Fortune

When it comes to shopping for home décor, there’s no shortage of options. From mattresses to coffee tables, you can find something to outfit your living space almost anywhere these days. The same can be said for home window treatments. Blinds are a great option, whether you’re looking to lower your heating costs or want to spruce up your home.

The right type of window treatment can dramatically impact your home’s curb appeal and ambience. And that’s why so many homeowners are turning to online retailers to satisfy their home window treatment needs.

If you’re ready to give online window treatment shopping a try, here are five good reasons why you should buy blinds online instead of from a brick-and-mortar retailer

Skim the Top Rated Sites

When buying blinds online, you want to make sure you buy from a trusted website. Reviews are critical in this department, as they can help you decide which online retailer is right for you.

Here are five online retailers that earned top honours from the online community:

Amazon.com

Over the past decade, Amazon has grown from an online bookstore to one of the most trusted go-to retailers for just about anything. Many people now buy their home décor, groceries and even auto parts on the site. And when it comes to window treatments, you can find everything from roller shades to complete solar-powered window coverings here.

Because of its massive selection, Amazon is a great place to start your search for window coverings. You can type in what you’re looking for, set up various filters and even take advantage of the “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” section. This is an excellent resource for home staging, as it shows you what other items people purchased along with your selected window treatments.

HomeDepot.com

Look no further if you’re looking for a tried-and-true retailer with a large selection of window treatments. Home Depot has been online shopping’s go-to resource for everything home improvement and design-related for almost 40 years. And when it comes to window coverings, you can find just about anything here, from custom cushions to roller shades.

The Home Depot also offers a handy “Compare” feature that allows you to look up any two items and see at a glance which one is cheaper. This is a great way to save money on window treatments without researching yourself.

Customizable Options

When you’re buying blinds online, there are many options. This is especially useful if you’re looking to create a unique look for your home.For example, if you have a modern-style abode, you can opt for modern blinds that feature clean lines and a minimalist silhouette. If you have a cottage-style house, you can go with classic cottage blinds that are more ornate and might bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

And don’t let the customizability of these options scare you off. Even if you’re not the creative type, most blinds can be altered in some way to suit your needs. Want your blinds to block out light instead of letting it infiltrate your home? Purchase some thermal drapes, and you’re good to go.

Wide Selection at Reasonable Prices

When you’re buying blinds online, you want to make sure you buy from a retailer with a large selection. And this is where Amazon and Home Depot come into the equation.

Both retailers feature a wide variety of blind types and styles, meaning you’re likely to find something that fits the bill. And when it comes to buying blinds, you can also take advantage of their free shipping policy, meaning you won’t have to spend a fortune to spruce up your home.

On the other hand, Amazon allows you to purchase window coverings with nothing more than a smartphone and an Amazon account. This means you can shop from the comfort of your couch, saving you the trouble of leaving your house.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

When buying blinds online, it’s essential to research the brands and models available and see what customer reviews say. While you won’t find detailed product specifications on blinds brands’ websites, you can often find out what type of fabric is used, what design features are included and other information about a particular model through professional reviews.

Suppose you’re looking for customer reviews and ratings for specific brands and models. In that case, you can also use online search engines, forums and social media sites to locate and read customer reviews. Be sure to read the reviews from people who have purchased the product instead of those who write about it. You’ll have a much better idea of what to expect from each blind, saving you time and money.

Shipping is Free!

Depending on your location, you may or may not have to pay shipping costs when you buy blinds online. Unfortunately, this can vary from retailer to retailer, so you want to make sure you know any potential shipping costs before placing an order.

If you go with a manufacturer who uses white shipping boxes like those featured above, you shouldn’t have to pay additional fees. And if you go with a trusted, established brand like the ones mentioned above, you shouldn’t have to worry about receiving your blinds a few days earlier than expected.

Conclusion

There are many options for buying home window treatments, and the market is saturated with brands and models. That’s why it’s essential to examine your options before making a final purchase carefully.

When looking for blinds online, you want to make sure you buy from a trusted website with a large selection, like the ones listed above. You also want to make sure you buy from a retailer with a good return policy, like Amazon and Home Depot, as returns aren’t uncommon. And when it comes to picking out the right style, you want to make sure you have plenty of customization options, like the ones listed above.

And finally, you want to make sure you pay attention to shipping costs and the time it takes to deliver your order.