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The Shade Store Reviews

9.4

The Shade Store Review: It's Expensive. Is it Worth it?

Based on customer reviews, The Shade Store is undoubtedly a leading provider of custom window treatments (second only to Select Blinds in our rankings). The company offers a wide range of products, including roller shades, cellular shades, roman shades, drapes, and blinds. The Shade Store customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to Yelp are excellent. Based on BBB's review of The Shade Store, it earned an A+ rating. Yelp's average customer review rating on The Shade Store is 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Ever dream of window treatments that ooze luxury and are custom-made to fit your space perfectly? The Shade Store promises just that, but with a hefty price tag attached. In this review, we'll delve into whether their top-rated blinds and shades justify the splurge. We'll explore what satisfied customers rave about, weigh in on potential drawbacks, and ultimately help you decide if The Shade Store lives up to its premium price point. We also compare other reputable places to shop for blinds, including SelectBlinds, Blinds.com, and Hunter Douglas.

Pros


  • Expert advice available and has 60+ showrooms
  • Provides renderings of designs before approval
  • Has professional installation available
  • Makes shopping for window blinds quick, easy and offers a wide selection of high-quality blinds
  • Offers free design consultations and professional installation

Cons


  • The Shade Store is Expensive
  • Customer complaints mention it taking a long time for The Shade Store to install their blinds (e.g., in some cases over a month after purchasing)
  • Some blinds have quality issues

Why shop at The Shade Store for window blinds?

The Shade Store sets itself apart from other blind and curtain companies by cultivating relationships with designers to bring unique looks to homes.

The Shade Store is a good option if you are looking for high-quality, custom window blinds. Cheap blinds, you won't find at The Shade Store! Blinds.com or Target are good options if you are on a budget and need blinds quickly.

About The Shade Store

Brothers Jack and Milton Goldstein started a fabric business in New York in 1946 and it morphed into The Shade Store as their grandsons Adam, Ian and Zach Gibbs, along with cousin Greg Spatz, took over the company's leadership.

Together, they rebranded the business as The Shade Store and opened showrooms nationwide. Today, the company has over 60 showrooms, a strong online presence, and brand recognition.

Great Hills Partners acquired a majority stake in The Shade Store in 2013 before Leonard Green and Partners purchased the business in 2018. The company underwent leadership changes in 2021, with Laurie Kien Kotcher taking over as CEO.

The Shade Store focuses on providing custom window treatments through exclusive partnerships with leading designers like Nate Berkus, Sheila Bridges, Jonathan Adler and Alexa Hampton.

The company began operation in 1946 and has existed under different names throughout the past 75 years. The Shade Store provides a full-service experience from initial consultation to design work and installation. Find out more about The Shade Store, its window covering offerings and its window blind designs.

Shade Store Customer Reviews

The Shade Store holds high marks with Google Reviews, Yelp and Houzz. Reviews on Google and Yelp are based on the location, while on Houzz, The Shade Store has a 4.9 rating based on 871 ratings. Elsewhere, the Spruce named The Shade Store as one of the 11 best places to buy blinds online, as did Business Insider.

The Shade Store sells high-quality window blinds at affordable prices and offers outstanding customer experiences. You can choose blinds on your own or you can consult a Shade Store design professional. You can also take pictures of your windows and produce renderings of what certain curtains and blinds will look like in your home.

Let's take a look at some of the customer reviews at The Shade Store's most popular locations across the nation. We tried to pull some helpful reviews to share with you.

The Shade Store Locations (by State)

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Colorado

  • Connecticut

  • District of Columbia

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Illinois

  • Kansas

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • Missouri

  • Nevada

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Virginia

  • Washington

The Shade Store New York, NY & NJ - Customer Reviews

The Shade Store in Paramus, NJ, is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google, based on 36 customer reviews. At its 77 Wooster St., New York, NY SoHo location, it's not rated quite so high according to Yelp, with 3 out of 5 stars based on 53 reviews. On the other hand, the Shade Store in Brooklyn, NY, has an excellent rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

  • "The Shade Store has an amazing selection of window treatments, and the staff is incredibly helpful. I was able to find the perfect shades for my home, and they were installed perfectly." - Sarah J.

  • "The Shade Store is a bit expensive, but it's worth it for the quality of the products and services. I'm very happy with my new shades." - John D.

  • "Cornelia helped us mix Roller and Roman shades throughout our house in a variety of materials/fabrics/colors that worked beautifully together. We could not be happier with the end result. Cornelia was communicative, patient and incredibly friendly!"

The Shade Store Los Angeles, CA - Customer Reviews

  • "I had a great experience with The Shade Store. The designer helped me choose the perfect window treatments for my home, and the installation was quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for high-quality custom window treatments." - Jane S.

  • "I was a little hesitant to order window treatments online, but I'm so glad I did! The Shade Store made the process easy and stress-free. I'm very happy with my new shades, and they look great in my home." - Mark B.

  • "The Shade Store in WeHo was fantastic. Michael Wallace supported us through every stop. It was a pleasure and our window shades are gorgeous!" -Lori Amos

The Shade Store Chicago, IL - Customer Reviews

  • "I'm so glad I chose The Shade Store for my new window treatments. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and they helped me find the perfect shades for my home. The installation was also quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for high-quality custom window treatments." - Susan W.

  • "I was very impressed with the quality of the products and services from The Shade Store. My new shades are beautiful and well-made, and the installation was quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for custom window treatments." - Bill T.

  • "One of the shades showed up missing a piece, and The Shade Store was quick to correct the issue. Great customer service. Clients LOVE their new window treatments!" Allison Ruda

The Shade Store San Francisco, CA - Customer Reviews

The Shade Store's customer rating on Google for its San Francisco, CA, location is 4 out of 5 stars based on 40 customer reviews. Some stand-out reviews from this location include;

  • " As you can see from the photos, my windows have some unique shapes and sizes, and I get a lot of direct sun. Deborah was super patient, knowledgable, and asked a lot of questions." - Rob Smith

  • "The Shade Store has a great selection of window treatments, and the staff is very knowledgeable. They helped me choose the perfect shades for my home, and the installation was quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for custom window treatments." - Mary C.

  • "I'm very happy with my new shades from The Shade Store. They are high quality and look great in my home. The installation was also quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for custom window treatments." - David L.

The Shade Store Dallas, TX - Customer Reviews

The Shade Store again doesn't disappoint, with close to 40 customer reviews in its Dallas, Texas Location. Here are a few reviews that stood out.

  • "I had a great experience with The Shade Store. The designer helped me choose the perfect window treatments for my home, and the installation was quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for high-quality custom window treatments." - Sarah J.

  • "I'm very happy with my new shades from The Shade Store. They are high quality and look great in my home. The installation was also quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for custom window treatments." - John D.

The Shade Store Miami, FL - Customer Reviews

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and 83 customer reviews in Miami, Florida, The Shade Store has the best rating in the area for window blind stores.

  • "Cody Fardella did my install. He was completely professional & took his time getting the perfect position of my zebra roller shades. " - Autumn Quinn

  • "I'm so glad I chose The Shade Store for my new window treatments. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and they helped me find the perfect shades for my home. The installation was also quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for high-quality custom window treatments." - Susan W.

  • "I was very impressed with the quality of the products and services from The Shade Store. My new shades are beautiful and well-made, and the installation was quick and easy. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for custom window treatments." - Bill T.

Contact Information for Each Location

The Shade Store New York, NY

  • Address: 21 Abendroth Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573

  • Phone Number: (914) 481-3600

The Shade Store Los Angeles, CA

  • Address: 8833 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

  • Phone Number: (310) 273-2500

The Shade Store Chicago, IL

  • Address: 300 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

  • Phone Number: (312) 222-1000

The Shade Store San Francisco, CA

  • Address: 101 Henry Adams St, San Francisco, CA 94103

  • Phone Number: (415) 357-2400

The Shade Store Dallas, TX

  • Address: 4220 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

  • Phone Number: (214) 252-0400

Types of Blinds and Shades

You can choose from roller shades, solar shades, woven wood shades, cellular shades or pleated shades. For blinds, you can select wood blinds, vertical blinds or metal blinds. If you need window drapes, The Shade Store has ripple fold, pleated, grommet, goblet, cubicle and rod pocket style. You can also find valances and cornices.

The Shade Store creates all its blinds and curtains in the U.S. and has free shipping that will arrive in 10 days or less. You opt for professional installation, if you’d prefer not to handle that.

Shade Store Roller Blinds

If you want options for roller blinds, you’ll find them at The Shade Store.

There are more than 400 materials available and the lineup of roller blinds includes:

  • light filter roller shades

  • blackout roller shades

  • designer roller shades

  • double roller shades

  • venetian roller shades,

  • zen roller shades

  • solar roller shades.

The Shade Store's Cost for Roller Blinds:

  • Prices range from $280 to $596

  • The Shade Store frequently runs sales where you can take 15% to 20% off the cost.

Shade Store Cellular Shades 

The Shade Store has three options for cellular shades:

  • light filtering shades

  • blackout shades 

  • day/night shades.

Cellular window blinds help provide insulation and regulate the temperature inside your home. The Shade Store offers double-cell options with its light-filtering window shades and its blackout shades.

The day/night shades can change from light filtering operation to blackout with a pull of a cord. The Shade Store has light filtering shades and blackout shades starting at $234. The day/night shades cost $366.

Shade Store Roman Shades

The Shade Store has six custom roman shade styles and more than 500 materials to choose.

You can pick flat roman shades, cascade roman shades, Aventura roman shades, relaxed roman shades, tulip roman shades and pleated roman shades.

flat roman shades the shade store review
 revieww cascade roman shades.j
images of Aventura roman shades The Shade Store
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reviews on relaxed shades
Tulip Roman Shades

For more on Roman Shades, visit the source of these images on The Shade Store's website.

Cost of Roman Shades at The Shade Store

Prices range from $434 to $540. The Shade Store’s roman shades offer a variety of looks, like the softness of drapes with the function of shades.

Its relaxed roman shades and tulip shades add curves and style to your window treatments. 

Shade Store Blackout Window Treatments

If you’re looking for blackout window treatment options, The Shade Store has seven custom options. Choose either roller shades, roman shades, drapes, woven woods, wood blinds or cellular shades.

You can also pick up blackout cornices with The Shade Store.

The Shade Store Prices for Blackout Blinds

Pricing starts at $196 for blackout wood blinds and rises as high as $578 for blackout cornices. 

Shade Store Motorized Blinds

The Shade Store has motorized blind options in roller shade, solar shade, roman shade, drape, wood, woven wood and cellular shade options.

Motorized Blinds Cost

Prices range from $196 for motorized wooden wood blinds to $438 for motorized roman shades and motorized woven wood blinds.

Shade Store Faux Wood Blinds

The Shade Store offers 2-inch faux wood blinds available in 10 different finishes, starting at $196. Faux wood blinds offer durability and resistance to mold and mildew.

Given the customization and emphasis on design, The Shade Store isn’t the best option for faux wood blinds. 

Shade Store vs. SelectBlinds

The Shade Store is considered among the top 10 window blinds companies in the industry and faces a lot of competition. While The Shade Store has excellent reviews, you can find equal praise in SelectBlinds reviews. Both companies have tremendous offerings and options for window treatments. The two window treatment companies also have outstanding customer service where you can meet with a consultant through live video chat.

There are some key differences between The Shade Store vs. SelectBlinds. First, The Shade Store has brick-and-mortar locations across the country if you prefer to view drapes and shades in person. Second, The Shade Store leans more toward the design side of window treatments and has pricer drapes and window blinds. Designers that work with The Shade Store often appear in decor publications, like ADPro, Elle Decor and House Beautiful, to name a few. 

The Shade Store provides custom-sized options that other blind companies can’t match. If you have custom windows or your windows don’t meet standard sizes, The Shade Store is your best bet for finding window treatments that will fit perfectly. Plus, The Shade Store has professionals who can precisely install your blinds or shades. Blinds from The Shade Store get made in the U.S., come with a lifetime warranty and ship in 10 days or less. Feature The Shade Store SelectBlinds Selection Wide selection of custom blinds and shades in a variety of materials, colors, and styles Wide selection of custom blinds and shades in a variety of materials, colors, and styles Quality High-quality materials and construction Good quality materials and construction Service Free design consultations and professional installation Free design consultations Warranty Limited lifetime warranty Limited warranty Price More expensive Less expensive Brick-and-mortar locations Yes No Design focus Yes No Custom-sized options Yes Yes Professional installation Yes No Made in the U.S. Yes No Shipping time 10 days or less 7-10 business days

The Shade Store vs. Blinds.com and Hunter Douglas

Here is a table that compares The Shade Store, Hunter Douglas, and Blinds.com:

Feature The Shade Store Hunter Douglas Blinds.com Selection Wide selection of custom blinds in a variety of materials, colors, and styles Wide selection of custom blinds in a variety of materials, colors, and styles Wide selection of custom blinds in a variety of materials, colors, and styles Quality High-quality materials and construction High-quality materials and construction Good quality materials and construction Service Free design consultations and professional installation Free design consultations and professional installation No design consultations or professional installation Warranty Limited lifetime warranty Limited lifetime warranty Limited warranty Price More expensive More expensive Less expensive Ultimately, the best place to buy window blinds depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for high-quality, custom blinds with excellent service, The Shade Store or Hunter Douglas are good options. If you are on a budget, Blinds.com is a good option.

Shade Store Testimonials & Endorsements 

The Shade Store enjoys ringing testimonials from designers and customers alike. Designer Nate Berkus said, “The Shade Store is such a great resource, and now to have designed a collection for them is fantastic. They understand home design and are committed to providing the very best quality and service.”

Dwell Studio, Chilewich and Kravet are among home decor businesses that have endorsed The Shade Store with testimonials. Customers have left positive reviews for The Shade Store for installation work as well.

Shade Store Ratings

Criteria

Scoring

Shade Store

Years of experience: In business since 1946

Up to 10 points

10

Accreditations: The Shade Store has accreditations with the CPSC and WCMA for child safety and GreenGuard certification for some materials. A+ BBB rating

Up to 10 points

7

Depth of services offered: Free design consultation, phone service, live chat, live video chat, brick and mortar locations, fast shipping

Up to 10 points

10

Reviews: 4.9 Houzz rating, Google Reviews vary by location, 4.0 Yelp rating

Up to 10 points

10

Costs: Higher prices than competitors but higher quality

Up to 10 points

9

Warranties: Lifetime warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee

Up to 10 points

10

Ease of installation: Professionally installed

Up to 10 points

10

Discounts: Offers 20% and 15% off

Up to 10 points

8

Customization

Up to 10 points

10

Customer service: 

Up to 10 points

10

Score

Up to 100 points

94

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is The Shade Store owned by?

Leonard Green and Partners owns The Shade Store after purchasing it in 2018. Brothers Adam, Ian and Zach Gibbs along with cousin Greg Spatz remain involved with the company with Adam Gibbs serving as executive chairman in charge of strategy.

How old is the Shade Store?

The Shade Store started as a business in 1946 and is 75 years old. The company took on the name The Shade Store in 2006 as part of a rebranding and expansion effort.

What do Reddit users say about the Shade Store?

Redditors and Reddit users have high praise for the customer service The Shade Store provides, however, few like the prices associated with The Shade Store and its window treatments. Other Reddit users lament the smart home technology available with The Shade Store and its blinds and others would like more DIY ability for installation.

Is the Shade Store worth it?

Depending on your personal style and home, The Shade Store can be worth it. The prices can shy some people away, but if you value custom designs, The Shade Store can be worth it for you. The Shade Store offers exclusive designs from well-respected designers that can transform your home. If you put a higher priority on cost, you’re better served looking elsewhere.

What do customer reviews on The Shade Store say about shopping on its website, rather than visiting a store location?

Customers generally have a very positive experience shopping and buying from The Shade Store online. Here are some of the things that customers say about their online experience:

Wide selection of products: Customers appreciate the wide selection of products that The Shade Store offers, including custom blinds and shades in a variety of materials, colors, and styles.
Easy-to-use website: Customers find the The Shade Store website to be easy to use and navigate.
Helpful customer service: Customers appreciate the helpfulness of The Shade Store customer service team.
Customers say that the customer service team is knowledgeable and responsive to their questions and requests.
Fast shipping: Customers say that The Shade Store ships their products quickly and efficiently.

Here are some specific reviews from customers who have shopped online at The Shade Store:

"I was very impressed with the selection of blinds and shades that The Shade Store offers. I was able to find the perfect blinds for my home, and the website was very easy to use. The customer service team was also very helpful when I had a question about one of the products." - Sarah J.
"I ordered custom blinds from The Shade Store, and I was very pleased with the quality of the product and the customer service. The blinds were made to my exact specifications, and they arrived on time and in perfect condition. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for high-quality blinds or shades." - John D.
"I was very happy with my online shopping experience at The Shade Store. The website was easy to use, and the selection of products was great. I was also impressed with the customer service. I had a question about one of the products, and I received a helpful response within a few hours. I would definitely recommend The Shade Store to anyone looking for blinds or shades." - Susan B.

Overall, customers have a very positive experience shopping and buying from The Shade Store online. Customers appreciate the wide selection of products, the easy-to-use website, the helpful customer service, and the fast shipping.

Is The Shade Store a public company?

The Shade Store is a privately owned company. CNBC states, "Private equity giant Leonard Green takes another chance on retail, buying hot online retailer Shade Store for $325 million. "

Why is the Shade Store so expensive and is it worth it?

According to customer reviews, The Shade Store is well worth the price. In fact, it's not overpriced at all—it's affordable pricing for high-quality blinds. Their prices aren't cheap because they use high-quality, durable materials to make their blinds, shades, and window drapes, made to last. The Shade Store offers custom-designed blinds, which will always be more expensive. They hire talented designers with expert craftsmanship. Finally, they have a large customer service department that customers appreciate. When customers need something, they can make a quick phone call to customer service, and The Shade Store is known for quickly addressing customers' needs.

About Author

Nick Gerhardt

Nick Gerhardt

Nick Gerhardt is a distinguished authority in the field of finance and products as they relate to home improvement and personal accounting, bringing over seven years of writing experience and a strong journalistic background to TrustedCompanyReviews.com. As a trusted contributor, Nick specializes in creating unbiased, well-researched financial company and product reviews.