There are innumerable blind retailers to be found on the internet and in person. It can be difficult to determine which retailers actually provide good products and prices and which will turn out to be a waste of time. Considering the fact that the price range of window coverings is expansive (for a small roller blind you can pay $20 while for a large vertical blind or shutter you can be paying thousands) it can be difficult to know if you are getting good quality at a reasonable price.
A general rule of thumb when shopping for window coverings is to chart a price range for the size of blind you are looking for. Size is the primary determinant of price and a larger size can make a blind of even the cheapest material an expensive purchase. Common sizes can be purchased pre-manufactured, but unusually shaped or sized windows will end up costing more because they will have to be custom produced.
Material will be the second most important determinant for the price of your blinds. For example, a roller blind made out of bamboo will cost significantly less than faux suede blinds. The type of material is a more reliable consideration for price than weight. The thickest of room darkening shades can be cheaper than a fine sheer vertical.
Aside from the size considerations, you can compare shopping for window coverings to shopping for clothing: the most expensive will be made from high quality materials and be designed by well known brand names.
Price is not the only concern when shopping for blinds. Window coverings are meant to be long term purchases and so you need to make sure you are purchasing durable, long lasting and reliable products. Concerns over quality can be addressed by purchasing a brand name blind that comes with a well known and positive reputation. Which brand you select will depend on the type of window covering you are looking for and the function you are expecting it to perform. Each of the most popular brands has focused their design and manufacture on a particular audience or material.
The internet has revolutionized the process of shopping for blinds and other window coverings. Most consumers will spend a considerable amount of time researching types, styles and brands before ever looking to purchase. All of the major window fashion designers and manufacturers have a strong online presence that means that you don't have to be close to any major outlets to purchase popular blinds. There are also innumerable discount blind retailers and used blind sales online which means there is now more choice available to consumers who may not be looking for brand name blinds or who are shopping on a budget. The majority of purchases are now made online, rather than in retail outlets.
