Jump to: About us · Cost and quotes · Measuring and install · Products · Motorization · Energy and comfort · Safety · Care and warranty · Commercial
About us
Who is Atlantic Shades?
Atlantic Shades is an independent manufacturer of custom window shutters, blinds and shades based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We design, make and install plantation shutters and roller, solar, cellular, zebra, sheer, Roman, wood, faux wood, vertical, aluminum and motorized window coverings for homes and businesses across all four Atlantic provinces.
Are your blinds made locally?
Yes. Every blind and shade is cut, sewn, assembled and inspected in our Halifax workshop. That is why most orders are ready in about two weeks and why warranty service comes from the people who built your blinds.
Is Atlantic Shades a franchise?
No. We are independent and Atlantic Canadian, with no franchise fees built into your price.
Do you have a showroom?
Yes, in Halifax, beside the workshop where everything is made. Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, we bring samples to your home. Showrooms.
Do you install outside Halifax?
Yes. Our own crews measure and install across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cost and quotes
How much do custom blinds cost?
Most custom blinds and shades cost about $250 to $700 per window, measured and installed. Motorization adds roughly $200 to $500 per window. See the full price guide.
Is the quote free?
Yes. The in-home measure, design advice and written quote are free, with no obligation.
How quickly will I get a quote?
Most quotes are ready the same day as your measure, often before we leave.
Are taxes included?
Quotes show HST separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
Measuring and install
How long do custom blinds take?
Most orders are installed about two weeks after the measure. Large projects or specialty fabrics can take longer, and we confirm your date when you approve the quote.
Do I need to measure my own windows?
No. We measure for you, and if we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it free.
How long does installation take?
Most homes take two to four hours. A single room can take under an hour. Large homes with motorization may take a full day.
Will you take away my old blinds?
Yes, on request, at no extra charge.
Products
Do you make plantation shutters?
Yes. We make custom plantation shutters in hardwood and moisture-proof composite, in full-height, tier-on-tier, café and divider-rail styles, fitted by our own crews. See shutters.
What is the difference between blinds and shades?
Blinds have slats (wood, faux wood, aluminum or vertical vanes) that tilt to control light. Shades are made of a continuous piece of fabric that rolls, folds or stacks. Zebra blinds are technically a shade, with alternating sheer and solid fabric bands.
What are the best blinds for bedrooms?
Blackout roller or blackout cellular shades, mounted to cover the light gaps at the edges. With summer sunrise before 5:30 a.m. across most of Atlantic Canada, light-filtering fabric is rarely dark enough for good sleep.
What are the best blinds for bathrooms?
Faux wood blinds, aluminum blinds, or roller and cellular shades in moisture-resistant polyester. Avoid real wood and natural fibres in steamy rooms.
What are the best blinds for patio doors?
Vertical blinds, vertical cellular shades, or a pair of roller or panel shades. The right choice depends on how often you use the door and whether you want the covering to clear the opening completely.
Motorization
Do motorized blinds work with Alexa and Google Home?
Yes. Our motorized blinds and shades work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit, and with a remote, wall switch or phone app.
Do I need an electrician for motorized blinds?
Usually not. Most of our motors are rechargeable, typically lasting several months on a charge. Hardwired motors are best planned during a renovation or new build.
Can I add a motor to existing blinds?
Generally not to blinds made by others. Motors need to be built into the blind. We can quote new motorized blinds for the windows that matter most.
Energy and comfort
Do blinds really help with heating bills?
Yes. The US Department of Energy found cellular shades can reduce heating energy use by up to 20% compared with bare windows. Fit matters: a shade that covers the glass edge to edge, especially with side channels, performs best.
What is the warmest window covering?
Double-cell cellular shades, particularly with blackout fabric and side channels, are generally the most insulating window covering you can buy.
Do blinds help with a heat pump?
Yes. Heat pumps work best in a tight, well-insulated room. Covering windows at night reduces heat loss through the glass, which helps a heat pump keep up on the coldest nights. See our guide to blinds and heat pumps.
Safety
Are corded blinds legal in Canada?
Corded window coverings sold in Canada since May 1, 2022 must meet Health Canada's Corded Window Coverings Regulations: any reachable cord can be no longer than 22 cm, and any reachable loop no larger than 44 cm around. All of our products meet these rules, and we offer cordless and motorized options for every product.
What are the safest blinds for a nursery?
Cordless or motorized blinds and shades, with no reachable cords at all. Pair them with blackout fabric for naps.
Care and warranty
How do I clean my blinds?
Most blinds and shades need only a light dusting with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum on low with a brush attachment. See our full cleaning guide.
What warranty do you offer?
A 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship, plus our fit guarantee. Motors are covered by the manufacturer's warranty and we handle the claim. See warranty details.
Commercial
Do you do commercial work?
Yes. We supply offices, retail, hotels, healthcare facilities, condominiums and multi-unit developments across Atlantic Canada. Request a project quote.
Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes, for interior designers, decorators, contractors and builders. Join the trade program.