Getting to Know American Blinds
American Blinds is a veteran player in the window treatments industry, having been in business for over 60 years. Originally founded in Detroit in the 1950s as supplier of blinds and wallpapers, the company has evolved to become a nationwide online retailer specializing solely in window blinds and shades.
While not as much of a household name as some bigger brands, American Blinds has quietly built up an impressive legacy over its 60+ year history. The company has been run by current owner Joel Levine since 2006. Under his leadership, American Blinds has focused on providing a quality product at affordable prices, delivered through excellent customer service.
Here‘s a snapshot view of the American Blinds brand:
Manufacturing: Most products are made in Hong Kong to keep costs low, then shipped to the US for distribution.
Business Model: Online-only retailer without brick-and-mortar showrooms. This helps keeps prices affordable.
Product Selection: Wide variety of blinds and shades available including cellular, wood, faux wood, solar, blackouts, sheers and more. Both stock and custom options.
Price: Lower than big-name competitors, with regular sales/discounts offered. Value pricing.
Reputation: Positive customer feedback praising prices, quality and helpful service. Room for growth in brand awareness.
Now let‘s analyze the pros and cons of shopping with this veteran brand…
The Pros of Buying from American Blinds
Affordable Pricing
As an online-only store without the overhead of showrooms, American Blinds is able to offer significant savings over many brick-and-mortar retailers of up to 40% less. Frequent sales and specials also help keep costs reasonable.
Large Product Selection
From versatile cellular shades to room darkening blackouts and everything between, American Blinds has a blind to meet any functional need or aesthetic taste. Lots of fabrics/colors to choose from.
Customization Available
In addition to a wide selection of stock sizes, you can fully customize your blinds by dimensions, features and fabric to get an ideal solution.
Generous Warranties
Most shades come with lifetime limited warranties. This gives peace of mind you‘re buying a durable product built to last.
Positive Reputation
Reviews from verified purchasers praise both the buying experience and the quality of shades received. Long history adds trust.
Potential Downsides
Limited Brand Recognition
As a predominantly online company, American Blinds doesn‘t have the massive advertising budgets or household name recognition of a Home Depot or Lowe‘s.
Can‘t See Before You Buy
Since there are no physical showrooms, you select window treatments strictly from photos online without seeing swatches in person first. This can make visualizing the end result difficult.
Potential Shipping Delays
As a made-to-order product shipping directly from the factory, uncontrolled manufacturing or transit delays can very occasionally happen.
In-Depth Analysis of American Blinds‘ Most Popular Products
Now let‘s dig into some of American Blind‘s top-selling blinds to evalute factors like quality of materials and construction, ease of installation, effectiveness, pricing and overall value:
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, are some of the most popular products from American Blinds. Here‘s why:
Energy Efficient
The honeycomb construction helps insulate your home, keeping heat in during winter and heat out in summer. This can significantly reduce energy bills.
Superior Light Control
Cellular shades scatter and diffuse sunlight rather than blocking it out entirely. This reduces glare and provides soft, even lighting ideal for home offices or multimedia rooms.
Room Darkening Options
While most filter light, room darkening cellular shades use dense fabrics layered with blackout lining to completely block external light when needed.
Added Privacy
When fully lowered, the honeycomb structure of cellular shades prevents clear views inside. The insulation factor also dampens outside noise.
Child/Pet Safety
Cordless lifting systems reduce any risk of accidents from dangling cords. Trictight mounts keep curious pets from batting at tempting cords.
The combination of functionality, energy savings potential and classic style makes cellular shades a versatile option. For light filtering, room darkening, insulation or just a modern update, these shades deliver excellent value.
Sheer & Light Filtering Shades
These shades live up to their name by allowing natural light to filter into a room while providing airflow and a touch of privacy.
The lightweight, loosely woven sheer fabrics won‘t completely block views in or out, but do obscure the clarity significantly compared to bare windows. This prevents that "exposed" feeling without sacrificing the openness and sunlight desired.
Tilting the vanes of the shades, usually operated by cordless lifts, enables you to control just how much exterior visibility and lighting to allow inside. This ability to modulate sunlight prevents glare while giving you complete control over the ambiance.
These shades pair beautifully with existing curtains for extra dimension, or look clean and modern on their own. Their airy, breezy vibe makes these shades ideal for beach cottages and summer homes.
Blackout Shades
Where sheer shades soften and filter natural light, blackout shades do the total opposite – block 100% of external light for artificial-feeling nighttime darkness during daylight hours.
How do they accomplish this? Typically with several layers of thick, light-absorbing fabrics plus internal linings to prevent any photon infiltration. Top blackout shades even seal the edges with dense side channels or velcro strips to prevent cracks of unwanted brightness.
Why shop for blackout shades specifically from American Blinds versus big box alternatives? Two reasons:
Child-Safe
Many American Blinds blackout shades come with cordless lifting systems and no dangling hazards. Key for kids‘ bedrooms.
Light-Tight Construction
Reviews confirm the room darkening claims of complete sunlight blocking aren‘t just marketing fluff. Third-party tested and verified.
If you struggle with sleep issues, work overnight shifts, or simply want to recreate midnight during the day, investing in serious blackout shades delivers incredible bang for buck.
Faux & Real Wood Blinds
Few window treatments exude timeless elegance like classic wood window blinds. The textured, natural beauty of real wood immediately classes up any space.
But what about faux wood alternatives? Which is the better route – real or imitation wood?
Each option has pros and cons:
Real Wood
Pros: Unmatched aesthetics and texture with natural wood grain variations and warmth. Highest quality materials that accrue value.
Cons: Considerable ongoing maintenance required including dusting, occasional oiling and sensitivity to humidity/light. Much pricier.
Faux Wood
Pros: Mimics appearance of real wood at a fraction of the price. Low maintenance. Moisture/UV resistant. Dent resistant. Wide range of "wood look" finishes.
Cons: Lacks depth and authenticity of real wood. Still require occasional dusting. Limited ability to refinish.
There‘s no definitively right or wrong option. Choose real wood for untreated beauty accepting extra care and costs. Opt for faux wood for 95% of aesthetics with almost no maintenance. For many homes, faux wood hits the sweet spot combining visual appeal and affordability.
How American Blinds Compares to the Competition
Stacking American Blinds up against category leaders like Select Blinds, Blinds.com and Budget Blinds reveals how this company delivers:
Price: Among the lowest prices found from any reputable online retailer. Frequent sales help drive exceptional value.
Selection: Vast assortment across all popular styles, with customization options exceeding many competitors. Materials and dimensions are rarely limiting factors.
Quality: Positive owner feedback confirms products meet expectations for material quality, construction and durability. No consistency issues found.
Ordering Process: Simple, user-friendly website with sizing guides, videos and chat support. Limited headaches.
Speed: Average order completion + shipping time is 2-3 weeks. Within expectations given made-to-order manufacturing model.
The combination of reasonable prices, deep selection, positive owner experiences and smooth ordering process makes American Blinds exceed or at least match bigger players on every meaningful business measure.
Reviews from Verified American Blinds Customers
Coming from a single reviewer, the overwhelmingly positive coverage American Blinds has received so far could seem suspiciously biased. Are actual paying customers as enthusiastic about the brand?
Analyzing reviews from multiple independent sources confirms American Blinds pleases the vast majority buying their blinds:
AmericanBlinds.com: Multiple top-selling shade lines receive average ratings between 4.6 and 4.8 out of 5 stars from 50+ owners. Issues like sizing mismatches or shipping delays occur but are rare.
SiteJabber: With over 225 buyer ratings, American Blinds earns an excellent 4.5/5 stars. 91% give a rating of "5" – exceeded expectations.
ConsumerAdvocate: Even with a small sample of 17 ratings, an impressive 4.6/5 stars indicates the brand satisfies most customers consistently.
Specific aspects earning praise across reviews include speedy shipping, easy ordering experience, responsive and competent customer service when needed, and delight with the quality and appearance of shades exceeding expectations given the reasonable prices paid.
Any shortcomings around product defects or shipping are shown to be addressed promptly and fairly by the American Blinds team. This commitment to caring for customers is noticed and applauded.
In summary – buyers confidently endorse American Blinds for delivering pleasing products punctually supported by helpful service at affordable prices. What more could you ask for?
Who is American Blinds Ideal For?
The sheer variety of American Blinds products makes them an option suitable for nearly any home. Their specialty in made-to-order window treatments also accommodates unique sizing scenarios.
But what buyer profiles may appreciate American Blinds the most?
First-Time Buyers
For those furnishing their first home, the cost savings and simplicity of ordering through AmericanBlinds.com reduces headaches. Easy to navigate and experts available to guide you through terminology. Reviews suggest first-timers find the process smooth.
Design-Conscious Shoppers
The combination of functional and blackout shades paired with classic looks of real or faux wood blinds enables creatively mixing styles for an elevated designer feel without designer prices.
Renters
Renters simply need a temporary solution to fit their odd window sizes on a tight budget. American Blinds delivers. No need over investing. Just make sure to measure carefully!
Expert Tips for Buying the Best Blinds for Your Home
To select optimum window treatments from American Blinds for your specific needs, consider these expert recommendations:
#1. Decide on Priorities First
Determine must-have functionality like room darkening, insulation, noise dampening or child safety features so blinds can be matched accordingly with the right specifications. Don‘t pay extra for unnecessary add-ons though.
#2. Measure Twice for Perfect Sizing
Carefully measure all window dimensions twice for accuracy, making sure to account for any protrusions, handles or window trim getting in the way when shades are installed and operating. Custom sizing only works when measurements are exact.
#3 Prepare the Installation Space
Make sure the window areas are cleaned and any clutter removed to create space to work during installation. Have the necessary tools available ahead of time as well.
#4. See Swatches First
If unsure on fabric colors and textures, American Blinds provides free samples by request. View swatches next to paint chips or other room elements under natural light to confirm tones work together before fully committing through the custom order process.
#5. Combine Styles for Added Dimension
Mix sheer shades with curtains, or blend blackouts with wood blinds for exciting contrast between windows or on different floors of the home. Adding window treatment diversity prevents a boring, cookie-cutter look.
Ongoing Sales, Promos and Discount Codes
American Blinds maintains an attractive everyday low pricing policy to remain cost competitive. But the company sweetens the value proposition further through seasonal sales averaging 25-40% discounts on all blinds and shades storewide.
The semi-annual sales kick off spring and autumn to align with home improvement season when customer interest peaks thanks to tax refunds and pleasant weather.
Given the generous regular prices, stacking additional discounts from American Blinds‘ bi-yearly promos creates exceptional savings opportunities for all budgets. Sale prices often beat Amazon and even Walmart surprisingly.
The company also provides the easiest price match guarantee around for worry free shopping. If you happen to find the same shades cheaper at one of their authorized competitors within 14 days of purchase date, American Blinds will refund you the difference. They stand firmly behind providing the best deals.
Between competitive regular prices and seasonal sales, most savvy shoppers choose to purchase their new window treatments from American Blinds specifically during major sitewide sales events when percent-off coupons apply storewide. This timing ensures maximizing savings on top-tier window blinds and shades.
Where to Purchase American Blinds Products
As an online-first e-tailer focused on selling factory direct, AmericanBlinds.com is obviously the foremost destination shoppers turn to for excellent pricing and convenience purchasing quality blinds.
Beyond heading straight to the source, a secondary option for in-person shopping assistance from American Blinds broker partners exists in select cities if desired:
Blinds by Design, Ltd
Local dealer with retail showroom for American Blinds located Chicagoland area
The Blind and Drapery Co
Family-owned blind retailer in Denver area with store samples from various brands including American Blinds available.
However the product selection from these third-party partners proves limited compared to the expansive options at AmericanBlinds.com. Inventory constraints simply prevent displaying the diversity of shades and materials found by ordering direct from the American Blinds warehouse online.
Unless you absolutely require an in-person design session with American Blinds swatches on hand, which comes at a premium cost, purchasing factory direct online provides unmatched selection and savings. For most homeowners, the digital buying process works smoothly thanks to sizing guides and customer service available to solve issues.
Final Verdict: An Overwhelmingly Smart Buy
Revisiting my initial American Blinds review verdict – this low key eCommerce player remains a surprisingly delightful secret weapon delivering pleasing window shades at near wholesale prices for savvy shoppers.
The combination of quality, selection, ordering ease, pricing, and customer service makes American Blinds a consistent crowd pleaser amongst homeowners. While the brand lacks the big budget marketing of a Home Depot or Target, its focus stays trained on the retail fundamentals – decent products + good prices + smiles = happy customers.
So if seeking stylish shades to refresh your living space without draining your bank account, I highly recommend American Blinds as a best-in-class purveyor ready to outfit your windows in high quality, custom-fit finery. Just run any sizing conundrums past their wonderful support staff for guidance, then kick back expecting some fantastic, affordable new window dressings to enhance your decor.
