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Metal Blinds

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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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.

Cordless Shades and Blinds

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. 

How to Measure for Blinds

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2" Wood Blind Material / Color 2" Laminated / Cherry

Choosing new blinds for a home doesn’t have to be a lengthy or difficult process. One of the first things you must do is measure your windows to determine what size blinds you need, and which mount will work best. Getting an accurate window measurement is one of the most important steps in the process, as an incorrect measurement could lead to ill-fitting blinds or the hassle of returns.

To help you measure your windows for custom fit blinds, we created this easy-to-follow blinds measuring guide, with detailed instructions on how to measure for a variety of different blind types, including inside mount and outside mount styles.

Read on to learn how to properly measure your windows for blinds.

What You Need to Measure for Blinds

Before you begin the process of measuring for blinds, make sure you have the right tools and resources on hand. We recommend that you have the following items to help you measure your windows for blinds:

  • Steel measuring tape
  • A ladder or step stool
  • Paper and pencil

How to Measure for Inside Mount Blinds

2" Wood Blind Material / Color 2" Matte Edged / Ivory Smoke

As their name implies, inside mount blinds are mounted on the inside of the window frame. Inside mount blinds are very popular because of their aesthetic: they offer a clean look because they fit inside the frame, allowing the woodwork of the window frame to remain exposed.

When it comes to inside mount blinds, measurements must be precise and there’s little room for error. In addition, there is limited space inside the actual window frame, so the measurements must be taken properly. Here are the exact steps to help you with depth measurement for inside mount blinds:

Step 1: Measure the Width of the Window

inside mount width measurement

Since all windows are different and imperfect, people should measure their windows in three places: the top, middle, and bottom. You really only need to measure the inside of the window frame when measuring for inside mount blinds – other blind types don’t require this measurement since the blinds hang outside of the frame.

To make your measurements as precise as possible, round the narrowest of the three measurements down to the nearest ⅛”. This will be the final width measurement for the blinds.

Rule of thumb: Inside mount measurement should never be rounded up, as that will cause them to not fit in the window.

Step 2: Measure the Height of the Window

inside mount height measurement

The height of the window also needs to be measured in three different places: left, center, and right. These measurements should also only be taken of the inside of the frame for inside mount blinds.

Like the width, the height measurement should also be rounded to the nearest ⅛” inch. However, it’s the largest measurement that should be used for a blind length measurement.

Step 3: Measure the Depth of the Window Frame

Measuring the depth of the window frame is an extremely important step because many blind styles come with minimum depth requirements, so it’s essential to get an accurate measurement. If the windows are too narrow and don’t meet minimum requirements, an outside mount blind is the only option.

To clarify, with inside mounts, depth measurement is the depth between the glass and the end of the window frame. When measuring for depth, it’s important to consider any obstructions, such as cranks or tracks that can interfere with the installation.

How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds

2" Wood Blind Material / Color 2" High Gloss / Zebrano

When measuring for outside mount blinds, the process is similar to measuring for inside mount blinds, but has some key differences. Outside mounted blinds, which are mounted outside the window frame may be a great choice if any of the following apply:

  • Your windows are uniquely shaped – Since outside mounted blinds are installed to the wall around the window, they can work for almost any window type.
  • You’re looking to make an impact with design – Outside mounted blinds provide a taller, more dramatic appearance.
  • Your windows are very shallow – Outside mount blinds are great for windows with small frame depths, such as doors.

Outside mount blinds are easier to measure; since outside mount blinds go around the window, minimum depth is not a required measurement.

Below, we’ll go over the two-step process for measuring for outside mount blinds.

Step 1: Measure the Width of the Area to Be Covered

outside mount width measurement

Outside mount blinds have more flexibility than inside mount blinds, you can choose to have the width of your blinds stop right at the edge of your window, or expand to create the illusion of bigger windows. It’s up to you to decide how much space you would like your blinds to cover!

While you can choose your perfect width from your measurements, we recommend adding at least 2-3” (1-1 ½” per side) to the measurement to help eliminate light and provide more privacy. At the end of the day, you want your blinds to effectively block light, so adding just a few extra inches of wiggle room on either side will ensure that’s not an issue with your finished blinds.

Step 2: Measure the Height of the Area to Be Covered

outside mount height measurementSimilarly to the width measurement, the height can be chosen based on how much space needs to be covered. If the window has a prominent sill, the measurement should end at the top of the sill. If there is no sill, the measurement can be set to where the blind should end, and that length is up to you!

Save Time and Sign Up for Your Free Measurement Today

Whether you choose inside mount or outside mount blinds, an accurate measurement is the most important step before you order window treatment materials. If your home’s windows are unique (such as bay windows, transoms, or cutouts), or if you’re not confident performing measurements, you can have one of our skilled professionals come to your home and measure your windows for blinds. The Shade Store offers free professional measurements nationwide. Sign up for free measurement services for your windows, today!

Blind Styles: The Guide to Different Types of Blinds

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At first glance, most blinds may look similar. The reality is, however, there are many different types of blinds to choose from to enhance the look and feel of your home. Window blind options include: wood blinds, panel track blinds, XL vertical blinds, and metal blinds.

Each style has its own unique features and benefits. Understanding the different styles and features will help you choose the best window treatments for your home and your personal preference. Once you’ve decided which types of blinds are right for your home, you can order material samples or request a free measurement to get the perfect fit. Let’s dive in.

Wood Blinds

Wood blinds offer a classic look and are a highly functional choice for any home. Wood blinds typically feature slats (which can come in a number of widths) that tilt to control light and privacy. Wood blinds can even be motorized to make them simple, sleek and efficient.

Other primary features of wood blinds include:

  • Bold, rich colors
  • Defined by natural, man-made, or faux wood materials
  • Popular materials and finishes include: basic basswood, high-gloss basswood, exotic basswood, bamboo, and faux wood
  • Ideal for family rooms, bedrooms, as well as bathrooms due to their moisture-resistant materials

Many customers end up choosing wood blinds over shutters, since they offer a similar look combined with the flexibility of tilting vanes. Wood blinds can also be raised and lowered, whereas shutters permanently cover large parts of the window.

At The Shade Store, our large collection of wood blinds offer a design solution for any style. Our wood blinds are made from a variety of materials and finishes. If budget is a concern, faux wood blinds offer the classic look and feel of wood blinds at an affordable price.

Our wood blinds are made from eco-friendly materials and blend well in any area of the home. Wood blinds add an especially warm, rich touch to family rooms and bedrooms.

Vertical Blinds

Panel Track Blinds. Material: Prince, Color: Metal

Panel Track Blinds. Material: Prince, Color: Metal

Vertical blinds add a touch of style and function to large windows and sliding glass doors. As the name suggests, vertical blinds hang vertically, and are great to cover wide windows and open areas.

Other features of vertical blinds include:

  • Easy to operate
  • Modern and simple look and feel
  • Versatile material, great for light and privacy control
  • Great for rooms with large windows, such as sunrooms or living rooms.

At The Shade Store, we offer vertical blinds in a variety of fabrics and materials. Choose from light-filtering patterns, naturals (like textured bamboo), basic solar, and even UV-protectant Chilewich fabric.

We offer two distinct types of vertical blinds: panel track blinds and XL vertical blinds.

Panel Track Blinds

With their wide, sweeping coverage, panel track blinds offer a sleek, modern drapery alternative for homeowners. Thanks to their seamless design, panel track blinds are easy to open and close, and glide effortlessly along the pre-installed track.

Primary features of panel track blinds include:

  • Wide, sliding panels
  • Glides effortlessly along track
  • Panels can be left open to let light in, or easily attached

At The Shade Store, we have panel track blinds in many different colors, from crisp light grey shades to more striking dark colors, all available in our classic vertical blinds materials. No matter what kind of aesthetic you want to create, panel track blinds are the perfect everyday use blind to complement your style and add a finishing touch to your home or office.

XL Vertical Blinds

Xl Vertical Blinds. Material: Park, Color: Grey

Xl Vertical Blinds. Material: Park, Color: Grey

With their innovative design and classic look and feel, our signature XL vertical blinds can easily become a focal point of any room. With a wide range of material and color options, it’s easy to find the perfect match for any room that needs redecorating.

Primary features of XL vertical blinds include:

  • Great for large windows (residential or corporate spaces)
  • Extra wide 9 3/4″ vanes that rotate fully
  • Easy to use with excellent functionality

Metal Blinds

2 Inch Metal Blinds, Color: Champagne

2 Inch Metal Blinds, Color: Champagne

Metal blinds are one of the most versatile types of window blinds. Metal blinds have become highly sought after as a way to make a statement and upgrade the design of any room in your house.

Metal blinds are available in 1’’ and 2’’ options and a number of colors, including the very unique ”Silver” and “Champagne” options in our 2’’ blinds.

Primary features of metal blinds include:

  • 1’’ and 2’’ inch designs for horizontal blinds
  • Slats made of sleek aluminum
  • Simple and economical for homeowners
  • Highly durable

Browse our full collection of custom metal blinds.

Other Types of Window Treatments

With so many customization options, blinds are an excellent window treatment to add the finishing touch to your home. If you’re looking for something different, however, you can also check out other types of window treatments, including drapes and shades.

Like blinds, shades come in a variety of styles and types, from roller shades to Roman shades and more! Learn more about different types of shades.

If you’re looking for a more formal window treatment option, drapes may be the perfect fit. With drapes, you can even customize the types of pleats. Learn more about drape styles and find inspiration to decorate your home and your windows.

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