Whether you're looking for privacy, style, or both, it can be a daunting task to choose window treatments. Should you head to a specialty blind store, your local home center, or shop online? How formal should you go, or how sheer? And how come your stylish neighbors always seem to get it right? Carolyn Forté, Home Appliances & Textiles Director in the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, puts you on the right track."Windows are a great focal point in a room and blinds and shades should be both decorative and functional. Thankfully, we've come a long way from the days of hiding them behind basic mini blinds. Now you can dress up a room in hundreds of ways without making a major investment," says Forté.At Good Housekeeping, we saw a need for better, well-priced window treatments that are more safety-conscious — and then decided to roll them out in a wide swath of colors, fabrics, and styles. We're proud to introduce our exclusive Good Housekeeping Custom Blinds and Shades Collection, available through top authorized online retailers.

Here's what to consider before you buy to keep from getting blindsided.Blinds are best if you want tiltable slats that can be adjusted to let the sun shine in (or not). They offer a handsome, clean-looking custom fit and plenty of privacy. Prices for blinds generally climb in this order: vinyl, aluminum, faux wood (or textured vinyl) and wood. Here's what to know about some types.Wood blinds come in light and dark hues and polished or painted finishes — our GH line ranges from white Country Cottage to rich Peruvian Walnut — and they're perfect for offices and dens. They're not the best choice for kitchens or baths, where moisture could do damage (choose polymer or faux wood instead), or for bedrooms or living rooms where you want a softer, more romantic effect.Insulating blinds help conserve energy and filter or block light, so they work hard for your money. Our GH branded selection of insulating blinds come in 15 colors, from Natural Linen to Sage.When choosing blinds, keep in mind:Upside: You don't have to put blinds at half-mast to let in light, as you do the with shades — the full length of the window pane can always be covered for a finished look, even when slats are open.

Handy for bathrooms and bedrooms because you can leave blinds down for privacy but adjust as needed for light.Downside: Blinds generally require more of a commitment to keep clean, because the slats attract dust and grime.Shades are the answer if you're looking for tremendous versatility and style. They provide more ways to create different looks and moods using texture, pattern, and fabric weight. Our Good Housekeeping line includes everything from sheer horizontal to energy-saving cellular to blackout roller shades and more, in either traditional bottom up or with top down designs for more light-entering options. Some standouts:Upside: Shades are a versatile way to easily refresh any room and can lend a warmer, softer look than blinds.Downside: To keep them fresh and clean, you'll need to hand-wash vinyl shades. Fabric shades (especially if they're a light color) should be vacuumed with a hand tool regularly and either spot-cleaned or sent out for professional cleaning."There's an important push to get manufacturers to make blinds and shades safer, since the cords are hazardous for small children," says Carolyn Forté of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

First line of defense: Don't use corded window treatments or leave cords dangling within reach of curious little hands. vacuum cleaner deals black friday 2014Good Housekeeping's new branded line of blinds and shades was carefully designed with an eye on child safety. best vacuum cleaner for pet hair under $300"We've included cordless options, and special safety mechanisms for continuous loop and traditional pull-cord styles," says Forté. laptop exhaust fan cleaning"These products also carry our Good Housekeeping Seal." vacuum cleaner ratings south africa

GH engineers and textiles experts reviewed the line, and if any style becomes defective within two years of purchase, the product will be repaired or replaced, or your purchase price will be refunded. best leather cleaner for bmw seatsKnowing the sizes of the windows you want to cover will help you choose more wisely. central air duct cleaning cost"You should measure exactly where you want the blind or shade to be," says Forté. So if an inside-mount blind will stop at the frame, so should your measuring tape. For outside-mounted styles, include the window frame in your measurements. When ordering online, consider calling the site's customer service representative to confirm that you have measured correctly. Pickup and delivery included Restore your blinds and shades for a fraction of the cost of new window coverings.

Puget Sound Blind Cleaners specializes in ultrasonic cleaning and full service repairs for all types of window blinds and shades. Locally owned and operated since 1989, we proudly serve both residential and commercial needs throughout Seattle and the greater King County area. Ultrasonic cleaning is fast, affordable, and green. Our skilled technicians use ultrasonic technology to clean and sanitize your blinds for restored luster and brightness. See what ultrasonic cleaning can do for your blinds. Whether your blinds need a new cord or resizing, we can breathe new life into them with simple repairs and maintenance. Before you condemn your blinds to a landfill, check out our repair services. Your satisfaction is paramount. We take pride in delivering exceptional workmanship and prompt, personalized customer service. That's why we offer 24-hour turnaround, and use real-time appointments, not appointment windows. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Please note: we have moved.