Why making them here matters
When a blind is made 10,000 kilometres away, three things go wrong. It takes six to eight weeks to arrive. If it is wrong, it takes another six to eight weeks to fix. And nobody who made it has ever seen an Atlantic Canadian window.
Making them here fixes all three. Most of our orders are ready about two weeks after your measure. If something needs adjusting, we can usually turn it around in days. And the people building your shades know exactly what a December glare problem in a south-facing Halifax living room looks like, because they have one too.
From your window to our bench
1. The measure
Your designer measures every window at three points across the width and three down the height, notes the depth for inside mounts, checks for obstructions like handles and alarm sensors, and records anything unusual: out-of-square frames, heritage trim, sloped sills. Older Atlantic homes are rarely square. We plan for it.
2. The order sheet
Your measurements, fabric, colour, lift system and mount type go onto a single order sheet. The sheet stays with your order all the way through the workshop, and your installer gets a copy.
3. Cutting
Fabric is cut on a long cutting table to the millimetre, with allowances worked out for each product type. Headrails and bottom rails are cut to match.
4. Assembly
Fabric is fitted to the tube or headrail, the lift system is installed and tensioned, and any motor is mounted and paired. Roman shades are sewn and folded by hand. Each piece gets a label with your name and the room it belongs to.
5. Inspection
Every blind is fully raised and lowered on a test frame before it leaves. We check that the fabric tracks straight, the edges are clean, the cord or motor works smoothly and the size matches the order sheet.
6. Install
The same order sheet goes with your installer. They fit it, test it, show you how it works and take the packaging away.
What we keep on the shelf
- A full fabric library: sheers, light-filtering, room-darkening and blackout, solar screen in multiple openness levels, cellular in single and double cell
- Moisture-resistant and fade-resistant fabric ranges for coastal homes
- Real wood and faux wood slats in multiple widths
- Motors and controls that work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit
- Fire-rated fabrics for commercial and institutional work, available on request
Visit us
We like showing people where their blinds come from. Come see the fabric library, feel the difference between single and double cell, and watch a roller shade come together.
Atlantic Shades Halifax, Nova Scotia Visits by arrangement: hello@atlanticshades.com hello@atlanticshades.com
Frequently asked questions
Are Atlantic Shades blinds made in Canada?
Yes. Atlantic Shades blinds and shades are cut, sewn, assembled and inspected in our Halifax, Nova Scotia workshop. Some raw materials, such as specialty fabrics and motors, come from established suppliers, but every finished product is made to your measurements here.
Why are locally made blinds faster?
Because there is no overseas shipping or customs wait. Once your quote is approved, your order goes straight to our Halifax bench. Most orders are ready about two weeks after the measure, compared with the six to eight weeks common for imported custom blinds.
Can I see fabric samples before I order?
Yes. Your designer brings samples to your home, and you can see the full library at our Halifax workshop. We recommend seeing fabrics in your own room light, because the same fabric can look quite different on a north window and a south window.
Do you inspect every blind before it ships?
Yes. Every blind and shade is raised and lowered on a test frame before it leaves the workshop, and checked against your order sheet for size, tracking, edges and operation.
Can I book a workshop tour?
Yes. Workshop visits are free and take about 30 minutes. Book online.