Window Shades and Blinds Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting, measuring, installing and maintaining your window shades and blinds can be confusing, frustrating and costly for many consumers. Sure, you can hire a professional designer but you’ll pay a hefty premium.

But doing it yourself doesn’t have to be impossible for most people; if you have basic tools like a tape measure and cordless drill, you can buy and install your own window shades and blinds, saving money and having the satisfaction of doing the job yourself!

Most online window blinds retailers and suppliers publish their catalog and peddle their wares; they may have a few basic tips on how to measure windows for blinds, but that’s about it. Here at Bamboo Blinds we are dedicated to providing unbiased, detailed information, tips and ideas for you the consumer.

Since we get hundreds of questions each month by email, we decided to publish the most frequently asked questions people send in, along with the answers! We’ve linked each answer to more detailed information on the topic so that you can easily learn more about anything that interests you:

Window shades, shutters or blinds not only offer privacy and light control but should also add style and beauty to your home or apartment!

Question: I have recently moved into a new home or apartment and need window coverings. What is the first thing I need to know if I want to buy the ideal blinds or shades?

Answer: To begin, consider your functional needs when considering what type of window coverings to purchase; privacy, light control, ease-of-use, style and budget are the basics. Next, prioritize your home or apartment room by room. This way you can start to make trade offs in terms of how much you are willing to spend to cover windows in each living area. You might, for example, decide to splurge on an elegant layered window treatment for your sitting room while going with something inexpensive such as mini-blinds in the bathroom.

Pleated shades, cellular shades or Roman shades work well in a modern style interior. Sheer window shades like these let light in while protecting against fading that UV rays can cause.

Question: Where should I buy window shades and blinds?

Answer: It used to be that you had to purchase window coverings at specialty shops or through a professional designer. Now, you have a wide range of retailers and suppliers from which to select. Shop around at home improvement stores and discount retailers for the best deals; however you may find the quality and selection are limited, especially if you don’t live in a major urban city. The Internet has revolutionized the window fashions industry in recent years; you can now shop online for an amazing variety of window shades and blinds at discount prices; whether you need custom window shades or have standard-sized windows suited to made-to-measure blinds you can save money and time by shopping online.

Question: I have a room with large picture windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight. How can I protect my furniture and décor from fading due to harmful ultra-violet rays in without ruining the views?

Answer: If you are lucky enough to have large picture windows with a great view in your home or flat, rejoice! You have plenty of options to control how much light enters the room. First, consider whether you want to cover a large picture window at all; if not, you can leave the window bare so that you get full advantage of the view; have your window(s) tinted with protective UV window film to ensure your flooring, furniture and other belongings don’t fade. On the other hand, if you also need privacy in the room sometimes, then Venetian blinds or cellular shades make the most sense; when lowered they will protect your room from direct UV rays and when the sun is not beating down on the window(s) you can simply raise them as desired. When raised completely, a horizontal blind or cellular shade stacks neatly and is hardly noticeable. Many window shades are available in a top-down, bottom-up configuration for ultimate flexibility in controlling light and privacy! Horizontal blinds offer even more flexibility since the louvres can be tilted as needed to filter and soften direct sunlight. Shades will give your room a nice soft glow when closed but may not darken the room entirely, depending on the type and weight of material you select.

Question: What type of window covering is best in my bathroom which looks out toward a neighbor’s facing windows?

Answer: If you are lucky enough to have windows in your bathroom, you’ll want to take advantage of the natural light they offer. But the special concerns of privacy, moisture and humidity really have to be considered when selecting window coverings in the bathroom. For the most part, wooden Venetian blinds or interior shutters are not recommended for use in the bathroom, since the louvres can warp, crack or split over time; look for wood blinds that are specially treated with a moisture-resistant finish or select faux wood blinds made of vinyl or else consider aluminum blinds. If you prefer window shades, look for shades made with a moisture-resistant material that is easy to clean.

A layered window treatment will give you control of privacy and light control while also enhancing the designer appeal of your room decor.

Question: I have kids and/or pets; what type of window treatment is best?

Answer: This is one of the most common questions we get. Obviously, kids and pets tend to be tough on window blinds and shades, so you have two strategies from which to select; purchase something durable, which will cost more or go with something very cheap, knowing you’ll probably need to replace window coverings sooner. Kids love to play with those pull cords, so first of all, be sure you get blinds with safety tassels (nearly all pull cord systems now include this feature) or choose window coverings that feature cordless operation. Avoid metal blinds if you have kids or pets as these can too easily be bent. Vertical blinds are also a good choice if you have a glass slider.

Question: I like the ease of use and versatility of window shades or blinds, but I want something more elegant with a ‘designer look’. What are my best options?

Answer: Many people like the contemporary look of Venetian-style blinds or pleated and cellular window shades. However, if you want the more formal look of curtains or drapes, you can dress your window treatment up by layering. One popular option is to use a simple window shade as a base layer. Over this base you can then install curtains or full length drapes. With either shades or window blinds, another way to give your window treatment a more formal look is to add a window topper; a custom cornice board or valance will add style, colour and give your window treatment a more complete and finished appearance.

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