The best known honeycomb shade on the market is undoubtedly the Duette honeycomb shade by Hunter Douglas. Hunter Douglas is the innovator of the cellular shade products and has been a leader in the window covering industry for many years.

As this product has evolved over the years, becoming available with improved and more convenient lifting systems, prettier and more fashionable fabrics, Hunter Douglas again has made changes to better the Duette product line. What’s new? Changes to the headrail(s). In the past, a Duette with cordless lift (LiteRise) had a different headrail than a Duette with a continuous cord (EasyRise), as well as a Duette with retractable cord (UltraGlide). The differences used to be quite noticeable. Whereas the EasyRise had a rather square and white only headrail, the LiteRise had a slimmer, more rounded profile and the UltraGlide had yet another type of headrail. This has now been streamlined. EasyRise, UltraGlide, LiteRise now all have the same headrail for a uniform appearance.

We have had many customers in the past, that were contemplating putting a cordless LiteRise on their French doors, while changing to a different type of lifting system on their large windows right next to it. Or they would be looking to pair a continuous cord shade, which is great for that extra large window, with the cordless lift on the smaller windows in the same room. They usually would shy away from that choice, considering the different looks to the headrails. Not anymore J Now, you can easily switch from one application to another, without worrying about uniformity.

Woven wood shades have been revamped and are today again used in many upscale homes as well as corporate offices. The answer to the question “why woven wood shades” is simple: VISUAL DRAMA! Their unique texture, rich colors and unmatched sophistication will transform any room and add a distinct decorating style.

Woven wood blinds are made of natural products. They mostly consist of grasses, reeds, wooden materials or bamboos and are therefore also referred to as bamboo shades. The raw materials woven into each shade make each product truly one of a kind, where one shade will never truly be identical to another.

The product operation is simple, utilizing a left or right cord to lower and raise the shades. The shades lay flat when in the lowered position and create overlapping folds when in the raised position. Most materials, like the grasses, reeds and bamboos create a relaxed look and are usually somewhat see through. However, most fabrics can be paired with a privacy option to provide privacy where needed. Further design options include a valance that usually drops down about 6” (depending on brand), a classic style where the fabric runs of the front of the headrail and eliminates the need for a valance. Also available are the top down/ bottom up feature, providing more versatility or edge banding, giving the shade a finished “frame” with decorative cotton tapes.

When decorating with woven wood shades you will create rich dimension in any casual or traditional setting. The natural materials are warm and inviting and will translate any room into a perfect retreat.

When ordering a custom made window blinds and shades, you want to use care and caution and prepare well to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience. Custom made products are made to your specifications and can therefore not be exchanged or returned. We thought it might be helpful to point out the top 5 “risk factors” or pitfalls that we have observed over the years when receiving orders for custom blinds and shades. Here we go, the do’s and don’ts:

1. Please be precise! Precision PAYS when measuring for your windows. Always use a metal tape measure, not a wooden one or one you would use in the apparel industry. Please read our online measuring instructions. Also, we recommend double checking your measurements. It doesn’t hurt to check your measurements to avoid any surprises later on.
2. Please don’t assume that the factory will add to your shade’s length when ordering for an outside mount (doors, outside the casing, on frames etc.) Blinds or shades will always be made to the exact length you are ordering. This means, you have to allow for your mounting surface and include it in the length you are providing. This allowance is depending on the product and the size of the headrail you are choosing and can be found in our “mounting requirements” section of each product page.
3. Please do not take your own inside mount deduction. When mounting inside a window’s frame, the factory will take the necessary deduction in the product’s width to ensure proper clearance to operate the window covering properly. So, on inside mounts, the exact opening of the casing should be provided.
4. It is important to check if you have enough mounting surface for the desired product. Some window shades will need more mounting depth (for inside mounts) than others. We have listed for each product, in the mounting requirements section of the product page, what the minimum mounting needs are. Please check before ordering!
5. Please do not assume color. We, at Ace of Shades go through great lengths to provide digital images of fabric swatches and blind samples for your convenience; however, these should only be used as a reference point. Your computer’s calibration might be different as well as other factors that come into play. Where an exact color match or texture is desired, please verify and view an actual sample locally or through ordering to avoid any surprises upon receiving your new product.

Please don’t get too frightened We have very few orders where something does actually go wrong. But the above list might possibly prevent a future hick up. And always… when in doubt, please call us, an industry expert will certainly erase any questions you might have to ensure that your new window treatment will work and meet or exceed your needs.

First up, let me explain that at Ace of Shades, even when talking about inexpensive, or price competitive products – you will always have a quality product, which is backed up by a Limited Lifetime warranty. You will find that we only carry top name brands and leading manufacturers in the window blind industry. However, with this in mind we would like to give an overall break down of where the different product categories stand in regards to pricing. In some rooms, you might want to go for a certain look, where budget will not be affecting your choice, and then again you might have that window in a utility room, garage, or spare bedroom where an inexpensive product will do the job.

On the low end of the price range are the aluminum mini blinds, faux wood blinds as well as some of the roller shades. Even though, also in these categories, some of the top of the line products can get a bit more expensive, you can generally find really well priced products in this area. The faux woods are a great alternative to the 2” wood blinds when trying to stick to budget. Also in our roller shades category, many fabrics can be found that are a great inexpensive way to dress up your windows.

In the middle of the “price chart” you will find Cellular Shades, Wood Blinds, Solar Shades as well as Pleated Shades, the most popular of them being the Cellular Shades category. Cellular Honeycomb shades are wonderful insulators and offered in a wide range of fabrics and cell sizes.  Wood blinds are sold in 2” or 2 ½” slat sizes and work well with pretty much any decor. Solar Shades work and function like Roller Shades or Roman Shade, but are made with a screen like material that helps to keep your rooms cooler while preserving a screened view out. They are also great for UV protection, helping to keep your furniture and decor safe from damage of direct sunlight.

In the higher end of the “price chart” are our Sheer Shades (Silhouette like shades), Woven Wood Shades as well as Roman Shades. Sheer Shades are a combination of a blind, shade and sheer in one, with great versatility and functionality. This elegant product works well in any living area or where a great taste and functionality is the goal. Our Woven Wood Shades are made from the finest woods, grasses or bamboos and take an extensive manufacturing process to create a natural look. Our Roman Shades are offered in elegant fabrics that are layered in panes of material that drape your window like no other shade.

Again, these are just the general guidelines and all categories have exception to the above named rules. Also current deals and sales can get this chart a bit blurry. Please always use our quick quote or customization page for exact pricing information or simply contact us, we’d be glad to guide you into right direction and price out any product you might be interested in.