Q: What do I need to know to make an intelligent selection?
A: Making proper window treatment selections is not as simple as you might think. You’ll need to consider your lifestyle, light issues, privacy needs, budget constraints, how long you’ll be in your home, energy needs as well as the design desired.

Q: What’s the difference between a blind and a shade?
A: A blind generally refers to a slatted treatment that offers light control; a shade is typically a style that operates up and down, either exposing or covering, but not offering as much light control as a blind.

Q: What is a custom window treatment?
A: A custom window treatment is designed, fabricated and installed specific to a particular window, allowing for the proper projection, proportion, operation not to mention beauty.

Q: What issues should I take into consideration when deciding on window treatments?
A: You’ll want to consider both function and beauty. Consider your lifestyle, the look you want to achieve, your budget, how long you intend to stay in the home, privacy needs and special challenges, if any.

Pricing

Q: How much should I budget?
A: This varies widely and with so many options, you can spend from just under a hundred to cover a basic window, but you can also cover that same window and spend thousands of dollars!

Q: What’s the difference between made-to-order and custom?
A: With made-to-order, you are limited to select styles, fabrics and options, but this offers something better than the in stock program. You might consider that “semi-custom.” Custom window treatments are made specifically for YOUR window, taking into consideration proportion, projection, fabric selections and the overall design intent.

Q: What products are the least expensive, and which are most expensive?
A: When talking about hard treatments, your least expensive products will be mini blinds, although there are varying degrees of quality, even within that product. On the higher end, you’ll find custom shutters. Wood blinds offer a more modest price point; even faux wood blinds are available if wood is not practical!

Q: Why is custom so expensive?
A: Custom is not an assembly line type of treatment. Attention to details must be considered whether in the design and/or fabrication. Proper proportion, projection and placement of fabric are carefully specified to achieve stunning results.

Q: What kind of guarantee can I expect?
A: Lifetime, and you will get your guarantee or warranty in writing.

Q: What happens if something breaks?
A: Your best bet is to call us to discuss your options.

Caring for your window treatments

Q: How long will my window treatments last?
A: With proper care, they can last for years. Usually you will opt to change them before they “wear out.”

Q: How do I care for my window treatments?
A: Gentle vacuuming (with proper attachment) and feather dusting will prolong the life of your treatments. Typically, designer fabrics are dry clean only, but not all treatments can be removed. You may want to consider a company that can clean in your home without the need to remove your treatments. Any time you have your draperies treated, you can expect some change, for example shrinkage or even a slight color variance.

Q: What about fading?
A: Window treatments can protect your floors, furniture and upholstery from fading, however, you’ll find the drapery fabrics will fade as well, even if the sun isn’t hitting the fabric directly. You may find a good solution is to professionally tint your windows.

Q: How long does it take for custom treatments to be made?
A: Once a fabric arrives to the workroom, expect a minimum of 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

Q: Where can I find window treatment ideas?
A: You’ll find a myriad of styles in magazines, design books and catalogs.

Q: What treatments can I motorize?
A: Some hard treatments, roller shades, roman shades and draperies are some of the major styles that can be motorized.

Light/privacy issues

Q: Privacy is not an issue. Do I need window coverings?
A: While you may enjoy the open view during the day, having a window treatment over the window at night can provide a more complete look to a room at night, while offering insulation from heat and cold.

Q: I don’t want people to see in, but I don’t like the look of blackout treatments. What do you suggest?
A: An opaque treatment will be the solution—light will filter in, and all someone can see from outside might be shadows, but no details.

Q: I have children and pets—what are safety issues I need to consider?
A: Safety is a major concern within the window covering industry. Always keep cords up and out of the way from little hands and pets, and never position a crib near a window with a cord. Cordless blinds are an option. Window treatments with cords should always include the child safety tag for you to read. The tag isn’t meant to be left on, but be sure to be aware of the dangers cords pose and be safe!

Measuring

Q: Should I measure my own windows for window treatment?
A: You can, however measuring by a professional will yield the best results.

Installation

Q: What about installing window treatments?
A: A mini-blind installation is one thing, but for most window treatments, leave installing to the professionals.

Q: I live in an area where it gets really hot, and also really cold. Can window treatments help?
A: Window treatments can offer excellent insulation properties. Interlining draperies offers even more protection and adds to the beauty of the treatment.

Q: I have pets. What should I choose?
A: Steer clear of treatments that “puddle” on the floor—you may find your cat has found a new favorite spot! Dark fabrics will show lighter pet hairs and some fabrics will naturally attract hair more readily than others. Inform your specialist that you have pets, so you can be advised of your options. As with children, please make sure your cords do not pose a hazard to your beloved 4 legged friends.

We sell and install blinds, shades, shutters, sheers, vertical blinds and window treatment in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Mayport, Ponte Vedra, St Augustine, Orange Park, Middleburg, Fernandina Beach and all of North Florida.