Shawnee Blinds and Window Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

We’ll set up an appointment to come visit and review the windows that you’d like treatments on. We’ll bring samples to show you various options, fabrics, colors, operating systems, etc. At this time we’ll also review and measure each window so we can provide a custom fit. Once this visit is complete, we’ll provide an estimate in 1-2 business days.

No we don’t. We bring samples of our products so we can discuss options and see how the treatments would look and operate in the only place that’s really important…your home! If you see products in a showroom, you still have to meet at home to finalize everything…so why not start there?

In general, faux wood blinds are the least expensive. Many companies make faux wood blinds, so there is a lot of competition which keeps the price lower and makes them relatively easy to get.

Yes. All of our manufacturers provide some sort of warranty and most have what’s called a “limited lifetime warranty”. Copies of the warranty can be provided upon request.

Our window treatments are ordered to exact specifications for material, color, width, height and operating system. That allows for the best fit, best operation and best aesthetic value for each window.

This is how the window treatments work. For instance, faux and real wood blinds can be tilted using a corded or wand operating system. Treatments can be raised with manual or cordless operating systems. Motorization can be substituted for the tilt and/or lifting systems.

The term cutdown program refers to window treatments that are mass produced to certain sizes and then cut down to the specific width needed. Producing many at a time provides a cost savings. These are the window treatments you generally see in big box retail stores.

In general, it takes 4-5 weeks to receive most window treatments after the order is placed. Some treatments, such as imported and/or specialty shutters, take longer to produce. These typically arrive in 10-12 weeks after the order is placed.

Unless specifically noted, all of our estimates include removal and disposal of old window treatments (if necessary), the new treatments, installation and all applicable taxes. Check out the memo section on our estimates for complete information.

Inside mount treatments are mounted inside the window casing. Outside mount treatments are mounted in front of the casing, generally directly to the trim. In general, inside mount is optimal, but if there is not enough room (depth) in the window casing, outside mount can be used.

We’ve spent more than 8 years ordering, installing, operating, repairing and maintaining window treatments of all kinds. Through this process we’ve found a number of reputable manufacturers and products that we feel confident in recommending. But, we are always on the lookout for better options for our customers. We feel our job is to understand the window treatment industry and provide solutions to our customers that fit their budget and provide value and ease-of–use for many years to come. The best way to do that is to stay aware of options in the market and also to not get complacent about our current offerings.

Not necessarily. For instance, you might choose a specific fabric treatment for windows in your living room and another functional, but less expensive one for the windows in your bedrooms. In general, if you have windows that share the same wall and/or or sight line (for instance, living room and dining room windows in a great room setting), you might consider using the same treatments.

This is a great question and we hear it a lot! We believe what’s most important is whether or not you as the homeowner like the treatments. We encourage our customers to get what they like…what works best for them. Although there are always trends in the industry, they are just that…trends. They will change and something different will become “the new thing” soon enough. Therefore, do what’s right for you and enjoy your window treatments now!

Window treatments made from fabric are considered some variation of light filtering or room darkening. Light filtering fabrics allow some light to penetrate, giving these shades a “glow” when the sun is behind them. Room darkening shades have fabric that is treated to be opaque, so no light shows through them. It should be noted that even though they allow some light to penetrate, light filtering fabrics can also be very private.

Depending on the installation method used, shutters can provide a good amount of insulation. If they are built around the existing window, they can be very effective at mitigating both heat and cold. Honeycomb or cellular shades provide insulating properties as well, because of the air pockets contained in each cell.

MOTORIZATION

Yes! There have been some very good advancements in the motorized window treatment category in the last several years providing more control options and better dependability overall.

Motorized treatments are more expensive than standard operation or cordless treatments, but this price has started to come down recently with more and more motorized shades entering the market.

Motorized treatments simply operate using some sort of a motor, power source and interface such as a remote control or stationary wand. Automated treatments take this to the next level, allowing for operation through a dedicated app on smart devices such as smartphones or tablets as well as the ability to have the treatments run on their own pre-determined schedules. Often these apps can work directly with home automation systems as well. It should be noted that shades do not have to be automated to be motorized.

There are many factors that make motorized treatments attractive for homeowners. If you have windows that are difficult to access (i.e. very high, behind furniture or other obstructions), motorized treatments might be for you. Also, if you like the convenience of operating treatments by remote control or with an app, you should consider motorizing and/or automating them.

Except for some aftermarket operating systems, the answer is generally no. But, recently some of our manufacturing partners have started to introduce roller shades that can be converted from manual (cordless) operation to motorized shades. This rollout is happening on a case-by-case basis and we’re working to better understand this technology and how it can help our customers.

FAUX WOOD AND REAL WOOD BLINDS

The slats in faux wood blinds are made from a polymer material that is color fast and engineered not to warp or crack. The slats in wood blinds are made from real wood and are therefore susceptible to changes in temperature, moisture, etc. Other than that, the blinds themselves are made in just the same manner. In general, faux wood blinds are a great choice for many windows and are also some of the most affordable window treatments available.

SHUTTERS

We’ve curated a strong selection of shutters from several manufacturers, both domestic and international. We’ve worked with more than 7 different companies, ordering, installing and maintaining many different types of shutters including real wood, hybrid/composite wood and polycore shutters. We also work with a local shutter manufacturer with more than 30 years experience. This gives us a wide range of options to choose from.

Shutters are some of the most expensive window treatments available. Shutters are generally more expensive to manufacture, ship and install. Shutters are built to more exact specifications than most treatments since they are made to mount directly to the window versus just hanging in or in front of the window.

Most shutters have operable louvers…the slats that can be moved up and down to change the amount of light allowed into a room. Traditional shutters had a stick or bar on the front that connected the louvers so they would move together. That operating system is called a front tilt bar. As advancements were made, these front tilt bars were removed and the louvers were connected either in the back or along the side. These operating systems are referred to as “rear” or “hidden” tilt systems. One thing to note…whether the shutter has a front tilt bar or not, it’s always best to open and close the louvers by holding on to the louvers themselves. Front tilt bars have become more ornamental than functional and operating the louvers with these can cause the tilt bar to come loose.

ROLLER SHADES

Not at all. Roller shade operating systems have come a long way. In addition to cordless shades that stay put at any position, there are many fabrics and colors to choose from, making roller shades some of the most versatile options on the market.

Many manufacturers have roller shade offerings and this competition makes roller shades one of the most affordable window treatment options. From fabric shades (natural fiber) to screen shades (man-made fiber), roller shade programs have a lot of variety when it comes to texture, color, light management and operating systems. In addition, roller shades are one of the best options for covering large window openings.

HONEYCOMB/CELLULAR SHADES

Honeycomb or cellular shades are some of the most versatile on the market. There are a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from, including both light filtering and room darkening options. One of the biggest advantages of honeycomb shades is that they work very well as a top down/bottom up treatment. This allows for privacy as well as for the option to allow light in on the top.

Honeycomb shades are made of various different fabrics and cell sizes. Cell size refers to the height of an individual cell or fold. One popular cell size is ¾” tall, but cell sizes can range from ⅜” all the way up to 2”.

VERTICAL BLINDS AND SHADES

Vertical blinds are a bit different because often they are made to cover large openings that you walk through. No other window treatment is meant to do this. Often people think of the vertical blinds with the “clunky” vinyl veins, but there are many other options including fabric veins, vertical honeycomb shades and even vertical window shadings. Each of these provide a different look and feel that can compliment these typically large windows while still being very functional.

A vertical honeycomb shade is a great option that takes up the least amount of space. Depending on the opening, they can be inside mounted and when fully open the stack is a small fraction of the total coverage. For instance, a vertical honeycomb that covers a 100” wide window will stack to only about 7” wide when fully open.

DUAL OR ZEBRA SHADES

Dual or zebra shades are, in effect, one large roller shade where the fabrics roll past each other, one in the front and one in the back. The fabric is a series of horizontal veins that alternate with a series of sheer material. As they pass by each other, these veins and sheers provide a wide variety of options for the window. They can be down and closed so no sheers are showing. They can be down and open where the sheers are lined up allowing light through. And, as they continue to be lifted, they cycle through full coverage and open at various heights.

Dual shades have a wide variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. They are also easy to operate and an affordable option for both large and small windows. They also provide an interesting twist to the standard horizontal window treatment.

WINDOW SHADINGS

These are some of the most elegant window treatments in the industry. Window shadings have a series of horizontal fabric and sheer veins which roll up and down in the window. At the bottom, these veins open, allowing for light to pass through the sheers creating a soft and elegant look. Window shadings can also be used vertically for large window openings.

Still have questions about window treatments? Click here to contact us.