 |
Bottom Chains
All of our free-hang fabric vertical blinds include bottom weights that are inserted into the bottom of each vertical vane to keep them hanging neat and tidy. For particularly active areas some customers prefer to add bottom chains as well to help prevent large motions among the vanes. Bottom chains for fabric blinds come with clips to fasten the chain to the side of the vanes. Vinyl blinds have a small slot drilled though the bottom of each vane through which the chain is run. There is no additional charge for either setup when requested at the time the blinds are ordered. |
 |
|
Bottom Rail
This is the bottom most piece of a horizontal blind. If your blinds have hold down brackets, the brackets are attached to the ends of the bottom rail. |
|
 |
Bottom Weights
These 2" high weights are inserted into the bottoms of all free hanging fabric vertical blinds. The weights help keep the vanes in place and maintain a crisp, straight look. |
|
 |
Braided Ladder return to top
The string that holds a horizontal blind together is the braided ladder. It attaches at the headrail, goes through the middle of the slats, and finishes at the bottom rail. |
|
 |
Child Safety Tassels
Child-safe tassels are designed to separate into two parts if pressure is exerted upon it. This is a safety feature that prevents a child or pet from getting tangled in a hanging cord. For additional safety, you might also wish to use cord cleats or continuous looped cords. Tassels are generally clear or color coordinated with the blind. |
|
 |
Continuous Cord Loop
These allow your blind to be raised and lowered while the cord tassel remains in place. This is an important safety feature that prevents children and pets from getting tangled in excess, dangling cord. This option also makes raising and lowering extra large blinds effortless and it allows the shade to be stopped evenly and precisely at any height. This feature is particularly beneficial with wood blinds. There is an additional charge for this option. Different manufacturers refer to this feature by numerous names, including: EasyLift, EasyRise, Activator, EasyUp, UltraLift, EasyGlide, PowerLift, UltraControl, and Prestige Lift. |
|
 |
Controls
There are three kinds of controls:
Lift Cord (pictured at left)
Made of nylon, this is the mechanism that raises and lowers your blind or shade.
Tilt Wand (pictured at left)
Rotating this opens or closes the slats of your mini blind or wood blind. Generally made of durable plastic, some wood blinds have wands made of wood doweling.
Tilt Cord
This option, available on some blinds, can be chosen instead of a tilt wand. Tilt cords look just like lift cords. Consisting of two cords, pulling one tilts the slats open while pulling the other tilts the slats closed. Tilt cords are good for large, heavy blinds. There is no additional charge for tilt cords.
Pull Cord
This is essentially the same thing as a lift cord. The term "lift cord" is generally used for horizontal blinds, while pull cord is used for other blinds and shades. It controls the vertical position of the window treatment.
Beaded Cord
The beaded cord forms a continuous loop which is used to raise and lower a blind. They are also used on vertical blinds for tilt control. A beaded cord generally has two connectors. One connector attaches the two ends of the cord. Each connector serves as a stop for the travel or tilt limits of the blind.
No Cord Lift
Blind slats can be tilted but cannot be raised to the headrail.
You can usually select whether you want each control on the right or left side of your blind. Face your window, and decide if you would like them on the left or right side. Take into consideration how often you are going to use the controls and how easily accessible they are (i.e. is there any furniture in front of or on one side of the window that might make it difficult to get to the controls).With horizontal blinds you can have both lift cords and tilt wands (or tilt cords) on the same side if your blind has a width of at least 18". Between 10" and 18" (depending on the manufacturer) your controls have to be on opposite sides. Most blinds under 10" can only have a tilt wand.
|
|
|
Controls, Vertical Blinds return to top
You have the choice of which direction you would like your blinds to open (or traverse). When facing your window, decide if you want your blinds to open to the "left" (One Way Left), open to the "right" (One Way Right), or "split" open (the blind will open in the middle with half of the blinds going to each side). You also need to decide the position cord that opens the blinds. It can be located on the "left" (Split Left) or on the "right" (Split Right). Options may also include Stack Left or Stack Right with Reverse Draw (which means that the cord that opens the blinds will be on the opposite side that the blinds will stack on. There may be an additional charge for Reverse Draw. Finally, Center Stack and Off Center Stack are available on some models. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| One way left |
One way right |
Split left |
Split right |
Stack left
with reverse draw |
Stack right
with reverse draw |
Center stack |
Off center stack |
|
|
 |
Cord Cleat
A cord cleat attaches to the wall so that the cord wraps around the cleat and doesn't hang freely. |
|
 |
Cord Lock
Located on or inside the headrail, a cord lock lets you lock your blind in the desired position. While the designs of cord locks vary between manufacturers, they function the same. When the cord is pulled straight down, the blind rises and locks into place via a small wheel (placement 2) or spring latch when you stop pulling the cord. When the cord is pulled to the side (dashed lines) the wheel is moved aside (placement 1), allowing gravity to lower the blind. Returning the cord to a vertical position brings the wheel or latch back to once more lock down. |
|
 |
Cordless (LiteRise)
The Cordless or LiteRise option allows you to raise and lower your shades and blinds with just the touch of a finger. Your window fashions will open and close evenly every time, and can be stopped at any position along the way. And, because there are no pull cords to become tangled in, kids and pets stay safe. Cordless mini and wood blinds will still have a tilt wand to adjust the angle of the slats. |
|
|
Duotone return to top
These offer a white or off white color for the back of the slats instead of coloring both sides of the slat with your chosen color. This allows for a consistent appearance to viewers outside the house while allowing you to match your shades to the decor of each individual room. Depending on manufacturer, these colors are labeled duo, tiltone, duplex, or two-tone. |
|
 |
Day/Night Shade
A day/night shade provides excellent light control and unique decorating opportunities. A combination of two kinds of shades, each kind has different light blocking properties. Both shades share a common rail at the middle and are mounted one on top of the other. When the top shade covers the window, the bottom shade is lowered and out of sight. When the bottom shade is open, the top shade is fully raised at the top of the window. |
|
 |
Decorative Hardware
Adds an authentic colonial style appearance to new or existing exterior shutters. Each package contains 2 "S" hooks (left and right) and 4 hinges, plus screw for installation. These maintenance-free pieces come in a black matte finish textured to simulate a wrought iron ball peen hammered finish. |
|
|
Dustcover Valance
This special valance makes cleaning your blinds easier and also protects your blind hardware. It has a separate piece that keeps dust from settling in the headrail by covering the top of the headrail. |
|
 |
Extension Brackets return to top
Extension brackets are used with blinds that are mounted on the outside of the window opening to project out from the window and wall to clear any obstacles such as wood trim or crank handles that open and close windows. There is no additional charge for extension brackets when requested at the time your order is placed. |
|
|
Gauge
Gauge describes the thickness of an aluminum slat. Mini blinds come in 6 gauge (.006" thickness) and 8 gauge (.008" thickness.) Thicker blinds are generally more durable. |
|
 |
Groover (Inserted Blinds) (pictured at left: blue fabric vane inserted into beige groover)
Most fabric vertical vanes are available free-hanging or inserted into a clear edge groover with your choice of either an ivory or white vinyl backing. Some manufacturers offer other colors for particular styles. The groover is a vinyl louver, or type of sheath, with clear channels that hold the fabric in place. The vertical fabric vane slides into the channels on the groover, so the fabric faces the inside of the room, while the neutral or coordinating back of the groover faces the outside for a uniform, neutral look from the street. The groover also provides additional light control, privacy and energy efficiency. There is an additional charge for the inserted option.
Free-hanging vanes are vanes that have not been inserted into
groovers. Vinyl vanes can only come free-hanging. |
|
|
Headrail
The uppermost part of your blind, it's where the control mechanism is located
and where the blind attaches to the wall or ceiling. On a vertical blind
it is generally referred to as a track. |
|
|
Hold Down Brackets return to top
These brackets attach the ends of the bottom rail of your blind to a window or door frame. Often used to hold the bottom of the blind to a moving surface, such as a door, they prevent the blind from swinging when the door opens or closes. The bracket itself either mounts directly on the door or the wall directly below the bottom of the blind. There is no additional charge for hold down brackets when they are requested when placing your order. |
|
|
Light Stops
Light stops are wood strips installed inside the frame of interior shutters. They keep the shutter panels from swinging backward (toward the window) and keep light from seeping around the edges of the panels. |
|
 |
Liner
This option is available with pleated shades and some woven wood and roman shades. A liner is a vinyl cloth extending over the back of the shade, providing a uniform exterior appearance with a neutral white color. Liners also add additional privacy by increasing opacity and improve energy efficiency. They come in two forms, although their names vary greatly between brands:
Light Filtering (a.k.a. Lightblocking, Pleatliner Plus, Dayliner, Privacy, Twilight, or Secrecy) - This is a semi-opaque white backing that allows in some light but increases privacy.
Blackout (a.k.a Room Darkening, Midnight, Subdue, or Eclipse) - This is an opaque white backing that blocks out 99% of light and provides total privacy. |
|
|
Mount, Inside and Outside
See Choosing Between Inside and Outside Mounts. |
|
|
Pinlight (PINLT) return to top
Mini blind colors labeled as pinlights are perforated with many tiny holes, providing privacy without completely darkening a room. Pinlight holes are slighter larger and less numerous than those on sheerview slats. |
|
 |
Quarter Round Tops
Can be used with any 15" width exterior shutter for a custom look.
 Beveled
Available on all 15" width raised panel exterior shutters. This quarter round top is 14.78 inches high.
 Solid
Available on all 15" width louvered exterior shutters. This quarter round top is 17 inches high.
 Louvered
Available on all 15" width louvered exterior shutters. This quarter round top is 17 inches high.
 Fanfold
Available on all 15" width raised panel exterior shutters.This quarter round top is 14.78 inches high. |
|
 |
Roll Type
These options are available for roller shades. There is no additional charge for either roll type.
Regular Roll - Roll is visible to someone facing the shade. This is normally chosen when the roller shade will be paired with some sort of top treatment to hide the roller.
Reverse Roll - Roll is invisible to someone facing the shade. Recommended for windows in which the shade will not be frequently raised or lowered.
(left: regular roll. right: reverse roll) |
|
 |
Room Darkening
For mini blinds and wood blinds: These blinds don't have visible rout holes when the blind is closed. They are generally referred to as Routless. Each manufacturer has its own trademark for this feature. Hunter Douglas calls its "Lightline," Bali calls its "Lightblocker," Levolor calls its "Lightmaster," and Delmar calls its "Lightguard." Our American Brand calls this feature Lite-Tite.
For shades: This term is generally applied to the heaviest materials and to liners which keep a shade opaque, offering optimal privacy as well as shielding a room from outside light.
(at left: traditional mini blind with visible rout holes (top) and a lite-tite mini blind (bottom)) |
|
|
Rout Holes return to top
Found in most horizontal blinds, rout holes are where the braided ladder goes through the slats as the string attaches the slats to the headrail. |
|
|
Sheerview (SHRVW)
Mini blind colors labeled as sheerview are perforated with many tiny holes, providing privacy without completely darkening a room. Sheerview holes are slighter smaller and more numerous than those on pinlight slats. |
|
|
Skytrack Skylight
This specialty option indicates a product is able to be installed over a skylight. See also Fitting your Difficult Windows. |
|
 |
Soft Touch Cord Release
A shade with this option draws up like any other shade - simply pull the bottom section of cord. Lowering the shade, however, involves gripping the center bead on the pull cord and pulling slightly to release the cord lock. The cord slides though the bead as gravity brings the shade down so your hand never need move. |
|
|
Solar Films return to top
Solar films are thin, polyester films that can be applied to the inside surface of a window. They help cut glare, keep out solar heat, and provide a measure of UV protection. |
|
 |
Slats
These are the individual pieces of a horizontal blind that cover the window and are held together by the braided ladder.
Tapes
Most wood, vinyl and aluminum 2" slat horizontal blinds can be ordered with optional cloth tapes. These cloth tapes hold and tilt the slats and replace the braided ladder. Cloth tapes of various colors may be available at an additional charge on 2" horizontal blinds.
(3 horizontal slats with gold cloth tapes) |
|
|
Spring Roll
Similar to a cordless blind or shade, the spring roll allows a roller shade to be raised and lowered by hand without the use of a cord. |
|
|
Tassel
The small piece at the end of the pull cord or tilt cord. See also Child Safety Tassels, available for all of our blinds and shades. |
|
|
Track return to top
Standard Track - All of our vertical blinds include standard
track at no additional charge. This track allows for easy rotation and traversing
of your vertical vanes. It is made of strong aluminum alloy that will last
forever.
Deluxe Track - This track features a heavy-duty aluminum channel. The
vertical vanes on the track are guaranteed to stay synchronized forever.
It also comes with a child-safe, mounted tension pulley and tassels for
chain rotation. There is an additional charge for this track.
Track Only - This is a replacement track for the event of an old
one breaking down or the blind being moved to a similarly tall window with
a different width. It is ordered under the assumption that the customer
already has vanes to install. |
|
 |
Transom Tops return to top
Can be used with any 15" width exterior shutter as an extension or for transom windows
Available on all 15" width raised panel exterior shutters to be used as an extrension or for transom windows. A transom top adds 11.78 inches to the height of the shutter. |
|
 |
Top Down/Bottom Up (Duofold)
This option is available on some pleated, cellular, roman and woven wood shades. The top down/bottom up has cords on each side of the
blind. One cord allows the shade to be raised from the bottom up and the other cord allows the shade to be lowered from the top. This is ideal for bathrooms and rooms that are on the main level of your home where you like to let sunlight come into the room (lower the blind 1/4 of the way down from the top) but still maintain privacy from anyone walking or driving by your home. Some manufacturers call this feature Duofold. Some products also offer a "top down" feature, in which the shade can only be adjust from the top while the bottom remains fixed at the windowsill. |
|
|
Ultraglide
This feature is available only on Hunter Douglas Duette shades and uses a retractable cord mechanism. When the cords are moved to a slight angle, the shade gently lowers itself. This movement of the cord releases spring tension in a slow, controlled manner and the bottom rail floats down. To stop the lowering at any point, just move the cord to the opposite angle. To raise the shade, simply pull on the cord using short strokes. Each time you pull, the cord retracts to its original length.
Because the cord length always remains the same, there are never any long, dangling cords to detract from the appearance of the shade. Child safety is enhanced as well. |
|
|
Valance return to top
A standard feature with most blinds, the valance attaches to the top of the blind, covers the headrail, and matches the color and material of the rest of the blind. Valance options are different depending on the type of blind that you are interested in. Those listed below are for our American Brand.
- 1" Premium Mini Blind - A FREE Premium 2-slat vogue valance is included with this blind. The slats, matching the color of the blind, are inserted in a clear groover that prevents the slats from bending and keeps a neat, clean appearance.
- 1" Economy & 1/2" Mini Blind - A FREE 2 slat valance is included with these blinds. The slats, matching the color of the blind, are held in place by valance clips.
- 2" Macro Blind - A FREE 1-slat valance, matching the color of the blind, is included with all 2" blinds for a clean, finished look.
- Wood Blinds - All of our wood blinds include a FREE 1 piece decorative wood valance that matches the color of the blind for a clean, decorative, finished look. All wood blinds ordered as an outside mount include mitered matching wood valance returns.
- Verticals - Our vertical blinds come with a polished stainless steel headrail. For an additional charge you can select between a Standard Valance and a Dust Cover Valance.
- Standard 3 1/2" Valance - This is a decorative valance that is made out of the same material as the vanes of the vertical blind that you select. It adds the finishing touch to your verticals by covering the headrail and clips as well as providing additional light control by concealing the gap between the headrail and where the vanes clip into the headrail. On outside mounts this valance comes with squared corner returns. There is an additional charge for this valance.
- Dust Cover 3 1/2" Valance - This valance is the same as the Standard Valance, but it also includes a cover that goes over the top of the track. The cover protects the fabric and headrail from dirt and dust. On outside mounts the returns can have either squared or rounded corners. There is an additional charge for this valance.
- Pleated and Cellular Pleated Shades - All of our pleated and cellular pleated are built with a smooth coordinating color headrail that provides a finished, decorative look, which eliminates the need for a valance.
|
|
 |
Vanes
The slats of a vertical blind are called vanes. They hang vertically from the track. They can be made out of fabric, aluminum, or vinyl (also called PVC). Most fabric vanes can be inserted into groovers for additional privacy and lightblocking. |
|
|
Vertiglide return to top
This is a vertical cellular shade that opens and closes upon a horizontal track. They are most often used on doorwalls. You will need to call us to order this type of blind.lightblocking.
|
