Yes, Blinds.com is worth it for most homeowners seeking a balance of quality, customization, and affordability. They deliver good value by offering mid-range window treatments at prices often 20-40% lower than local custom shops. While not heirloom quality, their products - particularly their faux wood and composite lines - are durable enough for typical residential use, lasting 5-7 years with proper care.
The brand's strength is its vast selection and user-friendly online ordering, which allows for precise customization without a premium price tag. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to know before you buy.
How Is Blinds.com's Quality?
Blinds.com offers reliable mid-range quality with materials and construction that align with their competitive pricing. While generally durable, a product's longevity heavily depends on the material chosen and the environment it's placed in.
- Materials: Their most popular products use faux wood (PVC/vinyl composites) and engineered wood, which are highly resistant to moisture and warping - ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Fabric shades are typically made from durable polyester blends treated for UV resistance, though some lower-cost options may be prone to fading after 2-3 years in direct sunlight.
- Construction & Hardware: Products feature metal headrails (aluminum or steel) and plastic or metal tilt mechanisms that hold up reasonably well. Hardware on standard models is functional but can be a point of failure, with some customers reporting worn cords or malfunctioning tilt mechanisms after 3-5 years of heavy use.
- Durability & Longevity: With proper care, most Blinds.com products maintain their function and appearance for years. Faux wood blinds typically last 5-7 years, while real wood may only last 3-5 years in humid climates. Following care instructions like regular dusting and avoiding harsh cleaners is essential for maximizing lifespan.
- Common Complaints: The most frequent issues are related to mechanical wear and tear over time, such as fraying lift cords or failing tilt mechanisms on entry-level models. Other complaints include fabric colors fading from prolonged sun exposure and occasional warping of faux wood blinds in high-humidity areas.
Is Blinds.com Good Value for the Price?
Blinds.com provides strong value, particularly for those who need custom sizes or specific styles without paying the high markups of boutique window treatment stores.
Price Positioning
Blinds.com occupies the mid-tier market, offering quality superior to big-box off-the-shelf options but at a price significantly below luxury brands like Hunter Douglas. Most standard blinds and shades fall in the $50 to $250 range per window, with premium motorized or specialty styles reaching $500 or more. This pricing is typically 20-40% less than a comparable custom order from a local specialty retailer.
What You're Paying For
You are paying for extensive customization, convenience, and a direct-to-consumer price advantage. The ability to specify exact measurements online, choose from hundreds of fabrics and finishes, and install the product yourself cuts out layers of cost associated with traditional retailers. The value comes from getting a tailored fit and look for near-stock prices.
Where You Get Good Value
- Faux wood or composite blinds: These offer the best balance of cost, durability, and aesthetics, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Custom-sized windows: If you have an odd-sized window, Blinds.com is far more affordable than a dedicated custom blind maker.
- Cellular shades: Their cellular (or honeycomb) shades provide excellent insulation and are competitively priced for their energy-saving benefits.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Entry-level models: The lowest-priced options sometimes use less durable hardware that may fail prematurely, diminishing the long-term value.
- Real wood blinds in humid areas: Paying a premium for real wood that may warp inside of 3-5 years is not a good investment for bathrooms or humid climates.
- High-end motorized options: While functional, their motorized systems may not have the longevity or warranty support of luxury brands, making a premium option from a competitor a better long-term bet.
Blinds.com Quality by Category
Quality can vary depending on the product line, so it's important to choose the right material and style for your needs.
Faux Wood & Composite Blinds
As their most popular category, faux wood blinds offer fantastic durability and moisture resistance. Typically made of a PVC or composite material, they won't warp or crack in humid environments and last an average of 5-7 years. An excellent choice for most rooms and a clear winner in terms of value.
Real Wood Blinds
These blinds offer a premium look but are more susceptible to environmental factors. Not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms, they can offer a high-end feel in living rooms or bedrooms in mild climates. Expect a lifespan of around 3-5 years if exposed to frequent humidity or temperature swings.
Fabric Shades (Cellular, Roman, Roller)
Primarily made from durable polyester or polyester blends, these shades offer good longevity and are often treated for UV protection. Mid-to-high-end fabric options are well-made and resist sagging. Cheaper fabrics, however, are prone to fading in direct sunlight in as little as 2-3 years, so it's worth investing a bit more in a higher-quality material.
Shutters
Blinds.com’s shutters, often made from composite or solid polymer materials, are a durable and stylish option. They provide a high-end look without the cost of custom-made hardwood shutters from a local carpenter. They represent good value for anyone seeking a classic, long-lasting window treatment.
Our Verdict: Is Blinds.com Worth It?
Blinds.com is a smart choice for most consumers who prioritize customization and affordability over heirloom-level quality. By delivering well-made, tailored window treatments direct to your door, they successfully cut out the expensive middleman, making them an excellent value proposition for the majority of residential projects.
Quality Grade: B
Blinds.com earns a B for its consistent use of reliable, mid-range materials like PVC composites, sturdy polyester fabrics, and functional metal hardware. While not intended to last a lifetime, their products reliably perform as expected for 5+ years with proper care. The grade is held back from an A by documented inconsistencies in entry-level hardware and cases of fabric fading faster than expected.
Value Grade: B+
The company receives a B+ for value thanks to its highly competitive pricing and extensive customization options. Offering a solution that is 20-40% cheaper than custom retailers makes tailored window treatments accessible to a much wider audience. For the price, you get a solid, functional product that is cut to your exact specifications - a benefit that strongly outweighs the minor tradeoffs in long-term durability compared to luxury brands.
Better Alternatives to Blinds.com
While Blinds.com is a solid choice, consider these alternatives if you're looking for higher-end materials, longer warranties, or specialized features.
The Shade Store
The Shade Store is a step up in luxury, using premium materials like kiln-dried hardwoods and designer fabrics with warranties up to 10 years. Prices are significantly higher, but it's an excellent investment for homeowners seeking heirloom-quality craftsmanship and professional services.
Shop now at theshadestore.com
Hunter Douglas
A leader in innovative and luxury window treatments, Hunter Douglas offers cutting-edge motorized systems and superior materials backed by lifetime warranties. Expect to pay a large premium, but they are a top choice for high-end homes where technology and longevity are top priorities.
Shop now at hunterdouglas.com
Bali Blinds & Shades
Often considered a direct competitor, Bali offers a similar range of mid-tier products with good durability and customizable options, often sold through retailers like Costco and Home Depot. Their products are comparable in price and quality, making them a worthy brand to cross-shop against Blinds.com.
Shop now at baliblinds.com
Budget Blinds
As a franchise-based service, Budget Blinds offers the benefit of in-home consultations and professional installation, which can be helpful if you're uncomfortable measuring yourself. Their product quality is comparable to Blinds.com, but pricing may include a premium for the hands-on service.
Shop now at budgetblinds.com
Levolor
A well-known brand available at major home improvement stores, Levolor offers high-quality stock and custom-sized blinds with durable materials like real wood and heavy-duty fabrics. They represent a slight step up in hardware quality from Blinds.com without a significant price increase.
Shop now at levolor.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blinds.com products typically last?
The lifespan depends on the material and environment. Faux wood blinds generally last 5-7 years, real wood blinds 3-5 years (especially in humid areas), and fabric shades can last over 5 years if they are cared for and not exposed to constant, harsh sunlight.
Is Blinds.com cheaper than Home Depot or Lowe's?
Blinds.com is often more affordable for custom-sized window treatments compared to the custom-order services at big-box stores. Their direct-to-consumer model and frequent promotions usually result in lower overall costs for tailored products.
What is the most common complaint about Blinds.com?
The most common complaints are related to the durability of mechanical parts on their cheaper product lines, with lift cords or tilt mechanisms failing after a few years of use. Customer reviews also frequently mention fabric colors fading faster than expected on lower-end models placed in direct sun.
Is the "SureFit™ Guarantee" from Blinds.com legitimate?
Yes, their SureFit™ Guarantee is a major selling point. If you mismeasure your windows, they will remake one blind for free per order. This significantly reduces the risk associated with buying custom-sized products online and is a key part of their value promise.
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