Questions & Answers
Custom Window Treatments
These are the common questions asked about custom window coverings:
To ask questions directly – find a local Made in the Shade near you.
Shutters, Roman shades, and layered drapery are considered the most timeless window coverings. Plantation shutters offer classic appeal, durability, and curb value, making them a long-standing favorite. Roman shades provide soft elegance with clean lines, suitable for both traditional and modern spaces. And floor-length drapery in neutral tones never goes out of style, especially when paired with subtle textures like linen or cotton.
At Made in the Shade, we bring the showroom to you with a personalized, in-home consultation, expert advice, and premium brands like Hunter Douglas, Graber, Alta, and Norman. Unlike many competitors, we offer professional measuring and installation at no extra cost, and our product lines include both stylish and functional solutions, from motorized shades to custom shutters. Our service-first model ensures you’re never just a transaction. We intentionally offer multiple brands to give you the best options on the market.
A good custom window covering budget may vary based on the product type, window size, fabric, and features such as motorization. At Made in the Shade, we provide free in-home consultations to assess your needs and offer transparent, competitive pricing, often with exclusive promotions or seasonal savings. You’ll get high-end quality at an exceptional value, with no surprise fees. Connect with your local Made in the Shade location for a free in-home consultation.
Your free consultation includes professional measuring, expert style advice, fabric and material samples brought to your home, and a detailed quote, all with no pressure to purchase. We aim to make the experience informative and relaxed. We love educating! Find your nearest Made in the Shade to schedule a free in-home consultation today.
Yes! We offer motorized and automated shades that can be integrated with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and other smart home systems such as Control4, Savant, Josh, Philips Hue, SmartThings, and more! From remote control convenience to app scheduling for energy efficiency, we’ll help you find the perfect tech-forward solution.
The newest trend in window treatments is smart motorized shades, automated solutions that integrate with your smart home system for voice or app control. Homeowners are also leaning into layered looks combining textures like sheer curtains over roller shades, and natural materials like bamboo and woven woods for an organic, earthy vibe. Energy-efficient designs, like solar shades, and cordless options for child safety are also rising in popularity. Corded blinds are no longer the standard, modern window treatments now favor cordless and automated solutions for improved safety and aesthetics.
Both can offer excellent privacy, but window shades typically provide better full coverage, especially when made with blackout or privacy fabrics. Blinds allow you to adjust light levels more easily by tilting the slats but may leave small gaps through the drilled route holes.
If you’re looking for a more modern and elegant alternative to vertical blinds, consider options like panel track shades, sheer vertical shades, or drapery panels. These styles offer the same wide-window coverage and light control but with a softer, more designer-friendly appearance. Many homeowners also upgrade to motorized shades or layered treatments that combine function with a high-end aesthetic.
The most modern blinds today are motorized blinds, specifically roller shades, and banded shades (also known as zebra or layered shades). These styles offer clean lines, minimalist design, and smart home integration. Motorized options controlled by remote or smartphone add convenience and a high-end feel, while zebra shades allow for flexible light control with a sleek, contemporary look.
Joanna Gaines favors a clean, timeless, and layered farmhouse style, often incorporating the following window treatments:
- Natural Woven Roman Shades
She frequently selects Roman shades made of woven woods or linens, these add soft, organic texture and beautifully filter natural light. - Simple Roman Shades (Neutrals)
These are classic and easy to pair with drapery or shutters, offering elegance with minimal fuss. - Minimalist Wood Blinds
Thin wooden or faux-wood blinds feature in her designs to maintain structure without overpowering a room. She layers them with curtains for added depth. - Wood Bifold Shutters
Occasionally used for a rustic touch, these functional shutters offer full privacy and a distinct architectural flair.
Outdoor shades are popular because they provide sun and bug protection, privacy, wind control, they reduce rain entering the patio, and control temperature while extending the comfort of your outdoor living space. They reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and have a clean and professional appeal, all while maintaining airflow. Motorization is key for added convenience and style.
Because our window treatments are custom-made to fit your home, they are not eligible for return once production begins. However, we stand behind the quality of our products and will work with you to resolve any issues related to manufacturing defects or installation concerns. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Most of our window treatments come with a limited lifetime warranty provided by our trusted manufacturing partners, covering defects in materials, workmanship, and operating mechanisms under normal use. Motorized components and specialty features may have separate coverage terms, typically five to ten years. We’ll review all warranty details during your consultation to ensure you understand exactly what’s protected. Please connect with the local Made in the Shade where you originally purchased your products for full details.
We proudly partner with top industry brands including Hunter Douglas, Graber, Alta, Norman, Insolroll, Eclipse, and more offering a wide range of blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, outdoor, and motorized solutions. These trusted manufacturers are known for their quality, innovation, and stylish designs. During your free consultation, we’ll help you explore the best options to fit your home’s needs and aesthetic.
Most window treatment installations take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the number and complexity of the windows. Larger projects or specialty products may take longer. Our professional installers ensure everything is fitted precisely and functioning perfectly before they leave your home. We’ll give you a more accurate estimate during your consultation.
Yes, we can remove your existing window treatments as part of the installation process. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll include removal in your quote. Our team ensures a clean, seamless transition from your old coverings to your new custom window treatments.
Lead times for custom window treatments typically range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the product type, fabric selection, and manufacturer. Specialty items or motorized options may take a bit longer. During your consultation, we’ll provide an accurate timeline, so you know exactly what to expect. Connect with your local Made in the Shade location to learn more.
Yes! Made in the Shade provides a full spectrum of window coverings for both homeowners and businesses.
Most custom window treatments are designed with low maintenance in mind. Blinds and shutters can be dusted with a microfiber cloth or vacuumed with a brush attachment. Fabric shades typically require light vacuuming or spot-cleaning, and many materials are treated to resist stains and dust from building up.
With proper care, high-quality custom window treatments can last 10 to 20 years or more. Most homeowners replace their window coverings every 7-10 years. Durability depends on the product type, materials, usage, and sun exposure. We recommend replacement around the 10-year mark, simply because style and design change over time, and fabrics start looking dingy.
An in-home consultation typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes for indoors and 30-45 minutes for outdoors, depending on the number of openings and the scope of your project. During this time, we’ll bring samples, take precise measurements, discuss your style and needs, and provide a custom quote. It’s a no-pressure, personalized experience designed to help you make the best choice for your space. Find a dealer nearest you to schedule your free in-home consultation.
Cellular shades are the most effective for insulation, thanks to their honeycomb design that traps air. Thermal-lined Roman shades or roller shades, plantation shutters, and layered drapery also offer excellent energy efficiency. For added protection in warm climates, consider exterior solar shades or awnings.