How to Prepare for a Window Treatment Consultation

We understand how intimidating starting the process of shopping for window treatments can be. Whether this is your first time on the market for custom (or any!) window treatments or you’re a seasoned pro, starting a new project can leave anyone feeling a little bit overwhelmed.  

Our goal with this blog is to make the path clear—you’ll learn everything you need to do to prepare for your window treatment consultation. From the questions your design consultant will ask you, to the things you should consider before you start, like budget or how to choose blinds that suit your lifestyle needs, we’ll go through the process step by step.  

First things first: decide where you want to start. Our showrooms are located across nine different states, and you can find the closest one to you here. We also offer a shop at home service that brings the showroom to you. One of our design consultants will come to your home with samples of all our products.  

This blog is going to give you a better idea of what to expect when you start your conversation with your design consultant, and is split into two sections: questions our designer will ask you during your consultation and things to think about that will give you a clearer idea of what you want.  

It’s important to be upfront with your budget expectations—both for yourself and our designers. We’ve all been in the situation where we fall in love with something...until we look at the price tag. We offer a wide range of products at varying price points, so that everyone can find a window treatment they love at a price they love too. 

Think about how much you want to pay for the whole project, or for each individual window treatment—either one will help our design consultants give you the right recommendation.

Consider what is and isn’t currently working: do you like having the functionality of blinds but want something a bit sleeker than your current verticals? Or maybe you like how your cellular shades work but don’t want to have to worry so much about cleaning them. Do you have any issues with glare or insulation? 

These are all the sort of things that are worth mentioning to your window treatment consultant and will help them give you suggestions that work for your home.  

4. How Do You Want to Operate Your Window Treatments? Have You Considered Motorized Window Treatments? 

How you plan on using your blinds or shades is just as important as how they look. While none of our products have cords anymore, we offer a variety of mechanisms depending on what you’re looking for.

Cordless shades or blinds are a great standard option for most homes, and are an additional safety feature for homes with children and pets. For higher windows or patio doors, a chain mechanism may be more convenient.  

We also offer motorization as an option for many of our window treatments. This feature allows you to open and close your window fixtures and drapery with the touch of a button. They only need to be charged every 6-8 months, which makes them perfect in homes where there are a lot of windows in one area.

Before meeting with one of our designers, take a moment to look around your space. Do you want to maintain a certain level of privacy? Are you looking to keep a bedroom dark throughout the day? Do you want to control how light comes in? 

Decide on your top three goals for the space. Clear priorities help your consultant propose solutions that align with your needs. 

Whether you’re shopping in store or have an at-home appointment, our design consultants are equipped with samples, materials, and inspiration photos and will take the time to show you every option. But you know what you like, and coming with an aesthetic in mind will only streamline the process. So make a Pinterest board, take a peek at all the window treatments we offer, even just look around your home, we love seeing photos that give us a better idea of your style.

And while the rest of our blogs are a great resource, we stand by the saying that seeing is believing, which is why we make it easy to order free samples of all our products right to your home.  

While the primary purpose of window treatments is to provide privacy and light protection, they also have an added (not often thought about) benefit. Over time, UV rays can damage or discolor floors and furniture. Do you have rooms that are south- or west-facing and get a lot of sun? 

Our window treatment designers will show you all the options we have to combat this issue, from UV-resistant sheer solar shades to insulated curtains and energy-efficient cellular shades.

Every room is going to have different needs, and subsequent considerations. When you meet with your design consultant, they’ll let you know all the finer details. But think about how you use the room—in bedrooms you may value the privacy that blackout provides. For a nursery, safety features like cordless mechanisms will be a priority. Do you have a window that’s close to a water source? You may want to consider one of our more moisture-resistant window treatments like faux-wood blinds or roller shades. 

• What is the expected lifespan of this product? 

• How easy is it to clean? 

• Are there warranties on materials or installation? 

• Will this product help reduce energy costs? 

• Do you offer professional installation? 

• What is the expected lifespan of this product?  

• Where can I see these window treatments in person or in a showroom?

Final Thoughts