Select Blinds Review: My Honest Experience with Custom Online Window Coverings

Are you in the market for new blinds, shades or shutters? If so, you‘ve probably come across Select Blinds in your research. They‘re one of the leading online retailers of custom window treatments, offering a wide selection at competitive prices.

But with so many options out there, you may be wondering if Select Blinds is really the best choice for your home. That‘s where I come in! As a design enthusiast and veteran DIY-er, I‘ve ordered from Select Blinds several times over the years. I‘m here to give you my honest, unsponsored review of the company to help you make an informed decision.

In this comprehensive post, I‘ll share my personal experience with Select Blinds, from browsing to ordering to installation and beyond. We‘ll take a look at their product offerings, prices, customization options, and customer service. I‘ll also compare Select Blinds to some of their top competitors and provide tips for measuring and installing your window coverings.

By the end of this review, you‘ll have a clear idea of whether Select Blinds is the right fit for your home and budget. Let‘s get started!

Why Choose Select Blinds?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let‘s take a step back and examine why you might want to consider Select Blinds in the first place. Here are a few key selling points:

1. Affordable Prices

One of the biggest draws of Select Blinds is their budget-friendly pricing. Custom window coverings can get expensive quickly, but Select Blinds offers some of the lowest prices I‘ve seen for the quality.

For example, their 2" faux wood blinds start at just $30.59 for a 24" x 36" window. That‘s a steal compared to the $100+ you might pay for comparable blinds from a big box store or local blind shop.

Select Blinds also runs frequent sales and promotions to help you stretch your budget even further. At the time of writing, they‘re offering up to 40% off select products, plus an extra 5% off with coupon code SAVE5.

2. Wide Selection

No matter your style or functional needs, Select Blinds probably has a window covering to match. They offer an impressive array of:

• Blinds (wood, faux wood, aluminum, vertical)
• Shades (roller, solar, Roman, cellular, pleated)
• Shutters (wood, polymer)

Within each category, you‘ll find a range of colors, materials, and customization options to suit your specific windows. I‘ve been able to find everything from blackout cellular shades for my bedroom to moisture-resistant faux wood blinds for my bathroom.

3. Free Samples

One of the challenges of ordering window coverings online is that it can be tricky to gauge the exact color and material through a computer screen. That‘s why I love that Select Blinds offers free samples of their products.

You can order up to 15 swatches at a time, each about 3" x 3" in size. This allows you to see and feel the materials in person and hold them up to your wall color and decor. It‘s a great way to ensure you‘re making the right choice before placing a larger order.

4. Easy DIY Installation

As a DIY enthusiast, I appreciate that Select Blinds designs their products with easy installation in mind. Every order comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions to mount the blinds yourself.

Don‘t worry if you‘re not the handy type – the process is simpler than you might think. Select Blinds provides helpful videos and guides on their website to walk you through it. In most cases, you only need basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, and level.

Of course, you always have the option to hire a local handyman or professional installer if you prefer. But going the DIY route can save you a significant amount of money over custom blinds from a specialty store.

Ordering Process

Now that you have a general sense of what Select Blinds offers, let‘s walk through the process of actually ordering your blinds. Here‘s what you can expect:

1. Measuring Your Windows

The first step is to carefully measure the windows you want to cover. This is crucial to ensure a proper fit, especially since Select Blinds does not accept returns on custom orders.

Select Blinds provides detailed guides on how to measure for different types of blinds and mounting options. You‘ll want to decide ahead of time if you prefer an inside mount (installed within the window frame) or outside mount (mounted on the wall outside the frame). Each requires slightly different measurements.

In general, it‘s recommended to measure the width and height of your window in three places (top, middle, bottom for width / left, center, right for height). Use the smallest of the three width measurements and the largest of the three height measurements to ensure your blinds will fit.

If you‘re at all unsure about measuring, I highly recommend ordering a few samples first. You can use these to test the fit and make sure you‘re on the right track before placing a full order.

2. Customizing Your Blinds

Once you have your measurements, it‘s time for the fun part – designing your blinds! Select Blinds offers a range of ways to customize your window coverings to your exact preferences.

After selecting a product line, you‘ll be prompted to enter your specific width and height measurements. Then, you can choose from options like:

• Color/finish
• Slat size (for blinds)
• Opacity (light filtering vs. blackout)
• Lift mechanism (corded vs. cordless)
• Valance style
• Additional features (motorization, hold down brackets, etc.)

The number of choices can feel overwhelming at first, but Select Blinds does a nice job of explaining the benefits of each option. Don‘t hesitate to reach out to their customer service team if you need guidance – they‘re happy to help you find the right configuration for your needs.

3. Placing Your Order

When you‘re satisfied with your selection, it‘s time to add the blinds to your cart and head to checkout. Select Blinds offers free shipping on all orders over $99, so keep that in mind as you‘re budgeting.

The company accepts standard payment options like credit cards and PayPal. They also offer financing through Affirm if you need to spread out the cost over time.

Before placing your order, be sure to double check all of your measurements and selections. Remember, custom blinds are not eligible for return or exchange, so you want to get it right the first time!

Product Quality & Performance

Of course, the most important consideration when buying blinds is how they actually look and function in your home. I‘ve ordered a range of products from Select Blinds over the years, so I can speak to the general level of quality and performance you can expect.

Faux Wood Blinds

I installed Select Blinds‘ 2" Premium Faux Wood Blinds in my home office several years ago and have been impressed with how well they‘ve held up. The PVC slats have a realistic wood grain texture and have not warped, cracked, or faded over time.

The blinds are easy to operate with a smooth corded lift mechanism. I love that they tilt to let in just the right amount of light while still providing privacy during the day.

Compared to cheaper vinyl blinds I‘ve had in the past, these feel much sturdier and more substantial. They block out light more effectively and don‘t have that telltale plastic rattle when you open and close them.

Blackout Cellular Shades

In my bedroom, I opted for Select Blinds‘ Signature Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades. These have been a game-changer for improving my sleep quality!

The honeycomb-shaped cells do an excellent job of blocking out nearly all light, even during the bright summer months. They also provide an extra layer of insulation against drafts and outside noise.

I ordered my shades with the cordless top-down bottom-up option, which allows you to lower the shades from the top or raise them from the bottom. This is a great feature for bedrooms, as you can let in some natural light during the day without sacrificing privacy.

The only downside I‘ve noticed is that the fabric tends to attract dust and pet hair. I find myself needing to vacuum or dust the shades every few weeks to keep them looking crisp. But that‘s a small price to pay for the improved sleep and energy efficiency they provide.

Motorized Solar Shades

Most recently, I decided to splurge on a set of Select Blinds‘ Motorized Solar Shades for my living room. These shades are definitely a luxury, but they‘ve made such a difference in the functionality and ambiance of the space.

The solar fabric blocks out harsh UV rays while still allowing some natural light to filter through. This helps protect my furniture from sun damage and keeps the room from overheating on hot days.

What really sets these shades apart is the motorized lifting mechanism. I can raise and lower the shades with the touch of a button on the included remote control. I also set up a schedule to have the shades automatically open in the morning and close in the evening. It‘s a small thing, but it makes me feel like I‘m living in the future!

The only caveat is that motorized shades require a bit more upfront investment and installation work. You‘ll need to have an electrician hardwire the shades or install a battery pack. But if you‘re willing to make the effort, I think the convenience is well worth it.

Customer Service & Support

Even the best products can have hiccups, which is why customer service is so important. In my experience, Select Blinds excels in this area.

When I was first considering ordering from the company, I had a lot of questions about measuring and product selection. I used the live chat feature on their website and was immediately connected with a friendly, knowledgeable representative. They patiently walked me through the process and made me feel confident in my choices.

Another time, I needed to troubleshoot an issue with one of my motorized shades not responding to the remote. I called Select Blinds‘ customer support line and was again impressed by the level of service. The agent was able to identify the problem (a loose wire) and guide me through the fix over the phone.

Select Blinds backs up their service with a generous warranty policy. All products are covered for defects in materials and workmanship for 3-5 years, depending on the category. If you have any issues during that time, the company will repair or replace the product free of charge.

The only potential downside is that Select Blinds does not accept returns on custom orders. However, they do offer a "fit guarantee" – if your blinds don‘t fit properly due to a measuring error on your part, the company will remake them at a 50% discount. Just be aware that you‘ll still be responsible for paying that discounted price.

Select Blinds vs. The Competition

Select Blinds is just one of many online retailers specializing in custom window coverings. How do they stack up against the competition? Here‘s a quick comparison:

Company	Price	Selection	Samples	Warranty	Returns
Select Blinds	$	Wide	Free	3-5 years	No
Blinds.com	$$	Wide	Free	3-5 years	Yes (restocking fee)
The Shade Store	$$$	Wide	Free	Limited lifetime	Yes (restocking fee)
Home Depot	$$	Moderate	Free	Varies by brand	Yes

As you can see, Select Blinds stands out for their combination of affordable prices and wide selection. They offer more customization options and free samples compared to a big box store like Home Depot, but at a lower price point than specialty retailers like The Shade Store.

The main area where Select Blinds falls short is in their return policy. If being able to return custom blinds is a priority for you, Blinds.com or The Shade Store may be a better choice (though you‘ll likely pay more for that privilege).

Of course, this is just a high-level overview – I encourage you to do your own research and compare quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. But in my experience, Select Blinds offers an excellent value for the price.

Tips for Measuring & Installing

If you do decide to order from Select Blinds, there are a few key tips I‘d offer to ensure a smooth process:

1. Measure twice, order once. I can‘t stress enough how important it is to get accurate measurements of your windows before placing an order. Take your time, double check your numbers, and don‘t hesitate to reach out to customer service if you have any doubts.

2. Consider your needs. Think carefully about how you‘ll be using the blinds and what features are most important to you. Do you need full blackout for a bedroom or media room? Are child safety and cordless operation a priority? Do you want the convenience of motorization? Answering these questions up front will help you narrow down your options.

3. Order samples. Even if you think you know what color or material you want, it‘s always a good idea to see and feel it in person before committing. Select Blinds‘ free sample program is a great resource – take advantage of it!

4. Read the instructions. When your blinds arrive, take a few minutes to thoroughly read through the installation instructions before getting started. Make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand and clear a workspace. If you get stuck, don‘t hesitate to refer to Select Blinds‘ online guides or contact customer support for help.

5. Take your time. Installing blinds is not an inherently difficult task, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. Don‘t rush the process or try to cut corners. If you have a large or complex order, consider recruiting a friend or family member to assist you.

The Bottom Line

So, would I recommend Select Blinds based on my experience? Absolutely!

The company offers a great selection of high-quality, affordable window coverings with plenty of options for customization. Their free sample program and helpful customer service make the ordering process easy, even for first-time buyers. And while DIY installation can be a bit of a learning curve, Select Blinds provides all the resources you need to get the job done right.

No company is perfect, and Select Blinds has a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind. The lack of returns on custom orders may be a dealbreaker for some, and the lead time can be a bit longer than buying off-the-shelf blinds from a store.

But in my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the downsides. I‘ve been consistently impressed with the look, function, and durability of my Select Blinds purchases. And as someone who loves a good DIY project, I appreciate the satisfaction of being able to install them myself and save some money in the process.

If you‘re in the market for new window coverings and are willing to put in a bit of effort upfront, I highly recommend giving Select Blinds a try. Order some free samples, compare your options, and see for yourself why this company has become a go-to resource for savvy shoppers like myself.