FAQ
PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ARE IN REFERENCE TO "FAUXWOOD & REAL WOOD HORIZONTAL BLINDS".
HOW DO I MEASURE MY WINDOW(S)?
(see how to measure page)
Please note the following, prior to ordering your blinds:
Smallest blind width that can be ordered: 6” wide
Minimum sill depth to accomidate: 2” horizontal blind = ¾” (however preferably 1”)
2 ½” horizontal blind = ¾” (however preferably 1”)
HOW DO I DETERMINE IF I NEED RETURNS ON MY BLIND(S)?
All window depths vary from window to window. It is important to measure the depth to determine if the window will need a return on the valance. The return covers the edge of the headrail when it protrudes out from the window slightly. If you have multiple windows, there is a possibility not all windows will require returns.
The headrail measures 2 ¾”(when the valance is attached the headrail measures 3 ¼”), if your window depth is less then 3 ¼” then the headrail/valance will protrude a bit. Take the depth of your window minus 3 ¼” to give you your return size.
Returns have no function; they are merely a cosmetic piece. If you don’t mind seeing the side of the headrail there is no need to order returns, returns are a personal preference of the client. Please note, if you originally order without returns and then later decide you would like returns, a new valance will need to be made because mitre cuts are needed. If a new valance needs to be cut, there will be an additional charge. This charge depends on the material and size.
Please note the following, prior to ordering your returns:
Return sizes:
Smallest size available for order: ½”
WHAT STYLE OF TILT CONTROLS DO YOU SUPPLY?
We only use Tilt Cords. We do not use Tilt Rods, tilt rods break too easily.
WHAT ARE MY CONTROL OPTIONS?
In most cases you can order your controls in a few different ways. Our standard (default) option is Tilt on the Left & the Lift on the Right. Depending on some situations you may want the reverse, Tilt on the Right & Lift on the Left. This might be due to a hard to reach corner where you would rather have easy access to the Tilt control and may not need to access the Lift control, ect. In other situations you may want both the tilt and the lift on the same side. If this is the case then you can order your controls Left/Left or Right/Right. Please note, if you think you want both controls on the same side, please be aware that this may look a little crowded as there will be a larger number of cords on one side.
Please note the following prior to ordering your control options:
Control Options:
Blinds less than 18” wide can only be: Left/Right or Right/Left
(NOT left/left or right/right)
Tilt only option (no lift option available)
2” horizontal – 10 ½” wide or less
2 ½” horizontal – 12” wide or less
HOW TO ORDER BLINDS WITH TILES & CONCRETE SUROUNDING WINDOW FRAMES?
Please note we do not do notch outs. For tiled windows we make a square blind but make the clearance as tight as possible where it meets the tiles.
It is important to document if there are any tiles surrounding the window. If you happen to have tile inside the frame, then you will have to measure the top of the window to get the valance & headrail size and then measure from tile to tile to get the (inside) measurement of the window.
Note: when ordering a window with tile, make note on the order form that this window does have tile. Write the tight measure between the tiles in the width column & make sure to note both the headrail & valance width in the special instructions area. A ¼” will be added to the slats to minimize the clearance so there is not a large gap. This will give you a 3/8” clearance between the slats and the tile.
SHARED VALANCES
Please note we do not do 2-on-1 headrails or 3-on-1 headrails. Instead we make sepereate blinds and supply a shared valance.
Many windows may require a shared valance between windows with more than one blind within it. In many cases some windows are too large to make one blind for, so therefore, we need to create two or more blinds to cover this space. Many living room windows have three panes within the window opening, two smaller ones on either side and one larger one in the middle, this would be a typical example of when you would want to order one continuous valance as opposed to three individual valances. One continuous valance gives a much smoother, sleek finished look. To document this on your order sheet, just draw a diagonal line through the valance column and along the line and write in the valance width.
Make sure to indicate whether you are ordering the Standard Valance (no charge) or the Crown Valance (surcharged).
Note: When ordering multiple blinds for one window (inside mount only) you need to add 1/8” to each blind width size. The purpose of this is when the ½” deductions are taken, the gap between each blind ends up only being ¼” as it should be, not ½” like it would end up if the 1/8” addition is not added.
When measuring the tight size for a window that is to have multiple blinds, measure the width from the edge of the inside window casing to the middle of the mullion.
Eg. 2 blinds in one window – measure from inside casing to center of mullion (for first blind) and then center of mullion to the inside casing on the other side (for the second blind).
Eg. 3 blinds in one window – measure from inside casing to center of mullion (for first blind), then center of (same) mullion to the center of (the next) mullion (for the second blind) and then from the center of the mullion again to the inside casing on the other side (for the third blind).
HOW DO I INSTALL MY BLINDS?
(see how to install page)
(see valance install page)
Your order should come with install instructions. If you do not have a copy in your package you can print them by clicking the above link(s).
Please note: [if you’re ordering returns for your blinds] if you ordered Fauxwood you will recive return clips that will hold the return onto your valance. If you ordered wood blinds, you will need a hot glue gun to glue the returns onto your valance.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY ORDER?
All orders come with: install instructions, your blinds, 1 set of end brackets & screws per blind, at least 1 center support bracket & screws per blind (depending on size of blind you may receive 2 or 3 support brackets & additional screws), valance clips, and if ordered door blinds you will receive hold down brackets (hold down pins will already be drilled into the bottom rail for you).
In addition you will need to have on hand: drill & screw driver. You may also want a pencil & level. If you ordered returns [wood blinds only], you will also need a glue gun.
WHAT IF MY BLINDS DON’T FIT OR SOMETHING IS WRONG?
If a blind is too big, or too small, too long or too short you will need to contact your saleperson for further assistance.
A couple things you can do prior to contacting your salesperson is to measure the finished size of the blind (measure both the headrail as well as the slats, they will be (almost the same) slightly different sizes). Compare this to what you ordered. The slats should be ½” smaller than you ordered and the headrail should be the same or a hair (16th) larger than slats, if you ordered an inside mount.
If it is the headrail that is the issue, and it’s a hair too large, try removing the plastic end caps. These end caps are only to protect the sharp ends of the headrail & prevent the tilt rod from sliding out during shipping, so please be extra careful taking them off. If the headrail is still [slightly] too large, you can try to [slightly] trim the headrail [on both ends] with some snippers. However do not cut too much, as if you do cut too much, you will need to order a new blind (at your cost).
HOW DO I OPERATE MY BLINDS?
For instructions on how to operate your blind please refer to the install instructions.
(see how to install page)