Shade Store Vs. Blinds To Go: Better Option For Window

When it comes time to purchase new window treatments, two major retailers often top the list: Shade Store and Blinds To Go.

But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which is the better fit for your home? This comprehensive guide will compare and contrast these two popular stores to help you make the right decision.

A Brief Comparison Table

Category	Shade Store	Blinds To Go
Quality	High-end materials, premium quality	Affordable, basic materials
Products	Broad selection of shades, blinds, curtains, and specialty options	Mostly blinds and basic shades
Customization	Fully customizable sizing, fabrics, features	Custom sizing but fewer fabric choices
Smart Options	Advanced smart home integration and automation	Basic remote options, limited smart tech
Warranties & Support	Strong warranties, exceptional service	Standard warranties, decent service
Pricing	$500+ for shades, higher prices overall	Under $200 for most shades/blinds
Best For	Custom look, tech features, specialty needs	Budget buyers wanting basics

Overview Of Shade Store

Founded in 1946, Shade Store is a family-owned business that specializes in custom window treatments. They offer a wide selection of shades, blinds, curtains, shutters, and more. Here are a few key things to know about Shade Store:

• High quality materials: Shade Store uses quality fabrics and materials like 100% Belgian linen, FSC-certified woods, and commercial-grade components. This results in durable, long-lasting window treatments.
• Custom options: Every window treatment can be fully customized with your choice of fabrics, materials, sizes, features, and more. This allows you to get an exact fit and look for your windows.
• Specialty window solutions: Shade Store has innovative options for hard-to-fit windows like angled bays and skylights. They also offer motorization and automation.
• Exceptional service: From start to finish, you get concierge-level service. Consultations, professional measuring and installation, and support are all included.
• Higher price points: Due to the premium materials and custom work, Shade Store’s products come at higher price points. Expect to invest more for the quality.

Overview Of Blinds To Go

Founded in 1991, Blinds To Go focuses on affordable, custom-made window blinds and shades. Key facts about this retailer:

• Focus on blinds & shades: As the name implies, Blinds To Go specializes in an extensive selection of window blinds and shades. They have fewer options for curtains, shutters, etc.
• Custom-crafted: The blinds and shades are made to order based on your exact window specifications. You can customize size, colors, features, etc.
• Significant store presence: With over 100 showrooms, you can view and test products in person. This makes selection and measuring easier.
• Value pricing: By keeping overhead low and operating online/in-store combo, Blinds To Go can offer very competitive pricing. Great for budget-conscious buyers.
• Limited service: Compared to Shade Store’s white-glove service, Blinds To Go has simpler consultation and installation. You may need to measure windows yourself.
• Focus on functionality: The materials and features focus more on functionality than aesthetic appeal. So expect basic versus premium quality.

Now that we’ve compared the retailers’ key characteristics, let’s dive into the specifics of their product selections.

Also Read: Comparison Between JELD-WEN And PGT Windows

In-depth Comparison of Features of Shade Store And Blinds

Shade And Blind Options

Both Shade Store and Blinds To Go allow you to customize their offerings to your window sizes and needs. Here’s how the specific product categories stack up:

Shades

Roller shades – Both offer light-filtering or room-darkening roller shades in a range of fabrics. Shade Store has premium linen and blackout options, while Blinds To Go focuses on affordable polyesters.

Solar shades – Reduce energy bills with solar shades. Shade Store’s versions use higher end components and come in more color/fabric choices. Blinds To Go’s prices are lower.

Cellular shades – For insulation and light control, cellular shades are a great bet. Shade Store excels with honeycomb and double cell options, while Blinds To Go offers competitive pleated cellular shades.

Roman shades – Looking for a soft, elegant look? Shade Store’s custom roman shades are unparalleled, with handcrafted detailing. Blinds To Go’s are more basic but cheaper.

Sheer shades – Both have lovely lined sheer shades that filter light beautifully. Shade Store adds details like embroidered hems and specialty threading.

Motorized shades – Add convenience with motorized shades that raise/lower automatically. Shade Store has broader smart home integrations, while Blinds To Go focuses on more budget-friendly options.

Blinds

Venetian blinds – With metal or wood slats, these classic blinds still look great. Both stores offer customized versions, with Shade Store having higher end materials.

Faux wood blinds – For an elegant wood look without the cost, faux wood blinds are perfect. Both companies have extensive choices in sizes, colors and textures.

Vertical blinds – Prefer sleek, modern vertical slats? The two retailers have durable vinyl, fabric, or hybrid vertical blinds to consider.

Aluminum mini blinds – For spare bedrooms, kitchens, and more, these affordable metal blinds are a great choice. Blind To Go offers especially competitive pricing.

Motorized blinds – Add motorization to almost any blinds for easy control. Again, Shade Store has better smart home integration, while Blinds To Go focuses on budget motorization.

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Curtains & Drapery

If you’re looking for curtains or drapes, Shade Store is really the clear winner. With its exclusive line of custom drapery made from exquisite fabrics, details like hand-sewn embellishments, and perfect fullness, Shade Store curtains are outstanding. Blind To Go has a very limited selection of basic curtains.

Shutters

Both companies provide shutters, but in different materials. Shade Store offers shutters made from basswood, poplar, and other hardwoods. This allows any paint or stain finish. Blind To Go’s shutters are vinyl and aluminum, focusing on lighter weight and affordability.

Smart & Automated Options

When you want to add conveniences like remote operation or voice control, Shade Store pulls ahead in the technology department. With advanced integrations with smart home systems like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, you can control your motorized shades with ease.

Shade Store also sets itself apart with bespoke automated shade systems. Their consultants can set you up with custom schedules, grouping, control stations, and operating modes for the ultimate automated experience.

Blinds To Go does have some more basic options for motorized remote operation, but their technology offerings aren’t as robust. If you want the latest in shade automation and smart home tech, Shade Store is the winner.

Also Read: Bali Vs. Blinds.com: Window Blades’ Comparison

Additional Product Offerings

Beyond shades and blinds, here is how the two retailers compare on other window treatment offerings:

• Outdoor shades – Want to shade your patio or porch? Shade Store has a broader selection of weather-resistant outdoor shades.
• Skylight shades – With their specialty window experience, Shade Store is ideal for skylight shades. Blinds To Go has limited options.
• Drapery hardware – Shade Store offers complementary drapery hardware like custom rods and finials. Blind To Go does not.
• Door shades – If you want to add privacy shades to doors, Shade Store has attractive options available.

So if you need window coverings beyond standard shades or blinds, Shade Store is likely the better choice. Their expertise with specialty windows and complementary products is superior.

Installation & Support

Both Blind To Go and Shade Store aim to make the shopping process easy on customers. Here’s how their support compares:

• In-home consultations – Shade Store offers optional in-home design consultations. Their shade experts come measure and provide decor advice in your space. Blind To Go has more limited in-store consultations.
• Measurement services – To make ordering easier, both companies offer professional measurement help. Shade Store’s is more robust, while Blind To Go’s is a more basic in-store measure.
• Warranties & support – Shade Store provides better product warranties, repair services, and lifetime support. Their exceptional customer service makes issues easy to resolve.
• Installation – Professional installation is available from both companies at an added fee. Shade Store offers installation on all products, while Blind To Go is more limited.

Overall, Shade Store is the winner when it comes to end-to-end service. Their consultations, support, and installation make the process smooth. Blind To Go meets more basic installation needs for most customers.

Pricing & Affordability

When it comes to cost, there are major differences between the two brands:

• Shade Store pricing – This premium retailer commands higher price points, given the quality materials and custom options. Their shades can run $500+, with drapes even higher.
• Blind To Go pricing – As a discount retailer, Blind To Go prides themselves on value pricing. Their shades and blinds can cost under $100, or $200+ for larger/pricier options.
• Sales & discounts – Blind To Go runs more frequent promotions and sales. Shade Store rarely offers discounts, given their focus on quality over price.

If staying within a tight budget is important, Blind To Go is likely the more affordable choice. For customers who want exceptional quality and customization with premium materials, Shade Store is worth the higher prices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Blinds.com Vs. Levolor: Which Window Blinds To Pick?

Final Thought

With this detailed comparison in mind, which retailer is right for your next window treatment purchase?

Here are a few key factors to consider:

• Are you looking for the highest end materials like linen and wood? Shade Store is ideal.
• Do you have specialty windows like angles or skylights? Shade Store has better options.
• Is smart home integration important? Shade Store’s automated shades are superior.
• Does your budget for window treatments lean lower? Blind To Go is more affordable.
• Are you happy with vinyl or faux wood options? Blind To Go has solid choices.
• Do you want professional design advice and measuring? Shade Store’s consultations provide that.

Take your time considering what matters most – quality, price, service, selection. This will point you towards the right retailer for your needs.

If you still can’t decide, take advantage of the free design consultations both companies offer. Meeting their experts and seeing product samples firsthand can help seal the deal.

With two great options, you’re sure to end up with window treatments that make your home look its best!