Best Blinds
Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 26+Sources used
- 13Companies vetted
- 6Features reviewed
- 5Top
Picks
- Pick the types, materials, features and colors that best fit your room.
-
Some shade types can also provide insulation.
-
Most online retailers offer free shipping in the continental U.S.
-
Blinds with cords represent a hazard for young children and pets.
How we analyzed the best Blinds Companies
Our Top Picks: Blinds Reviews
Much of what drives the window coverings industry has to do with consumers’ tastes and what they wish to accomplish with their selection of blinds or shades. Whether you’re seeking to regulate the amount of light that comes in or lower your energy bills, blinds and shades have evolved to do more than just add a little more privacy to your home.
One important detail you should keep in mind is that most, if not all, warranties from window blinds companies are contingent on proper installation. Usually, companies offer limited lifetime warranties that cover problems with operating mechanisms and parts. This is why you should consider getting a professional to do so, unless you’re very sure you can do it yourself. The good news is that window blinds companies can help you find certified professionals in your area. Before submitting your order, make sure to check if these services are available, especially if you already know that you’ll need them.
Best faux wood blinds
EverWood is a line of faux wood blinds from Hunter Douglas that comes in a full range of colors and features UV protection to prevent fading. You can choose between four different control types: motorized, push/pull, and push-button. EverWood blinds come in adjustable sizing and can be customized to fit all window shapes, including arches and bay windows.
Screenshot HunterDouglas.com, July 2023
Hunter Douglas offers a lifetime warranty for all its blinds and shades. That warranty includes coverage for defects, workmanship or failure to operate for as long as you own your blinds, plus coverage for operational cords for seven years and motorization components for five years. The company also has a customer helpline available on weekdays, but the best way to get support is to contact your local dealer or installer.
If you’re interested in faux wood blinds that hit that sweet spot between quality and affordability, the EverWood line is definitely one to consider. These blinds are built to last, offer heat protection, come in a range of styles and are easier to clean and maintain than real wood blinds.
Check out our Hunter Douglas blinds review to learn more about the company’s warranty and installation options.
Best blackout blinds
If you’re wondering which blinds are most energy efficient, you’re probably interested in blackout blinds or shades. Blackout blinds don’t filter any light when closed. They can also help to maintain the temperature inside your home, reducing your energy use and bills. Bali’s cellular shades are versatile and stylish, and can be customized with blackout fabrics so you can choose when you want complete privacy and keep the light from filtering in.
Screenshot BaliBlinds.com, July 2023
Bali’s blinds have high ratings on Amazon, Home Depot, Costco and other major retailers. Although they aren’t the cheapest blinds on the market, they’re high-quality and durable. Like other Bali blinds, the blackout cellular shades are customizable, with multiple color and control options. You can choose between their motorized blinds or those with a pull cord.
All Bali blinds come with a limited lifetime warranty. Bali Essentials, its more budget-friendly line, comes with a five-year limited warranty that covers defects and internal mechanisms. You can contact Bali through email or call the customer help center to get help with installation.
Best budget blinds
Screenshot ikea.pr, June 2023
If you’re redecorating on a budget, you can find a wide range of shades and blinds at IKEA. The Swedish homeware company is famous for offering budget-friendly furniture and décor that’s still high quality. IKEA’s blinds are no exception.
Here are a few notable options you’ll find online or in-store at IKEA:
- FYRTUR: These blackout roller blinds come with a smart hub kit, ideal if you want the best motorized blinds that won’t break the bank.
- SCHOTTIS: This blackout pleated blind starts at just $5.99 per panel.
- RINGBLOMMA: These Roman blinds offer a simple light-filtering alternative to curtains or corded blinds.
The main downside of IKEA is that there is little customer support, and installation is always DIY. Some IKEA smart blinds come with a limited warranty, but most non-motorized blinds do not. Another drawback is that you won’t find faux wood blinds or vertical blinds at IKEA. Still, it’s one of the best companies to find blackout blinds and roller shades at a more affordable price.
Best blinds for sliding doors
Screenshot Chicology.com, June 2023
Chicology’s panel track blinds offer a unique take on vertical blinds. With wide, earth-toned panels, these blinds look like curtains but provide full coverage for maximum privacy. Vertical blinds are generally the best blinds for sliding glass doors as they can be easily opened or turned to let some light filter in. And while traditional vertical blinds are flimsy and can easily fall apart, Chicology’s panel blinds are made with woven polyester for strength and a more natural look. They can also be used as a room divider or closet door.
Chicology also produces traditional vertical blinds, mini blinds, faux wood blinds, cellular shades and more. Its products are available at major retailers like Amazon and The Home Depot. Installation is DIY, but the company offers a customer helpline and email. According to Chicology’s website, a representative will respond to your questions within one business day. All of Chicology’s blinds are covered under a limited one-year warranty, which covers manufacturer defects but not normal wear and tear.
One downside of Chicology’s panel-track blinds is that they aren’t customizable. The panels are 86 inches long, but can be trimmed by hand if they’re too long for your sliding door.
Best smart blinds
The Serena line of window shades by Lutron is a high-end, customizable option for anyone who prefers the convenience of smart blinds. These blinds are easy to install and compatible with most smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and Apple HomeKit. While they aren’t the most budget-friendly option out there, these blinds receive positive reviews for their customizability, ease of use and long-term durability.
Screenshot Lutron.com, July 2023
Lutron Serena Shades come in multiple styles. You can choose between roller shades, wood blinds and honeycomb shades, with over 175 different fabric options. Each type of shade can be mounted inside or outside of the window frame. The Serena shades are designed for DIY installation and customized to your exact window size upon purchase. With the Lutron Smart Hub — which isn’t included with your purchase but is recommended by the company — you can connect your blinds to your WiFi network and operate them with a wireless smart remote or from any mobile device.
Lutron’s extended warranty lasts for eight years, with 100% of replacement parts covered in the first five years and 50% covered for the next three. Serena blinds are easy to order and install, long-lasting and convenient. However, they can cost upwards of $500 per blind, depending on your customization, so these might be best for someone who is willing and able to invest in higher quality blinds.
More insight into our methodology
Above, we reviewed five popular blinds companies on the market this year. If you wish to read up on other blinds companies that didn't make our top five, but could also be good alternatives for you, check out some of our other reviews:
- Blinds.com review
- Blinds To Go Blinds review
- Levolor Blinds review
Here’s a closer look at how we choose the best blinds companies.
Inventory
One important factor when looking at window blinds companies is the array of products they sell. There are different types of blinds and shades — vertical blinds, Venetian blinds, cellular shades, Roman shades, roller shades, etc. — and they all come in different materials. They’re made of wood, vinyl, metal, bamboo, or fabrics. There are additional to consider as well, like blackout fabric to block exterior light, thermal fabric to insulate a room, or motorization options. Rather than focusing on brand variety, we favored the company’s variety of types, materials, features, and customization. The more alternatives they offered the better.
Services
Windows come in different shapes and sizes, meaning that some measurements can be harder than others, like for example, arch windows and skylights. Others, like inside mounts, require more precision. Installation can also be tricky if you don’t have the right tools. That’s why the second factor we considered was whether the company offered professional services for measuring and installation. We also made sure that measurements and installation instructions were available on their websites, for those who prefer to install their window treatments themselves.
Pricing
The third factor we consider when looking at blinds companies is the price of their aforementioned products and services. Because most online blinds companies customize orders to some degree, it's hard to list an exact price per company. However, these companies tend to offer estimates that can give potential customers an idea of how much their window treatments will cost. There are many other elements of pricing we also look for in blinds companies. Companies that offer free samples, free shipping, a satisfaction guarantee – the longer, the better – an online estimate, and multiple financing options get better marks with us overall.
Warranties & Return Policies
That’s right, mistakes happen. So what can you do if something goes wrong?
Most companies have strict return policies. They sell custom-made window blinds, made to fit your windows and with the material and features you choose. This makes it hard to resell your custom-made blinds or shades. In most cases, they end up being donated. For this reason, returns are allowed under specific circumstances like receiving damaged items and errors in manufacturing. Retailers might accept returns due to wrong measurements, but limit the amount that can be returned for this reason. In very few cases they accept returns for refund.
In terms of warranties, some companies only offer a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, materials, or operating mechanisms. Others go a step further and include guarantees for fitting problems for when there’s a mistake with measurements, as well as satisfaction guarantees.
As for cancellations, policies also vary by retailer. Nonetheless, most retailers require that any cancellations or changes in address be requested within a day of ordering.
Customer Service
Window blinds companies that operate strictly online save thousands of dollars in overhead, which allows them to offer better prices. This also means that there’s not a physical one-on-one interaction with customers, and customer service is found online or by phone. We made sure to check that this contact information was accessible and easy to find. We also tried their customer service chats to evaluate how long it takes to connect with a representative and get an answer.
Shipping
Usually, online window blinds retailers advertise free shipping for orders in the U.S., with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii. Other shipping restrictions could apply. For example, orders with oversized products (generally between 94” or more in width or height) might require the customer to pay shipping costs. We favored those companies offering free shipping on orders.
Helpful information about Blinds
It’s early morning and the sun is about to rise. In the background plays the song “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles. As the guitar fades in, so does the sun. “Here comes the sun (doo doo doo, doo), here comes the sun and I say...” Normally, you would curse because it means the sun is going to come in straight through the window, but today you can actually say: “It’s all right.” It’s all right because you just recently bought blackout shades! “Sun, sun, sun, here it comes!” And you’ll sleep as if it still were night. Thank goodness window coverings were invented!
The truth is that window coverings — which encompass blinds, shades, and shutters — play more than a decorative role. They also offer practical benefits. They can help you save on energy costs, maintain the temperature of the room, and filter light. There are also different types, each made in a variety of materials and in different shapes, sizes, and colors. So, the question is, how do you choose the right blinds for your home?
How To Choose Blinds for Your Home
Choosing the right window blinds greatly depends on your answer to these important questions: where will you install them, and why do you want them?
A Blind by Any Other Name
Horizontal Blinds (a.k.a. Venetians)
Horizontal blinds are among the most popular types of window coverings. This type of blind has horizontal slats attached with strings. Usually, a cord or a wand is used to raise and lower the slats.
Pros
-
Horizontal blinds are affordable and easy to install.
-
They are made of practical materials: wood, faux wood, vinyl, aluminum.
Cons
-
Horizontal blinds are lifted in a stack when fully raised, which means they tend to take up space in the upper part of the window, limiting some of the view.
-
Since its slats take some stack height, they’re not a good option for sliding or patio doors.
Cleaning Tip: With the slats closed, use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dust build-up. You can also use dust feathers or dry cleaning cloths.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds have individual slats running along in a track. Usually, vertical slats open by parting in the middle or from side to side.
Pros
-
Vertical blinds are a good option for large windows, and for sliding, glass, or patio doors.
-
They’re made of different materials like faux-wood, PVC, and fabric.
Cons
-
Vertical blinds have a track system, which requires mounting depth.
-
They don’t block light completely or offer maximum privacy
Cleaning Tip: Before cleaning you should remove the slats from the clip in the track. These can easily break if you move them too far. After removing them from the track you can use a duster cleaner, a micro-fiber cloth with soapy water, or the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are made of a solid panel of drapes in cotton, silk, or patterns. Its peculiarity is that it folds into itself.
Pros
-
Roman shades come in different colors, textures, fold styles, and patterns.
-
They can easily coordinate with other fabrics in the room.
-
They can feature cords, but can also come in cordless and motorized options.
Cons
-
The manner in which roman shades fold creates a stack of fabric on top of the window.
-
Some Roman shades don’t have a finished back, and might look plain from the outside.
Cleaning Tip: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean dust. You can use warm water with mild soap and a microfiber cloth to clean stains. Make sure to dry with a cloth to prevent any watermarks.
Cellular Shades (a.k.a. Honeycomb or Cell Shades)
Cellular shades have different layers of fabric that create their honeycomb-like shape.
Pros
-
Its cells hold air and help maintain the temperature of the room. In short, they’re good for room insulation.
Cons
-
Cellular shades can absorb odors and smells if installed in humid places like the kitchen or bathrooms.
-
Its cells could become a 5-star hotel for bugs if you don’t clean them regularly.
Cleaning Tip:Use the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to carefully clean dust. For the insides of the cells, use compressed air. Never submerge them in water since the shade could lose its fold.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are made with synthetic and natural fabrics or vinyl. They’re characterized by their roll-up system.
Pros
-
Roller shades offer privacy and block exterior light.
-
They come in multiple colors, patterns, and textures, and look stylish.
Cons
-
When installed inside the mount a small gap remains between the roller mechanism and the frame allowing some exterior light inside the room.
Cleaning Tip:Use warm soapy water and microfiber cloths for cleaning vinyl roller shades. For fabric, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Never submerge roller shades in water as it may damage their mechanisms.
Choosing the right material
Wood
Wood blinds have a more traditional design and are good for achieving a natural and elegant vibe in the room. They also come in different types of wood and colors. Nonetheless, they’re not recommended in areas with high humidity. Additionally, wood slats are vulnerable to cracking and breaking with time.
Cleaning Tip: Clean dust build-up with a feather duster or cloth. From time to time, treat your slats with products for wood.
Faux-Wood
Faux-wood blinds are a cheaper alternative to wood. Unlike wood, faux-wood can be used in damp areas like the kitchen or the bathroom. Usually, they’re made of synthetic materials which makes them a durable option.
Cleaning Tip: Faux-wood is also easy to clean. Just use a feather-duster or a dry cloth.
Aluminum & Vinyl
Aluminum and vinyl are durable materials, resistant to moisture and peeling. This makes them ideal for rooms with high humidity. These materials are also cost-effective and available in multiple colors.
Cleaning Tip:Clean with mild soap solution with warm water and a cloth or a sponge.
Fabric
There are natural and synthetic fabric options. Both are commonly used to produce roman and roller shades. Fabrics also help filter light and provide privacy. They’re durable, easy to clean, water-resistant, and anti-scratch.
Cleaning Tip:Use a vacuum cleaner to wipe the surface or a damp soapy cloth to remove dust.
Tips for buying window blinds online
-
Ask for Samples:If you’re buying window blinds online you’ll definitely want to make sure you know what the fabric or material looks like in real life. Looking at pictures online is not enough, particularly because colors can be slightly different from how they look in pictures. The good thing is that most retailers online offer free swatches, which makes it easier to evaluate material, quality, texture, and color. It’s also a good option for comparing samples from different companies. Sometimes there’s a limit of 10 or 15 swatches per customer, so making a list of your top options can help you get the most from this service.
-
Measure Carefully:All windows are not made equal. That’s why regardless of whether you’re getting custom-made or ready-to-install blinds, you should aim to have the right measurements for your window treatments. Measuring is important because not every company has warranties for measurement errors. There are two ways to tackle this step. If you’re buying online, look for measurement instructions—most companies that sell blinds online have them available on their website. You can also opt to get a professional to do it for you. Some companies already offer in-home consultations that include measuring services at no cost. Others might not, but could still help you find a certified professional in your area.
-
Warranties / Returns: What can I do if my window blinds are bigger or smaller than expected? What if they arrived defective, damaged, or missing a part? What if the operating mechanisms stop working after a year? In order to answer these questions, you should consult return policies and the terms of the warranty. Most window treatment companies include warranties for their products, and some might let you purchase or upgrade the warranty for an additional cost.
-
Check Shipping Options: Many companies offer free regular shipping for their orders. Regardless, you should always verify if there are any exceptions. For example, they could charge shipping fees for orders with oversized products or have limitations for certain addresses.
From an Interior Designer’s Perspective
Photo courtesy of Yadira Torres/Colegio de Diseñadores y Decoradores de Puerto Rico
For interior designer Yadira Torres, one of the first things customers should do is know the differences between blinds and shades. “Sometimes customers talk about blinds and shades as if they were the same, or mistake one for the other.”
Although they're both window coverings, they provide different features and aesthetic effects.
These are her tips on how to choose the right blinds for your windows:
Highlight #1: Blinds
Blinds let you modulate the light that comes into the room. Their mechanism moves the slats in angles which helps create different dimensions in ambiance. As interior designers, we like to play with this.
Also, blinds help bring the exterior to the interior, which can be a decorative and designing aspect to contemplate. Think about where the window is located and what’s behind that window. If it’s a garden or a nice-looking area, it’d be fabulous to have a type of window covering that doesn’t block the view.
As for the materials, there are wood blinds. These can be more expensive, because of the wood, but they’re an elegant and sophisticated option for the living room, or dining room. Plus they come in different colors of wood. They’re also made in white wood, which goes very well with glass windows.
Blinds are also often used in bathrooms and kitchens, but it’s not recommended that we use wood. If you’re going to install blinds in the kitchen make sure they’re made of PVC or faux-wood. This material is synthetic and behaves well with humidity and heat.
Highlight #2: Window Blinds Color: Dark Wood vs. Light Wood
Blinds are timeless. Regardless of existing trends, they do very well in bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchens. Now, it all depends on the room and the type of decoration you want. If you want the room to feel more relaxing and informal you can use light wood colors or maybe white PVC. If,on the other hand, you want it to look more formal, then you can use dark woods. Everything depends on the style you already have in your home, your taste, and how daring you feel experimenting with new looks and colors. But generally, darker colors tend to be more elegant, while lighter colors are a little more informal and easy to combine without creating any kind of focal point or distraction in the room.
Highlight #3: Shades
All shades are made of fabric. They come in natural fabrics, synthetic, jute, and bamboo. They are versatile because you can choose from different fabrics, patterns, colors, and texture. Their advantage is that you can customize them however you want.
Never choose silk for a window exposed to the sun because it will wear out very quickly. Silk is a big no-no, unless you have blackout curtains or will not let the sun hit the fabric all the time.
Highlight #4: Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount
The advantage of an outside mount is that it will cover the whole window and completely block external light. With inside mounts, the light can pass through the frame or all around the window. Also, if you have mouldings, inside mounts could give your windows a nice finished touch.
Highlight #5: Motorized Options
This is only used with shades. I recommend it for houses with kids and pets. Motorized shades are also good for big windows, it’s convenient.
Beware of Blinds with Cords
According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, from 1990 to 2015, there were an estimated 16,827 cases involving injuries with window blinds and children younger than 6. Another study, conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy, showed that during this 25-year time period an average of 647 children were treated in emergency rooms per year (approximately 2 children per day) for injuries related to window blinds. Although most cases were treated and released, two-thirds of entanglement incidents resulted in death.
For years, child safety advocates have pushed the banning of window blinds with cords and for better standards to be implemented in the industry, without much success. In 2018, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) worked together in developing new standards that required windows blinds to be cordless or have short cords.
Nonetheless, for Linda Kaiser, founder of Parents for Window Blind Safety and a child safety advocate, there’s still a lot of work to do when it comes to standards. According to her, one of the major problems in the industry is that it’s difficult to know if manufacturers are complying.
“If you look at how it was promoted it sounds as if cords were banned, but there are not. Stocked products are only allowed to have a cordless operating system. Anything that’s custom-made is allowed to have cords. Now there’s a very thin line on what is considered stock and what is considered custom. So, what has happened is the industry has told [US consumers and media] that stock products were 80% of the market. But, the industry didn’t provide any evidence. So it’s always been a hearsay number”.
She also added that “there are a number of ways to make cords that are safe for kids, that are not dangling and able to be wrapped around the neck of a child. The technology is all there. It’s just that there’s not a willingness to do so. It seems like the industry wants to be told what to do.”
During our research, we found that the majority of window blind retailers online sold blinds with cords as default, with a disclaimer warning parents and pet owners of the hazard it could represent. In most cases, in order to get cordless blinds, consumers have to pay extra.
Return Policies for Custum Blinds
Online retailers offer custom-made blinds and shades, which means they’re made to fit your windows specifically. For this reason, companies have very strict return policies. Cases of returns related to the malfunctioning of a mechanism and items damaged during delivery can usually be resolved. Companies could also let you return and exchange the product for another if you’re not completely satisfied with it, as long as a company representative authorizes it. However, very few companies offer you your money back.
Latest From Our Editors
FAQs about Blinds
How do cordless blinds work?
Cordless blinds have a tension mechanism that holds the blinds in place while you raise or lower them. Technically, cordless blinds and shades aren’t fully cordless — they have internal cords that are held up by tension.
How long do blinds last?
Blinds can last 10 years or longer. Much will depend on the quality of the material they’re made of and on how well you take care of them.
What are the best kid-proof blinds?
Corded blinds are among the top hazardous products causing injuries and deaths among children younger than 6 years old and so we strongly recommend cordless and remote-controlled blinds for households with children. Parents can search for blind brands that have the “Certified Best for Kids” label, initiated by the Window Coverings Manufacturers Association (WCMA) for child safety regulations.
Do blinds save energy?
Yes. About 30% of heating energy is lost through windows and 76% of the sunlight that comes through windows becomes heat. Specific types of window coverings like cellular shades can help you save in heating and cooling bills since they reduce heat loss and undesired sunlight-heat.
What is the difference between inside mount and outside mount blinds?
Simply put, an inside mount is a window covering that fits inside the window, outlining the frame. An outside mount extends beyond the frames, completely covering the window. Inside mounts require accurate measurements and precision for a clean, snug fit. With outside mounts, there is more freedom and leniency with length and design.
How much does it cost to install blinds?
The cost of blind installation can vary, depending on the type of blinds, window size, amount of windows, etc. Installing blinds can cost as little as $60 and up to as much as $2,000. Nevertheless, many blind brands provide ‘how-to’ tutorials and installation instructions on their websites that customers can download for free.
Which blinds are best for insulation?
To prevent window light from warming your home, shutters and cellular shades can provide insulation. Both window treatments are designed to trap warm air between them and the window, preventing it from permeating throughout the home.
How often should you clean blinds?
You should clean and dust them regularly, at least once every six months or whenever you do a deep cleaning of your home. Window blinds slats can be an accumulator of dust, dirt build-up, and bugs. Keeping them clean can reduce allergies, and increase the longevity of your blinds.Check out our tips for cleaning window blinds for more detailed recommendations.
Our Blinds Review Summed Up
Company Name | |
---|---|
Lutron Serena Shades | Best smart blinds |
Ikea Fyrtur | Best budget blinds |
Hunter Douglas Blinds | Best faux wood blinds |
Chicology Blinds | Best blinds for sliding doors |
Bali Blackout Cellular Shades | Best blackout blinds |