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Metal Blinds

Which Types of Blinds Block Light the Best?

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Light Blocking Window Treatments at a Glance

The Shade Store offers a beautiful selection of blinds that block light — for every window in the home:

Which Types of Blinds Block Light the Best?

Blinds that block the light are great for bedrooms, media rooms and spaces where you need complete darkness — and The Shade Store has a beautiful selection of options for you to choose from.

Inner Layer: Roller Shades — Cora Blackout, White / Outer Layer: Ripple Fold Drapery — Canvas, Natural

Blackout Roller Shades

Inner Layer: Roller Shades — Cora Blackout, Shell / Outer Layer: Rod Pocket Drapery — Shoreham Stripe, Oatmeal

Sleeky and stylish, our Blackout Roller Shades offer complete darkness from morning to night. They’re perfect for media rooms and bedrooms!

  • Our Blackout Roller Shades eliminate glare and provide full privacy.
  • We offer multiple control options: stainless steel chain, cordless and motorized.
  • A wide assortment of exclusive materials to choose from.

Wood & Metal Blinds

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Matte, Ivory

Add a timeless touch to your windows with our Wood and Metal Blinds. Showcasing sustainably sourced all-natural woods, sleek metal styles and versatile wood alternatives, this collection lets you block out light with unparalleled character.

  • Available in a variety of beautiful finishes to complement your home décor.
  • Eco-friendly and responsibly sourced woods.
  • Classic metal finishes.

Roman Shades, Drapery & Woven Wood Shades with Blackout Lining

Flat Roman Shade with Blackout Lining — Baldwin, Stone

Applying blackout lining to your Roman Shades, Drapery and Woven Wood Shades lets you achieve luxurious looks while also blocking out light completely. To get blackout lining on your window treatments, simply select “Blackout Lining’ during the online customization process or let your Design Consultant know at your local showroom.

  • Blackout lining blocks 99% of light for complete privacy, room-darkening and added insulation

Blackout Cellular Shades

Blackout Cellular Shades — 3/4″ Single Cell Blackout, Midnight

Elevate every space as you block light with our Cellular Shades. Clean and contemporary in light-filtering and blackout options, this collection is designed to improve insulation and help regulate interior temperatures.

  • Available in single and double-cell options.
  • Blackout Cellular Shades block 99% of natural light and provide insulation and full privacy.

Have Questions About Blinds That Block Light? We’re Here to Help!

Our Design Consultants are available to answer any questions you may have or help you find the perfect blinds that block light. Simply schedule a free design consultation or visit your local showroom to get started.

How to Adjust and Operate Blinds

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How to Adjust and Operate Blinds

 

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Basic, Ebony

Blinds aren’t only a simple and sophisticated addition to your home décor, but they also let you effortlessly control light and privacy in every space. In this post, we’ll go over a few simple tips on how to adjust blinds for maximum privacy, light control and UV protection.

How to Adjust Horizontal Blinds

One of the most common questions homeowners have regarding how to adjust blinds is, “Should I close my window blinds up or down?” By design, window blinds’ slats fit snugly together when closed to prevent light from getting through the slats. How you close your window blinds depends on what you would achieve in your space.

For Privacy

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Exotic, Zebrano

To achieve maximum privacy, we recommend adjusting your window blinds down. This position offers the most coverage.

For Summer Heat

To prevent harsh sunlight and uncomfortable temperatures in your home, we suggest keeping your window blinds fully closed during warm summer days. This also helps to keep your furniture, artwork and surfaces from fading and maintains cooler temperatures.

For Winter Cold

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Faux, Teak

During chilly winter days, you should open your window blinds to let the sunlight in and warm the room. However, if the forecast is cloudy, turn your window blinds down to add insulation and help keep cold outside air at bay.

For Light Control

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Faux, Blanc

If you’re looking to control natural light in your home, you should open your blinds partially or fully — depending on how much light you would like to enter. Opening your window blinds allows more light to enter the room and lets you adjust for glare.

For Aesthetic Appearance

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Exotic, Zebrano

If temperature, privacy and light control aren’t your main concerns and you would like to achieve the best overall window blind appearance, we recommend keeping them only slightly open. Downward-facing blinds provide clean lines and a pleasing appearance.

Find the Best Blinds for Your Home

2” Metal Blinds, Champagne

If you’re looking for beautiful custom window blinds for your home or have questions about how to adjust blinds, we’re here to help. Simply visit one of our showrooms nationwide to meet with an expert Design Consultant or shop online.

Choosing Inside vs Outside Mount Blinds

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Outside Mounted 2” Wood Blinds — 2” Painted Bamboo, Off-White

 

When choosing blinds for your home, it’s important to decide if you need inside or outside mounted blinds and shades. The difference between outside mounted blinds and inside mount blinds is not only visual, but there are also differences in setup and functionality. There are pros and cons to both inside and outside mounted blinds, and this post will help you decide which one is the right fit for your home.

Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades

As the name implies, outside mounted blinds, outside mount roller shades and outside mount cellular shades are installed outside of the window frame, usually on the trim or above the window. Since outside mounted blinds and shades do not have to fit within any parameters, they provide more flexibility when choosing window treatments for your home.

Benefits of Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades

Outside Mounted Flat Roman Shades — Martyn Lawrence Bullard Sahara Stripe, Onyx

There are several benefits that come with outside mounted blinds and shades. Here are some of the main reasons why outside mounted blinds and shades are a great choice for your home.

Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades Make Windows Look Larger and Ceilings Higher

Since outside mounted window treatments hang outside the window, you have the freedom to place them as high or low as you want. This can create the illusion that the window is larger. Blinds and shades that hang above the window closer to the ceiling can also make the ceiling look taller and the room look bigger.

Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades Block Out More Light and Provide Full Coverage

Since outside mounted blinds and shades cover more of the window and frame than inside mount blinds, they provide more light coverage. If your primary goal is sun protection, then outside mounted window treatments may be the right choice for you.

Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades Require Less Precise Window Measurements

Since outside mounted blinds and shades don’t have to fit into a frame, they offer more flexibility when taking measurements. While it’s still important to take accurate measurements, you can still hang your window treatments without any issues if your measurements are slightly off.

When to Choose Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades


Outside Mounted Roller Shades — Mesa Verde, Sand

In addition to these benefits, there are also some scenarios where outside mounted blinds and shades just work better. Here are some specific use cases for outside mounted window treatments.

If You’re Covering a Door

If you need to cover a door with window treatments, then you should use outside mounted blinds or shades. Doors do not have the frame depth needed for inside mount blinds, so outside mounted window treatments are the best option.

If You Have Shallow Windows

Outside mounted blinds and shades are a great choice for shallow windows that have a small frame depth, as they don’t have to fit within the frame.

If You Want to Cover Your Window Trim

Outside mounted blinds and shades can even help you save some money on redecorating or refinishing. If you have an old or damaged window trim, outside mounted blinds will cover the frame and window trim completely.

How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds & Shades


Whether you’re looking to measure for outside mount blinds and shades or inside mount window treatments, we recommend requesting a complimentary appointment with one of our friendly professionals. If you want to know how to install outside mount blinds or inside mount window treatments, we also offer full professional installation services.

The types of outside mount window treatments you can purchase at The Shade Store are Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Wood Blinds, Metal Blinds and Vertical Blinds.

Inside Mount Blinds & Shades

Inside Mounted 2” Wood Blind — 2” Basic, Ebony

Inside mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window frame. This mounting style is more traditional and is generally the primary installation method for blinds.

The Benefits of Inside Mount Blinds & Shades

Inside mount window treatments come with their own benefits, which makes them a popular choice for homeowners. Here are some of the primary reasons to choose inside mount blinds and shades.

Inside Mount Blinds & Shades Provide a Clean, Minimalist Look

Since inside mount blinds and shades sit inside the window frame, they provide a styled, finished look. The ends of the window treatments are tucked neatly inside the frame, offering a minimalist aesthetic that many homeowners desire.

Inside Mount Blinds & Shades Take Up Less Space

Inside mount window treatments take up less space in the room and make it easier for you to use the window sill for shelving or design accents. If you’re looking for window treatments for a smaller room, inside window mounts may help provide some needed additional space.

When to Choose Inside Mount Blinds & Shades

Inside Mounted Relaxed Roman Shades — Holland & Sherry Emerson, Shea

There are some instances where inside mount blinds and shades are the favorable choice, here are some reasons you may want to use inside mount blinds.

If You’re Layering Window Treatments

Have your heart set on a luxurious set of puddled drapery? Inside mount window treatments are a great choice when layering window treatments, such as blinds and drapes, since the blind brackets won’t get in the way of the drapery rods. You can install multiple window treatments without worrying about a messy look or limited functionality.

If You Want to Show Off Your Home’s Woodwork

Unlike outside mounted blinds and shades, which are great for covering trim and window frames, inside mount blinds and shades are a fantastic option to show off the window frame and trim in your home. Inside mount window treatments help you display the beauty of your home.

The types of inside mount window treatments you can purchase at The Shade Store are Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Wood Blinds, Metal Blinds and Vertical Blinds.

Have questions about custom window treatments? We’re here to help.


If you have questions about inside or outside mounted blinds and shades — or if you need assistance achieving your dream windows, we’re here to help. The Shade Store offers expert services every step of the way — from inspiration to installation. Our team of Design Consultants is available to assist you with material selection, color coordination, measurement & installation scheduling and more, however you choose to shop. To get started, stop by your local showroom, visit us online or give us a call at 800.754.1455.

About The Shade Store

The Shade Store is a premium custom window treatment company with a rich heritage in luxury textiles and interior design. Its exclusive collection of more than 1,300 in-stock fabrics and materials provides customers with an unparalleled amount of style and customization options. Every window treatment is proudly handcrafted in the USA, hung and tested for quality assurance and ships free in 10 days or less. With showrooms nationwide, The Shade Store offers a complete range of in-person and virtual design services for consumers and design-trade clientele, including samples, complimentary professional window measurements and photo rendering. Additionally, the company is an advocate for environmental sustainability: For every purchase made, the company provides the ‘Gift of Shade’ by planting a tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. For more information about The Shade Store, please visit theshadestore.com.

 

How Do Cordless Blinds Work?

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Cordless Shades and Blinds 

How Cordless Blinds and Shades Work

Cordless blinds are functional, easy to use, and help you create a clean, modern style in your home. Learn more about how cordless blinds and shades work so you can decide if they’re the right window treatments for your home.

 

What are Cordless Blinds?

Cordless blinds are a very popular window treatment style because they are easy to use and have a clean look without visible hanging cords and strings. Cordless blinds are an extremely versatile window treatment option; you can use them in several different applications like solar shades, light-filtering shades, blackout shades and more. As a result, cordless blinds are an ideal choice for many different rooms in your home.

How Do Cordless Blinds Work?

Cordless Shades and Drapery

Cordless blinds aren’t truly “cordless,” they do still rely on cords to function. However, these cords are usually inside the fabric or slats in order to hold the window treatment together. They have a unique cordless blinds mechanism that allows them to function seamlessly.

To understand how cordless blinds work, think of an elevator, or a pulley system. Cordless blinds and shades usually have a lift or tension mechanism inside the headrail or bottom rail. The cords move around inside the mechanism to allow you to raise and lower the blinds as needed.

How to Lower and Raise Cordless Blinds

 

How to Lower and Raise Cordless Blinds

If you’re not sure how to use cordless blinds, rest assured, they’re one of the easiest window treatments to operate and control since you don’t have to worry about strings or chains. If you want to know how to lower cordless blinds, all you need to do is pull down on the bottom rail of the blinds. Conversely, to raise cordless blinds, simply place your hand under the bottom rail and gently raise it up.

Benefits of Cordless Blinds

If you’re comparing window treatment options, you may wonder are cordless blinds better than “corded?” Cordless blinds have some advantages over their corded counterparts. Because they’re easy to use and have a modern look and style, cordless blinds and shades are an excellent choice for many new or newly-renovated homes. Cordless blinds may also be the better choice for a kids’ room or playroom because they don’t have cords or chains. We offer several cordless products that have received the ‘Best For Kids’ Certification, which is the highest safety accreditation in the industry.

Shop for Cordless Blinds Today

Interested in finding cordless blinds for your home? The Shade Store offers cordless blinds in 10 different product styles, and each product can be custom-made for your specific window size and your choice of fabric.

Visit one of The Shade Store’s 85+ locations nationwide to meet with a designer or to schedule a free measurement to purchase cordless blinds and shades for your home.

How to Install Window Blinds

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How to Install Blinds

Selecting new blinds for your home is a fun and exciting process. Installing blinds, however, can be tricky, but we’ve got some expert tips to help you learn how to install different types of blinds and add a professional look and feel to your home decor.

To make sure your new blinds look great and work perfectly, we’ve created this step-by-step guide for how to install blinds. Follow these instructions to get the perfect fit for your new window blinds installation. 

Blinds Installation Tools 

Before starting the installation process, make sure you have the right tools and resources to make blinds installation as simple as possible. Here’s a list of the items you should have before you start to install your blinds:

  • Drill
  • Phillip’s Head Screwdriver or Bit
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Metal Tape Measure

As you can see from this materials list, you should be pretty familiar with drills and basic tools. If that’s not the case, you may want to enlist a professional to help you install your blinds. At The Shade Store, we offer professional installation services for all of our window treatments. 

Before You Start Window Blinds Installation

In addition to having the right tools, it’s important to understand what parts and pieces you will need to complete the installation. Open your blinds package to familiarize yourself with the necessary pieces and instructions. This may seem like a small step, but it can help you be more organized when you’re ready to start the process.

The Blinds Installation Process

While different types of blinds may have varied, specific, instructions, this guide will help you understand the process to install common types of window blinds. Always make sure to check the installation guide that comes with your blinds to determine if there are any additional steps or special considerations.

Step 1: Unwrap the Blinds and Estimate Fit

The first step of blinds installation is simple: take the blinds out of their packaging and hold them against the window to determine proper fit. Depending on the location of the blinds, they will be installed inside the window casing (inside mount) or outside the window casing or wall (outside mount). How the blinds fit on the window will determine where and how to install the brackets.

How to Install Blinds Inside Mount 

When installing blinds on an inside mount window, it’s important to make sure that the headrail of the blinds is level and clear of obstructions inside the frame. Once aligned, make pencil marks ⅛” below the headrail on each end. This is where you will place the bottom of the installation brackets.

 How to Install Blinds Outside Mount 

To install outside mount blinds, hold the blind level against the window frame or wall. Where the blind lies depends on the length of the blinds so that they cover the full window. Mark the wall ⅛” beyond the ends of the headrail, which is where the brackets will be placed.

Step 2: Install the Mounting Brackets

After estimating and marking the fit of the blinds, it’s time to install the mounting brackets. Mounting brackets require two screws, located outside of the window frame or wall (for outside mount blinds), or inside the window jamb (for inside mount) blinds.

To install the brackets, hold each bracket against the mounting surface and align it with the pencil marks. Mark the location of the two diagonal holes for the mounting screws. Hold the brackets in place and drill a pilot hole into the marks.

Once you have your pilot holes, it’s time to confirm the placement of the brackets and drill the screws to firmly install the brackets.

Quick Tip on Auxiliary Support Brackets: If an auxiliary support bracket is included with your blinds, it should be placed in line with the installation brackets. The auxiliary support should not be in line vertically with the blind’s cord or ladder, as it may interfere with the blind’s lifting and tilting mechanism. 

Step 3: Install the Headrail

Once the brackets are installed, you will need to install the headrail into the mounting brackets. Most headrails should lock into place into the brackets, but if it doesn’t fit, remove the headrail and check the ends for any pieces that need to be removed or opened.

Step 4: Install the Valance

Now it’s time to install the valance. With many types of blinds, magnets come screwed into the valance, so you’ll simply stick the magnetic valance to the headrail. If you ordered outside mount blinds, the valance will be supplied. Clips are also a popular way to attach valances to the headrail.

Step 5: Attach the Wand

The final step in the blinds installation process is to attach the wand that manipulates the blinds. Once the headrail is installed, the wand should be easy to attach to the hook. Attach the wand and confirm that it’s firmly in place. Once installed, test the blinds by turning the wand and confirming that the slats are changing angles.

If you have cordless blinds, you can skip this step. Cordless blinds do not have wand attachments.

2 Inch Metal Blinds, Color: Champagne

Save the Hassle and Schedule Your Blinds Installation Today!

Want to leave your blinds installation to the pros? The Shade Store offers professional installation services nationwide. We can help you transform your home and install your new blinds. Sign up to get started with a free measurement. 

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