Select Blinds is an online-first retailer focused on providing custom, made-to-measure window treatments for confident DIYers, balancing affordability with quality. In contrast, Budget Blinds operates on a franchise model that delivers a full-service experience, including in-home consultations, expert measurements, and professional installation.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right window treatment retailer for your home.
Select Blinds: The Online DIY Window Treatment Choice
Select Blinds is a leading digital retailer specializing in custom-fit blinds, shades, and shutters sold directly to consumers. Their business model is built around empowering homeowners to measure and install their own window coverings to save money. The brand is known for its user-friendly website, extensive customization options, free samples, and competitive pricing, making it a go-to for budget-conscious shoppers who are comfortable with a tape measure and a screwdriver.
- Product mix: A wide range of custom window treatments, including cellular shades, roller shades, Roman shades, wood and faux wood blinds, vertical blinds, and shutters. They also offer solutions for specialty-shaped windows.
- Style/vibe: The aesthetic leans toward modern, classic, and transitional styles. Offerings are versatile with clean lines and focus on functional, timeless designs suitable for most home interiors.
- Price point: Generally more affordable than full-service brands. Basic shades can start around $50, while larger or more complex custom treatments typically range from $150 to $300+.
- Quality: Emphasizes high-quality materials, including real wood, premium composites, and eco-friendly fabrics. Products are made-to-order with strong quality control and often include warranties of up to five years.
- Customization: Extensive customization is central to their process. Customers can choose precise dimensions, fabrics, colors, lift systems (including motorized options), and liners.
- Sustainability: Select Blinds features multiple product lines with GREENGUARD and FSC certifications, using sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
- Sales: Frequently runs promotions and substantial sitewide sales, particularly around holidays, offering significant discounts off list prices.
- Delivery & Assembly: Products are shipped directly to your home for self-installation. Detailed measuring guides and installation tutorials are provided on their site to guide the DIY process.
Select Blinds is ideal for those who prefer an online shopping experience and want quality, custom window treatments without paying for professional services.
Shop Select Blinds: selectblinds.com
Budget Blinds: The Full-Service Franchise Expert
Budget Blinds is one of North America's largest window-covering retailers, operating through a network of local franchise owners. Their core selling proposition is a personalized, "done-for-you" service that includes an in-home design consultation, professional measuring, and final installation. This high-touch model appeals to customers who want expert guidance, dislike DIY projects, or have complex window situations that require a professional touch.
- Product mix: A broad selection of blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes sourced from various brands, including their own exclusive lines. This gives customers access to a very wide range of materials and styles.
- Style/vibe: Vast style variety, spanning contemporary, traditional, ornate, and high-end designer looks. Their partnerships allow them to offer trendy patterns, premium textiles, and unique decorative hardware.
- Price point: Mid-range to premium, with costs reflecting the personalized service. Basic treatments often start around $100 per window and can easily exceed $500 for premium materials, motorization, or large windows.
- Quality: Product quality can range from good to excellent, depending on the specific product line chosen. All options are sourced from reputable manufacturers and are backed by strong warranties.
- Customization: Highly customizable, guided by a design consultant during the in-home visit. Customers can view fabric and material samples in their own home and lighting, ensuring a perfect match.
- Services: The in-home consultation, precise measuring, and professional installation are the main benefits. This hassle-free process is their key differentiator from online competitors.
- Return policy: Policies can vary by local franchise but generally focus on customer satisfaction, with issues handled directly by the consultant who sold and installed the product.
- Delivery & Assembly: The entire process is handled by the local franchisee, from ordering the product to scheduling and completing the installation. There are no additional assembly requirements for the customer.
Budget Blinds is best for homeowners who value expert guidance and want a seamless, professionally managed experience from start to finish.
Shop Budget Blinds: budgetblinds.com
Select Blinds vs. Budget Blinds Comparison
Price Comparison
The most significant difference between the two brands is price and how it relates to service. Select Blinds is the clear winner on affordability for the product itself. With blinds starting around $50, their direct-to-consumer online model cuts out the costs associated with salespeople, showrooms, and installers. Frequent sales further cement their position as a budget-friendly choice for high-quality, custom products.
Budget Blinds is a more premium investment. Their prices, which start closer to $100 and can go much higher, reflect the cost of their personalized service model. When you purchase from them, you're not just buying a window treatment, you're also paying for an expert consultation, professional measurement, and flawless installation. For many, this added value justifies the higher upfront cost.
Style & Aesthetic
Select Blinds provides a curated yet extensive selection of styles that cater perfectly to most modern and traditional homes. Their offerings focus on what's timeless and popular - think clean roller shades, warm wood blinds, and energy-efficient cellular shades. While you won't find a lot of overly ornate or niche designs, their range of colors and materials allows for plenty of personalization.
Budget Blinds, by working with multiple suppliers, offers a greater breadth of styles. Their design consultants can cater to a wider array of decor preferences, from minimalist to maximalist. If you’re looking for unique patterns, high-end designer fabrics, custom drapery, or intricate shutters, you will likely find more options through their network.
Quality & Materials
Both brands offer quality products designed for longevity. Select Blinds manufactures its products to a consistent standard, with strict quality control over materials like kiln-dried wood and premium composites. They are transparent about their materials and often provide detailed specifications and certifications, which is reassuring for shoppers.
Budget Blinds' quality depends on the product chosen. Because they offer options from different brands, quality levels can range from mid-tier to high-end luxury. The in-home consultant can guide you toward the best options for durability within your budget, and their products are backed by solid manufacturer warranties.
Shopping Experience
The shopping experiences couldn't be more different. Shopping with Select Blinds is a self-directed, online process. You browse their website, order free samples, use their online guides to measure your windows, customize your product, and place your order. It's efficient and ideal for decisive shoppers who know what they want.
Choosing Budget Blinds is a collaborative, service-driven experience. It starts with scheduling an in-home consultation. A design expert brings samples to your home, helps you choose the perfect style for your space, takes professional measurements, and handles the order. After the product is manufactured, the same team returns to install it. It's perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by options or wants a professional guarantee of a perfect fit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent custom window coverings, but they serve two very different types of customers and priorities.
Choose Select Blinds if:
- You are budget-conscious and want the most value for your money.
- You are comfortable with DIY projects, including accurately measuring windows and installing the final product.
- You prefer the convenience and control of ordering directly online.
- You want products with specific eco-friendly certifications like GREENGUARD.
Choose Budget Blinds if:
- You want a premium, full-service, and hassle-free experience.
- You value in-person expert advice and professional installation.
- You are tackling a large or complex project with uniquely shaped windows.
- Your budget allows for a higher investment in exchange for professional service and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Select Blinds or Budget Blinds cheaper?
Select Blinds is almost always cheaper. Their direct-to-consumer model eliminates the costs associated with in-home sales and professional installation. Budget Blinds' higher price point includes valuable services like a design consultation and installation, which must be factored into the overall value.
Which brand has better quality furniture?
Both brands offer reliable quality. Select Blinds delivers consistent quality control across their product lines. With Budget Blinds, the quality can vary from good to excellent depending on the brand and materials you choose with your consultant, allowing for access to higher-end options if your budget permits.
Do I have to install Select Blinds myself?
Mostly, yes. The primary business model of Select Blinds is built around DIY installation to keep costs low. However, they do partner with professional installers in some areas for an additional fee if you need assistance.
Does Budget Blinds have physical stores I can visit?
Budget Blinds does not typically operate traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Instead, their franchised model is based on an "in-home" showroom, where local design consultants bring samples and product books directly to you for a consultation.
Which is better for oddly shaped windows?
For windows with unusual shapes like arches, circles, or angled tops, Budget Blinds has an edge. Having a professional expertly measure and install the treatment is critical for these complex situations, ensuring a perfect fit where there's little room for error.
Can I get material samples from both companies?
Yes. Select Blinds allows you to order numerous free material and color samples from their website, which are mailed directly to your home. A Budget Blinds consultant will bring a full set of physical samples with them to your in-home appointment so you can see them in your own lighting.
Which company offers motorized and smart shades?
Both companies offer excellent motorized options. Select Blinds provides a range of affordable motorized lift systems you can configure online. Budget Blinds partners with industry-leading brands like Lutron to offer sophisticated smart home-integrated motorization solutions installed by a professional.
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