Blinds.com is good. They carry major brands such as Bali, Graber. Levelor and have their own line. They were good about sending samples and helpful with on line and phone consultation when we needed it. They also sent us a replacement without question when we had a problem with one. Here is a link that might be useful: Blinds.com

Upstairs rooms can be different. I got mine from American Blinds and Wallpaper years ago. Google for a coupon - they have lots. Not sure if they are cheaper but I purchased the M & B blinds in Bamboo Harvest which were exactly the same ones my sister bought through her decorator in Charlotte for much much less. They look great and were easy to install. As far as using them in kids rooms, they might not be the best choice. Mine are fixed on the windows (just took the strings, wrapped them and tucked them under the valance when they were pulled to the right height), but they aren't the easiest to move up and down (they get crooked and it takes some fiddling to get them straight). They also aren't great for light control and in my personal opinion aren't particularly attractive when let down (that is why you always see them in magazines at a fixed height!) Just something to think about!

I just had a Smith and Noble consultant here to consult on window treatments. They have some deal that if you order three treatments the in home service is free (but I would confirm the exact number or dollar value.) I need many coverings so I figured even if I didn't love everything I would easily order at least 3 shades. Regarding top down and bottom up, you can get things other than honeycomb shades (like fabric blinds or woven shades), but you may lose some upper real estate of the window because there is a top portion. The consulant was very nice and seemed to have a handle on the huge stacks of samples. I like that I didn't just paw throught the samples, she picked things out based on what she heard from me, saw in the house and what she had seen from experience. I am the type that would spend hours looking for stuff and never pick so I was happy. I haver ordered from them in the past. The quality is good (better than blinds to go which I have also used) and selection fairly broad (some traditional, some more contemporary.) I think their website is kind of klunky, but if you spend some time you can find a way to see how the different fabrics look on different blind types. Good luck and I would be curious about other window treatment resources.

I have found that shades are usually alittle too short if the exact measurements are given for the windows length for inside mount... I like the shade to reach the windowsill and I have ordered shades that stopped 1/2-3/4" above the sill before- don't know if that's how some people prefer them or not... but when ordering shades now I always round up/add up to 1"... it doesn't matter if they're just alittle long-- with vertical blinds, it's more crucial that the size not be too long, but I wouldn't want them that short either-- I would definitely contact the company or even go back to HD- and definitely bring or email them a picture too! I think they won't be happy with the length either!