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Aluminum Blinds
Also called “horizontal blinds”, “mini blinds”, “macro blinds” or “micro blinds”. Slats are curved aluminum and available in 1/2", 1" and 2" sizes.
Arch Window
A window in the shape of a half-circle. A "Perfect Arch" window has a height measurement that is exactly one-half of the width measurement.
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Bamboo Shades
See “Woven Wood Shades”.
Basswood
A hardwood, grown in North America, regarded as the finest wood type for horizontal blinds because of its light weight, fine grain and resistance to warping.
Blackout Liner
An optional backing, usually in white that is available on selected shades that blocks up to 99% of outside light for highest light and privacy control.
Blackout Shades
Refers to cellular shades that blocks up to 99% of outside light. Blackout is often a good choice for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms.
Bottom Chain And Clip
Chain that is attached at the bottom of each vane of a vertical blind. Reduces the sway that occurs when the vanes are closed or exposed to air currents or breezes.
Bottom rail
The bottom rail is the piece of heavier material that secures the ladders and cords to the bottom of the blind and keeps it hanging straight. It is usually color coordinated to match the rest of the window covering.
Brackets
Includes outside mount, inside mount, ceiling mount, side mount, swivel and center support brackets. These are installation parts that are mounted on the window frame or wall used to attach and install the headrail of a window treatment.
Braided Ladder
Braided polyester cords with rungs that the slats lay on top of. The ladders run vertically down the blind and hold the slats in place.
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Ceiling Mount
Sometimes called “top mount”, brackets mount to the top of the window or ceiling. This is the standard mounting type for inside mount horizontal shades and vertical blinds.
Center Support Bracket
Used on wider blinds to help support the weight of the blind. Prevents the headrail from sagging.
Cellular Shades
Also called “honeycomb shades”. It is available in both single and double cell configurations with light filtering fabrics and room darkening fabrics with the double cell offering superior insulation and maximizing energy efficiency.
Cellular Verticals
Verticals that have vanes constructed of sheer fabric with an air pocket "envelope" style. An optional opaque slat can be inserted inside the cellular vane to become room darkening.
Channel Panel
A vinyl vertical vane with clear grooved channels on the edges to hold fabric inserts. Fabric vertical blinds are available with (inserted) or without (freehanging) a groover. The groover acts as a backing to the fabric material, providing total privacy and light control while still allowing the fabric to be visible to the interior. See “Groover” or “PVC Backing”.
Cloth Tape
Strips of decorative fabric available in different colors which run vertically down the front surface of the blind, replacing the standard cord ladders. They are available on 2" wood, faux wood and mini blinds.
Clutch System
Optional lift mechanism on roller shades. Shades are raised and lowered with a continuous loop plastic bead chain.
Continuous Cord Loop
The continuous cord loop lift system is an optional lift mechanism that consists of a single looped lift cord and clutch assembly which raises and lowers the shade. The looped cord stays at the same length regardless of the position of the shade. This option is highly recommended on very large shades.
Controls
Refers to the mechanisms that allow you to raise, lower, open, close, or tilt blinds and shades. Controls are cords, wands, or chains depending on the product.
Cord Cleats
Cleats are small hooks used to prevent the cords of a window covering from pooling on the floor or window sill. Cord cleats are a safe solution to keep dangerous, dangling cords out of reach of children and pets.
Cord lock
Component in the headrail of a horizontal product, which enables the blind to be raised or lowered and locked into any position.
Cord Tilter
Cord used to control or "tilt" the angle of a blinds slats or vanes. Considered standard on most blinds.
Cordless
A mechanism that eliminates the need for a lift cord. It allows for effortless raising and lowering of blinds and shades by pushing or pulling the bottom rail. Provides a less cluttered look and is a safe alternative for households with small children and pets.
Cut Out
Process where a section of the blind is cut narrower to allow clearance for obstacles that may be in the way of the blinds.
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Depth
The distance measured from the front edge of a window opening to the back.
Double Cell
A type of cellular shade construction that offers increased insulation by using two layers of cellular fabric.
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Edge Bindings
Optional fabric accent tape available on most natural woven wood shades. Tape edges are solid twill cloth tapes stitched along the sides of the shade. See “Tape Edges”.
End Cap
Plastic caps that secure on to the bottom rail and head rail of Metal and Cellular Shades —they are color coordinated to match the window covering
Extension Brackets
For installations requiring additional space between the blind and the mounting surface, so that the blind will clear obstructions such as window cranks or trim. See “Projection Brackets”.
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Factory Deduction
The amount automatically trimmed off a shade or blind by the factory to ensure the proper fit of an inside mount. The amount will vary depending on the individual products.
Faux Woods
A popular alternative to wood blinds, the PVC and wood composite material gives the appearance of wood at a lower cost. Faux wood blinds will not crack or peel and are especially well suited for extreme climates and high humidity areas. Faux wood is heavier than real wood.
Flat Fold
A roman Shade style where stay pockets on the back of the shade create horizontal pleats. As the shade is raised, the fabric creates a cascading soft fold effect.
Flush Mount
Depth required to mount a blind so that it is fully recessed inside the window frame and no portion of the blind extends from the window frame.
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Groover
A vinyl vertical vane with clear grooved channels on the edges to hold fabric inserts. Fabric vertical blinds are available with (inserted) or without (freehanging) a groover. The groover acts as a backing to the fabric material, providing total privacy and light control while still allowing the fabric to be visible to the interior. See “PVC Backing” or “Channel Panel”.
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Headrail
The channel along the top of a blind or shade that houses all the working mechanisms. Headrails can be made as a one blind on one headrail (standard), two blinds on one headrail and three blinds on one headrail.
Height
Refers to the window measurement from top to bottom or to the vertical measurement of the blind from top to bottom. Each product has a minimum and maximum height to which the blind can be manufactured, which may vary based on selected options.
Hobbled
An option on fabric roman shades that adds horizontal folds to the fabric.
Hold Down Brackets
These are used on outside mount applications, typically on doors. They secure the end of each side of the bottom rail to the mounting surface to prevent the blind from swaying. Brackets must be unfastened from wall/door before the blind can be raised.
Honeycomb Shade
Also called “cellular shades”. It is available in both single and double cell configurations with light filtering fabrics and room darkening fabrics with the double cell offering superior insulation and maximizing energy efficiency.
Horizontal Blind
A blind consisting of slats running horizontally that can be tilted and lifted. Sometimes referred to as “Venetian Blinds”.
Horizontal Sheer Shade
A shade consisting of two sheer fabric facings over soft fabric vanes. The vanes can be tilted open, closed or rolled into the headrail totally concealed.
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Inserts
1) The fabric that is inserted into a groover of a fabric vertical. 2) Vinyl sleeves that can be inserted into cellular vertical vanes which results in a greater degree of privacy, light control and insulation.
Inside Mount
A window treatment installed inside the window frame instead of on the window casing or wall surface.
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Ladders
Also called "braided ladders", these are vertical cords that support and control the individual slats of a horizontal blind.
Ladder Spacing
The distance between each ladder cord.
Left Stack
Vertical blind stack option where the vanes stack to the left side and controls are on the left side.
Length
See “Height”.
Lift Cord
The control which raises and lowers the blinds or shades. Special lifting mechanisms are available including cordless, continuous cord loop and top down/bottom up.
Light Filtering
A shade that allows filtered light in while fully closed, providing privacy. Also called “translucent” or “semi-opaque”.
Liners
Privacy Liner: A light-filtering liner added to the back of the shade providing additional privacy. Room Darkening Liner: A room-darkening liner added to the back of the shade providing maximum privacy. Usually white or off-white fabric.
Louver
Usually refers to the individual vanes in a vertical blind or the individual slats in the shutter.
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Macro Blinds
Horizontal blinds with 2" slats.
Micro Blinds
Horizontal blinds with 1/2" slats.
Mini Blinds
Horizontal blinds with 1" slats.
Minimum Mounting Depth
Depth required to mount blind inside the window frame as an inside mount. A portion of the blind will extend from the window frame if it is not a flush mount.
Mount
Refers to whether the blind will be mounted within the window frame (inside mount) or on the wall surrounding the window (outside mount).
Multiple Blinds On One Headrail
Two or three separate blinds mounted on a single headrail, usually used to cover very wide windows making the operation easier and reducing stress on hardware mechanisms. Each blind on the headrail will have its own controls so one blind may be open while the other is closed. There will be a small gap (about 1/2") between each of the blinds.
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Natural Woven Woods
Roman style shades made of natural material such as wood, fibers, bamboo, and grasses.
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One Way Stack
Refers to vertical blinds that open in one direction to stack to one side of the window. Also called “One-Way Draw”.
Opaque
A fabric that blocks up to 99% of outside light. Opaque is the best choice for bedrooms, children's rooms, and media rooms.
Outside Mount
A type of installation that refers to hanging a window treatment on the wall surrounding the window, instead of inside the window frame.
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Plantation Shutters
Shutters with louvers over two inches wide are sometimes referred to as Plantation Shutters. See “Shutters”.
Pleated Shades
Shades made of fabric with crisp, evenly spaced horizontal pleats. They are a less expensive alternative to cellular shades, but provide less insulation. Pleated shades have visible cords running vertically through the fabric.
Projection Brackets
For installations requiring additional space between the blind and the mounting surface, so that the blind will clear obstructions such as window cranks or trim. See extension brackets.
PVC Backing
A vinyl vertical vane with clear grooved channels on the edges to hold fabric inserts. Fabric vertical blinds are available with (inserted) or without (freehanging) a groover. The groover acts as a backing to the fabric material, providing total privacy and light control while still allowing the fabric to be visible to the interior. See “Groover” or “Channel Panel”.
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Ramin Wood
A less expensive, heavier hardwood than basswood, ramin wood is used for many value priced wood blinds.
Returns
The two side pieces of a valance that extend from the front of the valance back to the wall to completely conceal the headrail. Valance returns are only used on outside mounts.
Reverse Roll
Roller shade option where the fabric rolls off the front of the shade, preventing the backside of the fabric from being seen and creating a more streamlined look. Regular roll shades (standard) roll off the back side closest to the window resulting in better privacy when closed.
Reverse Stack
Vertical blind stack option where the vanes stack to the side opposite from where the controls are located.
Right Stack
Vertical blind stack option where the vanes stack to the right side and controls are on the right side.
Roller Shade
A shade made of vinyl or fabric that is attached to a cylindrical roller with a roller spring mechanism for lifting.
Roman Fold
A type of fold on woven wood shades or roman shades that folds up from the bottom like an accordion, back and forth on itself.
Roman Shade
A fabric shade that folds up accordion-style from the bottom.
Rout Holes
The small holes in the slats of a standard blind that the ladder cords run through.
Routless
Routless blinds have small notches in the front and back of each slat as opposed to having routed holes for the lift cords. This provides greater privacy and light control, tighter closure and a sleeker look. Each slat may be removed easily for cleaning. Routless blinds are not available with cloth tapes.
Room Darkening
Decreases the amount of light by up to 99%. Ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where light is a major concern.
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Semi-opaque
A shade that allows filtered light in while fully closed, providing privacy. Also called “Translucent” or “Light Filtering”.
Shutters
Hinged vinyl or wood panels that may be unfolded across a window to diffuse light and add privacy. Shutters have adjustable louvers that tilt open and closed in much the same way as horizontal blinds. Shutters with louvers over two inches wide are sometimes referred to as “Plantation Shutters”.
Slat
The piece of material of a horizontal blind that is used to control the amount of light that goes through. Will typically come in 1/2", 1", 2" or 2-1/2" widths.
Spacer Blocks
Used with mounting brackets to provide an additional 1/2" of space between the mounting surface and the blind. Spacer blocks are usually used for installing a blind over raised trim. Only for use with outside mounts.
Split Stack
Stack option for vertical blinds where the vanes open in the middle of the window and stacks evenly on either side. Also called “Split Draw”.
Spring Roller Lift
Basic type of lift mechanism on roller shades. Shades are raised and lowered by grasping the bottom hem. There are no lift cords with the spring roller lift.
Stack
The area in which the slats or vanes of a blind "stack" when opened. With vertical blinds, when choosing a left stack or a right stack, all of the vanes will "stack" on either side if the window when fully opened. With a split stack, half of the vanes will stack on the left and half on the right. With horizontal blinds, the "stack" refers to the area at the top of the blind that is taken up by the slats, headrail and bottom rail when they are fully raised.
Stacking Chart
Vertical blinds: provides an approximate "stacking" width in inches for the specific ranges of vertical blind measurements. Horizontal blinds and shades: provides an approximate "stacking" height in inches for the specific ranges of blind or shade height measurements. The "stacking" height includes the headrail and bottom rail. This determines how much of the window space the blind or shade will cover when in the fully opened position. See “Stack”.
Sunscreen Roller Shade
A shade made of sheer vinyl, fiberglass and polyester material that is attached to a cylindrical roller with a roller spring mechanism for lifting. The openness factors of the different styles range from 1% - 15%, which represents how much of the outside can be viewed.
Swivel Brackets
Special brackets used only for cellular shades. Swivel brackets are used when a window does not have enough depth to accommodate traditional mounting brackets.
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Tapes
Strips of decorative fabric available in different colors which run vertically down the front surface of the blind, replacing the standard cord ladders. They are available on 2" wood, faux wood and mini blinds.
Tape Edges
Optional fabric accent tape available on most natural woven wood shades. Tape edges are solid twill cloth tapes stitched along the sides of the shade. See “Edge Bindings”.
Three Blinds On One Headrail
Three separate blinds mounted on a single headrail, usually used to cover very wide windows making the operation easier and reducing stress on hardware mechanisms. Each blind on the headrail will have its own controls so one blind may be open while the other is closed. There will be a small gap (about 1/2") between each of the blinds.
Tilter
The mechanism of the blind that tilts the slats open and closed. A cord tilter is usually standard on all 2" blinds and a wand tilter is usually standard on 1" blinds. It is usually standard to have the tilt control and the lift control on opposite sides of the blind.
Top Down / Bottom Up
Option available on shades which enables the shade to be opened by lowering the top down, by lifting the bottom up or a combination of both. Ideal for maintaining privacy while still allowing outside light in. Shades with this feature have two lift cords - one on each side. Sometimes referred to as "Duofold".
Track
The channel along the top of a vertical blind that houses all the working mechanisms.
Translucent
A shade that allows filtered light in while fully closed, providing privacy. Also called “Semi-Opaque” or “Light Filtering”.
Two Blinds On One Headrail
Two separate blinds mounted on a single headrail, usually used to cover very wide windows making the operation easier and reducing stress on hardware mechanisms. Each blind on the headrail will have its own controls so one blind may be open while the other is closed. There will be a small gap (about 1/2") between each of the blinds.
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Valance
The decorative top treatment used as an accent piece to conceal the headrail. The valance material typically coordinates with the material of the window treatment.
Valance Clips
Clear plastic piece that is used to attach the valance to the head rail. Valance clip styles vary with individual products.
Valance Returns
The two side pieces of a valance that extend from the front of the valance back to the wall to completely conceal the headrail. Valance returns are only used on outside mounts.
Vane
The vertical louvers or slats in a vertical blind.
Venetian Blind
A blind consisting of slats running horizontally that can be tilted and lifted. Also called horizontal blinds.
Vertical Blind
Ideal window treatment for patio doors and wide expansive windows. 3-1/2" vertical vanes rotate to allow varying amounts of outside light in or for complete privacy. The vanes can be drawn to either side to offer an unobstructed view to the outside. See “Cellular Verticals”.
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Wall Mount
Type blind installation where the headrail is mounted on the wall or trim surrounding the door or window. Also called “outside mount”.
Wand Tilter
Mechanism operated with a twisting motion and used to rotate the vanes of a vertical blind or tilt the slats of a horizontal blind.
Width
Refers to the window measurement from left to right or to horizontal measurement of the blind from left to right. Each product has a minimum and maximum width to which the blind can be manufactured, which may vary based on selected options.
Wood Blinds
Typically available with 1", 2" or 2-1/2" slats. Made from North American Basswood or ramin wood.
Woven Wood Shades
Made of natural materials like bamboos, rattans, grasses and reeds. Woven woods can be raised and lowered like a roman shade. Also called bamboo or matchstick shades.
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