Blinds & Shades Guide
Blinds & Shades
Privacy, security, light filtration, as well as style and energy savings, can be achieved with blinds and shades. They are also durable, easy to clean and available in a variety of textures, styles and finishes to complement your home.
Blinds are a type of “hard window” covering that are usually made of wood, faux wood, vinyl or metal (aluminum). Have horizontal slats connected to be raised, lowered or tilted at an angle to adjust the level of sunlight allowed in the room.
Shades, on the other hand, are usually made of fabric or bamboo, and can be fully raised or lowered to match your desired level of light or privacy.
More Measuring Tips!
Inside Mount: Inside mounted shades are contained within the window frame. Provides a finished, built- in look without covering any molding. Additional window treatments can be layered on top.
Outside Mount: Outside mounted blinds or shades are mounted on the wall or molding. Used to make a window appear larger, hide fewer appealing windows, or maximize privacy by eliminating light gaps.
Inside Mount
Requires at least 2" frame depth for most treatments.
Window should be square to work properly . Measure diagonally in both directions and the variance isn't over 1/2".
• Measure to the nearest 1/8" at top, middle and bottom.
• Use narrowest measurement as your ordering width.
• For roller or solar shades, use only the top width.
Length
• Measure to the nearest 1/8" left, center and right side.
• Use the longest measurement as your ordering height except for horizontal sheers, vertical blinds and sheer verticals where you will want to order the shortest measurement.
Depth
• Measure from the wall to the glass.
• Account for any obstructions like handles or locks.
• Order a flush mount depth that is the same or less than your frame depth.
Outside Mount:
Requires at 2" of flat surface above your window on the frame for mounting the brackets.
• Measure exactly where the window covering will be.
• Include overlap on each side to reduce light, at least 1 1/2" on each side is recommended.
Length
• If you want your window treatment to stack above or to the side of the window or door opening, add the width or height of the stack to your measurement.
• Measure from the top of the headrail to widow sill (or to the floor for patio doors. If no sill, measure to where the window covering will end. Include 1 1/2" to 3" for overlap. If you want your blind or shade to rest on the sill, add overlap to the top only.
Understanding Light Filtration
Blinds & Shades help strike a balance between full natural light and total blackout. If you would like to amplify the blackout effect, add blackout curtains.
These blinds and shades gently diffuse incoming light and offer moderate privacy.
These Blinds and shades block most
of the light that enters your room.
Block the sunlight completely and provide the most privacy and room darkness, day or night.
Types of Window Blinds
Blinds are very effective at blocking out the sunlight, and JCPenney offers plenty of stylish options to choose from.
You can also pair blinds with a set of your favorite curtains to further complement the décor and style of your home.
A classic way to control light and privacy, with a wide selection of colors and finishes.
Made of individual slats clipped on a sliding track. Opened and closed with a wand or pulley system. Option for sliding glass doors or large windows.
Provide a custom look with functional light control and privacy. Can be mounted inside or outside the window opening.
Made of real wood in a wide range of painted and stained finishes. Lighter in weight than faux wood blinds, making a great option for large size windows.
Made of a PVC/vinyl or composite wood materials. Made to look and feel like the real wood blinds. Durable, affordable and moisture resistant.
Some of the lightest window treatments available. They’re easy to install and even easier to operate. Mini blinds are a super low-cost window treatment.
Types of Window Shades
Window shades are also a great option for your home - they help with light control and are great for privacy.
Good window shades can also help lower your utility bills. Solar shades can also protect your home or office from harmful UV rays.
Or Honeycomb shades, made of fabric that is pleated to form the cells. Insulating and energy saving. Varity of light filtration options.
A versatile single, continuous layer of fabric that is pleated to block incoming and outgoing light.
Made of fabric or bamboo that folds evenly at the top of the window when the shade is raised with the help of a pull cord system.
Usually made from fabrics and consist of a headrail and one solid piece of fabric material that stretches the window length when fully extended. When mounted can hide or expose hardware.
Help block sun glare and UV rays. Openness ratings range from 1%- 18% and designate the percentage of UV rays that will pass through the fabric. Easy to motorize and perfect for west facing rooms.
Combine the versatility of a blind with the stacking of a shade - you can adjust the whole shade, or just the slats, to control light and privacy.
Are great for your outdoor areas – patios, verandas, etc. Usually made from PVC materials, they are fade and mold resistant.
Controlling your Blinds and Shades
Offers the safest option, especially for families with children and pets. Controlled by pulling on the bottom rail to lower or lift. For very tall windows, you may prefer corded blinds and shades in which a lift cord on one side of window moves the shades up or down.
When you twist the wand, the slats rotate to the desired angle. With vertical blinds, the wand allows you to rotate the slats sideways to open and close.
Raised from the bottom, lowered from the top or adjusted from both directions at once. Has two cords that are attached to two rails to control the top and the bottom. Typically, a clear handle blends with fabric and allows you to raise and lower shades without touching the fabric.
Have been gaining in popularity. You can adjust your blinds, shades, and shutters with just a simple click. Motorizing your window coverings is an easy way to simplify your daily routines.