What Is Blinds To Go? Understanding the Retailer and How It Fits Your Window Covering Options

Blinds To Go is a specialty window covering retailer that operates both physical store locations and an online shopping platform. The company focuses on selling ready-made and custom window blinds, shades, and related products at various price points. Understanding what Blinds To Go offers—and how it compares to other ways of buying window coverings—helps you evaluate whether it fits your needs, timeline, and budget. 🪟

What Blinds To Go Actually Sells

Blinds To Go specializes in manufactured window coverings rather than custom-built solutions from local installers. Their core product lineup typically includes:

• Vertical blinds (slats that move side to side)
• Venetian/horizontal blinds (slats that tilt up and down)
• Roller shades (fabric that rolls up and down on a tube)
• Roman shades (fabric that folds up in pleats)
• Cellular shades (honeycomb-structured insulating shades)
• Motorized options (some locations and online)
• Accessories (brackets, cords, replacement parts)

The retailer's model centers on inventory-based purchasing—you select from existing stock and sizes, or order custom-cut versions. This differs fundamentally from commissioning custom window treatments from a local design firm or upholsterer, where a professional visits your home and builds to your exact specifications.

Key Variables That Shape Your Experience

Your actual experience with Blinds To Go—or any major blinds retailer—depends on several factors:

Location flexibility. If you live near a physical Blinds To Go store, you can visit in person to see samples, touch fabrics, and ask staff questions. If you're in a region without a store, you're limited to online ordering, which means relying on photos, descriptions, and return policies to evaluate quality and fit.

Customization depth. Many Blinds To Go products come in standard sizes, but the retailer also offers custom sizing—particularly for roller shades, cellular shades, and some blinds styles. Custom sizing costs more than stock sizes but eliminates the need to retrofit standard products into non-standard window openings. The lead time for custom orders is typically longer than buying off-the-shelf.

Budget constraints. Blinds To Go positions itself as a mid-market option—more affordable than high-end custom design firms but typically more expensive than the cheapest big-box retailers. Your total cost depends on the product type, whether you choose custom sizing, any add-ons (like motorization or specialty fabrics), and current promotions.

Installation. Blinds To Go does not typically install products for you. You either install them yourself (using provided brackets and instructions) or hire a separate installer. This is an important distinction from some competitors who bundle installation into the purchase, and it affects your total project cost and timeline.

Product quality variance. Like most retailers, Blinds To Go carries products at different quality tiers. Lower-priced options use simpler mechanisms and lighter materials; higher-priced lines offer heavier fabrics, smoother operation, and more color/texture variety. The specific quality level varies by product type.

How Blinds To Go Compares to Other Ways of Buying Blinds

Understanding the broader landscape helps you know whether Blinds To Go is the right fit:

The Role of Stock Size vs. Custom Size

This distinction affects price, timeline, and fit:

Stock sizes are pre-cut blinds and shades in common dimensions (like 24" wide, 36" wide, etc.). They arrive quickly and cost less, but they're not ideal if your windows fall between standard sizes or have unusual dimensions. You may need to trim them (if possible) or live with gaps around the frame.

Custom sizing means your order is cut to your exact window measurements. This ensures a proper fit and eliminates gaps, but it takes longer to produce and costs more. Once ordered, custom products typically cannot be returned or resized. Accurate measurement is critical—if you provide incorrect dimensions, you'll need to reorder.

What to Evaluate Before Buying

Different readers will weigh these factors differently based on their situation:

Window complexity. Simple rectangular windows are straightforward to measure and order; bay windows, angled windows, or irregular shapes require more planning and may benefit from in-person consultation.

Skill level with installation. If you're comfortable with basic tools and following instructions, self-installation is feasible for most blind types. Motorized shades or complex window configurations may warrant professional installation, which adds cost but removes the DIY element.

Timeline. Stock options arrive faster; custom orders require patience. If you need window coverings urgently, big-box retailers or online retailers with fast shipping may serve you better.

Budget for the full project. Compare the product price alone against the total cost including any custom sizing, installation labor (if hired), and accessories like extra brackets or motorization. A lower price per shade means less if you need to hire an installer or add features.

Return and warranty policies. Blinds To Go's policies on returns, exchanges, and product warranties vary. Understanding these before purchase protects you if something arrives damaged, sized incorrectly, or doesn't meet expectations.

Fabric or material preference. If you have specific aesthetic requirements—blackout fabric for a bedroom, moisture-resistant material for a bathroom, or a particular color—check whether Blinds To Go's available options match before committing to the retailer.

The Self-Installation Factor

Because Blinds To Go typically requires self-installation, it's worth understanding what that entails:

Basic installation for most blinds involves mounting brackets to the window frame or wall, then hanging the blind and securing it in place. Most products come with instructions and hardware; the difficulty ranges from very simple (roller shades) to moderately involved (vertical blinds with multiple attachment points).

Measurement accuracy is critical. Windows that are "out of square"—where the top and bottom widths differ slightly, or the sides aren't perfectly vertical—can cause fit issues. If you're uncertain, some retailers offer free measurement services, or you can hire a professional measurer.

Removal and replacement of old blinds is straightforward but requires a bit of physical effort. If you're replacing existing window coverings, you'll need to remove the old ones before installing the new.

When to Consider Other Options

Blinds To Go may not be the best choice if:

• You want design consultation included: Premium firms or local installers typically provide this; Blinds To Go is self-service.
• You need professional installation: While you can hire outside installers, you'll coordinate separately and manage two transactions.
• Your budget is very tight: Cheaper big-box retailers exist, though they may offer less variety.
• You prioritize speed: Stock options are fastest; custom orders take time anywhere.
• You have complex, custom needs: High-end design firms are better equipped for intricate projects.

The Bottom Line for Different Situations

Someone shopping for standard-sized windows in common styles will likely find Blinds To Go convenient and reasonably priced, especially if they live near a store or are comfortable ordering online.

A homeowner with custom window sizes or unusual shapes may find the custom-sizing option valuable but should verify costs and lead times match their timeline.

A buyer prioritizing professional design and installation would benefit more from a full-service local firm, even at higher cost.

A strictly budget-conscious shopper might find lower prices elsewhere, though Blinds To Go's mid-market positioning offers a balance between cost and choice.

The right retailer for window coverings depends on your specific window sizes, design preferences, installation comfort level, timeline, and budget. Blinds To Go fills a particular niche—convenient, reasonably customizable, and widely available—but it's one option in a broader market. Evaluating your own priorities against what each retailer actually offers ensures a better decision.