Blinds.com is an online-only specialist that offers a massive selection of highly customizable window treatments, catering to shoppers comfortable with a DIY approach to measuring and installation. In contrast, Lowe's is a comprehensive home improvement retailer that provides both in-stock and semi-custom window coverings, with the major advantage of physical stores for in-person viewing and access to professional installation services.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right retailer for your home's windows.
Blinds.com: The Online Custom Blinds Specialist
Blinds.com operates exclusively online, positioning itself as a leader in custom-fit blinds, shades, shutters, and curtains. The company focuses on a streamlined digital shopping experience, empowering homeowners with detailed measurement guides, free samples, and virtual design tools to create the perfect window treatments from the comfort of their homes. This model appeals to the DIYer who values selection and precise customization above all else.
- Product mix: A deep and exclusive focus on window coverings, including wood blinds, faux wood blinds, cellular shades, roller shades, Roman shades, plantation shutters, and drapery.
- Style/vibe: Extremely versatile. With thousands of combinations of material, color, and style, you can achieve nearly any look, from minimalist modern to traditional and ornate.
- Price point: Generally very competitive, with sales and promotions running constantly. Basic custom roller shades can start as low as $20, while custom wood shutters can run into the hundreds per window.
- Quality: Offers a range of quality tiers, but is known for durable custom products made from real wood, high-performance fabrics, and sturdy faux wood materials. Many products include significant warranties.
- Customization: This is their primary strength. Nearly every product is made-to-order, giving you total control over dimensions, materials, colors, lift systems (including motorization), and other features.
- Shopping Experience: Entirely online. The experience is supported by free samples shipped to your home, a “SureFit” guarantee to protect against measurement mistakes, and a readily available customer support team.
- Delivery & Assembly: Products are made to order and shipped directly to your home. Installation is a DIY task, but they provide extensive video and text guides to walk you through the process.
Blinds.com is the ideal choice for anyone prioritizing endless customization options and is comfortable with taking their own measurements and handling the installation.
Shop Blinds.com: blinds.com
Lowe's: The One-Stop Home Improvement Shop
Lowe's is a home improvement giant with a vast inventory that includes a solid selection of window treatments. As a classic brick-and-mortar retailer, Lowe's offers the unique advantage of seeing products in person before buying. They cater to a broad audience by stocking ready-made, off-the-shelf blinds for immediate projects, as well as offering semi-custom options and professional measurement and installation services.
- Product mix: Carries a mix of off-the-shelf standard-size blinds and shades from brands like Levolor, alongside options for custom orders. The selection is part of a much larger home goods department.
- Style/vibe: Covers a wide range of popular styles from traditional to contemporary. The selection is curated for mass-market appeal, so it's broad but less deep than a specialist's.
- Price point: A wide spectrum of pricing. You can find very inexpensive vinyl mini-blinds for under $30, while their custom-ordered designer shades can be significantly more expensive.
- Quality: Quality varies significantly between brands and product lines, from basic, entry-level materials to premium, durable options. The in-house brands are generally reliable for their price.
- Customization: Custom ordering is available, but the range of fabrics, colors, and features is generally more limited than what's available at Blinds.com.
- Shopping Experience: A hybrid model. You can browse and order online or visit a store to speak with an associate and see physical samples. This is a major benefit for those who prefer a tangible shopping process.
- Delivery & Assembly: Offers in-store pickup, home delivery, and a key differentiator: professional measurement and installation services for a hands-off experience.
Lowe's suits shoppers who value convenience, in-person service, and the option of having professionals handle the measurement and installation from start to finish.
Shop Lowe's: lowes.com
Blinds.com vs. Lowe's Comparison
Price Comparison
For custom-fit window coverings, Blinds.com often has the edge on price. Their online-only model and frequent promotions (like 40-50% off) make custom solutions highly affordable. If you're simply looking for the cheapest, standard-sized blinds for a common window size, Lowe's off-the-shelf options might be the most budget-friendly choice available for immediate purchase.
However, when comparing similar quality custom blinds, Blinds.com typically offers a better value. Keep in mind that professional installation from Lowe's will add a significant cost to the overall project price, whereas Blinds.com's model is built around DIY savings.
Customization & Sizing
Blinds.com is the clear winner in customization. As a specialized retailer, their entire business model is based on providing made-to-order products. You can specify dimensions to within 1/8 of an inch and choose from an extensive catalog of fabrics, materials, colors, and operating mechanisms. This makes them the superior choice for unique, oversized, or unusually shaped windows.
Lowe's offers custom sizing, primarily through brands like Levolor, but a substantial part of their business is standard-sized, adjustable products. While they can accommodate many custom needs, the breadth of choices simply doesn't compare to a dedicated specialist like Blinds.com.
Quality & Materials
Both retailers offer multiple tiers of quality, but the baseline for custom products at Blinds.com tends to be very high. Since their products are made-to-order, there's a strong focus on durable materials and construction, backed by solid warranties. With Lowe's, quality is brand-dependent. Their premium custom offerings are excellent, but their entry-level, in-stock vinyl blinds are designed for value over longevity.
Product Selection
Thinking in terms of depth versus breadth is helpful here. Blinds.com offers incredible depth in one single category: window coverings. If you want to explore every possible type of shade or shutter, they are unparalleled. In contrast, Lowe's offers breadth, allowing you to buy blinds along with paint, light fixtures, and flooring all in one trip. Their window treatment selection is good, but it's just one department among many.
Shopping Experience
The ideal shopping experience depends entirely on your preferences as a customer. Blinds.com offers a convenient, digital-first experience perfect for those who are project-oriented and enjoy doing online research. Their system of sending free samples is essential and highly effective. Lowe's offers a traditional retail experience. Its strength lies in its physical showrooms where you can see, touch, and operate display models and talk face-to-face with a sales associate - a major advantage for less confident DIYers.
Delivery & Installation
Blinds.com's model is direct-to-consumer delivery for DIY installation. Their process is efficient, but the responsibility of installation rests solely on you. For many, this is a welcome way to save money. For others, it's a non-starter. Lowe's shines by offering a full-service package. You can have a professional come to your home to measure your windows and return after the product arrives to install them perfectly. This full-service approach is their biggest competitive advantage for those who want a turnkey solution.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to how you prefer to shop and what you prioritize for your project. Both retailers offer quality products but serve very different customer needs.
Choose Blinds.com if:
- You have oddly sized windows that require precise, custom-fit treatments.
- You are confident in your ability to measure your own windows and install the final product.
- You want the absolute widest selection of styles, colors, materials, and features.
- You prioritize getting the best possible price on custom products and are a savvy online shopper.
Choose Lowe's if:
- You prefer to see and physically touch products before you make a purchase.
- You want a full-service experience, including professional measurement and installation.
- You need a standard-sized, off-the-shelf solution for a quick and simple project.
- You're already planning a trip to a home improvement store for other project materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blinds.com or Lowe's cheaper?
For custom-made window treatments, Blinds.com is often cheaper due to its online-first model and frequent sales. For basic, standard-size off-the-shelf blinds that you can buy and take home the same day, Lowe's is typically more affordable and convenient.
Which has better quality blinds?
This depends on the specific product. Blinds.com's business model is centered on custom, made-to-order products, which generally feature high-quality materials and construction. The quality at Lowe's varies widely, from budget vinyl blinds to premium, brand-name custom orders. Both can provide durable, high-quality products.
Who has more customization options?
Blinds.com has significantly more customization options. They specialize in made-to-order window coverings and offer a vast array of materials, colors, lift systems, and sizing increments that far exceeds what is typically available through Lowe's.
Is it better to buy blinds online or in-store?
Buying online provides greater selection and often better prices for custom work, but requires you to do the measuring and installation yourself. Buying in-store allows you to see products first-hand and access professional services, though your selection might be more limited.
Can I get professional installation from Blinds.com?
Blinds.com is primarily designed for DIY installation, and their pricing reflects that. However, they can often recommend or connect you with local, third-party installation professionals in your area if you need assistance, but this is not an in-house service like Lowe's offers.
Which is better for odd-sized windows?
Blinds.com is the clear choice for odd-sized or specialty-shaped windows. Their entire system is built around creating products to your exact specifications, down to a fraction of an inch, making them ideal for challenging window dimensions.
Does Lowe's ever have sales on blinds?
Yes, Lowe's frequently runs sales and promotions on window treatments, especially during holiday weekends and seasonal home improvement events. Always check their weekly ads or website for current deals.
What is the SureFit™ Guarantee at Blinds.com?
The SureFit™ Guarantee is a policy offered by Blinds.com. If you make a mistake measuring your window, they will remake the blind in the correct size at no cost to you. This helps reduce the anxiety of ordering custom DIY products online.
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