I am a dealer / contractor who specializes in window coverings, including shutters, and I have been in business for the past 14 years. I have installed for Home Depot, Lowes, Costco, online dealers and other local showrooms, contractors and designers.
From my perspective, I believe that the best way for someone to shop for window coverings is to find a local dealer (designer, installer). More and more floor covering retailers are taking on window coverings, so that may be a good resource. However, you do not need to find a showroom to help you with making your choices, especially with the information that can be accessed online and the fact that local dealers can bring the same samples to your home that you will find in a showroom.
Shopping online can be a gamble if you are not familiar with different manufacturers and their products. You could unknowingly be purchasing inferior products that will not stand the test of time just for the purpose of saving a few dollars. Some online companies will sell products that are manufactured in other countries and it may be difficult or impossible to service and, or repair the products that you purchase from them. Most reputable manufacturers will ship free replacement parts for years after the product is manufactured, so their is nothing special about that.
There are three manufacturers that I have dealt with over the years, primarily for residential products, and for some commercial products. There are other manufacturers that I have dealt with for commercial products only.
Hunter Douglas is one of the largest corporations in the world. They own a vast array of companies. Over the years, they have been buying smaller window covering manufacturers. They still operate under their original names, but they are owned by Hunter Douglas. HD is probably the largest window covering manufacturer in the world and their prices seem to usually be a little higher that others. Does this mean that they are better or of higher quality? NO.
Levolor has some good products, but I have seen some quality control issues in recent times. They are actually in the process of being purchased by Hunter Douglas. I'm sure that HD will improve upon this.
Graber and Bali are my preferences when it comes to window coverings. Graber and Bali are both owned by Springs Window Fashions. They are probably the second largest window covering manufacturer in the world. I have had very good experiences with this company. Their products are as good as if not better that HD's, but their prices seem to be more reasonable. Their customer service is much better that any manufacturer that I have dealt with. I would highly recommend their products.
You know the old saying, "you get what you pay for". Think about this when you purchase window coverings, or for that matter, anything. Purchase from a local dealer, do your research, look for quality. Compare. Ask questions. Any reputable salesperson will be highly knowledgeable about their products and will not speak unfavorably about others in order to make theirs look better. This should be a red flag to the potential buyer.
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