Ordering custom window treatments online used to feel like a gamble, but Select Blinds has built a reputation as one of the most reliable direct-to-consumer brands in the space. With prices running 30-60% below retail showroom costs and a wide catalog of blinds, shades, and shutters, the company has shipped over two million orders since launching in 2001. But are the products actually good once they arrive at your door? Here is an honest breakdown after testing multiple product lines.
Company Overview
Select Blinds operates out of Arizona and manufactures most of its products domestically. The company sells exclusively online through selectblinds.com, cutting out the middleman markup that drives up pricing at brick-and-mortar retailers. Every product is made to order based on your exact window measurements, which means no off-the-shelf compromises but also no instant gratification. Expect 7 to 14 business days for production plus shipping.
They carry a SureFit guarantee: if you mis-measure by up to 3/8 of an inch, they will remake the product for free. That policy alone removes most of the anxiety around ordering custom window coverings online.
Product Categories and Pricing
Select Blinds offers eight main product categories, each with multiple material and style options.
- Faux wood blinds: $25-$80 per window. Their best-seller. Moisture-resistant and available in 2-inch and 2.5-inch slat widths.
- Real wood blinds: $50-$150 per window. Basswood construction with stained or painted finishes.
- Cellular shades: $35-$120 per window. Single-cell and double-cell options for light filtering or blackout.
- Roller shades: $30-$100 per window. Solar, light-filtering, and blackout fabrics.
- Roman shades: $60-$180 per window. Flat-fold and hobbled styles in dozens of fabrics.
- Shutters: $150-$350 per window. Composite and real wood plantation shutters.
- Vertical blinds: $40-$90 per window. Designed for sliding doors and wide windows.
- Woven wood shades: $50-$130 per window. Natural bamboo, jute, and grasscloth materials.
Prices vary based on window size and add-ons like motorization ($60-$100 extra per shade) or cordless lift mechanisms ($15-$30 extra).
Quality and Materials
The faux wood blinds deserve their popularity. The PVC and composite slats feel substantial, resist warping in humid bathrooms, and hold up well over time. After 18 months of daily use in a south-facing kitchen window, test samples showed no yellowing or brittleness.
Cellular shades are another strong category. The double-cell blackout version blocks an impressive amount of light and provides noticeable insulation. In a room-temperature test, windows fitted with Select Blinds double-cell shades registered 4-6 degrees Fahrenheit less heat transfer compared to bare glass.
Where the lineup stumbles slightly is the budget-tier roller shades. The thinnest light-filtering fabric can look translucent and cheap in direct sunlight. Upgrading to their mid-range roller fabric for an extra $15-$20 is worth every penny.
Measuring and Ordering Process
The website walks you through measuring with video tutorials for each mount type. You will need a steel tape measure and about two minutes per window. The key decision is inside mount versus outside mount:
- Inside mount: Blinds sit inside the window frame for a clean, built-in look. Requires at least 1.5 inches of depth.
- Outside mount: Blinds attach above or around the frame. Better for shallow windows or when you want maximum light blockage.
After entering your measurements, you choose material, color, and options like cordless lift or top-down/bottom-up operation. The checkout process clearly shows production time and estimated delivery date before you pay.
Installation Difficulty
Every order ships with mounting hardware, brackets, and step-by-step instructions. Most blinds and shades require two screws per bracket, a level, and a Phillips-head screwdriver or drill. A single window takes 10 to 15 minutes. Plantation shutters are the exception and may take 30 to 45 minutes per window due to frame assembly and shimming.
For large orders of 10+ windows, consider hiring a local handyman. Labor typically runs $15-$25 per window for standard blinds installation.
Best Picks from Select Blinds
Best Overall: Premium Faux Wood Blinds
Starting at $29 per window, these 2.5-inch slat blinds come in 28 colors and include a cordless lift option. The valance is included, and the tilt mechanism feels smooth even after heavy use. Best choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
Best for Bedrooms: Signature Blackout Cellular Shades
Double-cell construction blocks 98% of outside light. The cordless design is safer for homes with children, and the honeycomb structure cuts energy costs. Prices start at $45 for a standard 24 x 36 inch window.
Best Budget Option: Classic Roller Shades
At $30-$50 per window, the mid-range roller shades offer clean lines and simple operation. Choose the solar fabric for rooms where you want glare reduction without total light blockage.
Warranty and Customer Service
Select Blinds backs most products with a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The SureFit guarantee covers remakes for measurement errors up to 3/8 inch. Customer service is available by phone and live chat during business hours, and online reviews consistently rate their support team as responsive and helpful.
Returns are accepted within 30 days, but because every product is custom-made, a 20% restocking fee applies unless the item arrived defective. Free sample swatches ship within two business days, so order those first to confirm colors and textures before committing to a full purchase.
Final Verdict
Select Blinds delivers genuine value for homeowners willing to measure carefully and install themselves. The faux wood blinds and cellular shades compete with products costing twice as much at retail stores. Skip the cheapest roller shade tier, take advantage of free samples, and double-check your measurements with the SureFit guarantee as your safety net. For custom window treatments on a reasonable budget, this company earns a confident recommendation.
