Stoneside Custom Roller Shades

Are Professional Window Treatments Worth It?

By: Natalie Elmhurst

Updated: 12/16/2024

Window treatments are a home fixture that, when they work as expected, blend into the everydayness of life. As such, you may be led to believe that all window treatments are more or less the same, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Window coverings let us control the amount of light we let in, improve our home’s insulation, protect our privacy, and set the mood of our interior. This can only be done effectively if you have well-made and well-fitting coverings. That is where professional window treatments come in.

Professional window coverings are in an entirely different category when compared to offerings from big box retailers. In this post, we’ll explore custom window covering benefits when it comes to build quality, customization options, safety, fit, and more.

What Makes a Professional Window Treatment Different?

Before we get into the benefits of professional window treatments, it’s important to understand what makes custom window treatments special. Stoneside offers window treatments built with a few key differences:

  1. Made to fit the specific dimensions of your window
  2. Built using high-quality materials that will last
  3. Countless customization options

On top of this, you get the peace of mind that Stoneside’s specialization in window treatments and customer satisfaction-focused business model will result in a better product.

Understanding Off-the-Shelf Window Coverings

Off-the-shelf window treatments are cheaper–both in terms of cost and quality. Big box retailers are focused on volume and will only offer window treatments in a limited number of styles and sizes. This means that you’re boxed in to the styles they offer, the sizes that won’t quite fit your windows right, and a limited amount of expertise pre and post-purchase.

Maximum Functional & Aesthetic Customization

Professional window treatments offer a near-limitless number of options when it comes to customization. Moreover, they will be tailored to the exact dimensions of your windows so that there are no unsightly gaps or overlaps.

So, for example, if you’re looking at custom drapery designs, you’ll be able to adjust the following areas:

  • Size: Your drapes will be cut to the exact length to make sure they either hover just above the ground or pool up on the floor, according to your preferences. You’ll also be able to customize how voluminous your drapes are by adding or subtracting the horizontal length of the fabric.
  • Color and pattern: Drapery comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, as is true for most blinds and shades at Stoneside. Professional window coverings ensure your treatments match your exact aesthetic.
  • Opacity: Want blackout drapes? Sheer ones? Somewhere in between? It’s all up to you.
  • Operation: You can choose where your drapes split or if you want to keep them as a single piece of fabric drawn from the sides.

Superior Quality & Extended Durability

One of the custom window covering benefits that people too often overlook is their craftsmanship. At Stoneside, our expert artisans make all our window treatments in the U.S. using premium materials. Compared to off-the-shelf coverings, which are manufactured in bulk overseas using cheap materials to minimize costs, the difference is immediate.

So, if you compare budget blinds to custom blinds, you’ll find that custom blinds from Stoneside look nicer, last longer, and better operate as intended for years to come. Budget window treatments may save you money upfront, but you’ll be paying for it later in the hassle of having to repair or replace them sooner.

Support at Every Step Along the Way

Choosing professional window treatments means getting support along every step of the way, including the selection process and post-installation support. This is what you can expect:

  • Professional window treatment consultation: Professional support begins before you purchase your window treatments. At Stoneside, you can schedule a free design consultation and explore all the window treatments available. We’ll work with you to provide support in finding the best treatments for you, take exact measurements for your windows, and confirm your order when you’re ready.
  • Professional installation support: Stoneside employs a team of in-house professional installers to make sure your window treatments are installed perfectly and that you know how to operate them. Moreover, we provide you with our team’s direct phone number so that you don’t have to mess around with 1-800 numbers.
  • Post-installation support: Should an issue arise, professional window coverings come with support even after installation. This means you know exactly who to call if you ever need a repair or have a question.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency, UV Protection, & Privacy

When shopping for window treatments, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is how your window treatment will insulate your home, block sunlight, and protect your privacy. Choosing a professional window treatment is the first step in ensuring that you get the most from your blinds or shades because if they don’t fit well and aren’t well made, you won’t get the most from them.

UV protection window treatments such as solar shades are a great way to keep your furniture and walls from getting damaged by UV rays. And did you know that windows let out copious amounts of heat during winter? One of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve home window insulation is to invest in some well-fitting window treatments, such as super-insulating cellular shades.

Safety & Innovation

Professional window treatments are on the cutting edge of both safety and innovation. You may not realize it, but every year thousands of kids in the U.S. are injured by dangling cords on window coverings. And then there are people who are unable to easily operate window treatments due to mobility limitations or window coverings in hard-to-reach places. Stoneside solves these problems through two innovative technologies:

Cordless Blinds

If you have small kids or pets, cordless blinds should be on your radar. Cordless blinds eliminate loose cords to help ensure your kids and pets are kept safe.

Smart, Motorized Blinds & Shades

Through the use of a small motor built into the window treatment, you can operate your blinds or shades using a wall switch, remote, home automation hub, or smartphone app. Motorized window treatments are the future in smart home technology, bringing convenience and accessibility to everyone.

Cost vs. Value

There’s no doubt that off-the-shelf window treatments have a lower sticker price than their custom counterparts. When looking at the value of each, however, it’s important to scrutinize their benefits and drawbacks to judge their worth correctly.

Pros & Cons of Off-the-Shelf Window Treatments

Pros

  • Comparatively cheap sticker price
  • Available for immediate purchase, if in stock

Cons

  • Cheaper materials
  • Fewer customization options
  • Less durability
  • No expert assistance when purchasing or with post-installation support

Pros & Cons of Professional Window Treatments

Pros

  • High-quality materials
  • Enhanced durability
  • Numerous functional and aesthetic customization options
  • Professional support
  • Increases home’s value and curb appeal

Cons

  • Higher up-front cost

Shop Stoneside for the Best in Window Treatments

It should be abundantly clear that professional window treatments are far superior to big-box store alternatives. You may have to pay extra up-front, but that added investment will reward you with better-looking and functioning window treatments for years to come. And if you ever decide to sell your home, you may just find that professional window coverings end up paying for themselves.

Once you’ve explored everything there is to know about custom window treatments, be sure to contact Stoneside for a free design consultation. Stoneside is the best in the business, and there’s no better time than now to get started on owning the best window blinds, shades, and drapery available.