January 31, 2002
I am interested in possibly getting several Roman shades but I am not sure about the mounting - inside or outside. How much space is required for an inside mount - I am assuming on the top of the window. Also, my windows are not terribly deep - the wood at the top is only about 3 inches - if the shade is deeper, will it still work with an inside mount or should I measure for an outside mount?
>If your window is three inches deep you've got enough room for an inside mount. The fabric roman shades are put on a 2" deep headrail, so they will fit perfect in your window.

January 29, 2002
Can you custom make a 180" cornice board? if yes, what would the cost be?
>Our largest size is 143 7/8" . If you want, you could butt two up together. You would have a seam to deal with, but if this does not bother you then it may be an idea for you. If this is something you would like we could leave off the returns on the butt ends.
Is the entire piece made of wood? if yes, what type of wood? what is the delivery time? what is the installation time required?
>The cornice is made of Polystyrene with a pressed wood board on the top. Production time is running about 3 working days. It then goes free ground shipping. Give about 5-8 working days for shipping. It may be quicker depending on your location. Faster shipping is an option for a surcharge if you would like.

October 19, 2001
I have a large Harvey Vicon 2000 which is essentially two double hung covered with a large arched window above. This was all one unit when it was installed in my new home. The problem : We want to cover the two double hungs with 2 inch blinds approx 32 inches wide each. I can attach the outside brackets to the wood frame surrounding the window set, but there is no anchor spots for the inside brackets - no wood framing separating the windows. The manufacturer said that I should not attach brackets to the vinyl framing of the window. I thought of fabricating a wood T frame, but I'd like to explore other options if there are any. A single blind would need to be about 68 inches wide. I'd still need a center support, again >nothing there to anchor it to. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
>You might be able to mount a 2x4 board horizontally where you would mount a 2" Choice Wood Blind headrail.Turn the board up so you are looking at the 4" flat side.the headrail and crown valance would then cover the board. This would give you a place to mount a center bracket for the blind so it does not sag. The wood board could be painted white or you could stain it.

May 15, 2001
I would like to use bamboo roman shades in a three-window bay but am concerned that when the shades are fully opened (pulled to the top of the window), the three stacks will interfere with each other due to the angles of the windows where they fit together and create the bay. Do you have information that would help me decide if your bamboo roman shades will fit in a bay window situation? Also, in your stacking chart: Is the stacking depth the thickness of the stack from the window to the interior direction of the room or is the stacking depth the actual vertical height from top to bottom of the stacked pleats? Many thanks for any assistance you can provide.
>The headrail dimensions are 5/8" x 1 1/4". The stacking chart on our web site is the stack height (vertical).

April 16, 2001
I am shopping for a Roman Shade style such as the "casual style," but I want them to open from the top or bottom. Do you have such a product?
>Yes, we can upgrade our Roman Shade headrail to a Top-Down/Bottom-Up headrail.
For Top Down function: Add $12/ft (width)
For both Top Down/Bottom Up function: Add $38/ft (width)

Example: if your width is 36", then you need to add $36 for the Top Down option, or $114 for the Top Down/Bottom Up option. You can specify this upgrade under the "instructions/comments" box in your shopping cart, and finalize your order as normal. We will adjust your total once we receive your order.

March 28, 2001
Regarding your Cornices, what are the brand names? I need to view them locally before I purchase them on-line. I don't know what Polystyrene is. Is it Styrofoam? Is it plastic? Does it appear to look like wood at all? I do not want to place a large order without seeing a sample. Are any available?
>Polystyrene is a vinyl type of material. It is definitely not wood. You can make it look like wood by using MinWax stain. Regarding viewing them, I am not sure, but your local home stores might carry the same product. Ask them about Manchester or Somerset cornices.

March 20, 2001
I have some questions about the installation of Roman shades. On some of my windows at home, I have installed honeycomb, horizontal shades with an inside mount. Are the flat Roman shades that you sell as simple as those to install? How do they attach to the window?
>They are much easier. If you have installed a honeycomb shade the romans will be a snap. The headrails are pre-drilled and you send a screw right into the top of the window for an inside mount. Once you see them it's very simple to understand. You're package will come with an installation brochure.

March 15, 2001
I am looking for a window cover that will give good thermo protection in very cold climate, yet present well.To be used in large visitor use building in National Park.
>The best shade for insulation is our Honeycomb Shade. The double honeycomb will insulate 5-10% better than the single honeycomb. If you want something fancier or more elegant, I suggest doing a Roman Shade with Thermo lining. The thermo liner is not an option online. However, we can have this upgrade added to the Roman Shade you choose. If you would like a quote for this, please e-mail us the sizes, the style of Roman Shade, and the fabric.
Roman Shade Styles, go to: http://www.windowdesigner.com/romanshades.html
Roman Shade Fabric, go to: http://www.windowdesigner.com/romanfabrics.html
Honeycomb Shades, go to: http://www.windowdesigner.com/honeycombshade.html

March 9, 2001
Do any of your roman shades offer a top down option. We want the folding to start at top as it lowers. we have one window 94" wide.
>Yes we do. For "Top Down" only, the surcharge is $12.00/ft of shade width. For "Top Down-Bottom Up", the surcharge is $38.00/ft of shade width. It'll come with a flat valance to cover the headrail and the operating mechanism. If you would like to add this feature to your shade order, please indicate it on the "INSTRUCTIONS/COMMENTS BOX" in your shopping cart. The surcharge will be processed separately.

March 7, 2001
We are looking for shades as shown on the attached drawing. We would like them made of Madake Terra with a privacy liner and walnut binding. We would like them made as a 3 on 1 headrail. We are also in the Bay Area, can you price these out for us?
>Currently, banding and lining is not available with our Woven Woods product. I know that the factory floor is working on this program but we do not have a release date as of yet. Sorry that we're not able to help you out on your project.

March 7, 2001
I am looking for a curved vertical blind track for a bay window.
>Because this is a specialty product, it is best for you to get someone in your local area to measure, create the template, and install a curve vertical blind track.

March 6, 2001
Please help me understand the top and bottom structure of the casual and flat roman shades . Is there a wooden slat in the bottom seam, is it removable?
>NO, there is no wooden slat. The bottom of the Casual and the Flat has a flat metal weight bar and is sewn in. This helps the shade to hang straight.

What does the top bracket look like?
>For Inside Mounts, there are no brackets. The screw goes through the pre-drilled headrail and up into the window casing. For Outside Mounts, we send you L-Brackets.

Is it fabric covered, etc?
>Yes.

Do I add more to the measurement for the top ?
>For Outside Mounts, the shade comes exact to the sizes you ordered. For Inside Mounts, the factory floor will deduct 3/8" inch from the width only. This is done so that the shade does not rub against the window sides.

March 5, 2001
What degree of privacy does each woven wood blind provide...what percentage?
>There is varying degree of privacy with each individual weave. We do not have any specific grading on them. The KYOTOs has the least amount of privacy. The SIBU STEPs has full privacy. The rest of them, you can see through slightly.

March 4, 2001
I was wondering how durable pleated/cellular shades are. For example, roller shades are extremely resistant to tearing or any other accidents that might happen in a room with playing children. What about pleated shades?
>Vinyl material will always hold up better than fabric. Pleated and Cellular Shades can be professionaly cleaned with the ultrasonic system. PVC Vertical Blinds are also durable and can take some abuse. They're easy to clean and the slats can be replaced if needed. You can also order the Baton/Wand controller for Vertical Blinds for child safety.

February 25, 2001
Want to know if the Bamboo blinds WOV2007 which is Kyoto Midnight, can be made with a width of 98. The price grid on the web site only goes up to 96".
>Yes, we can manufacture a 98" wide woven wood shade. It would be on a 2 0n 1 headrail, which means the blind would be split to two separate equal sized shades, and will sit on a single headrail. Please e-mail us the exact size (width and length) to get a quote.

February 19, 2001
I'm curious if your cornices can act as a 'shelf' as well as a valance. Do they have a flat top where you could place light-weight items? If you could let me know as soon as possible that would be wonderful, as I am very interested in your product.
>Yes, our cornice has a flat dust shield on top. You can put picture frames, light weight plants, and other decorative items on it.

February 3, 2001
Is it necessary to get the bamboo shades lined? What is the availability?
>We do not offer lining for our Bamboo Shades. But no, it is not necessary to line a bamboo blind. Some people wants the liner for privacy. But the gaps (if any) between the weaves are so minimal. In fact, some of the materials are so tightly woven that privacy is not even an issue.

January 31, 2001
I am interested in purchasing four (4) of your Flat Style Roman Shades. My windows measure 3x5 feet, and I would want for them to be fully lined. I have requested swatches of your duponi silk materials. Please email me with any additional information you may need in order to provide me with a price quote.
>All prices are posted on our site. From the "Material Selection" Page (http://www.windowdesigner.com/romanfabrics.html), find the Dupion fabric you like and click on "Price Group 3". On the "Price Group 3" page, click on "Flat Roman Shades". This'll then take you to the price grid. Follow the Ordering Instructions. Standard liners are FREE of charge. Blackout lining is 10% extra. This and other options can be selected once you're in your shopping cart page.

January 29, 2001
I am interested in woven wood roman shades, and would like to have them lined. Your order form does not have a space to indicate a liner. Do you offer liners on these blinds?
>Sorry, we don't put liners for our Woven Woods.

January 29, 2001
How are hobbled roman shades different from teardrop roman shades?
>Hobbled Romans are sometimes called "waterfall", "teardrop", "soft fold".

January 27, 2001
I am having trouble ordering these swatches on line. The calculated total showed $25.00 for 5 swatches! I tried this again and it shows them at $10.00. I don't know what's going on . Can you help?
>On your shopping cart, you'll see five drop down boxes that says " Swatch 1, Swatch 2....". Select the swatches you want for each box. This line item allows you to order up to 5 different swatches. If you click on "recalculate", your total should show $5.00 (if you ordered 5). If you want more than five, go back to the color selection page and click "Order Swatch" again for another line item (which allows you to order 5 additional swatches). You can keep doing this until you've ordered all the swatches you want.

January 24, 2001
I recently moved into a house with mini blinds. However the control wands are missing on two of the blinds. Can I purchase replacements.
>Sorry, we do not sell parts.

January 18, 2001
I am interested in honeycomb shades (top down-bottom up), however I am very insecure measuring. I think I require 26 5/8 in. wide and 50 in. long. If I am incorrect, can these be returned? I need 5 shades.
>Since our shades are custom made to fit your windows, they are not returnable. Measuring your windows is very critical but not difficult. First, measure the width (left to right) of your window three times. The top, the middle, and the bottom. Write down the narrowest width. Make sure to measure to the closest eigth of an inch. Second, measure the height (top to bottom) of your window three times. The left, the center, and the right. Write down the longest measurement. Make sure to measure to the closest eigth of an inch. I'm assuming that you're doing an inside mount. The factory will do all the deductions to make sure that the window covering fits your window. If you follow the instructions above, your window coverings should fit with no problem. PS. Use a steel measuring tape.

January 16, 2001
Are the folds on the hobbled roman shades the same or do I have a choice? If I do not have a choice, what is the standard length fold? If I do have a choice, what are my choices?
>Depending on the length of the shade you order, the top pleat will vary from 5" to 11 1/4". The rest of the pleats comes 6 1/4" standard.

January 16, 2001
What are Extension Brackets?
>Extension Brackets are used to clear obstructions. For example, the door handle on a sliding glass door.

January 15, 2001
WE HAVE A VERY LARGE "HALF MOON" BEDROOM WINDOW THAT NEEDS A SHADE THAT PREVENTS LIGHT FROM ENTERING. PLS GIVE US AN IDEA IF WE CAN BUY SUCH AN ANIMAL. WE WOULD LIKE ONE THAT CAN BE MOUNTED INSIDE THE WINDOW. WE WOULD LIKE TO ELIMINATE THE DRAPE WE HAD AND SHOW THE BEAUTY OF THE WINDOW.
>You can get the Blackout Honeycomb for total light blocking or the Semi-Opaque Honeycomb for light reduction. For a quote, e-mail us the height (to the highest point of the window) and the width across the bottom of the window. The shade is available in "movable" or "stationary". Your window must be a perfect half circle to order the movable arch.

What is the difference between a Honeycomb Shade and a Pleated Shade?
>Honeycomb Shades have pockets that traps air. This shade is excellent for insulation. The Pleated shade is just a single layer of fabric that is folded or "pleated". With the pleated shade, you can see the strings and the holes on the fabric. With the Honeycomb Shade, the strings and holes are hidden.

January 11, 2001
We are looking for vertical wood blind preferably in 1" width. Can you direct us to a manufacturer?
>We do carry a 1" HORIZONTAL wood blind. There is no such thing as a 1" Vertical wood blind.

January 10, 2001
I am interested in purchasing the flat roman shades and I have a few questions?
1. Can you see the strings on the back of the shade if the curtain is lined?
> The strings are on the back of the shade, lined or unlined. You can't see the strings from the front of the shade unless you order a sheer unlined fabric.
2. Does the flat roman shade come with a valance and if so, what does it look like? What color? If not, what does the top of the shade look like? (I couldn't tell from the picture on the Internet)
>No, there is no valance needed. The fabric hangs off the face of the headrail. All mechanisms are hidden behind the fabric.
3. I am looking for a white canvas or linen look. Is the white mariner like canvas or linen. If not, which material would I want? >Yes, the Mariner is a canvas type fabric. Please order swatches to make certain you like the fabric before you order the shade.
4. Do the shades include hardware?
>Yes. It comes complete with all hardware needed including installation instructions.
5. What is cord tassel and cleat?
>A Cord Tassel is made of wood and it's at the end of the cord pull. A Cord Cleat is secured to the wall on the side of the cord pull. The cord cleat is used to secure the shade in the up position and to keep the cord out of reach from children and pets.

January 4, 2001
Are the Soft Sheer Verticals similar to the Hunter Douglas Luminette?
>Yes, these shades are similar to the Hunter Douglas Luminette, but they are not the same product.
Here's a brief description:
Soft Sheer Verticals operates like a traditional vertical blind: it draws and rotates using a cord and chain or wand mechanism. Beautiful sheer fabric flows between and around three and one half-inch vertical louvers. This achieves the same look of fine quality draperies when closed or a clear view when the louvers are opened. The wash and re-hang ability of the Soft Sheer Verticals sets it apart from other privacy sheers. Gentle cleaning can be done at home and the fabric dries on the blind after re-hanging. This easy care keeps their beauty lasting year after year. Other window treatments would cost twice as much to achieve the same appearance and function.

What is the production and shipping time for Soft Sheer Verticals?
Estimated production time is 3-4 weeks. Please allow 4-7 work days for free ground shipping.

January 3, 2001
I have been looking @ the Window Designer Soft Louver Shades and would like to put them on a large window that is over a whirlpool tub on the front side of the house. I am wondering if there would be enough privacy with these when they are closed? I would also like to use them in our daughter's room which is also on the front of the house. Are shadows able to be seen from the outside?
>These shades offer complete privacy when the louvers are closed. You should not see any shadows from the outside view unless you're standing right next to the window. Please remember, just like any other blinds, there will be light gaps on both sides of the shade. If you're installing inside mount, make sure that the window frame is thick enough to compensate for those gaps. 1 1/2" to 2 " inches is good. If you have an outside mount application, add at least 2" on each side of the shade. Also note that these shades are not recommended for HIGH moisture areas. Mildew "might" develop on the fabric in the long run. A good alternative is a Flat or Hobbled Roman Shade using the TOPSAIL fabric. This particular fabric is treated to resist mildew. Our Premier Faux Royale Wood Blind will also work on high moisture areas.

I am interested in ordering wood horizontal blinds for my family room. The room has two windows and a slider. What is usually done with the slider?
>Vertical Blinds or Soft Sheer Verticals are commonly used for sliders.

Can I use wood blinds for my sliding glass door?
>Using two wood blinds over a slider is common. There are things to be considered though. Wood blinds are heavy and are really not meant to be lifted up and down a lot. And since you use the slider quite a bit, you have to think about the weight of the blinds and the wear and tear on the strings. Of course, proper use can prolong the life of the strings. You also have to consider the stacking. For a slider, it's going to be quite thick. If this is the way you'd like to go, we recommend ordering it with cord tilters instead of wand tilters. Wand tilters sort of sticks out when blinds are stacked up, making it not too pleasing to look at. I agree that wood blinds look better than a standard vertical blind. But in terms of functionality, vertical blinds are going to be more practical. I suggest checking out our Soft Sheer Verticals. It has the look and feel of sheer draperies combined with the excellent functionality of a vertical blind.

Do you have a show room?
>No. We are a pure internet company.

Do you have any catologs that I could have sent to my home?
>Sorry, in order to pass huge savings to our customers, we do not carry major catalogs. We've posted everything on our web site including measuring and installation instructions. Swatch cuttings are available for color and texture accuracy.

Can I purchase Vertical Blind slats or inserts separately?
>Unfortunately, our vertical blind systems come complete and are not sold in separate pieces.

Are you able to purchase spacer blocks and other spare parts separately?
>No.

Your roman shade measuring instructions for inside mount say, factory will make necessary deductions. What does this mean? I have measured my window opening including inside moulding, ie. the exact amount of window that I want to cover at 31 5/8. Will the shade come this size precisely?
>If you order the Roman Shade as Inside Mount, the factory will deduct about a quarter inch off the ordered width. If the shade is ordered as Outside Mount, then all measurements stays as is (no deductions from the factory). The only difference is, you will receive inside mount brackets for an "Inside Mount" order, and outside mount brackets for an "Outside Mount" order.

Would like to order the 2 inch Faux Woods blind in a 69.5 X 58 but the only one that is available is in a 69.5 X 60. Will this fit my window?
> 60" is the exact height of the blind. If you need 58", then this will work just fine. It's only 2" longer. Some customers would shorten the blind by removing the extra slats themselves.

Can you custom cut ready made blinds?
>Yes, but it is not recommended. The factory would charge an additional $25.00 to customize a ready made blind. Plus, it'll take about 2 weeks to ship out.

There's tiny mini blinds in-between the 2 panels of glass, you take out the glass, and insert the modules with the blinds inside back into the door, we've seen them at some houses, but can't find a vendor. Do you have anything of that nature?
>No. Contact a window retailer or manufacturer.

Do you make custom shutters?
> We can get custom shutters for you...vinyl or wood. However, shutters are very tricky to install. If you feel comfortable installing them, then e-mail the sizes to us and we'll get a quote for you. Please include mounting, frame styles, louver size, panel configuration, etc.. Make sure to measure your windows precisely (to the 16ths).

Can I get a cornice custom made to fit my window? There's only a clearance of 1 1/4 above my window molding.
> Absolutely, all our cornices are custom made. There are two ways you can install the cornice. When placing the order, add 3" to each side of the window width. This'll allow room to install the brackets. Another way is to install the cornice board directly to the ceiling.