When the window treatments are finished, most good window coverings companies in Marin County in the major cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, and Larkspur, or your area, will give you a written invoice that details the completed work. This invoice will usually consist of:

• An itemized list of all the window treatments and the supplies purchased.
• The total cost for window coverings services, including the amount due for labor.
• The window covering company’s name, physical address and license number.
• A list of all the services performed.
• Any applicable warrantees or guarantees provided by the window treatments manufacturers and the company.

It’s a good idea to compare the finalized work to what was promised on the written invoice. Ask your company representative to walk through the home with you and show you the work. Check what was done against the invoice. During the walk-through, ask if there are any special instructions for maintaining your new window treatments. If you have questions about the work that was done or the materials used, this is the time to ask.

Most good window covering companies offer some type of warranty on their work or on the materials they’ve used. All warranty details should be given to you in writing during the contract phase or at the conclusion of the job.

This written warranty information should include the following:

• Your responsibility if you place a warranty claim (i.e., if you have to pay for labor or materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount).
• The window coverings store’s name and physical address.
• What products and services are covered. This should also include whether the window shade company will replace or repair your window coverings in the event of a product failure.
• Terms, limitations and exclusions on the window coverings, materials and workmanship.
• If the window coverings warranties are transferrable to the new owner if you sell your home.

Window covering shops in Marin County provide all types of window covering services. However, some window coverings are more common than others.

The following are the most familiar requests for local window covering shops in Marin County, including those in Hayward, San Leandro, Berkeley, Oakland and Fremont and the surrounding areas.

Window Valances
A short drapery or decorative board that is mounted across the top of a window for decorative purposes.

Arched Window Coverings
Window coverings used for the arched windows in a home. The arched coverings will define the shape of the arch window and can make it a focal point.

Drapes and Curtains
Material that hangs in a window or other opening as a decoration shade or screen.

Window Covering Ideas
Ideas for home window treatments for any indoor covering – blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, drapes, etc. Many go to window coverings companies for ideas on how to decorate their windows.

Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are an alternate to real wood blinds. They are less expensive than their real wood counterpart and are made of a composite of man-made materials and natural wood particles. They work well for humid areas, like bathrooms, where real wood blinds may swell, discolor or rot.

Door Window Coverings
Window treatments, like blinds, shades, curtains, or drapes that cover a partial or full glass door.

Kitchen Window Coverings
Window treatments, like blinds, shades, or curtains that cover kitchen windows. These are often decorative, but can serve a functional purpose.

Window Shutters
Window shutters are solid and stable window coverings, usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails. Plantation shutters are a popular type of window covering that provide privacy and help to keep out unwanted sun or light from outside.

Window Coverings for Sliding Glass Doors
Window treatments, like blinds, shades, curtains, or drapes, that cover sliding glass doors.

Roller Shades
A roller shade is a straight piece of vinyl or fabric attached to a roller that raises or lowers by a spring mechanism or a continuous loop lift cord clutch mechanism. Electric roller shades are available that are activated by a switch. These are a smart choice for tall windows or hard-to-reach windows that require window shades that can be opened and closed without hassle.

Below are key terms used by window covering contractors, including descriptions that will help you understand they types of window treatments available to you.

arched window coverings
Window coverings used for the arched windows in a home. The arched coverings will define the shape of the arch window and can make it a focal point.

Also known as: arch window treatments, arch window blinds, window coverings for arched windows, arched window covering, arched window treatments, arch window covering, arch window treatments, arch window treatment, window coverings ideas, arch window, bay window coverings

balloon shade
Fabric shades that have deep inverted pleats that fall into airy, rounded poufs at the bottom.

Also known as: balloon shades for windows, balloon roman shades, lace balloon shades, balloon roman shade, balloon shade curtains, pleated balloon shades

cafe curtains
Short curtains hung on a rod for decorative purposes.

Also known as: white cafe curtains, cafe curtains for bedroom, lace cafe curtains, cafe tier curtains, cafe curtains for kitchen, cafekitchen curtains, French cafe curtains, cafe curtains for living room

casing
A fabric pocket that will encase a curtain rod or elastic for gathering. It is usually made by folding fabric over twice and stitching. Essentially, a hem with open ends.

cornice window treatments
Cornice is an ornamental band used for covering curtain rods. It is made of rigid panel and is covered with fabric.

Also known as: cornices window treatments, cornice board window treatments

custom vinyl shutters
Vinyl shutters typically won’t warp, crack, chip, or shrink. They are also UV resistant and are unaffected by temperature and humidity extremes. Color is throughout which keeps them looking new for as long as they are owned. They also have a scratch-resistant and dent-reistnat finish that doesn’t need sanding staining, or painting.

Also known as: exterior vinyl shutters, vinyl shutters interior, vinyl shutters, outdoor vinyl shutters, vinyl outdoor shutters, interior shutters, window shutters exterior, exterior custom vinyl shutters, louvered vinyl shutters, vinyl shutters for windows, outdoor shutters, exterior shutters, vinyl shutters exterior

door window coverings
Window treatments, like blinds, shades, curtains, or drapes that cover a partial or full glass door.

Also known as: patio door window treatments, front door window coverings, door window treatments, sliding door window coverings, French door window coverings, door window cover, French door window treatment ideas, sliding glass door window covering, window covering for patio doors

drapes and curtains
Material that hangs in a window or other opening as a decoration shade or screen.

Also known as: drapery, custom drapes and curtains, silk drapes curtains, drape curtains, drapes, window curtains, sheer curtains, window drapes curtains, bedroom curtains and drapes, tab top curtains, window drapes and curtains, draperies and window coverings

faux wood blinds
Faux wood blinds are an alternate to real wood blinds. They are less expensive than their real wood counterpart and are made of a composite of man-made materials and natural wood particles. They work well for humid areas, like bathrooms.

Also known as: 1 inch faux wood blinds, 2 inch faux wood blinds, black faux wood blinds, wood blinds, wood mini blinds, faux wood shutters, wood blind, blinds, real wood blinds, faux wood blind, wood window blinds

kitchen window coverings
Window treatments, like blinds, shades, or curtains that cover a kitchen window.

Also known as: kitchen window curtains, window covering, kitchen window treatments, kitchen window treatment, kitchen curtains window treatments, kitchen window shutters

motorized window shades
Window shades that are motorized that are typically used for those hard to reach window openings.

Also known as: motorized window coverings, motorized window treatments, motorized exterior window shades, motorized window blinds, motorized window shade, motorized blinds, motorized roller shades, electric window shades, automatic window shades, motorized shades for windows

roller shades
A roller shade is a straight piece of vinyl or fabric attached to a roller that raises or lowers by a spring mechanism or a continuous loop lift cord clutch mechanism.

Also known as: fabric roller shades, blackout roller shades, solar roller shades, roller shades for windows, bamboo roller shades, motorized roller shades, roller shade hardware, insulated roller shades, spring roller shades, commercial roller shades, exterior roller shades

roman window shades
A Roman window treatment style consists of a fabric shade with wooden slats inserted horizontally at intervals down the entire length. It is raised and lowered with pull cord like other blinds, but gathers soft folds as it does so.

Also known as:  roman shades for windows, window roman shade, roman window treatments, roman shades, roman shades window, window treatments roman shades

room darkening shades
Window shades that darken a room, either completely darken to black or different levels of darkness.

Also known as: room darkening roller shades, room darkening cellular shades, room darkening window shades, room darkening roman shades, room darkening drapes, room darkening blinds, blackout blinds, window shades and blinds, room darkening roller shade, room darkening shade

scallops
Deep, round curves that are often seen on the bottom edge of cafe curtain window treatments.

spring-tension rod
This rod is an adjustable rod that will fit inside the window frame. It is the internal spring makes it possible to adjust the rod.

swag curtains
Curtain window treatments that are hung on a rod or are attached to a mounting board. A length of fabric that is loosely draped over a rod and can be dressed to form a casual style swag.

Also known as: curtain swags, swags and valances, window swags, swag window treatments

thermal lining
Fabric which is layered with aluminum on one side for insulation.

Also known as: thermal window coverings, insulated window coverings, solar window coverings

window curtain weights
Small metal discs that are placed in the hem of curtain window coverings to make the curtain hang better.

window blinds
Window blinds are for privacy or to keep out light. Also a protective covering that will keep light out or hinder sight.

Also known as: window blinds and shades, bamboo window blinds, custom window blinds, arch window blinds, wooden window blinds, arched window blinds, motorized blinds, magnetic window blinds, horizontal window blinds, wood window blinds, electric window blinds, cordless window blinds, vertical window blinds, cellular window blinds, door window blinds

venetian blind
Window blinds that are made of horizontal strips that overlap when closed.

Also known as: venetian blinds, wooden venetian blinds, venetian blind cleaner, bamboo venetian blinds, venetian blinds parts, aluminum venetian blinds, vertical blinds

window covering ideas
Ideas for home window treatments for any indoor covering – blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, drapes, etc. Many go to window coverings companies for ideas on how to decorate their windows.

Also known as: window coverings ideas, window treatment ideas, window coverings for large windows, window coverings for French doors, window treatment ideas, bathroom window coverings, kitchen window coverings ideas, draperies and window coverings ideas, bay window coverings ideas

window covering repairs
The repair of window treatments, like blinds, shades, curtains, or drapes, that cover windows.

Also known as: window covers repairs, modern window coverings repair, bay window coverings repair

window coverings for sliding glass doors
Window treatments, like blinds, shades, curtains, or drapes, that cover sliding glass doors.

Also known as: sliding door window treatment, vertical blinds for sliding glass doors, sliding glass door shades, draperies for sliding glass doors, blinds for sliding glass doors, window coverings for sliding glass door, curtains for sliding glass door, window treatments for sliding glass doors

window shades
An opaque window blind or shade that can cover windows for decorative or functional purposes.

Also known as: fabric window shades, window shades and blinds, roman window shades, motorized window shades, pleated window shades, outdoor window shades, cellular window shades, exterior window shades, designer window shades, clot window shades, window shades roller, bamboo window shades, window covers, bay window coverings

window shutters
Window shutters are solid and stable window coverings, usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails.

Also known as: interior window shutters, vinyl window shutters, inside window shutters, security window shutters, window shutters indoor, exterior window shutters, bay window shutters, internal window shutters, arched window shutters, outside window shutters

window treatments
A window treatment is any decorative or functional covering that is applied to the inside of a window and window frame. This can include shades, horizontal or vertical blinds, drapes, or interior shutters.

window valances
A short drapery or decorative board that is mounted across the top of a window.

Also known as: kitchen window valances, window valance, bay window valances, window treatment valances, modern window valances

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified window covering company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a window covering company with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local window covering stores that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only window covering companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified window covering company.

Q: What is the difference between inside mount and outside mount?
A: An inside mount, which can also be called an inside bracket (IB), means that the blind will mount inside the window frame, usually flush with the wall. The outside mount, which can also be called an outside bracket (OB), means the blinds will be mounted on the wall; therefore, I will cover the window and the frame when measured properly.

Q When buying a new house and in need window treatments, what should I know first?
A: First you will want to learn about the basics of window coverings, such as privacy, light control, function, and style. After that, prioritize your needs for each window. For the most versatility, layer the treatments. As an example, put mini-blinds next to the glass to control the light, then hang fabric panels for style and color.

Q: What is fabric tape?
A: Fabric tapes are used to make a decorative accessory. They can be added to blinds to pick-up the accent colors from your surrounding area. Fabric tape is a 1 1/2″ wide colored fabric which runs down the height of the blind on each side in place of the string ladders.

Q: What is the meaning of 2 on a head rail?
A: This is a feature that is recommended only for wide windows. If a window exceeds a certain width, the blind can be split into two independent blinds which will share the same top or head rail. Most of the time you can purchase two single blinds, which will serve the same purpose.

Q: What kinds of window treatments work best in a child’s room?
A: Most of the time, simpler is better, especially when dealing with children’s rooms. You may want to consider installing room darkening shades to help your child sleep better, or insulated shades to maintain room temperature. Many custom curtains exist to match with the decor of the room, and you can easily find blinds and other window treatments to coordinate with those decorative patterns. Avoid blinds with cords or other dangerous parts. Your window treatment specialist should be able to guide you to the best choice for you and your child.

Q. Should the curtain rod hang at the top of the window frame or higher?
A: The rod should hang just above the window frame. If you want a more elegant look, hang it closer to the ceiling. That will offer a longer sweep of fabric and will help visually heighten the room. You will want to make the rods wide enough so that the stack back of drapery fabric will clear the sides of the window, rather than covering part of the glass.

Q. What type of window covering should I use if I don’t want to block the light with drapes, but I need more privacy?
A: It might be a good idea to use shutters or hang a cafe curtain to cover the bottom of the window. Another solution is the “bottom up” option for shades and blinds. These draw up from the bottom for privacy, but they still allow a view out of the top portion of the window. Another option is to look for a pretty stained glass window to set in the window sill which will look attractive and offer some privacy.

Q. What if I like the view from my window, but the sun beating down is fading my upholstery fabrics? Do I need to cover my windows?
A: It might be a good idea to cover the windows to control the sunlight. You could install mini blinds and tilt them, so that direct sun is blocked. This will also cut down on your view though. To preserve a wide expanse of glass, look into having the windows tinted. If this is done properly, you won’t notice much of a difference. The tinting film will cut out nearly all of the damaging UV rays that fade and cause fabrics to break down. This is not an expensive project, particularly if you are only doing a couple of rooms.