“I think they’re just ‘standard windows’”

Standard Window?

What is a 'standard window'?

Homeowners frequently use this phrase and I suspect that they mean that their windows are not over-sized or otherwise unusual. They perhaps also imagine that these ‘standard windows’ can, therefore, be covered with ‘standard’ (and, hopefully, less expensive) blinds or shades.

While your contractor probably ordered windows in predetermined sizes from a catalog, blinds and shades do not work that way and there is no chart to determine which blind will fit which window. There are several reasons for this:

  • There are many window manufacturers who offer many sizes and styles.
  • Framing in an older home is probably 2” X 4” while newer homes often have 2” X 6”. So, mounting inside the jams might not be feasible.
  • Molding profiles come in different sizes and, like framing, are independent of the window choice.

Most custom window treatments can be ordered in increments of ⅛” of an inch in width and height. So, if you want custom coverings or accurately cut ready-made blinds, an experienced pro will want to measure each and every window you need covered because when it comes to window treatments, there are no standard windows.

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Horizontal Blinds – Window covering with louver/slats/vanes running left-to-right or parallel to the horizon. Also known as Venetian blinds. Sub-categories includes Wood, Faux Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum(mini, micro). 

Vertical Blinds – Window covering with louver/slats/vanes running top-to-bottom or perpendicular to the horizon.

Shadings – These are hybrid roller shades with internal, tilting fabric louvers. Originally released as the  Hunter Douglas Silhouette but now available from many brands.

Banded Shades – Also known as Zebra shades. They are rollers with alternating strips of varying opacity which can overlap for full privacy.

Vertical Sheers – A hybrid of a traditional vertical blind and sheer drapery.

Roller Shades – A traditional product familiar to many as a cheap vinyl covering from a home center or hardware store but custom rollers are available in a dizzying array of fabrics.

Solar Shades – A sub-category of roller shade featuring ‘screen’ like fabric of varying transparency expressed as a percentage ‘openness factor’.

Pleated Shades – A simple, traditional fabric shade formed by creasing fabric in increments from 3/4″ – 2″. The predecessor of the cellular shade.

Cellular (Cell) ShadesAlso known as honeycomb and accordion shade. Based on pleated shades but have two or more layers creating a thermal barrier which is an effective insulator. Popular with a ‘top-down/bottom-up’ feature which provides direct light while maintaining partial privacy. 

Vertical Cellular – A cell shade with cells (pleat lines) running top to bottom. Ideal alternative to vertical blinds for sliding patio doors.

Roman Shades – A decorative traditional fabric shade available in several styles. 

Austrian Shades – A traditional fabric shade typically made with sheer fabrics. Privacy comes through the ‘gathering’ effect. They are not particularly practical but are valued for the decorative street view they provide.

Woven Wood – A rustic sub-category of Roman shade available in natural wood and grass woven materials.

Louver Drape – Another sliding door option, these are generally woven wood shades with a drape-like appearance drawing side-to-side. 

Panel Track – Also known as a sliding panel. Typically used for sliding patio doors, these feature 2 or more fabric, solar or woven wood panels which stack in parallel, one over another. Great companion to matching roller, solar or woven shades. A clean, modern look but partially obstructs the view outside.

Phrase
Definition
Louvers
Also known as slats or vanes. These are the tiltable components in blinds.