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Glossary

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[ A | B | C | D | E | F G | H | I | L | M | O | P | R | S | T | U | V ]

A

Align Slats

For blinds that will be mounted side by side, you can request that the manufacturer make an effort to fabricate the blinds with slats that are at the same level across all blinds for a more unified look. The manufacturer cannot guarantee perfect alignment due to certain factors and tolerances. Enter the phrase "Please align slats on lines X and Y of this order" into the special remarks section of your order

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Arch Over Standard

Arch Shades can be ordered as stand alone or as an Arch over Standard shade. Ordering them as Arch over Standard has the manufacturer use just one headrail for both your arch as well as the shade below, eliminating light gaps that can occur between separate headrails. This also reduces the space required to mount a shade with an arch above it. Arch over Standard can be requested for arches over standard rectangular shades and Top Down/Bottom Up shades. There is no extra charge for requesting Arch over Standard. Please note that this designation must be made at the time of order as shades cannot be retrofitted to accommodate one headrail once fabricated. When ordering, specify the line numbers of the arch shade and the standard shade that you want to be "Arch over Standard" in the Special Remarks section of your order.

PLEASE NOTE: Arch over Standard is an option for a situation where you need to cover a standard rectangle or square shaped window that has a half circle shape at the top, and there is no trim seperating the two spaces. If you have trim between, then select a standard shade for the lower part, and an arch shade for the upper part. If there is not trim between, you will do the same, but indicate in the special remarks section of your order that you would like them made into an Arch over Standard shade. This way, the manufacturer will have the two shade fabrics share a common headrail.

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B

Bead Loop Chain

Bead Loop Chain is a lift system option similar to Continuous Cord Loop in function and overall appearance, but uses plastic or metal instead of cord material (you may be able to specify which you prefer, plastic or metal). You will most likely find this option available with roller shades and roman shades. (See alternative: Spring Lift)

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Blackout

(Aqua Opaque, Midnight, Room Darkening) An option for many shades that does not allow any light to penetrate the fabric and gives total privacy. Different manufacturers and different products accomplish this is different ways, however the result is always to block out all light. Light will still come through the gaps between slats or vanes, and the gaps between your shade and your wall. (See alternatives: Light Filtering, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

(See alternatives: Light Filtering, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

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Bottom Rail

At the bottom of most blinds and shades is a piece of wood, faux wood, metal or other material appropriate for the type of blind, used to weigh down the blind and give it a finished look.

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C

Carrier Clip

Found only on Vertical Blinds, these are the clips which attach the vertical vanes to the track system of the blind.

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Cellular Shade

These shades are the very best for versatility and energy efficiency. They come in a wide range of colors and materials to match with any decor. Pleated Shades are often confused with Cellular Shades. While both Pleated and Cellular shades look nearly identical from the front, Pleated Shades do not have internal pockets in them to trap the heat and cold like Cellular Shades do.
Click for information about Cellular Shades

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Chordless

Chordless lift is available if you do not appreciate the look of a pool of cording collecting on the floor when your blind is raised. The cordless blind provides a greater measure of safety for young children since it eliminates dangling cords. There is a clear plastic tab located on the bottom rail of the blind or shade. Instead of using a cord to draw up your blind or shade, you will use the tips of your fingers. This feature may be available for Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Roller Shades, Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds. Please note that this feature may not eliminate all cords, as the tilt function will still need a cord or wand to operate. Also, this may not be preferable for windows that are very tall. If you cannot reach the very top of your window, you will not be able to raise the blind or shade all the way. (aka Cordless and Lite-rise)

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Cloth Tapes

This is an option for most wood and faux wood blinds and many 2" wide aluminum blinds. Cloth Tapes are strips of fabric which go vertically down the blind to give your blind a look that is distinctly yours. The tapes also cover the route holes that can cause glare on television screen and computer monitors. Cloth tapes give you better light control and privacy, while also providing a way to personalize your blinds. The tapes come in a myriad of colors and designs to choose from. There is an upcharge for this feature. (See alternative: Routless)

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Common Headrail

Also known as Multiple Blinds on One Headrail, this is a feature available with most blinds and shades that allows you to place 2 or more blinds or shades on the same headrail unit, while retaining the individual operation of each. This option is usually used as a solution for wide window expanses where one large blind or shade in not available. The manufacturer would recommend that you divide the area into multiple blinds or shades and use a common headrail to give it a more uniform look. There are many drawbacks to this method: Price upcharge, shipping damage susceptibility, difficult installation, etc. Click for more info (See alternative: Common Valance).

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Common Valance

The use of only 1 valance (see valance) to cover 2 or more blinds in your order. This will give your blinds the look of unity, even though they can be operated separately. This option is free, but is usually only available with Wood and Faux Wood Blinds. To order separate blinds with a common valance: At the order page where you specify the dimensions, go to the "Special Remarks" section at the bottom.

Specify the following: If an inside mount blind: "I want a common valance to go over the blinds on line X & Y. Please make the total valance XX" in length."

NOTE: Be sure to compensate for any trim between the windows. Specify width of all blinds together that the valance will go over). If an outside mount blind: "I want a common valance to go over the blinds on line X & Y. Please make the total valance XX" in length PLUS returns." (Specify width of all blinds together that the valance will go over). NOTE: Be sure to compensate for any trim between the windows. Please note that if the overall width of the blinds together exceeds 96" the fabricator will splice the valance in the middle at a 45 degree angle for shipping so you do not incur a $60 freight charge for shipping the valance. This splice is almost invisible once up. (See alternative: Common Headrail).

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Continuous Cord Loop

Continuous Cord Loop option is used to aide in lifting large blinds. It maintains the cord at the same length regardless of shade position. This feature is also child friendly when the cord loop is properly mounted on the wall. For many blinds, Continuous Cord Loop is optional, but some blinds, such as Sheer Horizontals, have this feature as the standard lift system. (Aka: Easyrise, EasyUp, Ultralift, Omnirise, CCL, Continuous Cord Loop)

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Cordless

Cordless lift is available if you do not appreciate the look of a pool of cording collecting on the floor when your blind is raised. The cordless blind provides a greater measure of safety for young children since it eliminates dangling cords. There is a clear plastic tab located on the bottom rail of the blind or shade. Instead of using a cord to draw up your blind or shade, you will use the tips of your fingers. This feature may be available for Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Roller Shades, Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds. Please note that this feature may not eliminate all cords, as the tilt function will still need a cord or wand to operate. Also, this may not be preferable for windows that are very tall. If you cannot reach the very top of your window, you will not be able to raise the blind or shade all the way. (aka Chordless and Literise)

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D

Day/ Night

This feature is available for cellular or pleated shades to provide flexible light control. Two fabrics are used: one between the top rail and the center rail and one between the center rail and bottom rail. Each panel has its own set of lift cords so either fabric panel, or portion of a fabric panel, may be used to cover a window. Cover your window with the sheer or light-filtering fabric portion during the daytime for soften filtered light and switch to cover your window with the room-darkening fabric at night to afford you darkness as you sleep (or sleep in, in the morning). Maximize the light control for your room.Click for details

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Decorative Pull

An option on Roller Shades with Spring Lift. This is the hardware used to operate the shade. It will be located on or close to the bottom rail. You will have a choice of several styles on the "buy" page of your order.

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De-Light

Known by names ranging from routless, de-Light, and NoHoles, this option reduces light leakage by eliminating the traditional rout hole through the center of the slat and replaces it with a notch on the side of each slat through which the cording controlling the tilting and lifting of the blind runs. This option can be found in many brands of Wood and Faux Wood Blinds. (see alternative: Cloth Tapes)

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Depth

This refers to how much space you have between the glass and the window well opening, minus any trim that is too small to mount to or obstructions like cranks and security sensors. Depending on how much depth you have in your window well, certain types of blinds or shades may not be considered suitable. Generally, people have at least 2" of depth to work with and that is usually not a problem. However, if you have less than 2" of depth, you may wish to pay particular attention to the Minimum and Flush Mounting Requirements for each product you consider. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns, or need help to find a solution. See also: Mounting Requirements, Flush Mounting, Swivel Brackets)

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Double Cell

This refers to the number of rows of pockets that a cellular shade has, to trap the heat and the cold. The greater the number of layers of cells, the greater the energy efficiency.
Click for information about Cellular Shades

(See Alternatives: Double Cell, Triple Cell)

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Duolite

This feature is available for cellular or pleated shades to provide flexible light control. Two fabrics are used: one between the top rail and the center rail and one between the center rail and bottom rail. Each panel has its own set of lift cords so either fabric panel, or portion of a fabric panel, may be used to cover a window. Cover your window with the sheer or light-filtering fabric portion during the daytime for soften filtered light and switch to cover your window with the room-darkening fabric at night to afford you darkness as you sleep (or sleep in, in the morning). Maximize the light control for your room. Click for details

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E

Easy Up

Continuous Cord Loop option is used to aide in lifting large blinds. It maintains the cord at the same length regardless of shade position. This feature is also child friendly when the cord loop is properly mounted on the wall. For many blinds, Continuous Cord Loop is optional, but some blinds, such as Sheer Horizontals, have this feature as the standard lift system. (Aka: Easyrise, EasyUp, Ultralift, Omnirise, CCL, Continuous Cord Loop)

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Easyrise

Continuous Cord Loop option is used to aide in lifting large blinds. It maintains the cord at the same length regardless of shade position. This feature is also child friendly when the cord loop is properly mounted on the wall. For many blinds, Continuous Cord Loop is optional, but some blinds, such as Sheer Horizontals, have this feature as the standard lift system. (Aka: Easyrise, EasyUp, Ultralift, Omnirise, CCL, Continuous Cord Loop)

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Edge Banding

This is an option on woven wood shades which not only add to the decorative look of the shade, but they also protect the edges from fraying. This is a good idea for high traffic areas and is most effective for protecting the reeds and grasses style of woven woods. What better way to personalize your woven wood shade!

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Extension Brackets

These are free hardware options available for most blinds and shades. They are used to clear trim and other obstacles. They are most commonly used on doors where you are mounting above the glass, but you have a piece of trim or molding between where you are mounting and where the glass is. Extension Brackets will push the blind or shade away from the door enough to clear the trim. This way, when you draw the blind or shade up and down, it won't rub against the trim.

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F

Factory Deductions

This is the amount the manufacturer will either deduct or add on to the measurements you give. In general, for an Inside Mount, they will deduct from the width but not the height. For an Outside Mount, they usually will not take any deduction from width or height, but may add to the width of the headrail or valance. See the product page for the specific factory deductions for the product you are interested in as they may vary greatly from product to product. The info can be found close to the bottom of each product page. Please contact us if you have any questions.

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Faux Wood

Made to simulate the look of real wood. Materials used may be either PVC or a Composite (PVC and Wood Pulp mix). Generally heavier in weight than real wood.

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Flush Mounting

This is the amount of space you need inside your window well in order for the blind to be installed and to have no part of the blind protruding out from the window well. For example, if you have 3" of window well depth and the Minimum Mounting Depth for the product you want is 2", and the Flush Mounting Depth is 4". You will be able to mount the product inside your window well, but it will stick out by 1". You can find the flush mounting depth requirement for each product located on the product's page under Mounting Requirements. (See also: Swivel Brackets)

Example of Mounting Requirements:

    Inside mount depth necessary:
  • 1 1/2"; 2 1/2"
    Outside mount flat vertical surface necessary:
  • For shades up to 73" wide: 1/2" w x 1 1/2" h
  • For shades over 73" wide: 1/2" w x 2 1/2" h

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Frame Styles

A frame that surrounds a shutter. Used to frame out the window, the shutter attaches to it so it can open and close. Same purpose as a door frame, only it is for a shutter in a window. There are many frame styles available for Shutters to create a truly custom look.

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Free Hanging

A vertical vane which does not have a protective plastic Groover around the sides and back of the vertical vane. (Alternative: Groover Insert)

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G

Groover Insert

A plastic wrap-around on both sides and around the back of fabric vertical vanes. Allows greater durability, filters light and holds the fabric straight. (Alternative: Free Hanging)

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H

Headrail

The Headrail of a blind is the uppermost part of the blind. It contains all the components that make a blind or shade function. The size, shape and overall appearance of the headrail varies based on the specific product, lift system and other features chosen. Please contact us if you need help determining the window depth needed to mount the headrail of the shade you choose.

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Hem Styles

Roller window shades are available in a wide array of decorative hem styles from scallops, half moon, waves and many more to personalize your window shades. With every decorative hem also comes your choice of trim styles from gimp, loop fringe, brush or luxurious bullion fringe (styles vary by brand) in a wide array of colors to coordinate with any decor. Roller Shades with decorative hems are available in both spring lift and cord loop controls. (See also: Trim Styles)

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Hold Downs

This is a free hardware option that holds a blind in place when it will be moved regularly. The most common use for hold downs is on a door, to keep the blind in place when the door is opened and closed.

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I

Imperfect Arch

Arches whose height is less than half the width are considered Imperfect and require a template. If the height of the opening is even 1/4" shorter than the width, order the Imperfect Half Circle; "Perfect arch" means the height of your arch window opening is exactly half the width. (See also: Template)

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Inside Mount (IM)

Mounting inside the window frame or window well.

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Interlocking Slats

This patented slat design provides tighter slat closure with fully concealed cord routing holes. The unique 2-inch slats interlock to seal out incoming light, increasing privacy and providing complete light control. This feature is available only with Comfortex Privacy Plus Faux Wood Shutter Blinds in White Tones or Wood Tones.

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L

Lift

Mechanism that raises and lowers a blind or shade in the window. Lift may be Standard, Motorized, Continuous Cord Loop, or other.

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Light Filtering

(Aka Semi-Opaque) An option for many shades that allows light to filter through the shade fabric, but allows you to maintain your privacy. With light filtering material, you will not be able to see any shapes or forms through the fabric in the daytime. At night, shapes coming between the light source and the window may be visible, but not distinct. A light colored shade will block between 20 - 35% of the light, and when lowered, will block most of the UV Rays that fade your home's furnishings. To block more light, use a darker colored shade. To block out ALL light, use a Room Darkening Shade. (See alternatives: Room Darkening, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

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Literise

Literise lift (aka Cordless) is available if you do not appreciate the look of a pool of cording collecting on the floor when your blind is raised. The cordless blind provides a greater measure of safety for young children since it eliminates dangling cords. There is usually a clear plastic tab located on the bottom rail of the blind or shade to raise and lower the shade. Your hand replaces lift cords. This feature may be available for Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Roller Shades, Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds and some mini blinds. Please note that this feature may not eliminate all cords, as the tilt function will still need a cord or wand to operate. Also, this may not be preferable for windows that are very tall. If you cannot reach the very top of your window, you will not be able to raise the blind or shade all the way. (aka Cordless and Chordless)

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Louvers

Aka Slats or Vanes, Louver is a term usually given to the movable slats on a shutter.

M

Measurements

The measurement should be given in this format: Width x Height. Please use inches and round down to the nearest 1/8". Possible fractions are 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8. Please see our Measuring How To's section for information on how to measure for a specific product.

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Midnight

(Aka Opaque, Blackout, Room Darkening) An option for many shades that does not allow any light to penetrate the fabric and gives total privacy. Different manufacturers and different products accomplish this is different ways, however the result is always to block out all light. Light may still come through in the gap between slats or vanes, and the gaps between your window well and where the shade fabric begins. (See alternatives: Light Filtering, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

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Motorized

A feature which allows you to lift and/or tilt the shade or blind using a battery operated remote control. Wood and faux wood blinds can only have the motorized tilt. Cellular Shades have the lift motorized. Sheer Horizontals will have lift and tilt motorized. The remote control communicates with the motor inside the headrail of the blind by utilizing infrared. The motor also runs on batteries (usually AAA or AA). We do not carry any motorized blinds which can be hardwired into your home.

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Mounting Requirements

This refers to the amount of window well space you will need in order to mount the shade or blind. There are usually three measurements given under Mounting Requirements on each product page. 1) Inside Mount - Minimum Mounting Requirements. This is the amount of depth you need to have inside your window well (do not count any areas that have obstructions like trim or cranks) in order for the installation hardware to fit. If you have less than the minimum required amount, consider a blind or shade that needs less space. You can call us for help with this. 2) Inside Mount - Flush Mount Requirements. This is the amount of depth you need inside your window well in order for the blind to be installed and to have no part of the blind protruding out from the window well. For example, say you have 3" of window well depth and the Minimum Mounting Depth for the product you want is 2", and the Flush Mounting Depth is 4". You will be able to mount the product inside your window well, but it will stick out by 1". 3) Outside Mount - Flat Vertical Surface Necessary. This refers to the amount of clear, flat space you need in the area you intend to mount the shade. For example, if the product says it needs 2", you need to make sure that you have allowed for that two inches in your measurement. If you want to mount onto your trim, but your trim is only 1", you will not be able to securely mount this product. If you are mounting to the wall above your trim, make sure to add the 2" (or whatever the requirement is) to the height that you specify in your order. Please contact us if you need any clarification.

Example of Mounting Requirements:

    Inside mount depth:
  • 1 1/2"; 2 1/2" if flush mounting
    Outside mount flat vertical surface:
  • For shades up to 73" wide: 1/2" w x 1 1/2" h
  • For shades over 73" wide: 1/2" w x 2 1/2" h

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Multiple Blinds on One Headrail

A feature available with most blinds and shades that allows you to place 2 or more blinds or shades on the same headrail unit, while retaining the individual operation of each. This option is usually used as a solution for wide window expanses where one large blind or shade in not available. The manufacturer would recommend that you divide the area into multiple blinds or shades and use a common headrail to give it a more uniform look. There are many drawbacks to this method: Price upcharge, shipping damage susceptibility, difficult installation, etc. Click for more info (See alternative: Common Valance).

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N

NoHoles

Known by names ranging from routless, de-Light, and NoHoles, this option reduces light leakage by eliminating the traditional rout hole through the center of the slat and replaces it with a notch on the side of each slat through which the cording controlling the tilting and lifting of the blind runs. This option can be found in many brands of Wood and Faux Wood Blinds. (see alternative: Cloth Tapes)

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O

Omnirise

Continuous Cord Loop option is used to aide in lifting large blinds. It maintains the cord at the same length regardless of shade position. This feature is also child friendly when the cord loop is properly mounted on the wall. For many blinds, Continuous Cord Loop is optional, but some blinds, such as Sheer Horizontals, have this feature as the standard lift system. (Aka: Easyrise, EasyUp, Ultralift, Omnirise, CCL, Continuous Cord Loop)

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Opaque

(Aka Midnight, Blackout, Room Darkening) An option for many shades that does not allow any light to penetrate the fabric and gives total privacy. Different manufacturers and different products accomplish this is different ways, however the result is always to block out all light. Light may still come through in the gap between slats or vanes, and the gaps between your window well and where the shade fabric begins. (See alternatives: Light Filtering, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

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Orientation

The slope angle of your skylight. This does not have to be exact. Use the picture to approximate.

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Outside Mount (OM)

Installing outside the window frame or window well. You can mount this way above the window opening, on the wall or trim, or onto the wood or metal part of a door.

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P

Panel

A single piece of material or fabric, most often referred to with shutters. The Shutter Panel is the Frame and all the louvers.

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Paramount

The type of Track System that comes standard on Hunter Douglas Vertical Blinds. It has a contoured headrail and combines superior durability and performance with flawless styling to provide smooth, precise operation. In the picture at right, the Paramount Headrail (top) is being compared to the old style headrail (bottom).

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Perfect Arch

Perfect arch means the height of your arch window opening is exactly half the width. Windows whose height is less than half the width, require a template. If the height of the opening is even 1/4" shorter than the width, order the Imperfect Half Circle. NOTE: The arch height cannot exceed half the ordered width AND Arch height cannot be less than 30% of the ordered width.

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Perma Tilt

This is the tilt wand which comes standard on all Hunter Douglas Vertical Blinds with the Paramount Headrail. For added safety, it combines the tilt wand and the draw cord into one wand. If you prefer the Chain/Cord Combo, you can indicate that in the special remarks section of your order and the manufacturer will fabricate your blinds that way at no additional cost.

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Pleat Size

This is an option you will need to choose when selecting a cellular shade or pleated shade. It refers to the height of each pleat from fold to apex. Cellular shades are available in a variety of pleat sizes including 3/8", 7/16", 1/2" 9/16", 3/4", 1", and 2". Not all pleat size are available with all fabrics, colors and features. The most common pleat sizes are 3/4" and 3/8". 3/4" Pleats are larger, so there are fewer of them needed to fill the window space. They are ideal for larger windows. 3/8" Pleats are smaller, so there are more of them. Some customers feel this creates a "busier" look, while others feel it is a cleaner, more modern look. In the end, it comes down to aesthetics because the size of the pleat does not affect the function of the blind.

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Pleated Shade

Pleated window shades & pleated blinds bring hundreds of versatile, fashionable fabrics and colors to your windows. Our pleated shade options and pleated window blinds are constructed from a single layer of material, with optional backings for added privacy and energy efficiency. Pleated Shades are often confused with Cellular Shades. While both Pleated and Cellular shades look nearly identical from the front, Pleated Shades do not have internal pockets in them to trap the heat and cold like Cellular Shades do.

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R

Replacement Vanes

The term "Vane" is usually only used in reference to Vertical Blinds. It is similar to a "Slat" on a horizontal blind. We carry 2 sizes of vanes, 2" and 3.5". This refers to how wide each slat is. When you order a vertical blind, it will come automatically with enough vanes to fill your window area. We also carry replacement vanes, should you need them. Please note that replacement vanes should not be ordered at the same height as the ones you currently have. When ordering Replacement Vanes, specify the total height of the opening (from the top of the head rail), to the floor. Do NOT order the length of the existing vane. Also, to obtain pricing, use 3 1/2" for the "Width" and total height of the opening for the "Height". Note: We cannot guarantee fit due to the changing nature of fabricator specifications over the years you have had your existing vertical blind; vanes may NOT be returned for any reason. Minimum order for replacement vanes is Qty 10.

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Reverse Roll

An option when ordering roller shades. If you have obstacles like trim to mount the shade over, order reverse roll to give added clearance. (See alternative: Standard Roll)

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Room Darkening

(Aka Opaque, Blackout, Midnight) An option for many shades that does not allow any light to penetrate the fabric and gives total privacy. Different manufacturers and different products accomplish this is different ways, however the result is always to block out all light. Light may still come through in the gap between slats or vanes, and the gaps between your window well and where the shade fabric begins. (See alternatives: Light Filtering, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

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Rotate Color Side of Vane

When vanes are non-white, the room side has the color and the street side is white. When the vanes are rotated from a closed potision to an open position, you must choose if the color rotates to the right side of the room or the left side of the room.

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Routless

Known by names ranging from routless, de-Light, and NoHoles, this option reduces light leakage by eliminating the traditional rout hole through the center of the slat and replaces it with a notch on the side of each slat through which the cording controlling the tilting and lifting of the blind runs. This option can be found in many brands of Wood and Faux Wood Blinds. (see alternative: Cloth Tapes)

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S

Semi-Opaque

(Aka Light Filtering) An option for many shades that allows sunlight to penetrate the shade fabric, but allows you to maintain your privacy. With this material, you will not be able to see any shapes or forms through the fabric. A light colored shade will block between 20 - 35% of the light, and will usually block almost all of the UV Rays. To block more light, use a darker colored shade. To block out ALL light, use a Room Darkening Shade. (See alternatives: Room Darkening, Sheer, Semi-Sheer)

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Semi-Sheer

An option with Cellular and Pleated Shades, it blocks very little light and distorts the view, but does not allow for privacy.

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Sheer

An option with Cellular and Pleated Shades, it blocks very little light and maintains your view, but does not allow for privacy. It is also the fabric found on the front and back sides of Sheer Horizontals and Sheer Verticals.

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Sheer Horizontal

Horizontal Sheer Shades work like wood blinds and cellular shades in one. Sheer Blinds filter the light and provide complete privacy much like a cellular blind. Popular brands of horizontal sheer shades and sheer blinds include Hunter Douglas Silhouette and Comfortex ShangriLa. They also operate like a roller shade, because as you draw the shade up, the material wraps around a roller and draws up into a headrail. This way, there is no excess material in the way when you want to roll up the shades and enjoy the view unobstructed. You can choose to get either Light Filtering or Room Darkening shades. This means, when the slats are closed, you can choose to have light still show through the fabric (while maintaining privacy) or darken the room by as much as 90%. There are three different Brands of Sheer Horizontals to choose from.

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Sheer Vertical

Sheer Vertical Blinds provide a formal look of a contemporary soft draperies with the function and privacy of a vertical blind. Soft Vertical Blinds have vanes that can be tilted open like a vertical blind to view the outdoors through the Soft fabric. Soft Vertical Shadings are recommended for taller windows or sliding glass doors. You can choose to get either Light Filtering or Room Darkening shades. This means, when the slats are closed, you can choose to have light still show through the fabric (while maintaining privacy) or darken the room by as much as 90%. We carry Sheer Verticals made by two different manufacturers.

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Sidelight

A very narrow, tall window that flanks a door or larger window.

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Sill

The finishing piece at the bottom of a window opening.

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Single Cell

This refers to the number of rows of pockets that a cellular shade has to trap the heat and the cold for energy efficiency. Click for information about Cellular Shades (See Alternatives: Double Cell, Triple Cell)

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Skylight Blinds

Window coverings that cover a skylight. A skylight is a window in the ceiling allowing a view of the sky. We only carry Cellular Shades for Skylight Windows. We do not have skylight blinds that have individual slats that open and close. (See alternative: Skylight Shades)

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Slats

Also known as Vanes or Louvers, these are the movable pieces that make up the majority of a horizontal blind.

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SoftRise

Spring Lift (aka SoftRise) is a lift system option available with most roller shades. It comes with a decorative pull or simple plastic hardware which allows you to move the shade up and down without the use of a cord or chain. Spring Lift does not have unlimited stopping positions. It is controlled by a cog mechanism and as such the stopping positions available are limited to where the cog stops. This could be an issue if you have varying length windows in the same room as the bottom of the shades will not necessarily line up. (See alternative: Bead Loop Chain)

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Spacer Blocks

These are free hardware options available for most blinds and shades. They are used to clear trim and other obstacles. They are most commonly used on doors where you are mounting above the glass, but you have a piece of trim or molding between where you are mounting and where the glass is. Spacer Blocks will push the blind or shade away from the door enough to clear the trim. This way, when you draw the blind or shade up and down, it won't rub against the trim.

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Spring Lift

Spring Lift (aka SoftRise) is a lift system option available with most roller shades. It comes with a decorative pull or simple plastic hardware which allows you to move the shade up and down without the use of a cord or chain. Spring Lift does not have unlimited stopping positions. It is controlled by a cog mechanism and as such the stopping positions available are limited to where the cog stops. This could be an issue if you have varying length windows in the same room as the bottom of the shades will not necessarily line up. (See alternative: Bead Loop Chain)

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Stack

The accumulation of fabric or slats that occurs when a blind or shade is raised to allow an unobstructed view out your window.

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Standard Roll

An option when ordering roller shades. If you have no obstacles like trim to go over for proper shade operation, order standard roll. (See alternative: Reverse Roll)

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Stiles

For Shutters, the Stile frames the louvers on the sides. See picture.

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Sun Up, Sun Down

This feature is available for cellular or pleated shades to provide flexible light control. Two fabrics are used: one between the top rail and the center rail and one between the center rail and bottom rail. Each panel has its own set of lift cords so either fabric panel, or portion of a fabric panel, may be used to cover a window. Cover your window with the sheer or light-filtering fabric portion during the daytime for soften filtered light and switch to cover your window with the room-darkening fabric at night to afford you darkness as you sleep (or sleep in, in the morning). Maximize the light control for your room.

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Swivel Brackets

A bracket used when there is minimal mounting depth inside the window frame. It has a small hinge that swivels outward. Available only on cellular and pleated shades.

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T

TDBU

"Top Down / Bottom Up”feature enables you to raise your shade from the bottom, and lower the blind from the top to allow light in from the outside while maintaining privacy and eliminating glare on computer or television screens. With this feature you can fully raise the blind as well to have a full open view out your window. Cellular shades stack compactly so your view is maximized.

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Template

Replica of an arch window opening. Imperfect arch blinds require a template for proper fabrication in order to have the blind fit your window properly. See this page for more info

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Tilt

Cord or wand which rotates the individual slats or vanes of a blind open or closed for light control.

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Tilt Bar

A bar that moves the individual slats on a shutter. It is a fixed bar.

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Top Down

"Top Down"feature allows you to lower your blind from the top of the window only; the bottom rail will always rest on the window sill.

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Top Down Bottom Up

"Top Down / Bottom" Upfeature enables you to raise your shade from the bottom, and lower the blind from the top to allow light in from the outside while maintaining privacy and eliminating glare on computer or television screens. With this feature you can fully raise the blind as well to have a full open view out your window. Cellular shades stack compactly so your view is maximized.

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T-Post

The T-Post is a versatile structural component inserted vertically into shutter frames to separate shutter panels and allow for placement of more panels within the same opening. T-Posts are aluminum reinforced and give added strength to wider openings. Panels can be hinged to T-Posts similarly to how they are hinged to the frame. T-Posts will be spaced for equal panel widths according to the configuration ordered.

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Track System

Found in the headrail unit of all vertical blinds, this is what enables the vanes to move (traverse) across the window area. It holds the carrier clips which hold the vanes. When you purchase a vertical blind, it will include the track system.

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Trim Styles

Roller window shades are available in a wide array of decorative hem styles from scallops, half moon, waves and many more to personalize your window shades. With every decorative hem also comes your choice of trim styles from gimp, loop fringe, brush or luxurious bullion fringe (styles vary by brand) in a wide array of colors to coordinate with any decor. Roller Shades with decorative hems are available in both spring lift and cord loop controls. (See also: Hem Styles)

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Triple Cell

This refers to the number of rows of pockets that a cellular shade has to trap the heat and the cold for energy efficiency. Click for information about Cellular Shades (See Alternatives: Double Cell, Triple Cell)

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U

Ultraglide

Lift cord feature available with select Hunter Douglas Duette Cellular Shades. Ultraglide keeps the cord length the same whether the shade is raised or lowered; great for child safety as well as a more pleasing look without dangling lift cords when your shade is raised.

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Ultralift

Continuous Cord Loop option is used to aide in lifting large blinds. It maintains the cord at the same length regardless of shade position. This feature is also child friendly when the cord loop is properly mounted on the wall. For many blinds, Continuous Cord Loop is optional, but some blinds, such as Sheer Horizontals, have this feature as the standard lift system. (Aka: Easyrise, EasyUp, Ultralift, Omnirise, CCL, Continuous Cord Loop)

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V

Valance

A decorative piece used to cover the headrail of the blind or shade. The valance is attached to the headrail. Blinds that have valances and are inside mounted will not have returns (see Valance Returns). If you are not sure if the blind or shade you want will have a valance, please call us and we will help you.

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Valance Returns

Used on valances that are outside mounted. The returns will cover the ends of the headrail so that the mechanism and headrail are covered for a more pleasing look from the side. A valance with returns creates a box-like look over the headrail. Most Outside Mounted blinds automatically include valance returns. Please note that this adds an inch to the width of the valance to allow for the mitering at the corners where the returns meet the front piece of the valance. Valance Returns will not automatically come on an Inside Mount Blind. If you want returns on an Inside Mount blind because it will protrude slightly into the room, please give us a call and we will walk you through how to tell if you will be able to use returns and what size to order them.

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Vanes

The term "Vane" is usually only used in reference to Vertical Blinds. It is similar to a "Slat" on a horizontal blind. We carry 2 sizes of vanes, 2" and 3.5". This refers to how wide each slat is. When you order a vertical blind, it will come automatically with enough vanes to fill your window area. We also carry replacement vanes, should you need them. Please note that replacement vanes should not be ordered at the same height as the ones you currently have. When ordering Replacement Vanes, specify the total height of the opening (from the top of the head rail), to the floor. Do NOT order the length of the existing vane. Also, to obtain pricing, use 3 1/2" for the "Width" and total height of the opening for the "Height". (See also: Replacement Vanes)

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Vertiglide

Vertical Cellulars (aka Vertiglide)is a stunning way to cover sliding glass doors, French doors and other wide window(s). A stark contract to traditional vertical blinds, these cellular shades create a refined look in your room while providing the light control and energy efficiency you need.

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