Blinds.com vs SelectBlinds: Don’t Buy Until You Read This 2025 Showdown
Choosing the right window treatments can feel like a monumental task. The problem isn’t a lack of options, but rather an overabundance of them, leaving you stuck in “analysis paralysis.” Two of the biggest names in the online blinds market, Blinds.com and SelectBlinds, dominate search results, but figuring out which one truly offers the best value, quality, and service can be a confusing and frustrating experience.
Many homeowners worry about making a costly mistake. What if you measure incorrectly? What if the colors on the screen don’t match the reality? This detailed comparison will cut through the marketing noise to deliver a clear, head-to-head analysis, helping you invest your money with confidence.
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Breaking Down the Giants: An Overview of Blinds.com and SelectBlinds
Understanding the core business model of each company is the first step in making an informed decision. Both are titans of the online, direct-to-consumer window covering industry, but they cater to slightly different customer priorities. Think of it less as a battle of good versus evil and more as a choice between two distinct philosophies.
Blinds.com, founded in 1996 and now a part of The Home Depot, positions itself as a comprehensive solution. They boast a massive inventory that includes not just their house brand but also well-known names like Levolor and Bali. This makes them a one-stop shop for those who have existing brand loyalties or want the widest possible selection under one virtual roof.
SelectBlinds, on the other hand, focuses almost exclusively on its own brand of products. This allows them to be aggressive with pricing and promotions. They appeal to the budget-conscious DIYer who is looking for extensive customization options without the brand-name markup.
The Deciding Factor: Price & Value Comparison
For most shoppers, the final decision often comes down to price. Both Blinds.com and SelectBlinds are known for frequent sales and promotions, making a direct comparison tricky. However, by looking at their overall pricing structure and the value included, a clearer picture emerges.
SelectBlinds often appears to have lower initial prices, largely due to their constant “percentage off” sales events. Reddit users and online reviewers frequently point to SelectBlinds as the more budget-friendly option, especially for standard faux wood or cellular shades. Their business model of selling their own brand allows for more aggressive discounting.
Blinds.com competes fiercely on price and offers a price match guarantee, which can level the playing field. While their list prices might sometimes be higher, their access to brands like Bali and Levolor means they offer different tiers of quality and cost. Their promotions are robust, and being part of The Home Depot network adds a layer of corporate backing that some consumers find reassuring.
Beyond the Sticker Price: Finding True Value
True value extends beyond the initial cost. Consider the cost of shipping, samples, and potential “oops” moments. Both companies offer free shipping within the contiguous U.S. and provide free samples to help you choose colors and materials. SelectBlinds allows up to 15 free samples daily, while Blinds.com allows up to 10 per customer.
Where the value proposition really diverges is in their measurement guarantees. Blinds.com has the “SureFit™ Guarantee,” which will replace a mis-measured blind for free—a significant safety net for first-time DIYers. SelectBlinds offers a similar “FIT Guarantee,” highlighting their commitment to customer satisfaction in the event of a measurement error.
Product Selection & Quality: Who Offers More?
Your home’s aesthetic dictates the type of window treatment you need, making product selection a critical factor. Both retailers offer a vast array of styles, including wood blinds, faux wood blinds, cellular shades, roller shades, Roman shades, and shutters. The key difference lies in branding and the perceived breadth of options.
Blinds.com’s inventory is one of the most comprehensive online. They carry everything from basic vinyl mini blinds to high-end motorized shades and custom shutters from multiple manufacturers. This is a major advantage if you’re trying to match an existing set of Levolor blinds or if you prefer the peace of mind that comes with a nationally recognized brand name.
SelectBlinds, while focused on its own brand, doesn’t skimp on customization. Reviewers often praise their wide range of available options like cordless lifts, motorization, and diverse color palettes. For the homeowner who wants a very specific look—a particular shade of grey in a top-down/bottom-up cellular shade, for example—SelectBlinds provides a deep well of choices.
Material Quality and Durability
Quality can be subjective and often correlates with the price point. User reviews for both companies are mixed, which is expected for businesses of this scale. Some customers report receiving high-quality, durable products that exceed expectations, while others cite issues with materials or mechanisms.
A common theme in customer feedback is that with both companies, you often get what you pay for. Their entry-level “economy” blinds are priced low for a reason and may not have the longevity of their more premium lines. It’s crucial to order samples to feel the material quality for yourself before committing to a large purchase.
Unseen Pests Can Compromise Your Investment
Before installing beautiful new blinds, it’s essential to ensure the window area is sound. An often-overlooked issue is the presence of pests. Learning how to treat termites in the window sill is a critical step to protect not only your window frame but your entire home’s structure. Ignoring this can lead to costly damage far beyond the price of new window treatments.
Customer Experience: Support, Warranties, and Returns
The online shopping experience lives and dies by the quality of customer support. When you can’t physically see the product or talk to a salesperson face-to-face, responsive and helpful service is paramount. This is an area where Blinds.com and SelectBlinds have garnered both praise and criticism.
Customer service reviews for both companies are a mixed bag. Some customers rave about helpful design consultants and quick resolutions, while others report long wait times, shipping delays, and frustrating experiences with returns. Blinds.com, being a larger entity with an A+ BBB rating, has a more structured, corporate support system. SelectBlinds is often praised for responsive chat support, but some users have reported challenges reaching a resolution for complex issues.
Warranty Wars: A Head-to-Head Look
Warranties offer long-term peace of mind and are a critical part of the value equation. Both companies provide a standard limited warranty on their products, covering manufacturing defects. Blinds.com offers a standard 3-year warranty on most of its products. SelectBlinds also provides a free 3-year limited warranty, with the option to purchase an extended 5-year or unlimited warranty for an additional cost.
It is crucial to read the fine print. These warranties typically do not cover normal wear and tear, sun fading, or damage from pets or improper cleaning. For branded products sold on Blinds.com, such as Levolor, the manufacturer’s warranty (which can be as long as 10 years or lifetime) will apply.
Measuring & Installation: The DIY Challenge
The biggest hurdle for many online blind shoppers is the fear of incorrect measurements. Both Blinds.com and SelectBlinds provide extensive online guides and videos to walk you through the process for both inside and outside mounts. Their measurement insurance policies (SureFit™ and FIT Guarantee) are designed specifically to alleviate this anxiety.
For those who are not confident in their DIY skills, Blinds.com offers professional measuring and installation services in many areas for an additional fee. This is a significant advantage for customers undertaking a whole-home project or those with complex window situations, like an ac awning window, which can be tricky to measure correctly. SelectBlinds operates on a more purely DIY model and does not typically offer this service.
Even with perfect measurements, small home improvement details can cause unexpected issues. For instance, homeowners upgrading their bathrooms might find a luxe bidet toilet seat gap that needs addressing—a reminder that any DIY project can have unforeseen challenges. Taking the time to ensure every detail is right, from the window sill to the toilet seat, leads to a more professional-feeling result.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
To simplify the decision-making process, this table provides a clear, at-a-glance comparison of the key features offered by both Blinds.com and SelectBlinds.
| Feature | Blinds.com | SelectBlinds |
|---|---|---|
| Product Variety | Excellent (House brands + National Brands like Levolor, Bali) | Very Good (Extensive customization of in-house brand) |
| Pricing Strategy | Competitive, frequent sales, price match guarantee | Aggressive, often lower initial prices, constant promotions |
| Measurement Guarantee | Yes, SureFit™ Guarantee (free remake for mistakes) | Yes, FIT Guarantee (free remake for mistakes) |
| Free Samples | Up to 10 per customer | Up to 15 per day |
| Professional Installation | Yes, available in many areas for a fee | No, primarily a DIY model |
| Standard Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty (longer for specific brands) | 3-Year Limited Warranty (extended options available for purchase) |
| Customer Service Reviews | Mixed; generally structured support | Mixed; often praised for chat but phone support can vary |
| Unique Selling Point | One-stop shop with major brands and professional services | Deep customization options at highly competitive prices |
The Final Verdict: Which Retailer is Right for You?
After a comprehensive review, the choice between Blinds.com and SelectBlinds is not about which is universally “better,” but which is better for your specific needs and priorities.
You should choose Blinds.com if:
- You want the option of purchasing from well-known brands like Levolor or Bali.
- You are not confident in your measuring skills and want the option of professional measuring and installation.
- You value the backing of a large parent company like The Home Depot.
- You are looking for the absolute widest selection of product types, including specialty windows.
You should choose SelectBlinds if:
- Your primary decision-making factor is getting the lowest possible price.
- You are a confident DIYer who is comfortable with measuring and installing on your own.
- You want deep customization options (color, lift style, etc.) on a specific type of blind or shade.
- You are not tied to a specific brand name and are focused on features and value.
Ultimately, both companies provide a valuable service, making custom window treatments accessible and affordable for the average homeowner. By identifying your own project needs, budget, and DIY comfort level, you can confidently choose the retailer that will best help you transform your windows and your home.
