of the window (side to side) and the depth is the space between the window casing and the actual window. A simple way to visualize depth is to imagine where you’d put a pie to cool in the window. All these measurements are extremely important because they will determine the finished look of the installed window treatment, as well as the functionality.
Another common issue that comes up is less about confusion but more about satisfaction, and that is ordering samples. Most window treatments retailers offer free samples so that you can see for yourself whether or not the blind, shade or shutter is the right color and how it might look in your window. This is generally a must and will reduce or eliminate any unwanted surprises.
The next common issue is, once people receive their blinds, they don’t take the time to read the instructions. Most of the manufacturers have gone to considerable effort to help you with your new purchase. I know - reading instructions can be a real drag but it is generally necessary and can often help you avoid common mistakes.
Narrowing your options will help avoid the next area of confusion. Here are some basic discovery questions that you should ask yourself before you start your process. Do you want the blind or shade to add insulation to your window? If so, consider cellular shades, or other shades with an insulating liner. Also, there are types of shutters that offer insulation. How much light do you want in your room? Do you want room darkening, blackout, or light filtering? If you want to preserve your view even when the shade is closed, consider sheer shades or solar screens. If you want room darkening, the choices are vast, from mini blinds to shutters to pleated and cellular shades. If you want true room darkening, consider roller shades or other shades with a blackout liner. You just need to know what you want in advance so you are not surprised when you install your windows.
The next two areas of confusion are measuring and installing. Measuring your blinds is easy. My advice is to go to You Tube and search for “measuring for blinds and shades.” There are numerous helpful and simple videos that will walk you through the process. It only takes a few minutes. Installing window treatments also seems to get a bad rap. But it is much easier than you think. I was told once that if you can hang a mirror than you can install blinds. Again, I advice that you read the instructions that come with your purchase and make sure you have a few very basic tools like a screwdriver, preferably an electric screwdriver, to save your wrists. All the other parts come from the manufacturer. There are also videos on the internet that will help guide you through this process.
The last issue and point of confusion is understanding the available options. The most common option is top down/bottom up. This is a privacy option common for bathroom and bedroom windows, wherein the shade can be closed but you can let the top portion of the window down so that you let in light but people can peer into your room. Or, you can lift the bottom portion up when you just want to let in light. This is a common option for all types of shades liked pleated shades and roman shades.
About the Author
So, there you have it the world of blinds and shades de-obfuscated. I hope some of this helps with your next window treatments purchase. - David Brooks
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