FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some questions that are commonly asked as customers begin their search for custom blinds, shades, draperies, shutters, patio screens, awnings, and more. Whether you are a homeowner, custom builder, interior designer, or architect, we understand that custom window treatments and outdoor shading solutions can be complex and nuanced, so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Is there a showroom near me?

Our centrally located Houston showroom is located at 4122 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77027 - near the Greenway Plaza/Galleria area. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to help; no appointment necessary! We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

How do motorized shades work?

Motorized window treatments can be achieved through hardwiring or battery operation. For hardwired shades, our team will work in collaboration with your electrician, AV company, or any architects, builders, or designers involved in the project, to ensure that wiring is run to the correct location to achieve motorization. Alternately, battery-operated shades are installed wirelessly and can be controlled anywhere in the room using a remote or smartphone app. Battery-operated motors are either rechargeable or batteries can easily be replaced without having to take down and reinstall the shades.

What type of window treatments can be motorized?

Roller shades are the most commonly motorized window treatment, but almost any product we offer can be motorized for ease of operation. Our custom Roman shades, draperies, woven shades, Duette honeycomb shades, and more are often motorized as well – especially when windows are numerous or in higher or hard-to-reach locations. In terms of outdoor shading, all of our retractable patio screens, awnings, and pergolas can (and usually are) motorized as well.

What kind of shades can I do on an arch, or other specialty shaped windows?

Specialty-shaped windows can be daunting, but there are a surprising number of solutions for your uniquely shaped windows – whether they are arches, angles, circles, bay windows, bow windows, or corner windows.

Arched windows are best treated with natural woven shades, custom Roman shades or plantation shutters. Alternatively, any window treatment or drapery can be outside mounted to preserve the integrity of the arch and allow the arch to be fully exposed when the shades are open.

Angled windows add architectural drama to a home, but often let in more direct sunlight than homeowners anticipate. If you would like to filter light and maintain the unique aesthetic of your angled windows, Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb Shades or custom Roman shades can be mounted inside the window casement of an angled window. Alternatively, operable plantation shutters and woven wood shades are a great custom solution for angled windows.

What kind of window treatments are best for doors?

Window treatments on doors – whether they are single doors or French doors – are typically mounted beyond the glass, on the door itself.

Custom roller shades, Roman shades, natural woven shades, and Hunter Douglas Duette shades are well suited for these applications as they allow for a narrow mounting space and do not protrude too much into the room. Roller shades, Roman shades, and natural woven shades can be mounted closest to the door glass which allows us to guide the shade material behind the lever handle. Custom shutters are also uniquely suited for doors and can be custom manufactured to accommodate door handles or knobs with specialty cutouts.

How far can a retractable awning extend?

Our motorized awnings can cover an area of up to 46’ wide and have a max projection of 15’11” (depending on the width of the awning).

What are the best blackout shades?

There are several options when it comes to room-darkening shades: blackout roller shades, blackout Roman shades, blackout draperies, blackout woven woods, and blackout cellular shades.

To achieve total room darkening, we can add custom side channels to your opaque roller shades and cellular shades.  Alternatively, blackout drapery panels can be layered with your blackout shades to prevent unwanted light seeping in through the sides of the shades.

EXPERT ASSISTANCE ON YOUR CUSTOM PROJECT

With so many options – shutters, draperies, roller shades, Roman shades, wood blinds, motorized screens, retractable awnings, and more, our team realizes that custom window treatments and outdoor shading solutions can be overwhelming. Our staff strives to simplify the process by listening to your goals in functionality and your aesthetic preferences, then navigating the best options with you.

Any Questions?

Our experienced staff is always happy to help. Please visit our showroom at any time, give us a call, or fill out the form below. If you are interested in a preliminary quotation, feel free to provide approximate dimensions in the comments field.