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Glossary

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Word - Definition
 
 
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    
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 separating 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. 

Please note that this type of shade would need to be "End Mounted", meaning that the installation brackets need to go into the sides of your window well. The manufacturer will not send the end mount brackets with your order if the shade width is over 48". This is due to the fact that wider blinds will bow in the center over time if they are not supported properly. If your shade is larger than 48" wide, we recommend you do the following: Buy a piece of lumber that is 1 x 1 x your window well width. Paint it the same color as your walls or trim. Install into your window well to separate the arch shape from the rectangle or square shape. You can usually use "L" brackets or something similar to mount the wood. Next, measure your two new shapes and submit the order for them. This has been done successfully by our customers in the past and will save you a lot of grief trying to find a lasting solution for your window shape. 

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

  
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)  
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)  
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		  
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.  
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)  
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)    
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)  
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  
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)  
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)  
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!  
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.    
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.    
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.    
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 produ