Whether you’re replacing the blinds and shades in your home or wondering which ones to install on the bare windows in your new home, buying window treatments is an often overlooked aspect of home décor and design. The blinds and shades you install can make a huge difference not only in the appearance of your windows, but also in your home’s overall ambience and lighting.

For some people, buying window treatments is a simple process—they purchase the first type that catches their eye and install them without a second thought, but they never feel truly satisfied with their decisions or the appearance of their windows. For others, purchasing window treatments can be an agonizing decision, and they may feel buyer’s remorse long after completing the process of measuring, ordering, and installing their new blinds or shades.

At Blindster, we want you to feel 100 percent confident when you place your order—and one of the best ways to do that is to take the time to determine exactly what you’re looking for in your new window treatments. Before placing your order with us, take the time to ask yourself the following questions:

Do you prefer blinds or shades?

When it comes to buying window treatments, this is the first question you should ask yourself, as your entire decision process will be influenced by this answer. Blinds and shades both have obvious pros and cons, and neither option is superior to the other. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference for each room in your home.

What’s your budget?

While the difference between value blinds or shades and high-end models may not seem like much for a single window covering, the cost of replacing all of your existing window treatments or installing them for the first time on bare windows in your new home can make those small differences much larger. As you begin your search for the perfect blinds or shades, it helps to have a budget in mind, whether it’s for just a single room or your entire home.

Do you prefer inside or outside mounted window coverings?

After you’ve decided which type of window treatment you wish to install, you have a second decision to make before you take your first measurements: whether you prefer inside or outside mounted window coverings. Inside mounts are the most traditional option and allow you to mount your blind or shade flush inside your window frame for a sleek and built-in look. However, if your window frame has minimal depth or if you wish to cover your window frame, an outside mount may be a better option, as it allows to you attach your window covering to your wall, your window frame, or your ceiling.

Do you have the tools and ability to accurately measure your windows?

Measuring small to medium-sized windows is a snap and requires little more than a tape measure and a small step ladder. However, measuring large windows that span a great distance across a room can be a tough task—especially if you’re trying to do it by yourself. Because providing accurate measurements is so vital when ordering new window treatments from Blindster, it’s important that you have the tools or the help necessary to measure your windows regardless of their size.

Do you have the tools to install your new window treatments?

In addition to getting accurate measurements of your windows, you also need the ability to install your new window treatments when they arrive. Installing shades and blinds or small to medium-sized windows is a straightforward process that generally doesn’t take more than around one hour per window, but installing window treatments on large windows or windows that aren’t easily accessible can be a much more difficult and time-consuming process. If you don’t have the tools or the ability to install your window treatments, ask for help from your friends, family, or neighbors—or consult a professional who can assist you.

Where will you install your new window coverings?

The rooms where you install your new window coverings can make a big difference when it comes to deciding which type of blinds or shades to purchase. Bedrooms, game rooms, home theaters, man caves, living rooms, and bathrooms are great places to install shades that enhance privacy and block out outside light, while rooms like kitchens, dining rooms, laundry rooms, and sunrooms are areas where you may prefer to preserve as much natural light as possible. The type of window treatment you install can make a big difference on the lightning and mood in each room in your home, so it can be helpful to buy window treatments on a room-by-room basis.

Which features are on your wish list?

All blinds and shades are designed to block out light and increase your privacy to varying degrees, but the variety of shades available through Blindster means that you have more options than ever to get the exact features and options that you want. Some of the features offered in modern window treatments include things like cordless operation, top-down/bottom-up, blackout and energy efficient materials, eco-friendly materials, child and pet-friendly lift mechanisms, and much more.

Do you have a favorite color or pattern?

For many of our customers, window treatment features take a backseat to style and design details like color, material, and pattern. We offer a huge assortment of window coverings that vary greatly in those three categories, which means you won’t have any trouble finding the blinds or shades that match or complement your home’s décor and style when navigating our large selection on our website. Plus, you can request free color samples to make sure you're getting the perfect style for your home.

Which optional components do you need?

Some of the items we ship to our customers aren’t included in standard orders and must be selected during the ordering process. These items include things like extension brackets, hold-down brackets, and headrail covers. Extension brackets provide extra clearance for outside mounts and allow your shades or blinds to fully cover your window, hold-down brackets keep your window coverings secure and held in place at all times, and headrail covers provide a decorative look and detail to the top of your window treatments.

Need more help? Our friendly staff is ready to assist with any questions you might have on your way to buying new blinds and shades!