Window Blinds and Shade - Help

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1)How does the quality of Guaranteedblinds.com's products compare to the name brands?
The quality of our products equals or exceeds any major name brand product available on the market. We are very selective with the quality of the components used in our products. We demand the highest manufacturing standards for all of our products. We continuously monitor every product at each critical point of production to ensure an outstanding finished product. The quality of our components, materials and manufacturing processes allow us to provide a lifetime warranty second-to-none in our industry.

2)Is there a minimum depth on a window sill for an inside mount?
There are minimum depths. Under the specification section for each of our products we list the minimum dimension for an inside mount of that product.

3)What is the difference between an inside or outside mount?
Inside mounts are mounted inside the window opening. This is the most common type of mounting providing the neatest and cleanest appearance. Outside mounts hang outside the window opening on or above the window frame. Outside mounts are used on doors or when the window sill depth cannot support an inside mount or, to hide an imperfect window.

4) I want to order 2 blinds on 1 headrail and have the lift and tilt controls in specific locations, can this be done?
You may split 2 or more blinds on 1 headrail. This is usually done where there are 2 casement windows and you want to only have 1 blind cover both windows. However it is mandatory if the blinds you order exceed certain width or weight criteria. There are weight limitations on most wood or faux wood blinds in excess of 72 inches in width. Wood blinds might be difficult to operate and could damage the hardware. Therefore, we suggest that wood blinds wider then 72" be ordered as 2 or more blinds on 1 single headrail and valance. You may select the lift and tilt controls to place in any location on the headrail.

5) When will I receive my order?
All orders are shipped no later than the 10th business day following the day you place your order. Some delays may occur and you will be notifyed if this unlikely situation  arises. Please see our Delivery Guarantee section for complete details on shipping.

6) What is your refund/return policy?

Every product GUARANTEEDblinds.com sells is made to your specifications to fit your windows only. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and we want you to order with confidence.
When you receive your order, immediately open and inspect it thoroughly for any manufacturing defects or shipping damage. If you find the products damaged or defective, please contact our customer service department at 1-866-755-2173. If the product requires replacement you will be given a return goods authorization number (RGA) and shipping address to return the merchandise. DO not return any item(s) without an RGA number. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase please contact us and we will work with you to achieve your satisfaction. We would like to remind you that all of our products are custom-made to your specifications and requirements and, therefore, refunds are not offered as a remedy to damaged or defective products. What we will do, is repair or replace any damaged or defective product(s) to ensure that the product looks and works as represented on our website. Our instructions must be followed regarding measuring, installation, and the color disclaimer policy. Our blinds are custom-made to order based upon the measurements and specifications that you provide to us. Therefore, products cannot be returned due to measuring errors or inaccuracies. If you would like a professional to measure and/or install your blinds, and guarantee their workmanship, we do offer a free, professional referral service. Click here to locate an installer near you.

Returned goods (only when authorized for return) must be shipped to Guaranteedblinds.com within 30 days of when you receive them. Return shipping charges for non-warranty replacement and repairs are the responsibility of the customer and are not refundable.

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7) Is it easy to measure and install my blinds ?
Our blinds and shades are very easy to measure and install. Complete measuring and installation instructions can be found on our website. Your order will be shipped with all necessary hardware, brackets and complete installation instructions. If, however, you would like a professional to install your blinds, and guarantee their workmanship, we do offer a free, professional referral service. Click here to locate an installer near you.

8) Are there Shipping Charges ?
Shipping is Free in the continental US on all blinds and shades that do not exceed 98" for any dimension. If any one item in your order has a length or width of 98" or greater there is an $80 surcharge for the order, regardless of the number of blinds in the order.When you buy custom blinds or shades from GUARANTEEDblinds.com, we will make every effort to ship your order no later than Ten (10)* business days after the day you place your order. Sample swatches are shipped the very next business day so you can verify your color before you place your order. *Orders placed just prior to or during a major holiday week may experinece extended manufacturing and delivery times

9) Can I cancel/change my order ?
All Guaranteedblind.com products are custom made to your specifications and production could begin as early as the same day your order is placed, but no later than the next business day. Therefore, we will be glad to change or cancel any order as long as we are contacted within 1 business day (Monday -Friday, 9 am - 5pm EST) from the date your order was submitted to us and, provided that your order is not in production. Orders that are changed or cancelled after this period may incur additional charges. We will always do our best to accommodate your needs.

10) Is my personal information given out ?
Absolutely Not. The information you provide to us is kept in confidence and not shared with anyone for any reason. It is only used to help us service you.

11) Are your online transactions safe?
We have the most secure software which provides the highest degree of security and prohibits any of your information including your credit card information from being read. If you prefer not to use our secure site, you may also place your order by phone, fax or mail.

12) Will I receive a confirmation of my transaction?
You will receive an e-mail confirming your order and another e-mail when your order has been Shipped with a Fed Ex tracking number.

13) What is the routeless option?
The term"routeless" is often referred to as privacy blinds. Routeless blinds are made without route holes in the slats which let in some light. Routeless Blinds are made with small notches in the back of each blind which replaces the route holes. There is an additional cost for this option, which is indicated in our products pages.

14) What is the top down, bottom up option on shades?
This option uses two sets of lift cords which allows the shade to be opened by lowering the top down or by raising the bottom up. This is helpful for protecting your privacy while allowing light in. The cost and availability of this option is shown in our option section for each for each product that it is available for. The standard blind only rises by lifting the bottom up.

15) What form of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express Credit Cards. You can also pay by check or money order by contacting our customer service department to arrange for this form of payment.

16) When will my credit card be charged ?
All of our products are custom made, therefore your credit card is charged the full amount at the time your order is placed

Window Blinds Glossary


Aluminum Blinds (Mini Blinds, Micro Blinds, Macro Blinds):
These affordable horizontal blinds are available with ½", 1" and 2" slats of 6-gauge (thinnest) to 8-gauge (thickest) aluminum.

Basswood:
Basswood is generally considered the optimum wood type for horizontal blinds because of its light weight and fine grain. Derived from the hardwood bass tree a high-quality basswood is kiln-dried to prevent cracking, chipping and peeling of the finished blinds.

Blackout Liner:
Usually made from white polyester, a blackout liner is a backing available on selected shades that can block 98% of outside light.

Blackout/Blockout Shades (Opaque Shades, Room Darkening Shades):
Blackout shades are cellular shades that block 98% of outside light from entering a room. This type of shade is often used to provide privacy and room darkening in bedrooms, nurseries, childrens rooms and media rooms. For rooms where light is a major concern, a blackout shade may be installed using an outside mount.

Bottom rail:
The bottom rail is the lowest slat on a horizontal blind or shade. It is often thicker than the other slats and/or weighted to provide proper anchoring of the window covering and ensure that it hangs straight. The bottom rail is usually color-coordinated to match the rest of the window covering.

Brackets:
Brackets are pieces of hardware used to attach and install the headrail of a window treatment to the window frame.

Casement Window:
A casement window is a vertical window with a hinge along the side enabling it to swing open outward. It is usually opened and closed by turning a crank.

Ceiling Mount:
A ceiling mount uses brackets to mount a blind or shade to the top of the window or ceiling. It can be used to mount horizontal shades and vertical or horizontal blinds, eliminating the gap between the top of the blind and the ceiling. All window coverings can be ceiling mounted with no special hardware required.

Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades):
Cellular shades combine two or more sheets of pleated fabric in a "honeycomb" structure, resulting in excellent light blockage and insulation against heat, cold and sound.

Cloth Tape Ladders (Cloth Tapes, Tapes, Tape Edges):
Cloth tape ladders are long, narrow vertical strands of fabric which can be used to hold the slats of a blind together. They provide a decorative alternative to the standard braided cord ladders and increase light control by covering the route holes found in blinds. Cloth tapes are not threaded through the slats like cord ladders; when the blinds are closed, the tapes run straight down the front surface. Cloth tape ladders are available in a variety of designer colors, weaves and patterns.

Common Valance:
A valance that covers the headrails of two or more blinds as a single, continuous unit.

Continuous Cord Loop:
The continuous cord loop consists of a single looped cord and pulley system which raises and lowers the shade. This option is recommended for large shades.

Control Location:
The control location is where the tilt and draw controls are located on vertical blinds and may be located on either side.

Controls:
A control is any mechanism used to raise, lower, open, close or tilt blinds and shades. Controls include cords, wands and chains. They may be placed on the right or left of the window treatment according to the customer's preference. (Please note: a wand is provided for tilt control on all 1" blinds, because the headrail size does not allow for the placement of a cord.)

Cord Cleats:
Cord cleats are small hooks used to prevent the cords of a shade or blind from dangling and creating a safety hazard. A cord cleat should be mounted at a safe height near a window covering so that the excess cord length can be wrapped around the cleat to keep it off the floor and out of the reach of young children and pets. Cord cleats are available for both inside and outside mount applications.

Cord Tilter (Chain Tilter):
The tilter is a cord or metal link chain used to control the angle of the slats or vanes on a vertical blind. The tilter is used to open and close the blind and to adjust the amount of outside light allowed to pass through the window. A cord tilter is standard on most 2" horizontal blinds and consists of two separate pull cords with tassels.

Cordless:
Cordless blinds and shades can be raised by simply moving the bottom rail to the desired position. This type of mechanism allows one-handed operation, eliminates dangling cords and presents a streamlined appearance.

Cut-Out (Tile/Molding Cut-Out):
A cut-out is specified when part of a blind or shade must be cut to a more narrow width than the rest to allow clearance of an obstacle. Cut-outs are often used to accommodate tiles, molding, window cranks or other features that narrow a portion of the window opening.

Depth:
The depth of a window opening is measured from the front edge to the back.

Double Cell:
A double cell shade uses two layers of cellular or "honeycomb" fabric to increase insulation from heat, cold, light and sound.

Extension Brackets (Projection Brackets):
Extension brackets increase the distance between the blind and the mounting surface. They are often used to accommodate obstructions such as window cranks, molding or trim. (Please note: extension brackets are only available for outside mount applications.)

Factory Deduction:
The factory deduction refers to the amount of material trimmed from a window treatment by the factory to ensure proper fit of an inside mount. The specific amount varies by product.

Faux Wood Blinds:
Faux wood blinds are made from synthetic materials (e.g., vinyl or vinyl compounds) that provide the appearance of real wood at a lower cost. They are resistant to warping, cracking and peeling, making them a great choice for areas subject to excessive moisture. Faux wood is approximately 25% heavier than real wood.

Groover:
A groover is a long plastic sleeve with channels on both edges. Strips of fabric can be inserted into groovers to create vertical louvers with a solid backing for added privacy and insulation.

Headrail:
The headrail is the hardware and housing at the top of a blind or shade. It includes all the working mechanisms and is the main unit of support for the window treatment.

Height:
The height refers to the measurement of the window from top to bottom.

Hobbled:
A hobbled shade has horizontal pleats or folds in the fabric that are visible even when the shade is lowered. This is an option on fabric Roman shades.

Hold-Down Bracket:
A hold-down bracket is used to fasten the bottom rail to the mounting surface (often a door) to prevent the window treatment from swaying. The hold-down bracket must be unfastened in order to raise the blind or shade.

Horizontal Blind (Venetian Blind):
A Venetian blind has horizontal slats that can be raised and tilted at various angles to admit various degrees of outside light through the window.

Inserts:
Inserts are the vertical fabric pieces that are inserted into groovers.

Inside Mount:
An inside mount is a type of installation in which the window treatment is hung inside the window frame.

Ladder Cords:
Ladder cords are thin cords that are threaded vertically through each slat in a horizontal blind. The cords support the blind and control the individual slats. In some cases, cloth tape ladders may be substituted for ladder cords.

Ladder Spacing:
Ladder spacing refers to the distance between ladder cords.

Lift Cord:
The lift cord is used to raise and lower the window treatment. A lift cord may not be available on very small width horizontal blinds.

Lift Cord Location:
The location for the lift cord on horizontal blinds is at your discretion. Choose the side that is right for you.

Light Control:
Light control refers to the ability to control the amount of outside light entering through the window treatment. Blinds or shutters with slats or louvers provide the best light control.

Light-Filtering (Semi-Opaque):
A light-filtering or semi-opaque shade allows some outside light to enter through the window even when the shade is fully lowered. This provides privacy while allowing light diffusion.

Louver:
A louver is an individual vane in a vertical blind or an individual slat in a shutter. It is used to control the amount of light that passes through the window treatment.

Motorized Lift:
A motorized lift is an optional lift mechanism used to raise and lower a window treatment with a wireless remote.

Motorized Tilter:
A motorized tilter is an optional tilt mechanism used to control the angle of the slats or vanes with a wireless remote.

Mount or Mount Type:
The mount type refers to the way a window treatment is installed: within the window frame (inside mount) or on the wall or trim outside the window frame (outside mount).

Mullion:
The mullion is a metal, wood or vinyl frame where two separate window sections meet within the same window opening.

Multiple Blinds (or Shades) on One Headrail (Two or More on One Headrail):
Multiple blinds (usually two or three) may be mounted on a single headrail to cover a very wide window. This makes operation easier, reduces stress on hardware mechanisms and provides the flexibility of raising one blind while keeping the other(s) lowered. (Please note: this option is required on some products for guarantee and warranty.)

Natural Shades (Natural Woven Shades):
Natural shades are Roman-style shades made of natural materials such as wood, fibers, bamboo and grasses.

One-Way Stack:
"One-way stack" vertical blinds open in only one direction to "stack" on one side of the window.

Opaque:
Opaque is best for media room, bedrooms and childrens rooms because it is a non reflective surface that blocks out most outside light.

Outside Mount:
An outside mount is a type of installation in which the window treatment is hung outside the window frame, usually fastened to a wood frame, wall or door. With an outside mount, the window treatment overlaps slightly with the wall.

Pleated Shades:
An affordable alternative to cellular shades, pleated shades have evenly spaced horizontal pleats with visible cords running vertically through the fabric. Since they are made as a single layer, they provide less insulation than cellular shades.

Privacy:
"Privacy" refers to how much of the view (and light) is blocked when a window treatment is fully closed. Privacy levels range from zero (sheer fabrics) to full (blackout fabrics).

Projection:
"Projection" refers to the distance from the wall a window treatment extends into a room.

PVC Backing:
PVC backing is an optional feature of fabric vertical blinds which increases insulation and privacy and provides a uniform outside appearance, usually a curved white PVC vane with clear plastic grooves that holds the fabric in place.

Ramin Wood:
Ramin wood is a dense, imported hardwood that provides an affordable alternative to basswood blinds.

Remote Control:
A battery-powered infrared remote control is used with a motorized lift and/or tilter to effortlessly operate motorized blinds or shades.

Reverse Roll:
In a reverse roll shade, the fabric rolls off the front of the headrail. This prevents the back side of the fabric from being seen.

Reverse Stack:
Vertical blinds with "reverse stack" open to the side opposite from the control location.

Roller Shade:
A roller shade is made from a flat piece of fabric or vinyl (PVC) that is attached to a dowel or cylindrical roller. A spring mechanism in the roller allows the shade to be raised and lowered.

Roman Shade:
A Roman shades is made of fabric that folds up from the bottom when it is raised. This type of shade is usually operated by a lift cord.

Route Holes:
Route holes are small holes found in the slats of blinds. The ladder cords run through these holes to hold the blinds together and provide control of the individual slats.

Routeless:
Routeless blinds have small notches in the back of each slat instead of route holes. This provides more privacy, improves light blocking and makes it easier to remove the slats for cleaning. Routeless blinds have ladder cords and are not available with cloth tapes.


Slat:
A slat is one of the individual pieces of material (vinyl, metal, wood or fabric) that can be tilted to adjust the amount of light passing through the blind. It is often called a vane in a vertical blind.

Spacers (Spacer Blocks):
Spacers can be used with mounting brackets to provide additional space (½" - 1") between the mounting surface and the window treatment. They are often used to install a blind over raised trim or molding around a window. Spacers are only used for outside mount applications.

Split Stack:
"Split stack" vertical blinds open in the middle of the window and "stack" evenly on either side.

Spring Roller Lift Mechanism:
The spring roller lift mechanism allows roller shades to be raised and lowered by grasping the bottom hem of the shade, with no lift cord required. This is the standard lift mechanism on roller shades.

Stack:
The "stack" of a blind refers to the area in which the slats or vanes are located when they are opened (i.e., where they "stack up" on the blind). For example, a vertical blind with "left stack" will open from the right and stack on the left side of the window when the blind is fully opened. A "split stack" blind opens from the middle and stacks on both sides of the window, while a "center stack" blind opens from both sides and stacks in the middle. With horizontal blinds, the "stack height" refers to how much space at the top of the blind is taken up by the slats when they are fully raised; the smaller the stack height, the greater the area of view through the window.

Tilt (Tilter):
The cord or wand control that adjusts the angle of the slats of a blind is usually called a tilter. A cord tilter consists of two separate pull cords with tassels and is standard on most 2" horizontal blinds (and highly recommended on all 2" wood and faux wood blinds). A wand tilter is operated with a twisting motion to swivel the slats open and closed. It is made of plastic or wood and is standard on all 1" blinds and optional on some 2" blinds.

Tilter Location:
The standard location for the tilter on horizontal blinds is left, although a center location may be required for very small width blinds.

Top Down:
"Top Down" refers to an optional feature that opens the shade from the top down instead of the bottom up. When completely open, a top down shade is stacked at the bottom of the window.

Top-Down/Bottom-Up:
"Top Down/Bottom Up" refers to an optional feature that enables the shade to be opened either by lowering the top or raising the bottom of the shade using two sets of lift cords. This is the most versatile option for shades, allowing excellent control of the amount of light and privacy provided by the shade.

Triple Cell:
A triple cell shade uses three layers of cellular or "honeycomb" fabric to provide superior insulation from heat, cold, light and sound.

Valance:
A valance is a decorative piece used to cover and hide the headrail of a shade or blind.

Valance Returns:
Valance returns are the two side pieces that connect the outward-facing main part of the valance to the wall or window frame. Valance returns are only used on outside mounts.

Vanes:
"Vanes" are another term for the louvers or slats in a vertical blind.

Vertical Blinds:
Vertical blinds are made up of vertical slats or "vanes" that can be swiveled back and forth or opened by "stacking" to the right, left or center of the window.

Wall Mount:
A wall mount is a standard type of vertical blind installation in which the headrail is mounted on the wall or trim surrounding the window or door.

Wand Tilter:
A wand tilter is operated with a twisting motion to swivel the slats of a blind open and closed. It is made of plastic or wood and is standard on all 1" blinds and optional on some 2" blinds.

Width:
The width of a window is measured across the window from left to right.

Wood Blinds:
Wood blinds are an attractive and durable option for horizontal blinds that provide excellent insulation from light, heat and cold. They are available with 1" or 2" slats made from basswood or ramin wood.

Woven Wood Shades (Bamboo Shades, Matchstick Shades):
These shades are made of natural fibers (wood, fiber, jute or bamboo) woven together. They can be raised and lowered like a cellular shade, and may be lined for added insulation from light, heat and cold.

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