the bigger the slats the less of them there will be so more light will get in the room when they are in the open position. Hunter Douglas is definitely the top of the line. Super quality. But very pricey. Comes with lifetime guarantee. I once had cordless wood blinds that were at the very max of the allowable width so they were heavy. After about 6-7 years the mechanism broke and it was a piece of cake to return them for fixing. I have 3 other HD shades that are awesome. I have two more rooms (6 windows) to do that it will just be too expensive to get HD. I am contemplating graber/levolor/bali. I once was browsing at JCP in store for blinds and got the impression from salesperson that Graber was probably next best, but I can't speak from personal experience.

I am also trying to make this decision for shutters in a new house. I have Hunter Douglas in my current house and love them and have never had a problem with them. I think HD is made in USA while Norman is made in China - so I am leaning toward HD again.

Each price was the ENTIRE cost for the motorized blind. When they go on sale, it’s usually 30-40% off the regular price. I was able to get 50% off because a few months prior I got a couple of rooms full of blinds and the woman who worked with me kindly took off another 10%. It was like $2400 for nine motorized blinds (including remote and installation). It doesn’t get much better than that as far as price goes. Go to Lowe’s and they will walk you through the entire process....and make sure to ask when they’re going on sale (which happens quite frequently).

You go to a source that carries HD, and match to the white dove. There IS no other "color" you want. HD has many many many whites. As close as to the trim color you can get. They'll come to the house and bring the samples, and measure and install. Is there a better way? No. There may in fact be a better WINDOW treatment and HD has plenty of those as well. Blinds look unfinished all alone, and are dust catchers as well. The "stack" is ugly when pulled up......: ) Just saying look before you LEAP.