Blinds To Go vs Hunter Douglas: The Unbiased Truth Before You Buy

Choosing the right window treatments is a critical decision for any homeowner. It’s a choice that impacts your home’s privacy, light control, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetic. Two of the most prominent names you’ll encounter are Blinds To Go and Hunter Douglas, yet they represent two vastly different ends of the market.

Many homeowners find themselves paralyzed by this choice. Do you opt for the fast, affordable, and accessible solution offered by Blinds To Go, or do you invest in the premium, innovative, and design-focused products from Hunter Douglas? This guide will break down the brutal truth of what separates these two giants, empowering you to make the best decision for your home and budget.

The Core Dilemma: Budget-Friendly Speed vs. Premium Investment

The fundamental difference lies in their business models and target audiences. Understanding this is the first step to clarifying which path is right for you. It’s not just about blinds; it’s about your priorities as a homeowner.

Blinds To Go is built on a model of speed and value, catering to those who need a straightforward, quick, and cost-effective solution. Hunter Douglas operates as a premium brand focused on innovation, quality, and long-term investment, sold exclusively through a network of authorized dealers.

Brand Philosophy: What Drives Each Company?

A brand’s philosophy dictates everything from material sourcing to customer service. The contrast between Blinds To Go and Hunter Douglas is stark and reveals their core priorities.

Blinds To Go: The “Factory-Direct” Advantage

The name says it all. Blinds To Go operates as both the manufacturer and the retailer, cutting out the middleman to offer factory-direct pricing. Their goal is to simplify the buying process with a curated selection of popular styles that can be produced and delivered quickly.

This approach appeals to new homeowners, landlords, or anyone undertaking a renovation on a tight timeline and budget. The focus is on providing a good-enough solution that is both functional and immediately available.

Hunter Douglas: A Legacy of Innovation and Design

Hunter Douglas positions itself as the industry leader in “window fashions.” Their focus is on craftsmanship, proprietary technology, and timeless design. They are credited with inventing the now-ubiquitous honeycomb cellular shade, a testament to their commitment to innovation.

They cater to a discerning clientele that views window treatments as an integral part of their home’s architecture and design. The purchase is not merely functional; it is a long-term upgrade to the home’s value and comfort.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Deconstructing the Key Differences

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to compare the two brands across several key metrics. This table provides a clear, at-a-glance summary of what each brand offers.

Feature	Blinds To Go	Hunter Douglas
Price Point	Budget to Mid-Range	Premium / High-End
Business Model	Manufacturer & Retailer	Designer & Manufacturer (Sold via Dealers)
Customization	Standard Options	Extensive, Bespoke Options
Product Innovation	Follows Trends	Sets Trends (e.g., PowerView, Duette)
Material Quality	Good for the Price	Top-Tier, Exclusive Fabrics
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	Comprehensive Lifetime Guarantee
Installation	In-house or DIY	Certified Professional Installers
Best For	Quick Turnaround, Budget Projects	Lifetime Homes, Design-Focused Projects

Material Quality and Durability: A Look Beneath the Surface

The initial price tag is often the first thing buyers notice, but the materials used dictate the long-term durability and appearance of your blinds. This is one of the most significant areas of divergence between the two brands.

Blinds To Go typically uses standard materials like vinyl, faux wood, and basic polyester fabrics. While perfectly functional, these materials may be more susceptible to fading from UV exposure, warping in high-humidity environments, or showing general wear and tear more quickly. The quality is generally considered fair for the price point.

Hunter Douglas, conversely, invests heavily in developing and sourcing proprietary, high-performance materials. Their fabrics often feature specialized weaves and finishes that resist fading, repel dust, and maintain their shape over decades. This commitment to quality is a primary reason why blinds can be so expensive, as the upfront cost reflects a much longer expected lifespan.

Customization and Product Selection: Your Vision, Their Limits

Your ability to achieve a specific design vision is directly tied to the range of products and customization options available.

The Blinds To Go Catalog

Blinds To Go offers a well-defined collection of the most popular window treatment styles. You’ll find roller shades, faux wood blinds, cellular shades, and vertical blinds in a standard range of colors and sizes.

This streamlined selection is designed to prevent overwhelm and speed up the decision-making process. However, it means you have limited ability to specify unique dimensions, control mechanisms, or fabric choices outside of their core offerings.

The Hunter Douglas Universe of Options

Hunter Douglas provides an almost limitless array of possibilities. Their product lines include hundreds of fabric choices, textures, and colors, many of which are exclusive to their brand. They are known for unique products like Silhouette and Pirouette shades, which offer unparalleled light control.

Furthermore, their customization extends to operating systems, with options like top-down/bottom-up configurations, cordless systems, and the industry-leading PowerView® Automation. This vast selection is why many homeowners comparing brands like Select Blinds vs Hunter Douglas find the latter’s range to be in a class of its own.

The Hidden Battleground: Warranty and Customer Service

A product is only as good as the support behind it. The warranty and service models of Blinds To Go and Hunter Douglas reflect their different approaches to the customer relationship.

Blinds To Go offers a limited lifetime warranty, but customers should read the fine print. Often, crucial components like cords and motorization have much shorter warranty periods, and issues deemed “normal wear and tear” may not be covered. Customer service is centralized, meaning you’ll deal directly with the company’s support channels.

Hunter Douglas is renowned for its comprehensive Lifetime Limited Warranty. It covers defects and internal mechanisms for as long as the original purchaser owns the product, offering significant peace of mind. Service is handled through their network of authorized dealers, which provides a local, hands-on point of contact for any issues. The exclusivity of their dealer network is a key part of their brand, leading many to wonder if other large retailers carry their products.

Cost vs. Value: The Ultimate Deciding Factor

Price will always be a major consideration. A Hunter Douglas product can easily cost two to four times more than a comparable product from Blinds To Go. The critical question is not just about cost, but about long-term value.

The value of Hunter Douglas products extends beyond their physical durability. Many of their shades offer significant energy efficiency benefits, with cellular designs like Duette® Honeycomb Shades capable of reducing heat loss through windows by up to 50%. Over time, these energy savings can help offset the higher initial purchase price. Additionally, premium, automated window treatments can add to a home’s resale value.

The Final Verdict: Which Brand Is Right for Your Home?

The choice between Blinds To Go and Hunter Douglas is a personal one that depends entirely on your project scope, budget, and long-term goals.

Choose Blinds To Go If…

You should opt for Blinds To Go if you are working with a strict budget or need a fast solution. They are an excellent choice for rental properties, first homes, or rooms where you need functional, attractive coverings without a significant financial outlay.

Their straightforward process is ideal for those who value speed and convenience over bespoke customization.

Choose Hunter Douglas If…

You should invest in Hunter Douglas if quality, durability, and design are your primary concerns. These products are intended for a “forever home” where you want window treatments that perform flawlessly for decades and contribute to the overall design aesthetic.

If you desire access to unique materials, innovative operating systems like motorization, and the peace of mind of a robust lifetime warranty, Hunter Douglas is the superior choice.

Beyond the Brands: The Importance of Professional Measurement and Installation

Regardless of which brand you select, the final result depends heavily on accurate measurements and professional installation. An ill-fitting blind will not function correctly, and poor installation can damage both the product and your window frames.

Both companies offer professional services, and it is a worthwhile investment to ensure your new window treatments look and perform their best for years to come.