Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about custom blinds, shades, drapery, motorization, professional installation, and working with Chicago Blinds and Shades throughout Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about custom blinds, shades, drapery, motorization, professional installation, and working with Chicago Blinds and Shades throughout Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs.

Our Process

Testimonials

Designs

Getting Started

Chicago Blinds and Shades provides custom blinds, shades, drapery, motorized window treatments, professional measuring and installation, as well as select repair and reinstallation services. We work with several trusted window treatment manufacturers, allowing us to offer a wider selection of styles, materials, features, and price points—from quality budget-friendly solutions to premium options. We serve both residential and commercial clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

We serve Chicago and communities throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. If you’re unsure whether we service your location, contact us and we’ll be happy to confirm availability.

Yes. We offer free consultations where we come to your home, discuss your needs, professionally measure your windows, show you samples, and help you select the right window treatments.

We start by learning what you want to accomplish—privacy, light control, insulation, style, motorization, or a combination of these. We then examine and measure your windows, show you appropriate products and samples, discuss options, and prepare pricing based on your selections.

After your in-home consultation, we typically provide your detailed quote within 1–2 business days.

We work with several trusted window treatment manufacturers, including Graber, Vitale, Blinds Today, and other quality, budget-friendly brands. Having access to multiple manufacturers allows us to offer a wider range of styles, materials, features, and price points.

No. Professional measuring is part of our service. We take the necessary measurements to ensure your custom window treatments are ordered to the correct specifications.

Yes. We bring samples to your consultation so you can compare fabrics, colors, textures, opacity levels, and materials in your actual space and lighting.

Absolutely. Many clients start their consultation without knowing which product they need. Tell us what you like, what problems you’re trying to solve, and your budget, and we’ll help narrow down the options.

Both. We work on projects ranging from individual windows and rooms to complete homes, condos, offices, restaurants, and other commercial spaces.

Yes, and in many cases we recommend it. A bedroom may benefit from blackout shades while a living room may need solar or sheer shades. We can coordinate different products so the overall design still feels cohesive.

Custom window treatments are made specifically for your windows and needs. You get professional measurements, better fit, more choices in materials and fabrics, customized light and privacy control, optional motorization, and professional installation.

Pricing, Estimates & Ordering

Pricing varies based on window size, product, fabric, operating system, quantity, and optional features such as motorization. During your consultation, we’ll help you compare options and provide pricing based on your specific project.

Custom products generally cost more than basic off-the-shelf blinds because they are manufactured specifically for your windows and include significantly more choices and customization. However, custom doesn’t necessarily mean unaffordable, and we offer options at different price points.

Yes. Being open about your budget helps us recommend products and features that provide the most value without paying for options you don’t need.

Yes. Unless otherwise specified, our quoted price for custom window treatments includes professional installation at no additional cost.

Estimates are valid for 90 days. After that period, we cannot guarantee the same pricing or product availability.

Once you approve your selections and pricing, we’ll provide a service agreement. A signed agreement and required deposit are needed before your custom products are ordered.

We require a 50% deposit when placing the order. The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion of the installation.

We accept several payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, cash, checks, and bank transfers.

Production is typically approximately three weeks from the date your order is placed. Lead times can vary depending on the product, manufacturer, customization, and product availability.

Because custom window treatments are manufactured specifically for your windows and selections, changes or cancellations may not be possible once an order enters production. Please review all selections carefully before approving your order.

Our Process

We come to your home, discuss your needs and preferences, show you product and fabric samples, and professionally measure your windows.  

We provide a detailed quote within 1–2 business days. Once you’ve finalized your products, colors, fabrics, and options, we’ll prepare your service agreement.

To move forward, you’ll sign the service agreement and submit a 50% deposit. Your custom window treatments are then ordered and sent into production.

Production typically takes approximately 3 weeks, depending on the product and manufacturer. Once your order arrives, we inspect the products and contact you to schedule installation.

We professionally install your new window treatments, make sure everything is operating properly, and show you how to use any controls or motorized features.

Our service doesn’t end after installation. If you have questions or experience an issue with your window treatments, we’re here to help.

Choosing the Right Window Treatments

Start with what you need the window treatment to accomplish. Consider privacy, sunlight, glare, insulation, room darkening, view preservation, ease of operation, design, and budget. During your consultation, we’ll help you compare products based on those priorities.

Blackout and privacy fabrics provide strong privacy, while solar and sheer products can provide varying levels of daytime privacy. The best solution depends on whether you need privacy during the day, at night, or both.

Blackout roller shades and blackout cellular shades are popular bedroom options because they provide privacy and excellent light control. Drapery can also be layered with shades for additional coverage and design.

Roller shades, solar shades, vertical treatments, and motorized systems are often excellent options. Large windows require careful measurement and product selection to ensure smooth operation and proper support.

Roller shades, solar shades, vertical blinds, and other custom solutions can work well depending on the door configuration, available mounting space, and how frequently the door is used.

Motorized shades are one of the most convenient solutions for tall and difficult-to-reach windows because they eliminate the need to manually operate the shade.

Cellular shades are particularly well known for insulation because their honeycomb construction creates air pockets between the room and window.

Solar shades are an excellent option because they can significantly reduce glare while still allowing natural light and maintaining an outside view.

Cordless and motorized products are excellent options because they eliminate hanging operating cords. We can also recommend durable materials based on your household.

Often, yes. One of the biggest advantages of custom window treatments is the ability to accommodate windows that standard products cannot. We’ll evaluate the window and recommend appropriate options.

No. Different rooms often have different functional requirements. We can coordinate colors, materials, and styles so different products still create a cohesive look throughout your home.

Roller & Blackout Shades

Roller shades use a continuous piece of fabric that rolls neatly onto a tube above the window. They’re available in many colors, textures, patterns, and opacity levels.

They’re simple, versatile, modern, and easy to operate. They work with many interior styles and are available in light-filtering, privacy, solar, and blackout fabrics, as well as motorized configurations.

Light-filtering fabrics soften incoming sunlight while allowing the room to remain bright. Blackout fabrics block light through the material and provide significantly greater room darkening and privacy.

Blackout fabric blocks light through the fabric itself, but some light can enter around the edges of the shade. Window construction, mounting style, and additional light-blocking solutions determine the final level of darkness.

Yes. They’re particularly popular in bedrooms and nurseries because they help create a darker environment for sleeping while also providing privacy.

Yes, depending on the dimensions and product specifications. Large windows require the appropriate roller system, fabric, and operating method.

Yes. Many roller shade systems can be motorized, making them especially convenient for large, high, or frequently used windows.

Yes. A double roller system can combine a solar or light-filtering shade for daytime use with a blackout or privacy shade for nighttime. It’s an excellent solution when you want both view preservation and privacy.

Solar Shades

Solar shades are made from specially designed fabrics that reduce glare, UV exposure, and solar heat while helping preserve your view outside.

Solar shades can reduce glare, help control heat from direct sunlight, protect interiors from UV exposure, provide daytime privacy, and maintain your outside view.

Yes, potentially. Solar shades provide their strongest privacy when it is brighter outside than inside. At night, when interior lights are on, people outside may be able to see through the shade. If nighttime privacy is important, we may recommend pairing solar shades with another treatment, like drapes or curtains.

Yes, solar shades can provide varying levels of daytime privacy depending on the fabric and openness factor. Lower openness percentages generally provide greater privacy.

The openness factor describes how tightly the solar fabric is woven. A lower percentage generally provides greater privacy, glare reduction, and UV protection, while a higher percentage preserves more of your outside view.

It depends on your priorities and exposure. If privacy and sun control are most important, a lower openness may be appropriate. If maintaining your view is the priority, a higher openness may work better. We’ll help you compare samples during your consultation.

Solar fabrics can significantly reduce UV exposure. The amount varies by fabric and openness factor.

Yes. This is one of their primary purposes, making them especially useful for rooms receiving intense direct sunlight.

Not completely. Solar shades are specifically designed to provide sun control while maintaining varying degrees of visibility outside. The openness factor and fabric color influence how clear the view remains.

Yes. They’re one of our most popular options for Chicago high-rises because they can reduce glare and direct sunlight while allowing residents to continue enjoying skyline, lake, and city views.

Cellular, Zebra, Sheer & Specialty Shades

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are constructed with pockets that trap air near the window. They’re available in different fabrics, colors, opacity levels, and operating systems.

Cellular shades are one of the most energy-efficient window treatment options because their honeycomb structure provides an additional insulating layer at the window.

Yes. Their insulating construction makes them particularly attractive in climates with cold winters, where windows can be a significant source of heat transfer.

Zebra shades use alternating sheer and solid fabric bands. Adjusting their position lets you transition between greater visibility and greater privacy without fully raising the shade.

They can provide privacy when the solid fabric bands are properly aligned. Privacy levels vary by fabric and product, so we’ll help you choose an appropriate option if nighttime privacy is a priority.

Sheer shades combine soft fabric vanes with sheer material to diffuse sunlight while allowing adjustable light control and visibility.

Both provide adjustable light control, but their appearance and construction are different. Zebra shades feature alternating horizontal bands, while sheer shades typically have fabric vanes suspended between sheer layers for a softer appearance.

Natural woven shades use textured materials inspired by bamboo, grasses, reeds, and other natural elements. They’re a great way to add warmth, texture, and character to a room.

Drapery & Curtains

Yes. We offer custom drapery solutions designed around your windows, interior style, privacy needs, and desired level of light control.

Absolutely. Layering drapery with blinds or shades is a popular way to combine functionality with a more finished, decorative look.

Layering allows one treatment to handle privacy or light control while the drapery adds softness, texture, insulation, and visual impact.

Yes. We can provide professional installation of appropriate drapery hardware as part of select projects.

Yes. We’ll consider your windows, ceiling height, furniture, existing décor, and desired look when helping you select the appropriate drapery solution.

Motorized & Smart Shades

A small motor integrated into the shade allows it to raise, lower, or adjust electronically rather than manually.

For many homeowners, yes—especially for large, tall, hard-to-reach, or frequently operated windows. They also provide convenience, accessibility, and opportunities for smart-home automation.

Depending on the system, you can operate motorized shades with remotes, wall controls, smartphone apps, timers, or compatible smart-home systems like Alexa and Google Home.

Many systems offer smartphone control when paired with the appropriate hub, gateway, or smart-home equipment.

Yes. Compatible systems can be programmed to operate on schedules, allowing shades to open and close automatically at selected times.

Certain motorization systems can integrate with popular smart-home platforms and voice assistants. Compatibility depends on the specific motor, controls, and additional equipment selected.

No. Many motorized shades can operate using rechargeable or replaceable battery systems. Hardwired options are also available.

Battery-powered shades usually require less electrical preparation and can work well in existing homes. Hardwired systems receive continuous power and can be particularly attractive for new construction, renovations, or larger whole-home projects.

Battery life varies depending on shade size, motor type, battery configuration, frequency of operation, and other factors.

It depends on the size of the shade, how often you use it, and the motor system. In general, rechargeable motorized shades can operate for several months between charges with normal use. When the battery is running low, simply recharge it using the appropriate charger for your system.

During installation, we’ll show you how to charge your shades and how to recognize when the battery is getting low.

Yes. Motorization is especially useful for large or hard-to-reach windows, although the correct motor and system must be selected based on the shade’s specifications.

Sometimes. It depends on the existing product, manufacturer, age, and compatibility. We need to evaluate the shade before determining whether retrofitting is possible or practical.

Contact us. Depending on the system, the issue may involve power, batteries, pairing, programming, connectivity, the remote, or the motor itself. We can help determine the appropriate next step.

Chicago Condos & High-Rise

Yes. We regularly work in Chicago condos, apartments, and high-rise buildings and understand that these projects often have additional logistical and building-management requirements.

Solar shades, roller shades, double roller systems, and motorized shades are especially popular. The right choice depends on your exposure, privacy needs, view, interior design, and building configuration.

Solar shades are one of the best solutions for daytime privacy while preserving your view. For nighttime privacy, they can be paired with a blackout or privacy shade in a double roller system.

The right solution depends on when privacy is needed. Solar shades can help during daylight hours, while privacy or blackout shades provide stronger nighttime privacy. Double roller shades provide both options at one window.

Solar shades are particularly effective at reducing glare and solar heat while preserving the view. Other products may also be appropriate depending on the room and desired level of light control.

Yes. When required, we can provide or coordinate the appropriate Certificate of Insurance documentation for building management.

Yes. We can coordinate with building requirements involving COIs, contractor access, service elevators, scheduling, loading procedures, and other applicable installation policies.

Yes, depending on the window dimensions and product specifications. We professionally measure the windows and determine which systems can safely and properly accommodate the opening.

Yes. They’re particularly useful for large expanses of glass, difficult-to-reach windows, or rooms with multiple shades that you want to operate together.

Energy Efficiency, Heat & UV Protection

Certain window treatments can help reduce heat gain and heat loss through windows. Actual energy savings vary based on the product, windows, home, climate, and usage.

Cellular shades are particularly well known for insulation. Other window treatments can also contribute to temperature and sunlight management depending on their materials and construction.

Yes. Properly selected window treatments can reduce direct solar heat and help keep rooms more comfortable, particularly on windows with significant sun exposure.

Insulating products such as cellular shades can create an additional barrier between the room and cold window surfaces.

Solar shades are a popular choice because they’re designed to manage glare, UV exposure, and solar heat while maintaining natural light and visibility.

Window treatments that reduce UV exposure can help protect interior furnishings and finishes from prolonged sunlight. The amount of protection depends on the product and fabric selected.

Measuring & Professional Installation

Yes. Professional measurement is included as part of our custom window treatment process.

Even small measurement differences can affect how a custom shade fits and operates. Professional measuring also allows us to identify mounting limitations, uneven windows, obstructions, and other installation considerations before ordering.

Yes. Professional installation is included in our quoted custom window treatment price unless otherwise stated for a specific project or service.

It depends on the number, size, type, and complexity of the window treatments. Smaller projects may be completed relatively quickly, while whole-home or motorized installations naturally take longer.

We recommend providing clear access to your windows and moving fragile or valuable items away from the installation area. We’ll let you know if additional preparation is necessary.

Inside-mounted shades sit within the window opening for a clean, built-in appearance. Outside-mounted shades are installed above or around the window opening.

It depends on window depth, construction, obstructions, desired appearance, privacy, and light control. We evaluate this during professional measuring and recommend the appropriate mounting method.

They can. Extending a shade beyond the window opening can reduce some of the light entering around the sides, although no standard shade installation should automatically be assumed to create complete darkness.

Often, yes. Older homes and unusual windows can require creative mounting solutions, which is another reason professional measuring and installation are valuable.

Yes. We work with many tall and difficult-to-access windows and determine the appropriate installation approach based on the property and window location.

Yes. We take care of our work area and aim to leave your space clean with your new window treatments installed and ready to use.

Repairs & Existing Window Treatments

We provide select repair services. Whether a product can be repaired depends on its manufacturer, age, condition, type of damage, and availability of replacement parts.

In some cases. Send us photos and information about the product and problem, and we’ll determine whether it’s something we may be able to service.

Some cordless products can be repaired, depending on the internal mechanism and availability of compatible parts.

We can troubleshoot certain motorized shade issues, including power, remote, pairing, programming, and connectivity problems. Service availability depends on the system.

Yes. We offer removal and reinstallation services for certain projects when windows are being replaced or other work needs to be completed.

Potentially. New windows can change the dimensions and mounting conditions, so we need to determine whether the existing shades still fit and can be safely reinstalled.

Often, yes. However, exact fabric, color, hardware, or product matches may not always be available if the original product has been discontinued or changed.

Warranty & After-Installation Service

Yes. Warranty coverage varies depending on the manufacturer and product. We’ll provide information about the applicable warranty for the products you select.

Qualifying Graber products are covered by Graber’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s current warranty terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Contact Chicago Blinds and Shades. We’ll help identify the problem and determine whether it requires an adjustment, troubleshooting, repair, replacement part, or manufacturer warranty claim.

When applicable, we can help identify the issue and assist with the appropriate manufacturer warranty process.

Yes. Our relationship with our clients doesn’t end the moment installation is complete. If you experience an issue, contact us and we’ll help determine the appropriate solution.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning methods vary by material and fabric. Gentle dusting or vacuuming with an appropriate attachment is suitable for many products, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Not all fabrics can be washed or exposed to water. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions before attempting wet cleaning.

Routine dusting or gentle vacuuming is often sufficient. Some fabrics allow additional spot cleaning, but the correct method depends on the specific material.

Most quality window treatments require relatively little routine maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and proper operation.

Lifespan varies based on product quality, materials, usage, environment, and maintenance. High-quality custom window treatments are designed for long-term use when properly operated and cared for.

Commercial Projects

Yes. We work with commercial clients and can provide custom window treatment solutions based on the property’s functional, design, privacy, and light-control requirements.

We can work with offices, restaurants, bars, retail spaces, hospitality environments, property managers, and other commercial properties.

Yes. Roller shades, solar shades, motorized systems, and other products can be excellent solutions for commercial environments.

Yes. Motorization can be particularly valuable for commercial spaces with multiple, oversized, high, or frequently adjusted shades.

Yes. Contact us with the project specifications, number of windows, timeline, and property requirements so we can evaluate the scope and recommend an appropriate solution.

Interior Designers & Contractors

Yes. We enjoy collaborating with interior designers and can assist with product selection, measuring, ordering, installation, and other window treatment needs.

Yes. We can coordinate with other professionals involved in residential and commercial projects to help keep the window treatment portion organized and properly executed.

For certain projects, yes. We can provide measuring and installation services separately when the scope and responsibilities of each party are clearly established in advance.

Potentially. Installation-only projects are evaluated individually based on the product, mounting requirements, measurements, property, and project scope.

Ready to Get Started?

Getting started is simple. Contact Chicago Blinds and Shades by calling (773) 510 – 0827 or filling out the contact form https://chicagoblindsandshades.com/contact-us/,  to schedule your free consultation. We’ll discuss your project, professionally measure your windows, show you samples, help you compare options, and provide pricing based on your selections.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Still have questions? Our team is here to help.

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