Your Window Blinds and Shades FAQ, Answered by Clearview
Whether you're figuring out how to choose window treatments for a new build in Kingston or looking for blind maintenance tips after years of daily use, you've come to the right place. Clearview Blinds and Shades, LLC is a family-owned, women-owned business serving Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties, and our team has 16 years of interior design experience to draw from. Below you'll find honest answers to the questions we hear most often, covering everything from custom blind sizing and motorized shade questions to repairs and consultations. If you don't see your question here, call us daily between 9 AM and 6 PM for a free consultation.
Got Questions? We Have Answers.
Common Questions About Our Window Treatments and Services
  • What is the difference between a blind and a shade, and how do I know which one I need?

    Blinds are hard treatments made from slats or vanes, such as wood blinds, faux wood blinds, aluminum horizontal blinds, and vertical blinds. Shades are soft treatments made from continuous fabric or woven material, including cellular, roller, solar, Roman, natural, pleated, sheer, and layered shades. Choosing between them comes down to your light control goals, privacy needs, and the overall aesthetic of your home. For example, cellular shades are ideal for energy efficiency in Pacific Northwest winters, while solar shades work well for reducing glare on TVs without fully blocking your view. Our team can walk you through the best fit for each room during a free in-home consultation.
  • How does the custom blind sizing process work, and do I need to measure my own windows?

    You do not need to measure your own windows. Clearview handles all technical measurements in-house using precise protocols designed for non-standard window dimensions, which are common in both older homes and new construction throughout Kitsap and Jefferson counties. Getting the measurements right is one of the most important steps in any custom blind sizing guide, because even a small error can affect how a treatment hangs, seals, and operates. We schedule in-home measurement appointments Monday through Thursday, and our team brings 16 years of design experience to every visit to ensure the final product fits perfectly and complements your space.
  • What are motorized shades, and are they practical for everyday use?

    Motorized shades are window treatments that operate without manual cords or pulls. Instead, they are controlled by a remote, a wall switch, or a smart home system. They are especially practical for hard-to-reach windows, high-ceiling installations, or anyone who wants effortless daily control over light and privacy. From a usage standpoint, motorized shades are straightforward once installed, and our team handles all the technical setup so you do not have to. They are available across many of our product lines, including cellular, roller, and solar shades. If you have motorized shade questions specific to your home or smart home setup, call us, and we can talk through your options.
  • Can you repair blinds or shades that were not purchased from Clearview?

    Yes, we offer repair services including cord replacement, restringing, and mechanism smoothing for a wide range of window treatments, regardless of where they were originally purchased. We also provide a Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Re-Installation model, so you do not have to manage the logistics yourself. Blind maintenance and repair is one of the areas where local, independent businesses like Clearview stand apart, because most big-box retailers and national franchises simply do not offer this kind of hands-on, post-sale support. If you are dealing with broken cords, blinds that do not hang properly, or a mechanism that no longer operates smoothly, give us a call to discuss your repair needs.
  • Why do custom window treatments cost more than off-the-shelf options, and is the difference worth it?

    Custom window treatments are manufactured to the exact dimensions of your windows, using higher-grade materials and professional-grade hardware. Off-the-shelf products are made to standard sizes, which means they rarely fit perfectly and often require workarounds that affect both appearance and function. Over time, custom products tend to outlast mass-market alternatives significantly, which means lower replacement costs and less hassle. For homeowners in areas like Bainbridge Island or Port Ludlow where design continuity matters, the difference in quality is visible every day. Our average project investment runs between $2,500 and $4,000, and we are happy to explain exactly what goes into that number so you feel confident in your decision.
  • How do cellular shades help with energy efficiency in Pacific Northwest homes?

    Cellular shades, sometimes called honeycomb shades, feature a structure of air pockets that act as insulation between the window glass and the interior of your home. This design helps reduce heat loss in winter and keeps rooms cooler in summer, which is especially useful in the Pacific Northwest where moisture, drafts, and variable temperatures are part of everyday life. For homeowners dealing with high heating bills or drafty windows in Kingston, Poulsbo, or Hansville, cellular shades are one of the most effective window treatment solutions available. They come in single, double, and triple-cell configurations, with deeper cells providing greater insulation. Our team can help you select the right cell depth based on your home's specific needs.
  • What happens during an in-home consultation, and how long does it take?

    Our in-home consultations are low-pressure and built around listening first. Diane or Amanda will visit your home, assess your windows, and talk through your goals for light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. From there, we provide design guidance grounded in 16 years of professional interior design experience, helping you understand which materials, styles, and operating systems make the most sense for each space. We take precise measurements during the same visit so nothing is left to guesswork. Consultations are available by appointment Monday through Thursday. You can also stop by our Kingston showroom on Fridays from 12 PM to 5 PM or Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM, or call us any day between 9 AM and 6 PM.
  • Which areas does Clearview serve, and do you travel outside of Kingston?

    Clearview Blinds and Shades serves customers throughout Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties. Primary service towns include Kingston, Hansville, Port Ludlow, Poulsbo, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island, along with neighborhoods like Suquamish and Indianola. Our showroom is located in Kingston, WA. If you are navigating to us, note that GPS apps sometimes route visitors to the back of the property rather than the showroom corner, so look for the Highway 104 intersection. If you are unsure whether we travel to your area, just give us a call and we will confirm service availability for your location.

Still have questions? We're here to help — contact us today or give us a call!