# Atlantic Shades: full text > Light, Mastered. Custom shutters, blinds and shades made in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and fitted by our own crews across Atlantic Canada. Full text of the main pages for AI systems, per llmstxt.org. --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/ # Made for Atlantic light. ## Shutters, blinds and shades, made in our Halifax workshop and fitted by our own crews from Yarmouth to Labrador City. Measured to the millimetre, made by hand, fitted by our own people. One local team from the first visit to the last bracket. **[Book your free in-home measure]** · [See what we make] *Free. No obligation. Most quotes the same day.* · **Made in Halifax** · **5-year warranty** · **Fit guaranteed** · **Ready in about two weeks** --- ## For my home | For a project **For my home.** Blinds and shades for every window, from one bedroom to the whole house. Free measure, clear quote, installed by our own crew. [Start with your home] **For a project.** Designers, builders, developers and property managers. Trade pricing, spec sheets, and a production schedule that does not depend on a container ship. [Request trade pricing] --- ## Light is different here The sun comes in low over the water. At noon on the shortest day of the year it sits just 22 degrees above the Halifax horizon, which is why winter glare reaches so far into your living room. By 4:36 p.m. it is gone. Six months later it does not set until after 9 p.m., and the bedroom is still bright when the kids are supposed to be asleep. Add salt air, damp springs, wind that finds every gap in an old window frame, and heating bills that rank among the highest in Canada, and you start to see why a blind designed for a Phoenix catalogue does not always hold up in Halifax, Moncton, Charlottetown or St. John's. We design for the way light and weather actually behave in Atlantic Canada. That is what "made for Atlantic light" means. [See the light in your town: our Atlantic Light data](/en-ca/atlantic-light/) --- ## What we make **Shutters** - [Plantation shutters](/en-ca/shutters/): hardwood and moisture-proof composite, louvres you can tilt to steer the light **Shades** - [Roller shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/): clean, simple, from sheer to full blackout - [Solar shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/solar-shades/): cut glare and keep the view - [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/): the warmest window covering you can buy - [Zebra blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/zebra-blinds/): soft light or privacy with one pull - [Sheer shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/sheer-shades/): filtered light with a soft, layered look - [Roman shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/): tailored fabric folds for living rooms and bedrooms **Blinds** - [Wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/wood-blinds/): real wood for warmth and character - [Faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/): the look of wood, built for kitchens and bathrooms - [Vertical blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/vertical-blinds/): for patio doors and wide windows - [Aluminum venetian blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/aluminum-venetian-blinds/): slim, durable, precise light control **And on every one of them:** [motorization](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/) that works with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. [Not sure where to start? Shop by need](/en-ca/solutions/): blackout, energy efficiency, child safety, privacy, patio doors, skylights. --- ## Why Atlantic Canadians choose a local maker ### Made here, not shipped here Every order is cut, sewn and assembled in our Halifax workshop. That means about two weeks from measure to install for most orders, not six to eight. It also means when something needs adjusting, the people who built it are a phone call away. ### Built for the coast We choose fabrics, finishes and hardware that handle humidity, salt air and strong low-angle sun. Moisture-resistant materials for bathrooms and basements. UV-stable fabrics for the south-facing rooms that fade everything else. ### Measured right, guaranteed Every order starts with a free professional measure by our team. If we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it. No arguments. ### Considered, not costly No franchise fees baked into the price. No inflated "50% off" that was never the real price. You get a clear written quote and the time to think about it. [Read our story](/en-ca/about/) · [Visit the workshop](/en-ca/workshop/) · [See the showroom](/en-ca/showrooms/) · [Inspiration](/en-ca/inspiration/) --- ## How it works 1. **Book a free measure.** Pick a time online. Takes two minutes. 2. **We come to you.** A designer measures every window, brings samples, and talks through light, privacy, warmth and budget. No pressure. 3. **Get your quote.** Clear, itemized and in writing, most often the same day. 4. **We make it.** Your blinds are cut, sewn and assembled in Halifax. 5. **We install it.** Our team installs, tests every blind, shows you how everything works and cleans up. [Book your free in-home measure] --- ## Serving all of Atlantic Canada **Nova Scotia:** [Halifax](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/halifax/) · [Dartmouth](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/dartmouth/) · [Bedford](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/bedford/) · [Sackville](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/sackville/) · [Rural HRM](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/rural-hrm/) · [Truro](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/truro/) · [Sydney](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/sydney/) · [all Nova Scotia](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/) **New Brunswick:** [Moncton](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/moncton/) · [Dieppe](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/dieppe/) · [Fredericton](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/fredericton/) · [Saint John](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/saint-john/) · [all New Brunswick](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/) **Prince Edward Island:** [Charlottetown](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/charlottetown/) · [Stratford](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/stratford/) · [Summerside](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/summerside/) · [all PEI](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/) **Newfoundland and Labrador:** [St. John's](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/st-johns/) · [Mount Pearl](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/mount-pearl/) · [Paradise](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/paradise/) · [Corner Brook](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/corner-brook/) · [all Newfoundland and Labrador](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/) --- ## What our customers say [Read more reviews](/en-ca/reviews/) --- ## From the blog --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Atlantic Shades make plantation shutters? Yes. Atlantic Shades makes custom plantation shutters in hardwood and moisture-proof composite, measured to the millimetre and fitted by its own crews across Atlantic Canada. Shutters suit heritage homes, bay windows and bathrooms, and are the longest-lasting window covering you can buy. [See shutters](/en-ca/shutters/). ### Who makes custom blinds in Halifax? Atlantic Shades designs and manufactures custom shutters, blinds and shades in its Halifax, Nova Scotia workshop. The company measures, builds and installs plantation shutters and roller, solar, cellular, zebra, Roman, wood, faux wood, vertical and motorized window coverings for homes and businesses across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. ### Is Atlantic Shades a franchise? No. Atlantic Shades is an independent Atlantic Canadian company. We are not part of a national franchise network, so there are no franchise fees built into your price, and the people who measure, make and install your blinds work for us, here. ### How much do custom blinds cost? Most custom blinds and shades cost between about $250 and $700 per window, installed, depending on size, fabric and how they open and close. Motorization typically adds a few hundred dollars per window. Our [pricing guide](/en-ca/pricing/) breaks it down by product, and your free measure gives you an exact, written quote. ### How long do custom blinds take? Most orders are ready to install about two weeks after your measure, because we make them in Halifax rather than ordering from overseas. Large projects and specialty fabrics can take longer, and we will tell you the date when you approve the quote. ### What are the best blinds for a cold Atlantic winter? Cellular (honeycomb) shades are the most insulating option. The US Department of Energy found cellular shades can cut heating energy use by up to 20% compared with bare windows. For drafty older homes we often pair them with side channels or an outside mount that covers more of the frame. ### What blinds hold up best near the ocean? Choose moisture-resistant materials and corrosion-resistant hardware. Faux wood, aluminum, and roller, solar or cellular shades made with polyester fabrics handle salt air and humidity well. Real wood and natural fibres are lovely but better suited to rooms away from moisture. We specify hardware with coastal homes in mind. ### Do you do free in-home measuring? Yes. Every order starts with a free, no-obligation in-home measure by our team. We bring samples, measure every window, and give you a written quote. If we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it free. ### Can I control my blinds with Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit? Yes. Our motorized blinds and shades work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit, and can be run from a phone app, a remote, a wall switch or a schedule. Motors are rechargeable or hardwired, so you do not need an electrician for most installs. ### Which areas do you serve? We serve all four Atlantic provinces: Halifax Regional Municipality and communities across Nova Scotia, Moncton, Dieppe, Fredericton, Saint John and towns across New Brunswick, Charlottetown, Summerside and communities across PEI, and St. John's, Corner Brook, Labrador City and towns across Newfoundland and Labrador. [See all locations](/en-ca/locations/). ### Do you work with designers, builders and businesses? Yes. We supply interior designers, contractors, developers, property managers, hotels, healthcare facilities and offices, with trade pricing, sample libraries, spec sheets and project coordination. [Request trade pricing](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/). --- ## Ready to finish your windows? Book a free in-home measure. We will bring the samples, measure every window and leave you with a clear quote. **[Book your free in-home measure]** *Free. No obligation. Most quotes the same day.* --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/about/ # We make blinds for the way light behaves here. Custom shutters, blinds and shades, designed and built in our Halifax workshop and fitted by our own crews across Atlantic Canada. **[Book your free in-home measure]** · [Visit the workshop](/en-ca/workshop/) **For my home** | **For a project** --- ## Our story Light on the Atlantic coast is its own thing. It comes in low and bright off the water. In December it is gone before the school bus gets home. In June it hangs around until after nine, and in Labrador until nearly ten. The weather that comes with it is salty, damp and changeable, sometimes in the same afternoon. We started Atlantic Shades because we kept walking into homes where the window coverings were not built for any of that. Fabric that had faded to a different colour in two summers. Wood slats warped in a bathroom. Cords tangled in damp basements. Blinds that had clearly been measured by guesswork and shipped from the other side of the world, and nobody to call when they did not fit. So we started making them ourselves, here in Halifax. Today every blind and shade we sell is measured by our team, made in our workshop and installed by people who know the difference between a Hydrostone rowhouse and a new build in Bedford South, or between a Charlottetown farmhouse and a row house on Gower Street. We are Atlantic Canadians making things for Atlantic Canadian homes. That is the whole idea. --- ## What we believe **Windows deserve better than off-the-shelf.** Your windows frame the view you bought the house for. They let in the light you wait all winter for. A blind should respect that. **Fit is everything.** A custom blind that is 6 mm off is not custom. We measure every window ourselves and guarantee the fit. **Local means accountable.** When the people who built your blinds live a short drive away, they answer the phone. **Good value is not the same as cheap.** We would rather sell you the right shade for six windows than the wrong one for twelve. Clear quotes, no pressure, no fake sale prices. --- ## Why people choose us ### Made here, not shipped here Cut, sewn and assembled in our Halifax workshop. Most orders are ready about two weeks after your measure. One team is accountable from the first visit to the final bracket. ### Built for the coast We choose fabrics, finishes and hardware for humidity, salt air and strong low-angle sun. UV-stable fabrics. Moisture-resistant materials. Hardware that does not rust out by year three. ### Measured right, guaranteed Every order starts with a free professional measure. If we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it. ### Warmer in winter, cooler in summer Our cellular and insulating lines help keep the heat you have paid for inside. Pair them with a heat pump and you notice the difference on the first cold night. ### Considered, not costly No franchise layers. No inflated "sale" prices. A clear, written quote and time to think. ### Local service for the life of your blinds Every order is backed by our 5-year warranty and serviced by the people who made it. --- ## By the numbers - **About two weeks**: typical time from measure to install - **45**: cities and towns we serve in four provinces --- ## For designers, builders and businesses From a single heritage home in the South End to a multi-unit residential build, we work alongside interior designers, contractors, developers and property managers. Expect trade pricing, samples and spec sheets on request, a named project coordinator, and installers who work to your site schedule. [Explore trade and commercial](/en-ca/commercial/) · [Request trade pricing](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/) --- ## Who is Atlantic Shades? Atlantic Shades is an independent manufacturer of custom window shutters, blinds and shades based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The company designs, builds and installs plantation shutters and roller, solar, cellular, zebra, sheer, Roman, wood, faux wood, vertical, aluminum and motorized window coverings for homes and businesses, and provides free in-home measuring and professional installation across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Atlantic Shades make its blinds locally? Yes. Atlantic Shades cuts, sews and assembles its blinds and shades in a Halifax, Nova Scotia workshop. Making them locally is why most orders are ready in about two weeks, and why warranty service is handled by the same people who built the product. ### Is Atlantic Shades a franchise? No. Atlantic Shades is independent and Atlantic Canadian. There are no franchise royalties in your price, and the team that measures, makes and installs your order works directly for us. ### Where is Atlantic Shades located? Our workshop and showroom are in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We measure and install across all four Atlantic provinces. Email hello@atlanticshades.com to arrange a showroom or workshop visit. ### What areas does Atlantic Shades serve? We serve 45 cities and towns across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, including Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Moncton, Dieppe, Fredericton, Saint John, Charlottetown, Summerside, St. John's and Corner Brook. See every community on our [locations page](/en-ca/locations/). ### What makes Atlantic Shades different from big-box custom blinds? Big-box custom blinds are usually measured by you, ordered from a distant factory and backed by a returns desk. Ours are measured by our team, made in Halifax, installed by us and guaranteed to fit. If anything needs adjusting later, you call the people who built it. ### Can I visit your workshop? Yes. We like showing people how their blinds are made. Book a visit and we will walk you through cutting, sewing and assembly, and show you the full fabric library. [Book a workshop visit](/en-ca/workshop/). ### Does Atlantic Shades offer a warranty? Yes. Our blinds and shades carry a 5-year warranty covering materials and workmanship, plus our fit guarantee: if we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it. See the [warranty details](/en-ca/warranty/). --- ## Let's start with your windows **[Book your free in-home measure]** *Free. No obligation. Most quotes the same day.* --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/workshop/ # Where your blinds are made Not in a warehouse on another continent. In our workshop in Halifax, by people who live here. **[Book a workshop visit]** · [Book a free in-home measure] --- ## 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 **[Book a workshop visit]** --- ## 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. --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/showrooms/ # Come and see the light for yourself Fabric, timber and light are hard to judge on a screen. Visit our Halifax showroom, or let us bring the showroom to you. **[Book a consultation]** · --- ## Halifax showroom and workshop **Atlantic Shades** Halifax, Nova Scotia Visits by arrangement: hello@atlanticshades.com hello@atlanticshades.com Our showroom sits beside the workshop where your shutters, blinds and shades are made. Come in to: - Open and close plantation shutters in hardwood and composite, and compare louvre sizes. - Feel the difference between single-cell and double-cell cellular shades. - See solar fabrics in different openness levels against real daylight. - Try motorized shades with a remote, an app and a voice assistant. - Browse the full fabric and finish library. - Watch a shade come together on the workshop bench. Email us to book a visit if you would like a designer's full attention or a workshop tour. --- ## The showroom that comes to you Most people choose their window coverings at home, and we think that is the right place to do it. A fabric that looks warm grey in our showroom can read blue on a north window in your living room. Wherever you are in Atlantic Canada, a designer will bring samples of shutters, blinds and shades to your home, measure every window and leave you with a clear written quote. Our own crews measure and install across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. **[Book a free in-home consultation](/en-ca/free-in-home-measure/)** --- ## For designers and architects Book a trade appointment and we will set aside the sample library, spec sheets and a designer for your project. [Trade program](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/). --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the Atlantic Shades showroom? The Atlantic Shades showroom and workshop is in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You can see shutters, blinds, shades and motorized systems, and book a tour of the workshop where they are made. ### Do I need an appointment to visit? Yes, please book ahead. Booking guarantees a designer's time and is best if you want a workshop tour or are bringing plans or photos. ### Do you have showrooms outside Halifax? Our showroom is in Halifax. Across the rest of Atlantic Canada, we bring the showroom to you: a designer visits your home with samples, and our own crews measure and install. ### Can I see shutters before I order? Yes. Hardwood and composite shutters in different louvre sizes and finishes are on display in the showroom, and your designer brings samples to your home. **[Book a consultation]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/free-in-home-measure/ # Book your free in-home measure We bring the samples. We measure every window. You get a clear, written quote. Free, and with no obligation. **[Book my free measure]** *Free. No obligation. Most quotes the same day.* --- ## What happens at your measure **Before we arrive.** We will confirm your time by text or email and ask one or two quick questions about the rooms you have in mind. If you have photos or a Pinterest board, send them. It helps. **At your home (about 45 to 90 minutes).** - We walk through each room with you and ask what is not working now: too bright, too cold, no privacy, cords everywhere, the kids up at 5 a.m. - We show you fabrics and materials in your own light. A fabric that looks warm grey in the showroom can read blue on a north window. - We measure every window ourselves, three times across and three times down, and note depth, obstructions and anything out of square. - We talk honestly about budget. If a less expensive option will do the job in a spare room, we will say so. **After.** You get an itemized written quote, usually the same day. Take your time. When you are ready, approve it and we start making your order in our Halifax workshop. --- ## Why we measure, and why it matters to you Custom blinds cannot be returned to a shelf. If you measure them yourself and get it wrong, the cost is yours. When we measure, the fit is our responsibility. **Our fit guarantee:** if we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it. Free. --- ## What it costs Nothing. The measure, the design advice and the quote are free, with no obligation to buy. We do not charge a trip fee in the communities we regularly serve. For a few remote communities we group visits into scheduled measure trips, and we will tell you the next date when you book. --- ## After you say yes 1. Your order goes to our Halifax workshop. 2. We cut, sew, assemble and test every blind. 3. Most orders are ready about two weeks after your measure. 4. Our team installs everything, tests it, shows you how it works and takes the packaging away. 5. Every order is covered by our 5-year warranty. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the in-home measure really free? Yes. The measure, design advice and written quote are free, with no obligation to buy. We do not charge a trip fee in the communities we regularly serve, and we never apply the cost of the visit to your order later. ### How long does an in-home measure take? Most measures take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how many windows and how many decisions you want to make on the day. A single room can take 30 minutes. A whole house with motorization might take a little longer. ### Do I have to buy anything? No. You will get a written quote and you can take as long as you like to decide. We do not use high-pressure sales tactics or "today only" pricing. ### Can I measure my windows myself instead? You can, but custom blinds cannot be returned if they do not fit. When our team measures, the fit is guaranteed. If you still want to measure yourself, our guide on [how to measure for blinds](/en-ca/blog/how-to-measure-windows-for-blinds/) walks you through it. ### Do I need to be home for the measure? Yes, an adult who can make decisions about the windows should be there. Most of the value of the visit is seeing fabrics in your light and talking through what you want each room to do. ### Can you measure outside business hours? We offer evening and Saturday appointments in most areas. Choose a time that suits you when you book, or email hello@atlanticshades.com and we will find one. ### Do you measure for commercial and multi-unit projects? Yes. For commercial, institutional and multi-unit work we schedule a site measure with your project contact. [Request a project quote](/en-ca/commercial/). ### What should I do before the measure? Nothing complicated. Clear access to the windows you want covered and, if you have existing blinds, leave them up so we can see how they mount. Think about which rooms matter most to you and what bothers you about them now. --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/pricing/ # What custom blinds cost in Atlantic Canada Straight answers, real numbers, and what actually moves the price. Updated November 2026. **Short answer:** most custom blinds and shades cost between about $250 and $700 per window, professionally measured and installed. Motorization adds roughly $200 to $500 per window. A typical three-bedroom home with 12 to 15 windows usually lands somewhere between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on products and how many windows are motorized. **[Get your exact quote: book a free measure]** --- ## Typical price per window The Canada-wide ranges below come from published Canadian price guides for custom, professionally installed products on an average-sized window (roughly 90 to 120 cm wide). Our own "from" prices are listed for comparison. | Product | Typical Canadian range, custom installed | Atlantic Shades from | |---|---|---| | Roller shades | $260 to $665 | Quoted free | | Solar shades | $280 to $700 | Quoted free | | Zebra blinds | $250 to $520 | Quoted free | | Cellular shades | $200 to $1,200 | Quoted free | | Sheer shades | $350 to $900 | Quoted free | | Roman shades | $400 to $1,100 | Quoted free | | Faux wood blinds | $200 to $500 | Quoted free | | Wood blinds | $300 to $750 | Quoted free | | Vertical blinds | $250 to $615 | Quoted free | | Aluminum venetian blinds | $150 to $400 | Quoted free | | Plantation shutters | $400 to $1,200 (about $35 to $60 per sq ft) | Quoted free | | Add motorization | $200 to $500 per window | Quoted free | *Sources: Ecoline Windows Canadian custom blinds price guide (roller, zebra, cellular, vertical, motorization); other ranges reflect typical Canadian custom pricing. Ranges vary by size and fabric. Your measure gives you an exact figure.* --- ## What drives the price ### 1. Size Price rises with area. A 60 cm bathroom window and a 3 m living room window in the same fabric can differ by several hundred dollars. ### 2. Fabric or material Light-filtering fabric costs less than blackout. Basic polyester costs less than a textured weave or a linen-look. Real wood costs more than faux wood. ### 3. How it opens and closes Cordless and standard continuous-loop systems are the base price. Top-down bottom-up adds cost. Motorization adds the most. ### 4. Specialty shapes and sizes Arched, angled, very wide or very tall windows, and skylights, need specialty hardware. ### 5. Add-ons Valances, cassettes, side channels for blackout, and decorative hardware. ### 6. Number of windows Many costs (the visit, travel, set-up) are spread across the order, so the price per window usually drops as the order grows. --- ## How to get more for your budget - **Mix by room.** Use cellular or blackout where it counts (bedrooms, cold rooms) and a simpler roller in the laundry room. - **Motorize the hard ones.** Tall windows, windows behind furniture and big patio doors. Leave easy-to-reach windows manual. - **Choose a standard width when you can.** Fabrics come in rolls. Very wide windows sometimes need a seam or a premium wide-roll fabric, which costs more. Two shades on one wide window can be cheaper and easier to use. - **Do the whole house at once.** One visit, one install, better per-window pricing, and every room matches. - **Ask about bundles.** We price whole-home packages with fewer line items and fewer surprises. --- ## What is included in our price - Free in-home measure and design consultation - Your blinds, made to measure in our Halifax workshop - Professional installation by our team - Removal and disposal of your old blinds, on request - Our fit guarantee and 5-year warranty - HST is extra and shown separately on your quote --- ## Frequently asked questions ### How much do custom blinds cost per window in Nova Scotia? Most custom blinds and shades in Nova Scotia cost between about $250 and $700 per window, measured and installed, for an average-sized window. Blackout fabrics, wood, Roman shades and large windows sit at the upper end. Motorization adds about $200 to $500 per window. ### How much does it cost to do blinds for a whole house? A typical three-bedroom Atlantic Canadian home has 12 to 15 windows, and custom blinds for the whole house usually cost $3,500 to $8,000 installed. The total depends on which products you choose for each room and how many windows you motorize. ### How much do motorized blinds cost? Motorized blinds typically cost about $450 to $1,200 per window installed in Canada, which is roughly $200 to $500 more than the same blind with a manual lift. A smart-home hub, if needed, is a one-time cost of about $100 to $300. ### How much do plantation shutters cost? Custom plantation shutters typically cost about $35 to $60 per square foot installed in Canada, roughly $400 to $1,200 for an average window. Hardwood, special shapes and larger louvres cost more. Shutters cost more up front than blinds but last far longer. ### Are cellular shades more expensive than blinds? Cellular shades range widely, from about $200 to more than $1,200 per window. Single-cell, light-filtering cellular shades often cost about the same as quality faux wood blinds. Double-cell, blackout and top-down bottom-up versions cost more, but they also insulate far better. ### Is custom cheaper than it looks compared with store-bought blinds? Ready-made blinds cost less up front, typically $35 to $230 per window. Custom blinds cost more but fit properly, block light at the edges, last longer and include professional installation and a warranty. Over ten years, custom often works out better value per year. ### Does Atlantic Shades charge for the quote? No. Your measure, design consultation and written quote are free, with no obligation to buy. ### Is installation included? Yes. Professional installation by our own team is included in every residential quote. ### Do you offer financing? [If offered: Yes, we offer financing on orders over $X through [partner]. If not offered, delete this question.] --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/warranty/ # Our warranty and fit guarantee We make them here, so we stand behind them here. --- ## The fit guarantee If we measured it and it does not fit, we remake it. Free. No arguments about whose measurement was right. That is the point of letting us measure. --- ## The 5-year warranty Every Atlantic Shades blind and shade is covered for 5 years from the date of installation against defects in materials and workmanship. That includes: - Fabrics and slats - Headrails, bottom rails and brackets - Lift systems: cordless, continuous loop, wand and tilt mechanisms - Workmanship: sewing, assembly and installation **Motors and electronics** are covered by the motor manufacturer's warranty, and we handle the claim for you. ### What is not covered - Normal wear, and gradual fading from years of direct sun (all fabrics fade eventually; our UV-stable fabrics fade far more slowly) - Damage from pets, accidents, misuse or improper cleaning - Blinds installed or repaired by anyone other than Atlantic Shades - Water damage from leaks or flooding --- ## How to make a claim 1. Email hello@atlanticshades.com with your name, address and a photo of the problem. 2. We will tell you within two business days what happens next. Many issues can be fixed by phone or video in a few minutes. 3. If it needs a visit, we book one. If a part or the blind needs replacing, we make it in Halifax and install it. --- ## Repairs after the warranty We repair and adjust our own products for as long as you own them. Restringing, new motors, replacement fabric on an existing roller tube. Ask us before you replace a blind; often it is a quick fix. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Atlantic Shades warranty? Atlantic Shades blinds and shades carry a 5-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of installation. Motors are covered by the motor manufacturer's warranty, and Atlantic Shades handles the claim for you. ### What happens if my custom blinds do not fit? If Atlantic Shades measured your windows and the blinds do not fit, we remake them at no cost. This is our fit guarantee, and it is the main reason we always measure for you. ### Does the warranty cover fading? The warranty covers defects, not the natural, gradual fading every fabric shows after years of strong sun. Our UV-stable fabrics are chosen to fade far more slowly, which matters on south and west windows in coastal homes. ### Do you repair blinds you did not make? Generally no, because we cannot stand behind parts and systems we did not build. We are happy to measure and quote a replacement. ### Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home? --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/faq/ # Questions we get asked a lot Can't find your answer? Email hello@atlanticshades.com. **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](/en-ca/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](/en-ca/pricing/). ### 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](/en-ca/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](/en-ca/blog/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](/en-ca/blog/how-to-clean-blinds-and-shades/). ### 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](/en-ca/warranty/). ## 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](/en-ca/commercial/). ### Do you offer trade pricing? Yes, for interior designers, decorators, contractors and builders. [Join the trade program](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/). **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/shutters/ # Plantation shutters Made for your windows, not for a catalogue. **[Book a consultation]** · [See our workshop](/en-ca/workshop/) --- ## What is a plantation shutter? A plantation shutter is an interior shutter made of a frame and panels of wide horizontal louvres that tilt open and closed. The panels are fitted to the window opening and hinge open like small doors. Shutters are a permanent part of the room: they control light and privacy louvre by louvre, add a layer of insulation, and are the longest-lasting window covering you can buy. --- ## The mark on our logo is a shutter Look at the Atlantic Shades logo. Four louvres, tilted to 16 degrees: the angle at which a shutter lets light in while keeping a room private. Shutters are where our idea of light control begins. Tilt the louvres up and daylight bounces off the ceiling while the street sees nothing. Tilt them down to see the garden. Open the panels fully and the window is clear. In December, when the low Atlantic sun comes in sideways at about 22 degrees in Halifax, louvres let you angle it away from your eyes without shutting it out. --- ## Why shutters suit Atlantic homes **They belong in heritage houses.** Interior shutters have been part of North American houses for centuries. In a South End Victorian, a Saint John brick rowhouse or a Charlottetown farmhouse, they look like they were always there. **They add warmth.** A well-fitted shutter closed at night adds a solid layer between the glass and the room, cutting drafts from older windows. **They handle damp, in the right material.** Our composite shutters are unaffected by humidity, steam and salt air, so they work in bathrooms, kitchens and coastal homes where wood would struggle. **They last.** A good shutter outlasts every blind and shade in the house, and it is usually included when a home is sold. --- ## Choose your material | | Hardwood | Composite | |---|---|---| | What it is | Lightweight hardwood, painted or stained | Engineered, moisture-proof core with a durable painted finish | | Look | Natural grain in stains; crisp in paint | Crisp painted finish | | Moisture | Best in dry rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, coastal homes | | Span | Lighter, so wider panels | Heavier; panels sized accordingly | | Best for | Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, studies | Wet rooms, cottages, homes on the water | Many homes use both: hardwood in the living spaces, composite in the bathrooms and kitchen, finished in the same colour so they read as one. --- ## Choose your style ### Full height One set of panels covering the whole window. The cleanest look, with one tilt rod per panel. ### Tier-on-tier Two independent sets of panels, upper and lower. Open the top for light and keep the bottom closed for privacy. Ideal for street-facing rooms in close neighbourhoods like the North End of Halifax or downtown St. John's. ### Café style Shutters on the lower half of the window only, leaving the top open. A classic look for kitchens and dining rooms. ### Divider rail A full-height panel with a horizontal rail across the middle so the upper and lower louvres tilt separately. Privacy and light in one panel. ### Bay windows and special shapes Each section of a bay fitted with its own frame so the panels clear each other. Arches, angles and very tall windows are made to the shape. --- ## Choose your louvres and details - **Louvre size:** 63 mm (2.5") for smaller windows and a traditional look; 89 mm (3.5") for most windows and a clearer view; 114 mm (4.5") for large windows and a bold, open feel. Larger louvres need more window depth. - **Tilt control:** a visible front tilt rod (traditional) or a hidden rear tilt rod for a clean face. - **Frames:** inside the window opening where the depth allows, or on the face of the trim for shallow or out-of-square windows. - **Colours:** whites and off-whites in our standard palette, custom paint matches on request, and stains on hardwood. --- ## How we make and fit them We measure every window ourselves, three times across and three down, and note depth, trim and anything out of square. Older Atlantic homes are rarely square, and a shutter shows it more than any blind, so the frame is built to take up the difference. Your shutters are made to those measurements and fitted by our own crews, in Halifax and across the four Atlantic provinces. They hang the panels, adjust every hinge until the louvres meet cleanly, and show you how to care for them. --- ## The honest trade-offs - **Shutters cost more up front** than most blinds and shades. Over their life, they often cost less per year. - **They are not blackout.** Closed louvres block most light, but some gets through at the edges and between louvres. For a dark bedroom, pair shutters with a blackout roller shade behind, or choose blackout shades instead. - **Panels need room to swing.** Check that furniture, window cranks and handles leave space for the panels to open. - **They are not for every window.** Patio doors are usually better with sliding coverings, and very tight bathroom windows with a simple faux wood blind. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### How much do plantation shutters cost in Atlantic Canada? Custom plantation shutters typically cost about $35 to $60 per square foot installed in Canada, which works out to roughly $400 to $1,200 for an average window. Hardwood, special shapes and larger louvres cost more. Your free consultation gives you an exact, written quote. ### Are plantation shutters worth it? For rooms where you want lasting light control, privacy and a finished look, yes. Shutters last far longer than blinds or shades, add a layer of insulation, suit heritage and modern homes alike, and are usually included when a home is sold. ### Wood or composite shutters: which is better? Hardwood shutters are lighter, allow wider panels and suit living rooms and bedrooms, especially in stained finishes. Composite shutters resist moisture completely, so they are better for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and coastal homes. Many homes use both in the same colour. ### Do shutters help keep a house warm? Yes. Closed shutters add a solid layer between the window and the room, reducing drafts and heat loss, especially from older windows. Cellular shades insulate more, but shutters help noticeably, particularly when the frame is fitted tightly. ### Are plantation shutters good for bathrooms? Composite shutters are excellent in bathrooms because humidity and steam do not affect them. Tier-on-tier or a divider rail lets you keep privacy at the bottom and light at the top. ### Can shutters go on a bay window? Yes. Each section of the bay gets its own frame and panels, sized so they open without hitting each other. Shutters are one of the most popular choices for bay windows. ### Can you fit shutters on old, out-of-square windows? Yes. We measure each window at several points and build the frame to take up the difference, or mount the frame on the face of the trim so the shutter looks square even when the window is not. ### Are shutters blackout? No. Closed louvres block most light but not all. For full darkness in a bedroom, add a blackout roller shade behind the shutters or choose a blackout shade. --- **Pairs well with:** [Roller shades (as a blackout layer)](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/) · [Wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/wood-blinds/) · [Faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/) **Read next:** [Window coverings for heritage homes](/en-ca/blog/window-coverings-for-heritage-homes/) · [Inspiration](/en-ca/inspiration/) **[Book a consultation]** *Free. No obligation. Most quotes the same day.* --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/aluminum-venetian-blinds/ # Aluminum venetian blinds Slim, precise, and very hard to wear out. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is an aluminum venetian blind? An aluminum venetian blind is a horizontal blind made of thin, slightly curved aluminum slats that tilt to adjust light and raise to clear the window. Slats are usually 16 mm or 25 mm wide. Aluminum blinds are durable, moisture-proof, affordable and give very fine control over the angle of light. --- ## Small slats, big control Aluminum blinds are the quiet achievers of the window covering world. They take up almost no space, they fit shallow window frames where other products cannot go, and they let you set the light exactly where you want it, slat by slat. They also do not mind moisture, they do not rust, and they wipe clean. That makes them a favourite for basements, laundry rooms, home offices and commercial spaces from Dartmouth office parks to clinics in Corner Brook. --- ## Options - **Slat width:** 16 mm (5/8") for a fine, minimal look; 25 mm (1") for standard use - **Colours:** whites, silvers, greys, black, and a range of solid colours - **Finish:** matte, satin and perforated (micro-holes for a softened view through closed slats) - **Operation:** wand tilt with cordless lift (standard); motorized tilt for commercial projects - **Hold-down brackets** for doors --- ## Where aluminum blinds work best - Basements and laundry rooms - Home offices - Door windows and narrow sidelights - Rentals and condos - Offices, clinics and commercial spaces --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Are aluminum blinds good for bathrooms? Yes. Aluminum blinds do not absorb moisture, rust or warp, so they work well in bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. They wipe clean with a damp cloth. ### What is the difference between venetian and mini blinds? "Venetian blind" describes any horizontal slatted blind. "Mini blind" usually means a venetian blind with narrow 25 mm (1") slats. Our aluminum venetian blinds come in 16 mm and 25 mm slats, so they include what most people call mini blinds. ### Are aluminum blinds good for offices? Yes. Aluminum venetian blinds are durable, affordable, easy to maintain and give precise glare control on screens, which is why they are common in offices, clinics and schools. ### How much do aluminum blinds cost? Custom aluminum venetian blinds typically cost about $150 to $400 per window installed, making them one of the most affordable custom options. ### Do aluminum blinds dent easily? Thin slats can crease if bent hard, but quality aluminum blinds hold up well in normal use. A bent slat can usually be replaced without replacing the whole blind. --- **Pairs well with:** [Faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/) · [Offices and retail](/en-ca/commercial/offices-and-retail/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/ # Cellular shades Keep the heat you paid for. **[Get a comfort quote: book a free measure]** --- ## What is a cellular shade? A cellular shade, also called a honeycomb shade, is a fabric shade made of rows of hexagonal pockets. Those pockets trap a layer of still air between the glass and the room, which slows heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Cellular shades are the most insulating everyday window covering available. --- ## Why cellular shades are our best seller in Atlantic Canada Most of the homes we measure were built before modern windows. A 1950s bungalow in the West End of Halifax, a farmhouse outside Truro, a row house in St. John's that has stood up to a hundred winters of wind. Windows are where those houses lose heat, and in a region with some of the highest home energy costs in Canada, that heat is money. The US Department of Energy tested cellular shades in real homes and found they can cut heating energy use by up to 20% compared with uncovered windows, and save up to 15% on total heating and cooling energy. That is not a marketing figure; it is a government lab study. People notice it first as comfort. The cold that falls off the glass and pools on the floor near the window on a January night, the draft you feel on the back of your neck on the couch. Close a well-fitted cellular shade and most of that goes away. --- ## Single cell or double cell? | | Single cell | Double cell | |---|---|---| | Insulation | Good | Better: two layers of trapped air | | Look | Crisp, larger pleats | Fuller, slightly deeper | | Best for | Most rooms, moderate climates, budget-conscious whole-home orders | Coldest rooms, north-facing windows, older single-pane or drafty windows, Labrador and exposed coastal homes | --- ## Choose your light level - **Sheer and light-filtering.** Soft, glowing daylight with privacy. Living rooms, kitchens, dens. - **Room-darkening.** Most light blocked. TV rooms, guest rooms. - **Blackout.** A foil or blackout liner inside the cell blocks light and adds insulation. Bedrooms, nurseries, shift workers. --- ## Choose how it opens - **Cordless.** Lift and lower by hand. Child and pet safe. Our most common choice. - **Top-down bottom-up.** Lower the top for daylight and sky while the bottom stays closed for privacy. Brilliant for street-facing rooms and bathrooms, and for making the most of short winter days. - **Day-night.** Two fabrics in one shade: light-filtering on top, blackout on the bottom. - **Motorized.** By remote, wall switch, app, schedule or voice. - **Vertical cellular.** For patio doors. Glides side to side on a track. [See patio door options](/en-ca/solutions/patio-door-blinds/). --- ## Getting the most energy savings The shade only insulates the window it covers. Three things make the difference between a good result and a great one: 1. **Fit.** An inside mount with tight side clearance, or an outside mount that overlaps the frame, keeps air from looping around the edges. 2. **Side channels.** Slim tracks along the sides of the window seal the edges. They add the most for blackout and for the coldest rooms. 3. **Habit.** Close shades at dusk in winter. Open them on sunny winter days to let free solar heat in. Motorized shades on a schedule do this for you. Pair cellular shades with a heat pump and you get a room that holds its temperature on the coldest nights. [Read: blinds and heat pumps](/en-ca/blog/blinds-and-heat-pumps/). --- ## The honest trade-offs - Cellular shades do not tilt like a blind. To let in light you raise them, or use top-down bottom-up. - Very large patio doors are better served by vertical cellular or a different product. - Pleats can collect dust in kitchens with a lot of cooking. A quick vacuum with a brush attachment every few weeks keeps them clean. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Do cellular shades really save energy? Yes. A US Department of Energy study found cellular shades can reduce heating energy use by up to 20% compared with bare windows, and total heating and cooling energy by up to 15%. Savings depend on fit, the number of cells, and closing the shades at night in winter. ### Are cellular shades worth it? For most Atlantic Canadian homes, yes. They insulate better than any blind, they are cordless and child-safe, they come in blackout, and they cost about the same as many quality blinds. They are especially worth it in older homes and rooms that feel cold or drafty near the windows. ### Single cell or double cell: which is better? Double cell insulates better and suits the coldest rooms, north-facing windows and older, drafty windows. Single cell is a little less expensive, looks crisper and is plenty for most rooms in newer homes with good windows. ### Are cellular shades good for blackout? Yes. Blackout cellular shades use a liner inside the cell to block light completely, and add insulation at the same time. For a fully dark room, add side channels to seal the light gaps at the edges. ### What does top-down bottom-up mean? A top-down bottom-up shade can be lowered from the top as well as raised from the bottom. You can cover the lower half of a window for privacy while letting daylight in through the top, which is useful for street-facing rooms and bathrooms. ### How much do cellular shades cost? Custom cellular shades range from about $200 to more than $1,200 per window installed in Canada. Single-cell, light-filtering shades sit at the lower end; double-cell, blackout, top-down bottom-up and motorized shades cost more. ### Do cellular shades help with a heat pump? Yes. Heat pumps work best in rooms that hold heat well. Closing cellular shades at night reduces heat loss through the glass, so the heat pump runs less hard on cold nights and the room stays more comfortable. ### How do you clean cellular shades? Dust them with a vacuum on low using a brush attachment, or use a hair dryer on cool to blow dust out of the cells. Spot-clean marks with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking them. --- **Pairs well with:** [Energy-efficient blinds](/en-ca/solutions/energy-efficient-blinds/) · [Blackout solutions](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) · [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/) **Read next:** [Are cellular shades worth it?](/en-ca/blog/are-cellular-shades-worth-it/) · [Blinds and heat pumps](/en-ca/blog/blinds-and-heat-pumps/) **[Get a comfort quote: book a free measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/ # Faux wood blinds The look of painted wood, built for steam, salt air and real life. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a faux wood blind? A faux wood blind is a horizontal blind with slats made from PVC or a wood-polymer composite, finished to look like painted or stained wood. Faux wood resists moisture, warping and fading, which makes it the practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and humid coastal homes. --- ## The workhorse of Atlantic homes If you walk through enough houses in this region you learn something about moisture. It is in the bathroom after a shower, in the kitchen over the kettle, in the basement every spring, and in the cottage on the Northumberland Strait that sits closed up from October to May. Real wood does not love any of that. Faux wood does not care. It will not warp, it will not crack, and it wipes clean. In a crisp white it looks almost identical to painted wood from across the room, which is why it is the blind we fit most in kitchens and bathrooms, and in family homes where kids and pets treat window coverings as optional. --- ## Options - **Slat width:** 5 cm (2") standard, 6.3 cm (2.5") for a plantation look on larger windows - **Finish:** smooth whites and off-whites (most popular), embossed wood-grain stains, greys - **Cloth tapes:** for a softer look and less light through the cord holes - **Route-less slats:** better privacy and darkness - **Operation:** cordless lift with wand tilt (our standard); motorized tilt --- ## Where faux wood blinds work best - Bathrooms and ensuites - Kitchens, especially over the sink - Laundry rooms and mudrooms - Basements - Cottages and seasonal homes - Kids' rooms and high-traffic family rooms - Rental units (durable and easy to replace) --- ## The honest trade-offs - Faux wood is heavier than real wood. On very wide windows (over about 1.8 m) we split it into two blinds so it stays easy to lift. - Up close, stained faux wood does not have the depth of real grain. In white, it is very hard to tell. - Like any slatted blind, it lets a little light through when closed. Not for blackout. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Are faux wood blinds good for bathrooms? Yes. Faux wood blinds are one of the best choices for bathrooms because they do not absorb moisture, warp or crack in humidity, and they wipe clean easily. They are also a good choice for kitchens, laundry rooms and basements. ### Do faux wood blinds look cheap? Not when they are made well and fitted properly. A quality faux wood blind in white or off-white looks very close to painted wood. Custom sizing, a matching valance and cloth tapes all help them look finished. ### What is the difference between faux wood and real wood blinds? Faux wood blinds are made from PVC or composite and resist moisture; real wood blinds are made from hardwood and are lighter and warmer-looking. Faux wood is better in humid rooms; real wood is better on wide windows and in heritage living spaces. ### Are faux wood blinds good for coastal homes? Yes. Faux wood holds up well to humidity and salt air, and will not warp in a damp cottage that is closed up for the winter. Pair it with corrosion-resistant hardware in waterfront homes. ### How much do faux wood blinds cost? Custom faux wood blinds typically cost about $200 to $500 per window installed, depending on size and options. They are one of the best-value custom products we make. ### How do I clean faux wood blinds? Dust them with a microfibre cloth, or wipe them with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Unlike real wood, faux wood can be wiped down with water. --- **Pairs well with:** [Wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/wood-blinds/) · [Aluminum venetian blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/aluminum-venetian-blinds/) **Read next:** [Best blinds for bathrooms and kitchens](/en-ca/blog/best-blinds-for-bathrooms-and-kitchens/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/ # Motorized blinds and smart shades Set it once. Forget about it. **[Book a smart home consultation]** --- ## What are motorized blinds? Motorized blinds are blinds or shades with a quiet electric motor built into the headrail or roller tube, so they open and close at the touch of a remote, a wall switch, a phone app, a schedule or a voice command. Our motorized systems work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, and run on rechargeable batteries or a hardwired power supply. --- ## Why people motorize **The window you cannot reach.** The tall living room window over the stairs. The kitchen window behind the sink. The skylight. The bank of windows behind a sectional sofa. This is where most people start. **The schedule.** Shades that close at sunset in winter to keep heat in and open on sunny winter mornings to let free solar heat in. Bedroom blackouts that open slowly at 7 a.m. instead of an alarm. Living room shades that lower when the low afternoon sun hits the TV. **Safety.** No cords at all, anywhere. Peace of mind for families with small children and pets. **Away from home.** Shades that move on a schedule make a house look lived-in when you are at the cottage or wintering somewhere warmer. --- ## What you can motorize Almost everything we make: - [Roller](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/) and [solar shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/solar-shades/) (the easiest and most popular) - [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/), including top-down bottom-up - [Zebra blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/zebra-blinds/) - [Sheer shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/sheer-shades/) - [Roman shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/) - [Wood](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/wood-blinds/) and [faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/) (motorized tilt) - Dual rollers: solar in front, blackout behind, each with its own motor --- ## Ways to control them | Control | What it is | Good for | |---|---|---| | Handheld remote | Single or multi-channel, controls one shade or groups | Everyone, as a base | | Wall switch | Battery-powered, sticks anywhere, no wiring | Bedrooms, main living areas | | Phone app | Control from anywhere, set schedules and scenes | Most homes | | Voice | Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (Siri) | Hands-free households | | Sun and temperature sensors | Shades react to direct sun or room heat | South- and west-facing rooms | | Home automation systems | Integration with Control4, Crestron and similar on request | Custom smart homes | --- ## Power: rechargeable or hardwired? **Rechargeable battery motors** are what we fit in most homes. The battery sits inside the tube or headrail and typically lasts several months between charges with normal daily use. You recharge it with a USB cable, or add a small solar panel that clips behind the shade and keeps it topped up. No electrician, no wall damage. **Hardwired motors** run on low-voltage power and never need charging. They are best planned during a new build or renovation, while the walls are open. Builders and electricians: [we provide wiring specifications](/en-ca/commercial/developers-and-builders/). **Cold-weather note:** lithium batteries lose some capacity in cold. On a frosty north-facing window in a Labrador City or Corner Brook winter, or in an unheated sunroom, expect to charge a little more often, or choose a solar panel or hardwired motor. --- ## How we do it We make your shades and fit the motor in our Halifax workshop, pair and test it on the bench, then install it, set its upper and lower limits, connect it to your app and voice assistant, and set up your first schedules with you before we leave. If you change your router or your phone, call us and we will walk you through reconnecting. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Do motorized blinds work with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit? Yes. Atlantic Shades motorized blinds and shades work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit through a small hub or bridge, and can also be controlled with a remote, wall switch, phone app or automatic schedule. ### How much do motorized blinds cost? Motorized blinds typically cost about $450 to $1,200 per window installed in Canada, roughly $200 to $500 more than the same blind with a manual lift. A hub for app and voice control is a one-time cost of about $100 to $300 and runs every shade in the house. ### Are motorized blinds worth it? For hard-to-reach windows, homes with children, large glass areas and anyone who wants automatic schedules for energy savings, yes. For an easy-to-reach window you open once a day, a manual cordless shade is often enough. Many homeowners motorize only the windows that matter most. [Read: are motorized blinds worth it?](/en-ca/blog/motorized-blinds-cost-and-worth-it/) ### Do I need an electrician for motorized blinds? Usually not. Most of our motorized blinds use rechargeable battery motors that need no wiring. Hardwired motors need power at the window and are best planned during a renovation or new build. ### How long does the battery last in motorized blinds? With normal use, once or twice a day, a rechargeable motor battery typically lasts several months between charges. Large, heavy shades and very cold windows use battery faster. An optional solar panel keeps the battery charged automatically. ### Can I motorize my existing blinds? Generally no. Motors need to be built into the blind or shade, and retrofitting blinds made by others rarely works well. We can quote new motorized shades for just the windows that matter most. ### Are motorized blinds noisy? Modern motors are quiet, typically a soft hum for a few seconds. Our quietest motors are designed for bedrooms. We can demonstrate them at your measure or in our showroom. ### What happens in a power outage? Battery motors keep working in a power outage because they do not rely on household power. Wi-Fi and voice control may not work until the internet is back, but the remote and wall switch still will. ### Can motorized blinds help with heating bills? Yes, if you use schedules. Closing cellular or blackout shades automatically at sunset in winter, and opening them on sunny winter mornings for free solar heat, makes the energy savings happen every day without you having to remember. --- **Pairs well with:** [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) · [Skylights and large windows](/en-ca/solutions/skylight-and-large-window-blinds/) · [Child-safe blinds](/en-ca/solutions/cordless-child-safe-blinds/) **Read next:** [Are motorized blinds worth it?](/en-ca/blog/motorized-blinds-cost-and-worth-it/) · [Smart blinds for Google, Alexa and HomeKit](/en-ca/blog/smart-blinds-google-alexa-homekit/) **[Book a smart home consultation]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/ # Roller shades The simplest window covering there is, made properly. One clean panel of fabric that rolls up out of sight. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a roller shade? A roller shade is a single piece of fabric wound around a tube at the top of the window. Pull it down and it covers the glass; lift it and it rolls back up into a slim roll or a cassette. Roller shades come in fabrics from sheer to full blackout and are often called roller blinds in Canada. --- ## Why roller shades are so popular They do one job and do it cleanly. No slats to dust, no stacks of fabric at the top of the window, and when they are up, they practically disappear. That suits modern condos in downtown Halifax and Moncton as much as it suits a 1960s bungalow in Lower Sackville that just needs something tidy and dependable. They are also the most flexible product we make. The same mechanism carries a light, airy sheer for a kitchen, a solar screen for a glare-heavy office, or a heavy blackout for a bedroom that gets the 5:30 a.m. June sunrise. --- ## Choose your fabric ### Light-filtering Softens daylight and gives daytime privacy. Silhouettes may show at night with lights on. Best for living rooms, kitchens and home offices. ### Room-darkening Blocks most light. A good choice for TV rooms and guest rooms. ### Blackout Blocks light through the fabric completely. On its own it still leaves thin gaps at the edges. For a truly dark room, add side channels or mount the shade outside the frame so it overlaps the opening. [More on blackout](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/). ### Solar screen A woven fabric with a measured openness (1%, 3%, 5% or 10%) that cuts glare and heat while keeping the view. These have their own page: [solar shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/solar-shades/). ### Moisture-resistant Polyester and PVC-coated fabrics for bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and coastal cottages where the air is always a little damp. --- ## Choose how it looks at the top - **Standard roll.** The fabric roll is visible at the top. Clean and minimal. - **Reverse roll.** The fabric comes off the front of the roll, standing slightly away from the window. Clears handles and cranks on casement windows, which are common in Atlantic homes. - **Cassette or valance.** A slim cover hides the roll. Neat in a living room, and helps block light at the top. - **Recessed pocket.** For new builds and renovations, the shade disappears into the ceiling or a bulkhead. --- ## Choose how it operates - **Cordless.** Lift and lower by hand from the bottom rail. Simple, and safe around children and pets. - **Continuous loop chain.** A beaded chain on one side, tensioned to the wall to meet Health Canada's cord safety rules. Best for larger, heavier shades. - **Motorized.** By remote, wall switch, app, schedule or voice. [See motorized options](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/). --- ## Where roller shades work best - **Bedrooms and nurseries,** in blackout with side channels - **Kitchens and bathrooms,** in moisture-resistant fabric - **Condos and modern homes,** where a clean line matters - **Large windows and patio doors,** as two or three shades side by side - **Offices,** as solar or light-filtering shades with motorized zones --- ## The honest trade-offs - A roller shade is either up, down or somewhere in between. It does not tilt to direct light like a blind. If you want privacy and daylight at the same time, look at [zebra blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/zebra-blinds/) or top-down bottom-up [cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/). - A single layer of fabric does not insulate as well as cellular. For a cold, drafty room, cellular wins. - Very wide windows (over about 3 m) may need two shades or a premium wide-roll fabric. --- ## How we make them Fabric is cut square on a long table, fitted to an aluminum tube sized for its weight and width so it does not sag, and hemmed with a weighted bottom rail so it hangs straight. Every shade is rolled up and down on a test frame in our Halifax workshop before it leaves, to check that the fabric tracks true and the edges stay clean. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between roller shades and roller blinds? There is no real difference. "Roller shade" and "roller blind" describe the same product: a single panel of fabric that rolls onto a tube at the top of the window. In Canada and the UK, "roller blind" is more common in conversation; "roller shade" is the industry term. ### Are roller shades good for blackout? Yes. Blackout roller shades are one of the most effective ways to darken a bedroom. The fabric blocks light completely; to stop the thin strips of light at the edges, add side channels or mount the shade outside the window frame so it overlaps the opening by a few centimetres on each side. ### Do roller shades keep heat in? A little. A single layer of fabric close to the glass reduces drafts and heat loss somewhat, and blackout fabrics do better than sheer. For real insulation in a cold Atlantic winter, cellular shades are the better choice. ### How much do custom roller shades cost? Custom roller shades typically cost about $260 to $665 per window installed in Canada, depending on size and fabric. Blackout, cassettes and motorization add to the price. Your free measure gives you an exact quote. ### Can roller shades be motorized? Yes. Roller shades are the easiest product to motorize. Rechargeable motors fit inside the tube, so there is nothing extra to see, and they work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. ### Are roller shades good for bathrooms? Yes, in a moisture-resistant polyester or vinyl-coated fabric. These resist mould and do not warp, which makes them a good fit for bathrooms, laundry rooms and coastal cottages. ### How do I clean a roller shade? Lower it fully and dust it with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum on low with a soft brush. Spot-clean marks with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let it dry fully before rolling it up. --- **Pairs well with:** [Blackout solutions](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) · [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/) · [Solar shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/solar-shades/) **Read next:** [Zebra blinds vs roller shades](/en-ca/blog/zebra-blinds-vs-roller-shades/) · [Best blinds for bedrooms](/en-ca/blog/best-blackout-blinds-for-bedrooms/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/ # Roman shades Tailored folds of fabric, sewn by hand in Halifax. **[Book a design consultation]** --- ## What is a Roman shade? A Roman shade is a fabric window shade that folds up into neat horizontal pleats as it is raised, and lies flat or softly folded when lowered. Unlike a roller shade it stacks at the top of the window rather than rolling, and it is usually lined for warmth, light control and a finished look from the street. --- ## Why Roman shades suit Atlantic homes There is a reason Roman shades show up so often in the heritage homes of Halifax's South End, Saint John's Uptown, downtown Charlottetown and downtown Fredericton. They have the softness of drapery without the bulk, and they sit comfortably within deep old window casings and against original trim. They are also warm. A Roman shade with a thermal lining, mounted snugly, adds a real layer against a drafty old sash window. This is the product where our workshop matters most. Roman shades are sewn, not just assembled. Every fold is measured and stitched by hand on our bench in Halifax. --- ## Choose a fold style - **Flat (classic).** Crisp, clean folds that lie flat when lowered. Shows off a patterned fabric best. - **Hobbled (waterfall).** Soft, cascading folds that stay layered even when lowered. Traditional and full. - **Relaxed (European).** A gentle curve at the bottom edge. Casual and soft. Best on narrower windows. - **Tailored with banding.** A contrast border along the sides or bottom. Sharp in modern rooms. --- ## Choose a lining | Lining | What it does | Best for | |---|---|---| | Unlined | Light and airy, fabric glows in the sun | Kitchens, where you want soft light | | Privacy lining | Daytime and night privacy, protects the fabric from fading | Living and dining rooms | | Thermal lining | Added insulation, helps against drafts | Older homes, north-facing rooms | | Blackout lining | Blocks light through the fabric | Bedrooms, nurseries | Lining also protects the face fabric from the sun, so your shade keeps its colour longer on south and west windows. --- ## Fabrics Linens and linen-blends, cottons, textured weaves, performance fabrics that resist stains and fading, and your own fabric (COM, customer's own material), subject to our review of weight and suitability. Designers: ask about our [trade program](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/). --- ## Operation - **Cordless.** Lift and lower from the bottom rail. Child-safe and our standard. - **Continuous loop.** For larger, heavier shades. Tensioned to the wall to meet Health Canada rules. - **Motorized.** Quiet and smooth, especially worthwhile on tall heritage windows. --- ## The honest trade-offs - Roman shades stack at the top of the window, so they cover a few centimetres of glass even when fully raised. On short windows, an outside mount above the frame lets the stack clear the glass. - They cost more than roller and cellular shades because they are sewn. - Natural linens soften and can move slightly with humidity. In bathrooms and damp rooms choose a performance or polyester fabric. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between Roman shades and roller shades? A Roman shade folds up into fabric pleats that stack at the top of the window, while a roller shade rolls around a tube. Roman shades look softer and more tailored, and are usually lined. Roller shades are slimmer, simpler, cost less and clear the window more completely when raised. ### Are Roman shades good for bedrooms? Yes. With a blackout lining, Roman shades darken a bedroom well and add warmth. For complete darkness, mount the shade outside the frame so it overlaps the edges, since some light can enter at the sides. ### Are Roman shades energy efficient? They can be. A Roman shade with a thermal or blackout lining, mounted snugly, adds a good layer of insulation against drafty windows. Cellular shades still insulate more, but lined Roman shades are a strong, attractive option for older homes. ### Can I use my own fabric for Roman shades? Often, yes. We review customer-supplied fabric for weight, width and suitability before accepting it. Interior designers regularly specify their own fabrics through our trade program. ### How much do custom Roman shades cost? Custom Roman shades typically cost about $400 to $1,100 per window installed, depending on size, fabric, fold style and lining. Customer-supplied fabric and motorization change the price. ### How do I clean Roman shades? Vacuum regularly on low with a brush attachment and spot-clean with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, ask us; most lined Roman shades should be professionally cleaned rather than washed. --- **Pairs well with:** [Sheer shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/sheer-shades/) · [Wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/wood-blinds/) · [Trade program](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/) **Read next:** [Window coverings for heritage homes](/en-ca/blog/window-coverings-for-heritage-homes/) **[Book a design consultation]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/sheer-shades/ # Sheer shades The softness of a sheer curtain with the control of a blind. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a sheer shade? A sheer shade is a window shade made of soft fabric vanes suspended between two layers of sheer fabric. Tilt the vanes open and light filters gently through the sheers; tilt them closed for privacy; roll the whole shade up into the headrail for a clear window. It combines the look of a sheer curtain with the control of a horizontal blind. --- ## Light, softened Some rooms do not need blocking. They need softening. A dining room that gets the low afternoon sun, a front room on a busy street, a primary bedroom where you want the morning light to arrive gently rather than all at once. Sheer shades turn harsh light into a warm glow. In the short days of an Atlantic winter, when you want every minute of daylight you can get, that is worth a lot. You get privacy without sitting in shadow. --- ## Options - **Vane size:** 5 cm vanes for smaller windows and a delicate look, 7.5 cm for larger windows and a more generous feel - **Opacity:** light-filtering vanes, or room-darkening vanes for bedrooms - **Colour:** whites, creams, linen tones, greys and soft taupes - **Operation:** cordless or tensioned continuous loop; motorized - **Top treatment:** slim cassette that hides the rolled shade --- ## Where sheer shades work best - Living and dining rooms - Primary bedrooms (with room-darkening vanes, or paired with drapery) - Front rooms on busy streets - Bay windows, as a set of matched shades --- ## The honest trade-offs - Sheer shades are a premium product and cost more than roller or zebra. - The sheer fabric is delicate. They are not the right choice for homes with cats that climb or for very busy kids' rooms. - They do not insulate like cellular shades and are not blackout. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between sheer shades and zebra blinds? Sheer shades have soft fabric vanes that tilt between two sheer layers, giving a softer, more curtain-like look. Zebra blinds have flat alternating bands that slide past each other. Sheer shades feel more luxurious and filter light more gently; zebra blinds are crisper and cost less. ### Do sheer shades give privacy? Yes, when the vanes are closed they give good daytime privacy. With lights on at night, light-filtering vanes will glow and may show shapes, so for bedrooms choose room-darkening vanes or add a second layer. ### Are sheer shades good for bedrooms? They can be, with room-darkening vanes, but they are not true blackout. For a bedroom that must be dark for sleep, choose blackout roller or blackout cellular shades. ### How much do sheer shades cost? Custom sheer shades typically cost about $350 to $900 per window installed, depending on size and fabric. They are one of our more premium products. ### Can sheer shades be motorized? Yes. Motorized sheer shades can tilt and lift on command or on a schedule, and work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. ### How do I clean sheer shades? Dust them gently with a feather duster or a vacuum on the lowest setting with a soft brush. Spot-clean only with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners on the sheer fabric. --- **Pairs well with:** [Roman shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/) · [Privacy solutions](/en-ca/solutions/privacy-blinds/) · [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/solar-shades/ # Solar shades Keep the view. Lose the glare. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a solar shade? A solar shade is a roller shade made from a tightly woven screen fabric that blocks a set percentage of sunlight while you can still see out. The fabric is rated by "openness": a 3% solar shade lets through about 3% of direct light and blocks the rest, cutting glare, heat and most UV rays. --- ## Made for low Atlantic sun Here is a fact most people in the region feel without knowing: at noon on December 21 the sun is only about 22 degrees above the horizon in Halifax, and 19 degrees in St. John's. At that angle, sunlight does not land on the floor by the window. It travels straight across the room into your eyes, onto the TV, and across the screen you are trying to work on. Overhangs and deep eaves do nothing about it. Heavy blinds fix the glare but block the harbour, the lake or the field you bought the house to look at. Solar shades are the answer we fit most for this. They cut the glare and keep the view. [See the winter sun angle for your town](/en-ca/atlantic-light/). --- ## Choosing the right openness | Openness | What it does | Best for | |---|---|---| | 1% | Blocks about 99% of direct light. Strong glare control, softer view. | South and west windows that take direct low sun, TV rooms, screen-heavy offices | | 3% | The most popular balance. Strong glare control with a clear view by day. | Living rooms, kitchens, most offices | | 5% | A clearer view, moderate glare control. | East and north windows, rooms with less direct sun | | 10% | Maximum view, light control. | Shaded windows, where you mainly want to soften light | **Colour matters too.** Darker fabrics give the clearest view out and reduce glare more. Lighter fabrics reflect more heat back out but the view through them is softer. Many homeowners choose a dark interior colour for the view and accept a little less heat rejection. --- ## What solar shades do not do Be clear about this before you buy: - **Night privacy.** At night, with the lights on inside, people outside can see in through a solar shade. For bedrooms and street-facing rooms, pair it with a blackout or privacy layer, or choose a [dual roller](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/) that carries both. - **Insulation.** Solar fabric is a thin, open weave. It does little to keep heat in during winter. For a cold room, [cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) are the better choice. - **Darkness.** Solar shades are not for sleeping. --- ## Where solar shades work best - Waterfront and lakefront living rooms - South- and west-facing kitchens and family rooms - Home offices with screen glare - Glass-heavy condos and offices downtown - Sunrooms (with a second, insulating layer for winter evenings) --- ## Options - **Cassette or fascia** to hide the roll - **Dual roller:** solar shade in front, blackout behind, on one bracket - **Side channels** for maximum glare control - **Motorization,** including sun-sensor automation that lowers shades when direct sun hits the glass - **Fire-rated solar fabrics** for commercial projects, available on request --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best openness for solar shades? For most Atlantic Canadian homes, 3% openness is the best balance of glare control and view. Choose 1% for south- or west-facing windows that take strong, low winter sun, and 5% for east or north windows where you mainly want a clear view with some softening. ### Can people see in through solar shades at night? Yes. At night, when it is darker outside than inside, people can see in through solar shades. For night privacy, add a second layer, such as a blackout roller behind the solar shade on a dual bracket, or choose a different product for street-facing rooms. ### Do solar shades block UV rays? Yes. Solar shades block a large share of ultraviolet light, roughly matching their openness: a 3% shade blocks about 97% of UV. That helps protect floors, furniture and artwork from fading in sunny rooms. ### Do solar shades keep a room cooler? Yes. Solar shades block much of the sun's heat before it spreads into the room, which helps on south and west windows in summer. Lighter colours reflect more heat; darker colours give a clearer view. ### Are solar shades good for winter? Solar shades are excellent for winter glare, which is a big problem in Atlantic Canada because the sun is so low. They do not insulate much, so in cold rooms pair them with a cellular shade or choose a dual system. ### Do dark or light solar shades work better? Dark solar shades give a clearer view out and reduce glare more. Light solar shades reflect more heat but the view through them is softer and they can glow in direct sun. For most homes with a view, we recommend a dark interior colour. ### How much do solar shades cost? Custom solar shades usually cost about $280 to $700 per window installed, depending on size, fabric and openness. Dual rollers and motorization add to the price. --- **Pairs well with:** [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/) · [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) · [Atlantic Light data](/en-ca/atlantic-light/) **Read next:** [Best window coverings for large windows](/en-ca/blog/best-window-coverings-for-large-windows/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/vertical-blinds/ # Vertical blinds Made for doors you actually walk through. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a vertical blind? A vertical blind is a window covering made of individual vanes that hang from a track at the top of the window or door. The vanes rotate to control light and draw to one side or split in the middle to clear the opening. Vertical blinds are the most practical covering for sliding patio doors and very wide windows. --- ## Why verticals still make sense Vertical blinds have a reputation from the clattering plastic versions of the 1990s. The modern versions are different: quieter tracks, softer fabric vanes, cleaner headrails, and wands instead of dangling chains. And for a sliding patio door, they solve a problem other products struggle with. You walk through that door every day. A shade that rolls up from the bottom means raising it every time you let the dog out. A vertical blind slides to the side with one hand, rotates to let in light without opening, and stacks out of the way of the door. That matters in Atlantic homes, where the patio door is often the biggest single piece of glass in the house, and the one that faces the deck, the water or the backyard. --- ## Options - **Vane material:** fabric (soft, quieter, more homelike), PVC (wipe-clean, durable, great for rentals and basements), or embossed PVC - **Vane width:** 8.9 cm (3.5") standard - **Opacity:** light-filtering or room-darkening - **Stack:** draw to the left, right, or split from the centre - **Control:** wand (cordless, child-safe) or tensioned cord and chain - **Headrail:** standard or low-profile, with an optional fabric-wrapped valance - **Motorization:** available on most track sizes --- ## Alternatives for patio doors Vertical blinds are not the only option. Depending on how you use the door, consider: - **Vertical cellular shades:** insulating honeycomb fabric that glides side to side. Warmer, softer, more expensive. - **Two or three roller shades** side by side: cleanest look, best if the door is not used constantly. - **Panel track shades:** wide fabric panels that slide past each other. Modern and good on very wide openings. [Compare all patio door options](/en-ca/solutions/patio-door-blinds/) --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Are vertical blinds outdated? Not the modern ones. Today's vertical blinds use soft fabric vanes, quieter tracks and wand controls, and remain one of the most practical coverings for sliding patio doors and very wide windows. If you prefer a different look, vertical cellular shades and panel tracks do a similar job. ### What are the best blinds for a sliding patio door? Vertical blinds are usually the most practical because they slide to the side without needing to be raised. Vertical cellular shades are warmer, and side-by-side roller shades look the cleanest. The best choice depends on how often you use the door. ### Fabric or PVC vertical blinds: which is better? Fabric vanes are softer, quieter and look more homelike, which suits living spaces. PVC vanes wipe clean and are very durable, which suits basements, rentals and busy households with pets. ### Do vertical blinds keep heat in? Somewhat, but not as well as cellular shades. If your patio door makes the room cold in winter, a vertical cellular shade insulates much better. ### How much do vertical blinds cost? Custom vertical blinds typically cost about $250 to $615 for a standard window or patio door, installed, depending on size and vane material. --- **Pairs well with:** [Patio door solutions](/en-ca/solutions/patio-door-blinds/) · [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) **Read next:** [Best blinds for sliding patio doors](/en-ca/blog/best-blinds-for-sliding-patio-doors/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/wood-blinds/ # Wood blinds Real wood. Real warmth. Precise light, slat by slat. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a wood blind? A wood blind is a horizontal blind made from real hardwood slats, usually basswood, that tilt to direct light and raise to clear the window. Wood blinds are lighter than faux wood, so they suit wider windows, and they bring a natural grain and warmth that synthetic materials can only imitate. --- ## The character of real wood Wood blinds belong in rooms with personality. A study lined with books. A dining room with original hardwood floors. A den in a Victorian on Young Avenue or a Rothesay family home that has been in the same family for three generations. What wood gives you that nothing else quite does is light you can steer. Tilt the slats up and daylight bounces off the ceiling, filling the room without glare or sight lines from the street. Tilt them down to see out. In a region where the winter sun comes in low, that ability to angle light away from your eyes is genuinely useful. --- ## Options - **Slat width:** 5 cm (2") for most windows; 6.3 cm (2.5") for large windows and a more generous, plantation-style look - **Finish:** painted whites and creams, natural stains, rich walnut and espresso, and grey-washed - **Ladder style:** standard cord ladders, or decorative cloth tapes that hide the route holes and block more light - **Route-less slats:** no holes through the slats, for more privacy and better light blocking - **Valance:** matching wood valance to hide the headrail - **Operation:** cordless lift, or tilt wand with a tensioned lift; motorized tilt --- ## Where wood blinds work best - Living rooms, dining rooms, studies and dens - Bedrooms (with route-less slats and tapes for better darkness) - Heritage homes, where natural materials suit the architecture - Wider windows, where faux wood would be too heavy **Where not:** bathrooms, kitchens near the sink or stove, laundry rooms and basements. Humidity can warp real wood over time. Choose [faux wood](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/) instead. In coastal cottages that sit closed and damp through the winter, faux wood is also the safer choice. --- ## The honest trade-offs - Wood blinds cost more than faux wood. - They are not for wet or humid rooms. - Any slatted blind lets a little light through when closed. They are not blackout. - They are a horizontal blind, which means dusting. A microfibre glove makes it quick. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Are real wood blinds better than faux wood? Real wood blinds are lighter, warmer-looking and suit wider windows and heritage rooms. Faux wood blinds are heavier but resist moisture, so they are better for kitchens, bathrooms and damp rooms. Neither is universally better; it depends on the room. See [wood vs faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blog/wood-vs-faux-wood-blinds/). ### Can wood blinds go in a bathroom? We do not recommend it. Steam and humidity can cause real wood slats to warp or the finish to lift over time. Faux wood or aluminum blinds, or a moisture-resistant shade, are better choices for bathrooms. ### Do wood blinds block light completely? No. Wood blinds block most light when closed, but small amounts pass through the cord holes and between the slats. Route-less slats and cloth tapes reduce this. For full blackout, pair them with drapery or choose a blackout shade. ### What slat size should I choose? Five centimetre (2") slats suit most windows. Larger 6.3 cm (2.5") slats give a more open view when tilted and look better on large windows, though they need enough window depth to tilt without hitting the glass or handles. ### How much do wood blinds cost? Custom wood blinds typically cost about $300 to $750 per window installed, depending on size, finish and options such as cloth tapes or motorized tilt. ### How do I clean wood blinds? Dust regularly with a microfibre cloth or duster, with the slats tilted closed one way, then the other. Avoid water; if needed, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. --- **Pairs well with:** [Roman shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/) · [Faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/faux-wood-blinds/) **Read next:** [Wood vs faux wood blinds](/en-ca/blog/wood-vs-faux-wood-blinds/) · [Window coverings for heritage homes](/en-ca/blog/window-coverings-for-heritage-homes/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/zebra-blinds/ # Zebra blinds Daylight or privacy, with one pull of the chain. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## What is a zebra blind? A zebra blind, also called a day-night or dual shade, is a roller shade made from one continuous loop of fabric with alternating sheer and solid horizontal bands. As you adjust it, the two layers slide past each other. Line the sheer bands up and light filters through; offset them so solid covers sheer and you get privacy. --- ## Why people love them Zebra blinds give you something a regular roller shade cannot: control without raising the shade. On a short December afternoon in Moncton or Dartmouth you can let filtered light pour in while the street still cannot see your living room. At night, one pull and the room is private. They also look sharp. The banded fabric has a modern, layered texture that suits newer homes, condos and townhouses, which is why we fit a lot of them in places like Dieppe, Bedford South, Paradise and Stratford. --- ## What zebra blinds do well, and what they do not **Do well** - Daytime privacy with filtered light - A modern, tailored look - Easy, intuitive operation - Fit in tight window frames (slim headrail) - Motorize beautifully **Do not do well** - **True blackout.** Even "blackout" zebra fabrics leave light through the gaps between bands and at the edges. For a bedroom you want dark, choose a blackout roller or blackout cellular instead, or add a blackout layer behind. - **Insulation.** Two thin layers of fabric help a little. Cellular helps a lot. - **Very large windows.** Over about 2.4 m wide the fabric gets heavy and the bands can bow. Two shades side by side works better. We say this plainly because the most common complaint we hear about zebra blinds bought elsewhere is "I thought they would be dark." Set the right expectation and they are one of the most satisfying products we make. --- ## Options - **Band width:** narrow bands for a finer, subtler texture; wide bands for a bolder look and more light per opening - **Fabric:** light-filtering, semi-blackout, textured linen-look, wood-grain effect - **Top treatment:** open roll, square cassette, or curved cassette - **Operation:** continuous loop chain (tensioned for child safety), cordless spring, or motorized --- ## Where zebra blinds work best - Living rooms and family rooms - Street-facing front rooms - Home offices - Condos and townhouses - Kitchens and dining rooms --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Are zebra blinds good for privacy? Yes, during the day zebra blinds give excellent privacy when the solid bands cover the sheer bands. At night with lights on inside, some light and faint shapes may show through the small gaps, so for street-facing bedrooms consider a blackout roller or cellular shade. ### Are zebra blinds blackout? No, not fully. Even blackout zebra fabrics let light through the small gaps between bands and at the sides. They are best described as room-darkening at most. For a truly dark bedroom, choose blackout roller or blackout cellular shades with side channels. ### Zebra blinds or roller shades: which is better? Zebra blinds are better if you want to adjust light and privacy without raising the shade. Roller shades are better for blackout, very large windows and the cleanest look. See our full comparison: [zebra blinds vs roller shades](/en-ca/blog/zebra-blinds-vs-roller-shades/). ### How much do zebra blinds cost? Custom zebra blinds typically cost about $250 to $520 per window installed in Canada, depending on size, fabric and band style. Cassettes and motorization add to the price. ### Can zebra blinds be motorized? Yes. Zebra blinds motorize very well, and motorized zebra blinds can be set to open to the "sheer" position each morning and close to "private" each evening on a schedule. ### Do zebra blinds keep heat in? A little, because there are two layers of fabric. They do not insulate nearly as well as cellular shades, so for cold or drafty rooms we recommend cellular. ### How do I clean zebra blinds? Dust with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum on low with a brush. Spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak the fabric. --- **Pairs well with:** [Roller shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/) · [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/) · [Privacy solutions](/en-ca/solutions/privacy-blinds/) **Read next:** [Zebra blinds vs roller shades](/en-ca/blog/zebra-blinds-vs-roller-shades/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/ # Start with the problem Most people do not wake up wanting "a cellular shade." They wake up at 5 a.m. in June because the bedroom is bright. Or they sit in a cold draft every January night. Start there and the right product becomes obvious. --- ### [Blackout blinds: for sleep](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) Summer sunrise before 5:30 a.m. Sunset after 9 p.m. Kids, shift workers and light sleepers need real darkness. ### [Energy-efficient blinds: for warmth](/en-ca/solutions/energy-efficient-blinds/) Old windows, high heating bills, a new heat pump. Keep the heat you paid for. ### [Cordless and child-safe blinds: for peace of mind](/en-ca/solutions/cordless-child-safe-blinds/) No reachable cords. Every product, every room. ### [Privacy blinds: for living without being watched](/en-ca/solutions/privacy-blinds/) Street-facing rooms, close neighbours, bathrooms. Privacy without living in the dark. ### [Patio door blinds: for the biggest glass in the house](/en-ca/solutions/patio-door-blinds/) Coverings that slide, stack and get out of the way of the door. ### [Skylights and large windows: for the hard ones](/en-ca/solutions/skylight-and-large-window-blinds/) Tall, wide, angled, overhead. Usually motorized. --- **Still not sure?** That is what the free measure is for. We will look at every window with you and recommend what works, room by room. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/ # Blackout blinds Real darkness, for real sleep. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## Why Atlantic bedrooms need more than "room darkening" On June 21 the sun rises at about 5:29 a.m. in Halifax, 5:03 a.m. in St. John's and 4:34 a.m. in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and it does not set until after 9 p.m. across most of the region, close to 10 p.m. in Labrador City. Light-filtering blinds turn that into a bright room at bedtime and a wide-awake toddler at dawn. "Room darkening" helps. "Blackout" is what you actually want if you are putting a baby down at 7 p.m. in July, working nights at the hospital, or simply sleep better in the dark. --- ## The truth about blackout: it is the edges Blackout fabric blocks light completely. The light that still gets in comes around the fabric: thin bright lines down each side, a strip at the top and a glow under the bottom rail. Here is how we deal with each: 1. **Side channels.** Slim tracks along each side of the window that the shade runs inside. They close the side gaps almost completely. The single biggest upgrade for a dark room. 2. **Outside mount.** Mounting the shade on the wall above and around the frame, overlapping by 5 to 8 cm on each side, blocks most edge light without channels. 3. **Cassette or valance.** Covers the top of the roll so light does not spill over it. 4. **Bottom seal.** A weighted bottom rail that sits right on the sill. --- ## The best blackout products | Product | Darkness | Bonus | |---|---|---| | [Blackout roller shade](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/) + side channels | The darkest | Clean look, easy to motorize | | [Blackout cellular shade](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) + side channels | Very dark | Also the warmest option. Ideal for cold bedrooms. | | [Roman shade](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/) with blackout lining, outside mount | Dark | Soft, tailored look | | Dual roller: light-filtering front, blackout back | Very dark | Daytime light and nighttime dark from one bracket | **Not true blackout:** zebra blinds, sheer shades, and slatted blinds (wood, faux wood, aluminum). They are lovely products, but light gets through the gaps. --- ## Who we fit blackout for most - **Parents of babies and young children.** Naps at 1 p.m. and bedtime at 7 p.m. in June. - **Shift workers.** Nurses, paramedics, plant and port workers, military, and anyone sleeping through daylight. - **Light sleepers and migraine sufferers.** - **Guest rooms and short-term rentals.** Guest reviews mention bright rooms more than almost anything else. - **Home theatres and media rooms.** --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between blackout and room darkening? Blackout fabric blocks essentially all light passing through it. Room-darkening fabric blocks most light, typically 95% to 99%, and leaves a soft glow. For sleeping in long Atlantic summer evenings and early mornings, blackout gives noticeably better results. ### Why do blackout blinds still let light in? Because light gets in around the edges, not through the fabric. A blackout shade mounted inside the window frame leaves small gaps at the sides, top and bottom. Side channels, an outside mount that overlaps the frame, and a cassette at the top close those gaps. ### What are the best blackout blinds for a nursery? Cordless or motorized blackout roller or blackout cellular shades with side channels. They give the darkest room and have no reachable cords, which is the safest choice around babies and young children. ### Do blackout blinds help keep a room warm? Yes. Blackout fabrics are denser than light-filtering fabrics and reduce heat loss somewhat. Blackout cellular shades insulate the best, because they combine a blackout liner with insulating air pockets. ### Can I get blackout and still have daylight during the day? Yes. A dual roller shade carries a light-filtering or solar shade in front and a blackout shade behind on one bracket. Use the light one during the day and the blackout one at night. Day-night cellular shades do the same in one shade. ### How much do blackout blinds cost? Custom blackout roller and cellular shades typically cost about $300 to $800 per window installed, depending on size and product. Side channels add to the price but make the biggest difference to darkness. --- **Read next:** [Best blackout blinds for bedrooms](/en-ca/blog/best-blackout-blinds-for-bedrooms/) · [Atlantic Light data](/en-ca/atlantic-light/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/cordless-child-safe-blinds/ # Cordless and child-safe blinds No reachable cords. Every product. Every room. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## Why this matters Window blind cords have caused strangulation deaths of young children in Canada. In response, Health Canada introduced the Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97), which apply to all corded window coverings sold in Canada from May 1, 2022. In plain terms, the rules say that any cord a child could reach must be no longer than 22 cm, and any loop a child could reach must be no more than 44 cm around. Health Canada set those limits around the size of a one-year-old: short enough that a cord cannot wrap around a child's neck, and small enough that a loop cannot fit over a child's head. All of our products meet these rules. But our default is simpler: in homes with children, we recommend no reachable cords at all. --- ## Our child-safe options ### Cordless lift You raise and lower the shade by hand, from the bottom rail. A spring or clutch inside holds it at any height. Available on roller, cellular, Roman, zebra, sheer, faux wood and wood products. ### Motorized No cords, no chains, nothing to reach. Control by remote, wall switch, app or voice. Ideal for nurseries, kids' rooms and windows behind cribs and beds. [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/). ### Wand control On vertical, faux wood, wood and aluminum blinds, a rigid wand tilts the slats and draws verticals, replacing the old dangling cord. ### Tensioned continuous loop Where a chain loop is needed for very large or heavy shades, it is fixed to the wall with a tension device so it cannot form a free hanging loop. We install the tensioner every time; it is not optional. --- ## Child-safe rooms **Nursery.** Cordless or motorized blackout cellular or roller, with side channels. Darkness for naps, warmth for winter nights, nothing to reach. **Kids' bedrooms.** Cordless blackout, in a tough fabric that survives being yanked on. **Living and family rooms.** Cordless or motorized everything. Keep cribs, beds, sofas and anything climbable away from windows anyway. **Pets, too.** Cats and dogs get tangled in cords. Cordless shades and blinds solve that as well. --- ## Replacing old corded blinds If you have blinds with long pull cords or loose loops made before 2022, Health Canada's advice is that cordless window coverings are the safest choice in homes with young children. If you cannot replace them yet, cut any looped cords, keep cords tied up high and out of reach, and move cribs, beds and furniture away from windows. Replacing the blinds in children's rooms first is the easiest place to start. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Are corded blinds legal in Canada? Corded blinds can still be sold in Canada only if they meet Health Canada's Corded Window Coverings Regulations, in force since May 1, 2022. Any reachable cord must be 22 cm or shorter, and any reachable loop must be 44 cm or less in perimeter. Many older corded blinds do not meet these rules. ### What are the safest blinds for children? Cordless and motorized blinds and shades are the safest because they have no reachable cords. Cordless lift is available on most products, and motorized shades remove cords and chains completely. ### What blinds are best for a nursery? Cordless or motorized blackout cellular or roller shades with side channels. They make the room dark for naps, insulate against cold windows, and have no reachable cords. ### Are cordless blinds hard to use on big windows? Large, heavy cordless shades can be harder to lift, especially if they are high. For big windows, motorization is the easiest and safest option, or the window can be split into two lighter shades. ### Should I replace my old corded blinds? If you have young children or pets and your blinds have long pull cords or loose loops, yes. Start with children's bedrooms and any room where a crib, bed or sofa is near a window. --- **Read next:** [Corded blinds rules in Canada explained](/en-ca/blog/cordless-blinds-rules-canada/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/energy-efficient-blinds/ # Energy-efficient blinds Keep the heat you paid for. **[Get a comfort quote: book a free measure]** --- ## Where your heat goes Windows are the weakest part of most walls. Even a good double-pane window insulates far less than the wall around it, and older single-pane and early double-pane windows, common across Atlantic Canada's older housing, are worse. On a cold, windy night, a window radiates heat out, chills the air beside it, and that cold air drops to the floor and spreads across the room. That is the "draft" people feel even when the window is shut tight. In a region where many households spend more on home energy than the Canadian average, that loss adds up every winter. --- ## What actually works ### 1. Cellular shades (the clear winner) Honeycomb pockets trap still air against the glass. The US Department of Energy found cellular shades can cut heating energy use by up to 20% compared with uncovered windows. Double-cell and blackout cellular insulate the most. [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/). ### 2. Side channels Seal the edges so cold air cannot loop around the shade. On drafty older windows this is often the difference between "a bit better" and "I can sit by the window now." ### 3. Lined Roman shades A thermal lining adds a real layer, with a soft, tailored look. Good for heritage homes where cellular would look out of place. [Roman shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roman-shades/). ### 4. Motorized schedules The best insulating shade does nothing if it is open at midnight. Shades that close at sunset and open on sunny winter mornings (for free solar heat) do the work for you. [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/). ### What does not insulate much Slatted blinds (wood, faux wood, aluminum), solar shades, sheer and zebra shades. Great products, but not for keeping heat in. --- ## Blinds and heat pumps Heat pumps are now everywhere in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick and Newfoundland, and they work best in rooms that hold their heat. On the coldest nights, when a heat pump is working hardest, cutting heat loss through the windows helps it keep up. Cellular shades are the natural next step after a heat pump install. [Read: blinds and heat pumps](/en-ca/blog/blinds-and-heat-pumps/). --- ## Summer, too The same shades that hold heat in during January keep heat out during a humid August afternoon. Close south- and west-facing shades during the hottest part of the day and the room stays noticeably cooler, which means less work for the heat pump in cooling mode. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the most energy-efficient blinds? Cellular (honeycomb) shades are the most energy-efficient everyday window covering. Their air-filled pockets slow heat loss, and the US Department of Energy found they can reduce heating energy by up to 20% compared with bare windows. Double-cell, blackout and side-channel versions perform best. ### Do blinds really keep heat in? Yes, insulating window coverings reduce heat loss through windows, especially at night. How much depends on the product and fit. Cellular shades with side channels make the biggest difference; slatted blinds make very little. ### What are the best blinds for drafty windows? Double-cell cellular shades with side channels, or an outside mount that overlaps the window frame. These trap air against the glass and stop cold air from falling into the room around the edges. ### Are energy-efficient blinds worth it with new windows? Yes, though the gain is smaller than with older windows. Even good modern windows lose much more heat than an insulated wall, and cellular shades still improve comfort near the glass and reduce heat loss at night. ### Are there rebates for energy-efficient blinds in Atlantic Canada? Window coverings are generally not included in provincial efficiency rebate programs, which focus on heat pumps, insulation and windows. Check the current Efficiency Nova Scotia, NB Power, efficiencyPEI and takeCHARGE NL programs, since offers change. --- **Read next:** [Are cellular shades worth it?](/en-ca/blog/are-cellular-shades-worth-it/) · [Blinds and heat pumps](/en-ca/blog/blinds-and-heat-pumps/) **[Get a comfort quote: book a free measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/patio-door-blinds/ # Patio door blinds The biggest piece of glass in the house, covered properly. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## Start with how you use the door **Do you walk through it ten times a day?** You want something that slides to the side without raising: vertical blinds, vertical cellular or panel track. **Do you mostly look through it?** Roller or cellular shades that lift from the bottom are fine and give the cleanest look. **Does the room go cold in winter?** Insulation matters most: vertical cellular, or cellular shades. **Does the deck face south or west?** Glare and heat matter: solar fabric in any of the formats below. --- ## Your options | Option | Opens by | Insulation | Look | Best when | |---|---|---|---|---| | [Vertical blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/vertical-blinds/) | Sliding sideways, vanes rotate | Low | Practical | Door used constantly, budget-conscious | | Vertical cellular shades | Sliding sideways on a track | High | Soft, modern | Cold rooms, frequently used doors | | Panel track shades | Wide panels slide past each other | Low to medium | Modern, architectural | Very wide doors and window walls | | Two or three [roller shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/roller-shades/) side by side | Lifting from the bottom | Low (high with cellular) | Cleanest | Door used less often, or motorized | | [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) side by side | Lifting from the bottom | High | Clean | Cold rooms where the door is used less | --- ## Details that matter on doors - **Handle clearance.** Sliding door handles stick out. We measure them and set the projection so nothing catches. - **Stack space.** Verticals and panel tracks stack to the side when open. If there is a wall beside the door, we extend the track so the stack clears the glass. - **Hold-downs.** On door-mounted blinds, brackets stop the bottom swinging when the door moves. - **Motorization.** Big doors mean big, heavy shades. A motor makes them effortless and keeps cords away from kids and pets. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the best blinds for sliding patio doors? For doors you use often, vertical blinds or vertical cellular shades are the most practical because they slide sideways without needing to be raised. Vertical cellular insulates far better. For doors you mostly look through, side-by-side roller or cellular shades give the cleanest look. ### What is a vertical cellular shade? A vertical cellular shade is an insulating honeycomb shade turned on its side so it glides along a track at the top of a patio door. It opens sideways like a vertical blind but insulates like a cellular shade, and it does not clatter. ### Are vertical blinds the only option for patio doors? No. Vertical cellular shades, panel track shades, and two or three roller or cellular shades side by side all work well. The best choice depends on how often you use the door, how cold the room gets and the look you want. ### How much do patio door blinds cost? Custom patio door coverings typically cost about $400 to $1,500 installed, depending on the product and the width of the door. Vertical blinds are at the lower end; vertical cellular and motorized options at the upper end. --- **Read next:** [Best blinds for sliding patio doors](/en-ca/blog/best-blinds-for-sliding-patio-doors/) **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/privacy-blinds/ # Privacy without living in the dark Winter days here are short. You should not have to choose between privacy and the daylight you get. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- ## The privacy problem in Atlantic homes In older neighbourhoods across the region, houses sit close to the sidewalk and close to each other. Think of the North End of Halifax, downtown Dartmouth, the row houses of St. John's or the Victorian streets of Saint John. In new subdivisions, the house next door can be three metres away. And in December you get under nine hours of daylight in most places, less in Labrador. Closing a blind for privacy at 2 p.m. and sitting under a lamp is not much of a life. These options give you both. --- ## The best privacy options ### Top-down bottom-up shades Lower the top of the shade to let daylight and sky in, while the bottom stays closed so no one can see in from the street or the house next door. The most useful privacy feature there is. Available on [cellular](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) and some Roman shades. ### Zebra blinds Offset the bands for privacy, line them up for filtered light, without raising the shade. [Zebra blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/zebra-blinds/). ### Sheer shades Tilt the vanes closed for privacy and the sheers still glow with soft light. [Sheer shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/sheer-shades/). ### Light-filtering fabrics Light passes through; images do not. Daytime privacy in a roller, cellular or Roman shade, with a bright room. ### Slatted blinds, tilted up Tilting wood or faux wood slats upward sends light to the ceiling while blocking sight lines from below. --- ## A note on night privacy Most light-filtering fabrics give good privacy in daylight. At night, when the room is lit and it is dark outside, the balance flips: silhouettes can show through lighter fabrics and solar shades become see-through. For street-facing bedrooms and bathrooms, choose room-darkening or blackout fabric, or a dual shade with a privacy layer for night. --- ## Bathrooms Top-down bottom-up cellular in a moisture-resistant fabric is our favourite: privacy at the tub or shower level, daylight above. Faux wood blinds tilted up also work well. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What blinds give privacy but let light in? Top-down bottom-up shades, zebra blinds, sheer shades and light-filtering fabrics all give privacy while letting light in. Top-down bottom-up is the most flexible: you can cover the lower part of the window and leave the top open for daylight. ### Can people see through light-filtering blinds at night? Sometimes. At night, with lights on inside, silhouettes can show through lighter light-filtering fabrics. For night privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms, choose room-darkening or blackout fabric, or add a second layer. ### What are the best privacy blinds for a bathroom? Top-down bottom-up cellular shades in a moisture-resistant fabric, or faux wood blinds. Both handle humidity and let you keep privacy at eye level while letting daylight in. ### Are solar shades private? During the day, solar shades are fairly private from the outside while still letting you see out. At night with interior lights on, they become see-through. Do not rely on solar shades alone for night privacy. --- **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/solutions/skylight-and-large-window-blinds/ # Skylights, tall windows and window walls The windows everyone else says are too hard. **[Book a smart home consultation]** --- ## The hard windows New homes across Atlantic Canada are built with more glass than ever: two-storey great rooms in Bedford South and Hammonds Plains, floor-to-ceiling glass in downtown condos, ocean-facing window walls on the South Shore and the Avalon, skylights in renovated attics. They are beautiful, until the low winter sun turns them into a glare wall or the summer sun turns the room into a greenhouse. These windows share three problems: you cannot reach them, standard products do not fit them, and the bigger the glass, the bigger the shade and the heavier it gets. --- ## How we handle them ### Skylights Cellular skylight shades run in side channels that hold the fabric flat against angled or overhead glass. Blackout and light-filtering versions. Usually motorized, sometimes with a solar panel so you never charge them. ### Tall windows (over about 2.5 m from the floor) Motorized roller, solar or cellular shades, so no ladder and no pole. For very tall glass, we fit shades in stacked sections or use larger-diameter tubes that keep heavy fabric straight. ### Window walls and very wide glass A row of matched shades, each covering one section, all controlled together as a group. Seams line up with the window mullions so the shades read as one clean line. ### Angled and shaped windows Trapezoids, gable-end triangles and arches. Some get fixed shades that stay put, some get custom-angled operable shades, some are best left uncovered. We will tell you honestly which. --- ## Why we usually motorize these On a 3 m window, a cordless shade is hard to reach and a chain is very long. Motors solve both, and add schedules: shades that lower when the sun hits the great room at 2 p.m. in December and rise again at 3:30, without anyone touching them. [Motorized blinds](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/motorized-blinds/). --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you put blinds on a skylight? Yes. Skylight shades use side channels to hold the fabric flat against angled or overhead glass. Cellular skylight shades are the most common because they insulate and come in blackout. Most are motorized because skylights are hard to reach. ### What are the best blinds for very tall windows? Motorized roller, solar or cellular shades. Motors remove the need for long cords or poles, and solar fabric is a good choice for tall south- or west-facing windows that take low winter sun. ### Can large windows be covered with one shade? Sometimes, up to about 3 m wide depending on fabric. Wider windows usually work better with two or more shades lined up with the window frames, controlled together as one group. ### Do you cover angled or triangle windows? Yes, with specialty shapes. Some angled windows are best with fixed shades that do not move; others can have operable shades. At your measure we will recommend what works for each window. --- **Read next:** [Best window coverings for large windows](/en-ca/blog/best-window-coverings-for-large-windows/) **[Book a smart home consultation]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/ # On spec, on schedule, made in the region Window coverings for designers, builders, developers, property managers, hotels, healthcare and offices across Atlantic Canada. Made in our Halifax workshop, so your schedule does not depend on a container ship. **[Request a project quote]** · [Join the trade program](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/) --- ## Why build with an Atlantic maker **Lead times you can plan around.** Most residential orders are ready about two weeks after measure. Large projects are scheduled by phase and floor, with dates confirmed in writing. **One accountable team.** Site measure, production, install and deficiency follow-up handled by the same company. One named project coordinator. **Specification support.** Spec sheets, fabric performance data, fire-rating certificates where applicable, samples and mock-ups. **Local service after handover.** Replacements and repairs from the people who made them, a short drive away, not a 1-800 number. --- ## Who we work with ### [Interior designers, decorators and contractors](/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/) Trade pricing, a full sample library, COM fabrics and a firm no-poaching policy. Your client stays your client. ### [Developers and builders](/en-ca/commercial/developers-and-builders/) Multi-unit residential, townhouse and single-family builds. Unit packages, phased installs, wiring specs for motorized pre-wire. ### [Property managers, landlords and condo corporations](/en-ca/commercial/property-management/) A standard spec catalogue, fast turnover replacements and service agreements. ### [Healthcare and institutional](/en-ca/commercial/healthcare-and-institutional/) Hospitals, long-term care, clinics, universities and schools. Cleanable fabrics, cordless systems, bid-ready pricing. ### [Hospitality](/en-ca/commercial/hospitality/) Hotels, inns, resorts and short-term rentals. Blackout that earns better guest reviews, installed in your off-season. ### [Offices and retail](/en-ca/commercial/offices-and-retail/) Glare control, solar shading, motorized zones and a consistent exterior look. --- ## How a project runs 1. **Brief.** Drawings, window schedule, finishes, budget and timeline. 2. **Specification.** We recommend products and fabrics, provide samples, spec sheets and certificates. 3. **Pricing.** Itemized by unit type or room type, with options and alternates. 4. **Mock-up.** For larger projects, a sample unit installed and approved on site. 5. **Site measure.** By our team, after windows are in and drywall is finished. 6. **Production.** In our Halifax workshop, scheduled by phase. 7. **Install.** Coordinated with your site superintendent, floor by floor. 8. **Close-out.** Deficiency walk, as-built list, care and warranty documents. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Atlantic Shades do commercial window coverings? Yes. Atlantic Shades supplies and installs commercial window coverings across Atlantic Canada for multi-unit residential, offices, retail, hotels, healthcare, education and institutional projects. Products are made in our Halifax workshop, which gives more predictable lead times than imported commercial blinds. ### Do you provide spec sheets and fire-rated fabrics? Yes. We provide spec sheets and fabric performance data, and fire-rated fabrics tested to NFPA 701 and CAN/ULC-S109 are available on request for projects that require them. ### Can you work to a general contractor's schedule? Yes. We schedule site measures after windows and drywall are complete, produce by phase, and install floor by floor in coordination with the site superintendent. ### Do you carry liability insurance and WCB coverage? Yes. Certificates of insurance and Workers' Compensation clearance letters for each province are available on request. ### Do you bid on public tenders? Yes. We respond to tenders for public and institutional projects in Atlantic Canada and work as a subcontractor to general contractors on larger builds. **[Request a project quote]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/developers-and-builders/ # Window coverings for new construction Unit packages, made in the region, installed to your occupancy schedule. **[Request a project quote]** --- ## The problem we solve for builders Occupancy dates do not move because a container is sitting at a port. When window coverings are imported, they become one more thing on the critical path that you do not control. We make ours in Halifax. That means production is scheduled by phase and floor, dates are confirmed in writing, and if a unit needs a replacement during deficiencies, it is days away, not weeks. Halifax and the wider region have built more homes in the last few years than at any time in recent memory, most of them apartments. We are set up for that kind of volume. --- ## What we supply - **Unit packages** by unit type: one spec, one price per unit, consistent across the building - **Common area and amenity spaces:** lobbies, gyms, lounges, with motorized and solar options - **Townhouse and single-family packages** for builders, including upgrade options you can offer buyers - **Show suites and model homes,** fitted fast and finished well - **Motorized pre-wire specifications** for electricians on premium units --- ## How we work with your team - Early pricing from drawings and window schedules - Mock-up unit for approval - Site measure after windows and drywall - Production scheduled to your phasing - Floor-by-floor install coordinated with your superintendent - Deficiency walk and close-out documents - Certificates of insurance and WCB clearance for each province --- ## Projects --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you supply window coverings for multi-unit residential buildings? Yes. Atlantic Shades supplies unit packages for apartment, condominium and townhouse developments across Atlantic Canada, with consistent specs across every unit, phased production in our Halifax workshop and floor-by-floor installation. ### When should window coverings be measured on a new build? After windows are installed and drywall and trim are finished, but before final paint touch-ups where possible. We can price earlier from drawings and window schedules and confirm sizes at site measure. ### Can you provide pre-wire specs for motorized shades? Yes. We provide low-voltage wiring specifications for electricians so hardwired motorized shades can be planned during rough-in. ### Can buyers choose upgrades? Yes. We can set up a standard package plus an upgrade menu (blackout bedrooms, motorized living room, cellular for energy) that your sales team offers buyers. **[Request a project quote]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/healthcare-and-institutional/ # Window coverings for healthcare and institutions Cleanable, cordless, specified properly, and serviced locally after handover. **[Request a project quote]** --- ## What these spaces need Patient rooms, long-term care suites, clinics, lecture halls and classrooms put window coverings through more than any home. They need to be cleaned often, operated by many hands, safe for vulnerable people, and compliant with the project's fire and infection-control specifications. --- ## What we offer - **Cordless and motorized systems** with no reachable cords - **Cleanable fabrics** that tolerate approved disinfectants - **Fire-rated fabrics** tested to NFPA 701 and CAN/ULC-S109, available on request - **Ligature-resistant options** for mental health and secure environments, specified to the project's risk assessment - **Blackout for patient rest and AV rooms,** solar shading for glare on screens and in study spaces - **Bid-ready pricing** and spec sheets for public tenders and general contractor packages - **Local maintenance plans** after handover --- ## Working with general contractors and procurement We respond to tenders and work as a subcontractor on institutional builds in Atlantic Canada. We provide submittals, samples, mock-ups and close-out documents, and schedule install around occupied wards and academic calendars. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What window coverings are used in hospitals? Hospitals typically use cordless or motorized roller shades in cleanable, fire-rated fabrics, with blackout in patient rooms and solar fabrics where glare matters. Mental health spaces may need ligature-resistant systems specified to the facility's risk assessment. ### Do you provide fire-rated fabrics? Yes. Fire-rated fabrics tested to NFPA 701 and CAN/ULC-S109 are available on request, with certificates supplied for submittals. ### Can you install in occupied buildings? Yes. We schedule installs around patient care, residents and class schedules, working room by room with facility staff. **[Request a project quote]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/hospitality/ # Booked solid in July. Installed in April. Window coverings for hotels, inns, resorts, cottages and short-term rentals across Atlantic Canada. **[Book a spring install]** --- ## Why guests notice your windows Atlantic Canada's tourism season lines up exactly with its longest days. In Cavendish, sunrise on June 21 is about 5:20 a.m. On the South Shore it is around 5:30. Guests who came to sleep in wake at dawn, and "room was too bright" is one of the easiest bad reviews to avoid. --- ## What we fit for hospitality - **True blackout** with side channels or outside mounts in every guest room - **Dual rollers:** sheer or solar for daytime, blackout for night - **Durable, cleanable fabrics** that handle constant turnover - **Cordless and motorized** for guest safety and fewer broken parts - **Lobby, restaurant and common-area shading** that controls glare without hiding the view --- ## Scheduled around your season We book hospitality installs in the shoulder seasons, April to early June and October to November, so rooms are never off the market in peak months. Production happens in Halifax ahead of time, so on-site work is fast, often a whole small inn in a day or two. --- ## Cottages and short-term rentals Owners in Cavendish, Stanley Bridge, Hubbards, Tantallon, Chester, Gros Morne and along the Northumberland Strait: we fit blackout bedrooms, moisture-resistant products for cottages that sit closed all winter, and cordless everything for families with young children. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the best blackout blinds for hotels? Blackout roller shades with side channels or an outside mount that overlaps the window, often as a dual roller with a sheer or solar shade in front for daytime. They block light completely and stand up to constant use. ### Can you install during the off-season? Yes. We schedule hospitality installs from April to early June and October to November, with products made in advance so rooms are out of service for as little time as possible. ### What blinds are best for a cottage or Airbnb? Moisture-resistant blackout roller or cellular shades for bedrooms, faux wood or roller shades for kitchens and bathrooms, and cordless or motorized operation throughout. They handle damp winters and frequent guests. **[Book a spring install]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/offices-and-retail/ # Office and retail window coverings Less glare on screens. A consistent look from the street. Installed after hours. **[Request a project quote]** --- ## The office glare problem, Atlantic edition At noon in mid-winter the sun is only about 20 degrees above the horizon in most Atlantic cities. In a glass-fronted office facing south or west, that means direct sun across desks and monitors for much of the working day. Blinds that block it completely make the space feel like a cave. Solar shades fix it. --- ## What we fit - **Solar shades** in 1% to 5% openness to cut glare and heat while keeping the view - **Blackout** for boardrooms, AV and training rooms - **Motorized zones,** controlled by floor, facade or room, with optional sun sensors - **Integration** with building and lighting control systems on request - **Aluminum venetian blinds** for budget-conscious fit-outs and individual offices - **Consistent exterior appearance** across the whole building - **Fire-rated fabrics** where required --- ## Retail Storefront glare control, UV protection for merchandise, and branded or coloured shades for a consistent look. Installed before opening or after close. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the best blinds for offices? Solar roller shades are the most common choice for offices because they cut glare on screens and reduce heat while keeping the view. Blackout shades suit boardrooms and AV rooms, and aluminum venetian blinds are a cost-effective option for individual offices. ### Can office blinds be motorized and automated? Yes. Motorized shades can be grouped by zone and controlled by wall switches, schedules, sun sensors or the building's control system. ### Can you install outside business hours? Yes. We install in evenings and on weekends so your office or store stays open. **[Request a project quote]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/property-management/ # Blinds for rentals, condos and managed buildings The same blind, every unit, replaced fast. **[Request a project quote]** --- ## What property managers need Durable products that survive tenants. A standard spec so every unit matches from the street. Replacements in days, not weeks, so a unit is not sitting empty between leases. One supplier who knows your buildings. --- ## How we do it **A standard spec catalogue for your portfolio.** We document the product, fabric, colour and size for every window type in each building. When a blind needs replacing, you send us the unit number. We already know what goes there. **Fast turnover service.** Because we make blinds in Halifax, replacements for documented units are typically ready within days. **Products that last in rentals.** PVC vertical blinds and faux wood that wipe clean, roller shades in tough, moisture-resistant fabrics, cordless operation to remove the most common breakage point. **Service agreements.** Scheduled inspections, repairs and replacements at agreed pricing. **Condo corporations.** We can help boards set a window covering standard for the exterior appearance of the building, and supply owners who need to comply. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the best blinds for rental properties? Durable, cordless, easy-to-clean products: roller shades in moisture-resistant fabric, faux wood blinds and PVC vertical blinds for patio doors. Cordless operation removes the cords that break most often and meets Health Canada's child safety rules. ### Can you match existing blinds in our buildings? Usually, yes. We will document the existing products and either match them or recommend a standard spec to transition to as units turn over. ### How quickly can you replace blinds between tenants? For buildings with a documented spec, replacements are typically made and installed within days because production is local. **[Request a project quote]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/commercial/trade-program/ # Your Atlantic manufacturing partner For interior designers, architects, decorators, kitchen and renovation contractors across Atlantic Canada. **[Join the trade program]** --- ## What designers tell us goes wrong elsewhere Lead times that blow the install date. Sales reps who go around the designer straight to the client. Products that arrive slightly off because someone else measured. A 1-800 number when something needs fixing. We built our trade program to fix each of those. --- ## What you get - **Trade pricing** on every product we make - **Shutters, blinds and shades** from one maker, so every window in the project matches - **A full sample library,** on loan, plus fabric memo samples you can leave with clients - **COM (customer's own material)** for Roman shades and selected products, reviewed for suitability - **Measure by us,** with fit guaranteed, or measure by you with our measuring guide - **Lead times you can plan around:** most orders ready about two weeks after measure - **A named contact** who knows your projects - **Spec sheets and finish schedules** for your presentations - **White-label quotes** on request, so the quote carries your name, not ours --- ## Our no-poaching promise Your client is your client. We will never contact them directly to sell around you, and if they reach out to us, we route them back to you. Install crews arrive as part of your team. --- ## For contractors Your clients ask "who should I use for blinds?" at the end of every kitchen, reno and new build. Refer them to us and we take it from there: measure, quote, make, install. Ask about our referral program, or set up a trade account and quote blinds as part of your job. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Atlantic Shades offer trade pricing for designers? Yes. Interior designers, decorators and contractors across Atlantic Canada can apply for a trade account with trade pricing on all products, sample library access, COM options and a named contact. ### Will you contact my clients directly? No. Our no-poaching promise means we never sell around the designer or contractor. If your client contacts us, we route them back to you. ### Can I use my own fabric? Often, yes. We review customer's own material (COM) for weight, width and suitability, particularly for Roman shades. ### How do I join the trade program? Fill in the short form below with your business name, trade or design credentials and the region you work in. We will set up your account, usually within two business days. **[Join the trade program]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/ # Custom blinds and shades across New Brunswick **[Book your free in-home measure]** New Brunswick has the widest range of climates of any province we serve. Fundy fog and damp in Saint John. Continental cold in Fredericton and the deep winters of Edmundston. Chaleur Bay wind in Bathurst and on the Acadian Peninsula. And in the southeast, the fast-growing cities of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview, filling up with new homes. It is also Canada's only officially bilingual province, and many of the communities we serve, Dieppe, Edmundston and Caraquet among them, are predominantly francophone. Our French website is next in line after English, and New Brunswick is the reason. We are an Atlantic Canadian maker, not a franchise. Your blinds are measured in your home, made in our Halifax workshop and installed by our own crew. ## What we hear most from New Brunswickers - **"Our winters are colder than Halifax."** True. Inland New Brunswick gets clear, deep-freeze nights. Double-cell [cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) are the answer. - **"We just built and need everything done."** Whole-home packages for new builds in Moncton, Dieppe, Fredericton and the Kennebecasis Valley. - **"It is light until 9:30 in June."** In Edmundston the sun sets at about 9:33 p.m. on June 21. [Blackout](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) for bedrooms. - **"The fog gets into everything."** Moisture-resistant products for Saint John and the Fundy shore. ## How it works in New Brunswick We schedule regular measure and install trips across the province, most often to Greater Moncton, Fredericton and Greater Saint John, and regularly to the north and the Madawaska. ## Communities we serve in New Brunswick ### [Moncton](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/moncton/) Downtown Moncton, Lewisville, Magnetic Hill, Riverview Heights ### [Dieppe](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/dieppe/) Fox Creek, Chartersville, Saint-Anselme ### [Riverview](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/riverview/) Gunningsville, Bridgedale ### [Fredericton](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/fredericton/) Downtown Fredericton, Nashwaaksis, Devon, Marysville ### [Saint John](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/saint-john/) Uptown Saint John, Millidgeville, East Side Saint John, Lancaster ### [Quispamsis](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/quispamsis/) Gondola Point, French Village ### [Rothesay](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/rothesay/) Renforth, Fairvale ### [Bathurst](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/bathurst/) Beresford, Big River ### [Edmundston](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/edmundston/) Saint-Basile, Verret ### [Miramichi](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/miramichi/) Newcastle, Chatham, Douglastown ### [Caraquet](/en-ca/locations/new-brunswick/caraquet/) Bas-Caraquet, Bertrand ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you install custom blinds across New Brunswick? Yes. Atlantic Shades measures and installs custom blinds and shades in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Fredericton, Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Bathurst, Miramichi, Edmundston and Caraquet, on regular scheduled trips. ### Do you offer service in French? Our French website is coming soon. ### Are your blinds made in New Brunswick? Our blinds are made in our Halifax, Nova Scotia workshop, in Atlantic Canada, and installed in New Brunswick by our team. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/ # Custom blinds and shades across Newfoundland and Labrador **[Book your free in-home measure]** Newfoundland and Labrador asks more of a window covering than anywhere else we serve. On the Avalon, St. John's wind and fog. On the west coast, Corner Brook's snow. In central Newfoundland, cold inland winters. And in Labrador, the most extreme light and cold in the region: 7 and a half hours of daylight in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in December, and a sunset near 10 p.m. in Labrador City in June. The houses are just as distinctive: the row houses of downtown St. John's, outport homes facing the sea, company-town houses in Grand Falls-Windsor and Labrador West, and new subdivisions in Paradise, Mount Pearl and CBS. We are Atlantic Canadian, not a mainland franchise. Your blinds are measured in your home, made in our Halifax workshop and installed by our own crew on scheduled trips across the province. ## What we hear most in Newfoundland and Labrador - **"The wind comes right through the windows."** Double-cell [cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) with side channels. - **"It is bright at 5 a.m. in June."** True [blackout](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) with sealed edges. - **"Everything gets damp."** Moisture-resistant fabrics, faux wood and good airflow. - **"We want the house to feel brighter on grey days."** Light-filtering and top-down bottom-up shades. ## How it works in Newfoundland and Labrador We schedule regular trips to the Avalon (St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, CBS) and planned trips to Clarenville, the Burin Peninsula, central and western Newfoundland and Labrador. ## Communities we serve in Newfoundland and Labrador ### [St. John's](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/st-johns/) Downtown St. John's, East End St. John's, Churchill Square, Kilbride ### [Mount Pearl](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/mount-pearl/) Powers Pond, Glendale ### [Paradise](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/paradise/) Topsail, Elizabeth Park ### [Conception Bay South](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/conception-bay-south/) Kelligrews, Foxtrap, Manuels ### [Clarenville](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/clarenville/) Shoal Harbour ### [Grand Falls-Windsor](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/grand-falls-windsor/) Windsor, Corduroy Brook ### [Corner Brook](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/corner-brook/) Curling, Humber Heights ### [Deer Lake](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/deer-lake/) Reidville, Cormack ### [Marystown](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/marystown/) Creston South, Little Bay ### [Happy Valley-Goose Bay](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/happy-valley-goose-bay/) North West River, Sheshatshiu ### [Labrador City](/en-ca/locations/newfoundland-and-labrador/labrador-city/) Wabush ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you install custom blinds in Newfoundland and Labrador? Yes. Atlantic Shades measures and installs custom blinds and shades in St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Conception Bay South, Clarenville, Marystown, Grand Falls-Windsor, Deer Lake, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City, on scheduled trips. ### What are the best blinds for Newfoundland weather? Double-cell cellular shades with side channels for warmth against the wind, blackout for long summer days, and moisture-resistant fabrics for fog and damp. ### How long do blinds take for Newfoundland? Most Avalon orders are installed about two to three weeks after the measure, allowing for transport. Labrador and other regions are scheduled on planned trips, and we confirm your date when you approve your quote. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/ # Custom blinds and shades across Nova Scotia **[Book your free in-home measure]** Nova Scotia is home. Our workshop is in Halifax, and from there we measure, make and install custom blinds and shades in homes and businesses from Yarmouth to Glace Bay. The province packs a lot of variety into a small space. Fog and salt on the South Shore. Clear, cold nights in the Annapolis Valley and around Truro. Harbour glare in Halifax and Dartmouth. Open Atlantic wind in Cape Breton. Heritage homes in Lunenburg, Wolfville and Halifax's South End, mid-century bungalows in Lower Sackville and Cole Harbour, and new builds with walls of glass in Bedford South and Hammonds Plains. We know these houses, because we live in them. ## What we hear most from Nova Scotians - **"The house is cold near the windows."** [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) are our best-selling product in the province for this reason. Paired with a heat pump, they make a real difference. - **"The sun is in my eyes all winter."** At noon on December 21 the sun is only 20 to 23 degrees above the horizon across Nova Scotia. [Solar shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/solar-shades/) cut the glare and keep the view. - **"The kids are up at 5:30."** June sunrise is around 5:10 to 5:40 a.m. across the province. [Blackout](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) with sealed edges solves it. - **"Everything at the cottage is damp."** Moisture-resistant fabrics, faux wood and corrosion-resistant hardware. ## How it works in Nova Scotia Halifax Regional Municipality is our home turf: measures can usually be booked within days and most orders are installed about two weeks later. Outside HRM, we schedule regular measure and install trips to the Valley, the South Shore, the North Shore, Pictou and Antigonish counties, Cape Breton and southwest Nova Scotia. ## Communities we serve in Nova Scotia ### [Halifax](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/halifax/) Downtown Halifax, South End, North End, West End, Fairview, Clayton Park, Spryfield ### [Dartmouth](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/dartmouth/) Downtown Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Woodside, Portland Estates, Westphal ### [Bedford](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/bedford/) Bedford South, Basinview, Eaglewood ### [Sackville](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/sackville/) Lower Sackville, Middle Sackville, Upper Sackville, Beaver Bank ### [Rural HRM](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/rural-hrm/) Fall River, Waverley, Hammonds Plains, Timberlea, Tantallon, Hubbards ### [Sydney](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/sydney/) Whitney Pier, Ashby, North End Sydney ### [Glace Bay](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/glace-bay/) Reserve Mines, Dominion ### [Wolfville](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/wolfville/) Gaspereau, Grand Pré, Port Williams ### [Kentville](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/kentville/) New Minas, Coldbrook, Greenwich ### [Bridgewater](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/bridgewater/) Hebbville, Wileville, Pine Grove ### [Truro](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/truro/) Bible Hill, Valley, Salmon River ### [New Glasgow](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/new-glasgow/) Stellarton, Trenton, Westville ### [Antigonish](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/antigonish/) Heatherton, Arisaig, St. Andrews ### [Yarmouth](/en-ca/locations/nova-scotia/yarmouth/) Tusket, Hebron, Arcadia ## Frequently asked questions ### Who makes custom blinds in Nova Scotia? Atlantic Shades makes custom blinds and shades in its Halifax workshop and installs them across Nova Scotia, including HRM, the Annapolis Valley, the South Shore, Truro, Pictou County, Antigonish, Cape Breton and Yarmouth. ### Do you serve all of Nova Scotia? Yes. HRM is served year-round on short notice, and the rest of the province on regular scheduled trips. If your community is not listed, email hello@atlanticshades.com and we will confirm. ### Are there rebates for blinds in Nova Scotia? Window coverings are not usually included in Efficiency Nova Scotia rebate programs, which focus on heat pumps, insulation and windows. Check current Efficiency Nova Scotia offers, since programs change. **[Book your free in-home measure]** --- Source: https://atlanticshades.com/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/ # Custom blinds and shades across Prince Edward Island **[Book your free in-home measure]** On the Island, two kinds of homes keep us busy. Year-round homes, from Charlottetown's heritage houses to new builds in Stratford and Cornwall, farmhouses in Kings and Prince counties and family homes in Summerside. And seasonal homes: the cottages, inns and rentals along the north shore and around the coast that fill up every summer. Year-round homes want warmth against the wind off the Strait. Seasonal homes want blackout for guests and products that survive a damp, closed-up winter. We are an Atlantic Canadian maker, not a mainland franchise. Your blinds are measured in your home, made in our Halifax workshop and brought over by our team to be installed. ## What we hear most from Islanders - **"It is windy here."** [Cellular shades](/en-ca/blinds-and-shades/cellular-shades/) on windward walls. - **"Guests say the room is too bright."** On June 21 the sun rises around 5:20 a.m. across PEI. [Blackout](/en-ca/solutions/blackout-blinds/) for every rental bedroom. - **"The cottage is closed from October to May."** Moisture-resistant fabrics and faux wood. - **"We cannot have the place torn up in July."** Spring and fall installs for cottages and rentals. ## How it works on the Island We schedule regular measure and install trips to Charlottetown and the surrounding area, and to Summerside, the north shore, Kings County and West Prince. ## Communities we serve on PEI ### [Charlottetown](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/charlottetown/) Downtown Charlottetown, Brighton, Sherwood, West Royalty ### [Stratford](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/stratford/) Bunbury, Keppoch ### [Cornwall](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/cornwall/) York Point, North River ### [Summerside](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/summerside/) Downtown Summerside, Wilmot, St. Eleanors ### [Kensington](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/kensington/) Indian River, Darnley ### [Cavendish](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/cavendish/) Stanley Bridge, New Glasgow, PEI ### [Montague](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/montague/) Brudenell, Lower Montague ### [Souris](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/souris/) Fortune, Elmira ### [Alberton](/en-ca/locations/prince-edward-island/alberton/) Cascumpec, Kildare ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you install custom blinds on PEI? Yes. Atlantic Shades measures and installs custom blinds and shades across Prince Edward Island, including Charlottetown, Stratford, Cornwall, Summerside, Kensington, Cavendish, Montague, Souris and Alberton. ### What are the best blinds for a PEI cottage rental? Blackout roller or cellular shades for bedrooms, moisture-resistant products elsewhere and cordless operation throughout. ### When should I book blinds for a summer rental? Early spring for installation before late June, or late summer for a fall install. **[Book your free in-home measure]**