Window Treatment Learning Center & FAQs

No. Palm Beach Shutters & Shades offers complimentary in-home consultations and estimates. Antonio begins by discussing what you have in mind and whether your priorities involve décor, light and sun control, heat reduction, privacy or a combination of concerns. He then shows relevant photographs, videos, product samples and fabrics, discusses options from more cost-effective to higher-end choices, helps narrow down colors and materials, and measures the openings for an accurate estimate.

Most estimates are completed within 24 hours after the consultation and measurement. More complex projects may require up to 48 hours. If you are still in the early planning stage, photographs, approximate measurements and a description of the products you are considering can often be used to provide a preliminary ballpark price before an in-home appointment.

Pricing varies considerably because window size, product type, fabric, controls, hardware, motorization and installation requirements can all affect the total. Faux-wood blinds are typically the most affordable option, followed by roller shades, zebra shades and honeycomb shades. Plantation shutters, custom Roman shades and custom draperies are generally in the higher price ranges. Our Blinds vs. Shades Guide and Plantation Shutter Cost Guide provide more detailed examples.

A 50% deposit is normally collected before the products are ordered. Most blinds, shades and shutters take approximately three to four weeks from order to installation. Specialty shutter products may take up to six weeks. Custom draperies and Roman shades generally require about six weeks because fabric, hardware and workroom production must be coordinated; back-ordered materials can extend that timeframe. The remaining balance is typically due at installation.

Even a small measurement error can result in a shade that is too large or too small, an incorrect mount or a product that does not operate properly. Professional measuring also accounts for window depth, uneven frames, handles and other obstructions, inside-versus-outside mounting, French doors, sliding doors and the clearance required for shutters to open correctly. The mounting plan should be discussed before anything is ordered—not discovered during installation.

The decision usually becomes much easier after seeing photographs, videos and physical samples while discussing your budget and how each opening needs to function. Customers can often identify what they do not like first, which quickly narrows the choices. Antonio also explains which options will work correctly on standard windows, sliding doors and French doors, including the advantages and limitations of different mounting methods.

Solar-screen roller shades are an excellent choice when you want to reduce heat, glare and UV exposure while preserving the outside view. One important consideration is nighttime privacy: when the interior is illuminated, people outside may be able to see through a solar screen. For bedrooms or rooms where stronger light control is needed, blackout shades are common. Side channels or Smart Fit-style systems can also reduce the light that normally enters around the edges and bottom of a closed shade.

Motorization is most valuable on shades that will be opened and closed every day, hard-to-reach windows and oversized shades. Some large roller shades must be motorized because the weight of the fabric exceeds what a manual chain and gear system can reliably handle. On a frequently used door, however, a manual chain may raise the shade faster than a motor, so convenience and speed should both be considered. Learn more in our Motorized Blinds and Drapes Guide.

Vertical blinds remain a very practical option because the vanes can be opened slightly for everyday entry and exit without raising the entire treatment. Large roller shades work well for customers who prefer an unobstructed view: lower the shade for privacy and raise it completely when you want the opening clear. The best choice depends on the width of the door, available mounting space, privacy needs, appearance and how frequently the door is used.

Humidity is usually not a major concern for properly installed indoor products. For shutters, poly-composite materials are generally preferred because they offer stronger protection against fading, warping, chipping and cracking than natural wood. Wood shutters are now most often selected when a stained-wood appearance is desired. Direct sunlight can fade natural drapery fabrics such as linen and cotton, so lining is normally recommended. In homes close to the ocean where doors remain open frequently, salt air can also shorten the life of some exposed components.

Instead of asking you to select fabrics and colors in a retail showroom, Palm Beach Shutters & Shades brings samples directly to your home. This lets you see each material in the room’s natural and artificial light and hold it against the walls, windows, flooring and furnishings. Colors and textures are much easier to coordinate accurately in the space where the finished treatment will actually be installed.

Palm Beach Shutters & Shades serves communities throughout Palm Beach County—from Boca Raton north through Jupiter and Tequesta—as well as Hobe Sound. The mobile-showroom model allows consultations, measurements and product selections to take place conveniently in your home.

Warranty coverage varies by product and manufacturer, but Palm Beach Shutters & Shades typically provides a one-year labor warranty. Most blinds and shades carry approximately five years of manufacturer coverage, while plantation shutters generally include warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime coverage. Motor warranties are separate from the shade or drapery warranty: preferred motor brands typically include five years from Somfy and seven years from Rollease. Exact terms are confirmed for the products selected for your project.

Call Palm Beach Shutters & Shades rather than attempting to adjust or repair the product yourself. Antonio responds quickly and will usually come out within 24 to 48 hours to inspect and resolve an operating issue, unusual sound, adjustment or warranty concern. Prompt post-installation service is an important part of every project.

Antonio is typically present and involved in the installation, working with one or two experienced installers as needed. Blankets are laid down for tools and products, and the work area is cleaned when the installation is finished. Existing window treatments can be removed and disposed of as part of the process. Most installations take a few hours to half a day, including projects with several windows. Very large projects may require more than one appointment depending on when products are ready.