FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers you’ve been thinking about when it comes to investing in the right custom window treatments for your home near Charleston, SC. Our team at Advanced Window Fashions is here to help provide our best guidance and recommendations.
Cost & Pricing for Custom Window Coverings
How much do custom window treatments cost?
Custom window treatments typically range from $100 to $1,000+ per window, depending on the product, size, and style options. Factors like motorization, custom fabrics, and intricate mounts can also affect pricing. A good ballpark estimate for custom window coverings is between 2% and 5% of your home’s value for a newly constructed home.
Window blinds and shades generally fall in the lower to mid-range, while shutters and drapery tend to be higher due to the types of materials and labor involved.
At Advanced Window Fashions, we provide transparent, itemized quotes during your in-home consultation with no hidden fees. Our team will help you find options that fit your budget and deliver long-term value.
How much do custom window treatments cost?
Custom window treatments typically range from $100 to $1,000+ per window, depending on the product, size, and style options. Factors like motorization, custom fabrics, and intricate mounts can also affect pricing. A good ballpark estimate for custom window coverings is between 2% and 5% of your home’s value for a newly constructed home.
Window blinds and shades generally fall in the lower to mid-range, while shutters and drapery tend to be higher due to the types of materials and labor involved.
At Advanced Window Fashions, we provide transparent, itemized quotes during your in-home consultation with no hidden fees. Our team will help you find options that fit your budget and deliver long-term value.
What’s the price difference between blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery?
The difference between window treatments comes down to brands, materials, craftsmanship, and functionality, for example:
- Blinds are usually the most affordable, followed by roller shades or cellular shades.
- Woven wood shades and Roman shades sit in the middle.
- Custom shutters and drapery are premium investments.
Our team at Advanced Window Fashions specializes in well-known national brands, such as Hunter Douglas, as well as vetted boutique brands for their performance and reliability. We’ll show you real samples during your consultation so you can see and feel the differences in quality.
Are there financing options or payment plans?
Yes! We offer some flexible financing options and payment plans through trusted partners to make beautiful custom window treatments accessible.
Our team will provide the details during your consultation.
Do you charge for in-home consultations or estimates?
No! Our in-home consultations and estimates are free in the Charleston area, including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and downtown.
There’s no obligation—just expert advice tailored to your home.
The Process & Timeline for Custom Window Treatments
How long does it take to get a sales consultation and in-home measurement for window coverings in the Charleston area?
We typically schedule consultations within 1 to 7 business days, based on availability. Our design consultants bring product samples, measure your windows, and provide quotes on the spot.
What is the typical lead time from window measurement to installation for custom treatments?
Most custom window covering orders take 4 to 8 weeks from final measurement to professional installation. Lead times vary by product and manufacturer.
Our team will give you a firmer timeline during your consultation.
How long does it take to get a sales consultation and in-home measurement for window coverings in the Charleston area?
We typically schedule consultations within 1 to 7 business days, based on availability. Our design consultants bring product samples, measure your windows, and provide quotes on the spot.
What is the typical lead time from window measurement to installation for custom treatments?
Most custom window covering orders take 4 to 8 weeks from final measurement to professional installation. Lead times vary by product and manufacturer.
Our team will give you a firmer timeline during your consultation.
Can I get a rush order for a move-in date or special event?
Yes! Rush options are sometimes available.
Let us know your deadline early, and we’ll work with our partners to accommodate it whenever possible.
What does the full window treatment consultation and ordering process look like?
Your custom window treatment consultation starts with either a free in-home visit where we discuss your needs, explore samples, measure windows, and provide a quote, or a visit to one of our conveniently located showrooms for inspiration.
After you make your selection, we process a deposit. Once our bank clears the deposit, the order is placed. Checks and credit cards are typically cleared within 1 to 2 days, and ACH can take 6 to 8 days.
Once the order is manufactured and delivered, it’s inspected in our warehouse. Our team then schedules a professional installation.
Our process at Advanced Window Fashions is fully turn-key. We truly handle every step from start to finish, delivering professional, high-quality window fashions while you simply sit back and relax.
How to Choose the Right Window Treatment for Your Space
Do all windows need the same shades, or can I mix styles?
You can absolutely mix window treatment styles! Many Charleston homes combine interior shutters in formal areas with softer shades or drapery in bedrooms for the pure balance of function and aesthetics.
Our designers will help create a cohesive look throughout your home to fit your interior design vision.
What types of window treatments do most homeowners choose in Charleston and the Lowcountry?
In our area, popular choices include roller shades, cellular shades, and woven wood shades for energy efficiency and humidity resistance, as well as motorized options for convenience or hard-to-reach windows. Custom shutters have been prevalent in historic homes.
Depending on the direction your home’s windows face, light-filtering and room-darkening shades are also very common, given the bright coastal light.
Do all windows need the same shades, or can I mix styles?
You can absolutely mix window treatment styles! Many Charleston homes combine interior shutters in formal areas with softer shades or drapery in bedrooms for the pure balance of function and aesthetics.
Our designers will help create a cohesive look throughout your home to fit your interior design vision.
What types of window treatments do most homeowners choose in Charleston and the Lowcountry?
In our area, popular choices include roller shades, cellular shades, and woven wood shades for energy efficiency and humidity resistance, as well as motorized options for convenience or hard-to-reach windows. Custom shutters have been prevalent in historic homes.
Depending on the direction your home’s windows face, light-filtering and room-darkening shades are also very common, given the bright coastal light.
How do I choose the right color, fabric, or style to match my room’s décor?
Our Advanced Window Fashion design experts will help you select colors, fabrics, and styles that complement your décor and perform well in the Lowcountry’s climate and lighting conditions, whether that’s in our showroom or during your in-home consultation.
We also use a visualizer with actual photos of your home’s windows to ensure the right match.
What window treatments work best for sunny rooms, privacy, or light control in coastal homes?
For sunny rooms, we recommend cellular shades, interior shutters, or Roman shades with light-filtering options. Room-darkening liners aid in a good night’s rest for bedrooms, guest rooms, and nurseries. At Advanced Window Fashions, we have excellent privacy solutions while allowing natural light to filter inside.
In coastal-inspired homes, we recommend woven shades. They bring charming natural texture, a relaxed seaside vibe, and excellent durability in humid, salty environments.
Other excellent options include roller shades and drapery made with lightweight, airy fabrics. These styles help maintain a bright, breezy feel while providing privacy and light control without making the space feel heavy.
The best window covering ultimately depends on your specific windows, desired light filtration, and overall aesthetic. For inspiration, we encourage you to browse our Gallery, where you’ll find curated coastal looks featuring both woven and fabric treatments tailored to beach and waterfront homes.
Should I go with custom or pre-made window treatments?
Custom window treatments offer a precise fit, higher quality, and more style options, which is especially important in older Charleston homes with non-standard window sizes.
The squarer your window is, the better the fit. This fit creates clean, even lines along the sides of your treatment, delivering a more polished, professional look. Windows that are significantly taller than they are wide, or vice versa, can sometimes result in slight gaps or uneven edges, which is why custom window coverings are especially helpful for non-standard openings.
Pre-made products are less expensive but often don’t fit or perform as well in the long term. Our rule of thumb is that if you plan on being in your home for more than three years, custom is generally a better option.
Additionally, some real estate agents have shared that homes with custom window treatments show better to prospective buyers.
What’s durable and kid- or pet-friendly in Charleston’s humid climate?
We recommend treated fabrics and materials, such as roller shades and cellular shades. Motorized and cordless window treatments also help reduce cord hazards and are considered child- and pet-safe.
Our collection of products at Advanced Windows Fashions is selected to withstand Lowcountry humidity and heavy use.
Installation & Mounting
Can shades be mounted inside the window recess, and will I still be able to use the tilt-in function on my windows?
Yes, with the proper depth in your window recess, inside mounts provide a clean, built-in look. Our team carefully measures to ensure your windows can still tilt in for easy access and cleaning.
As a good-to-know, there may be limitations on your window that we can discuss further during a consultation.
Who installs the window treatments? Are your installers employees or subcontractors?
Our Advanced Window Fashions installation team consists of experienced, background-checked professionals who work directly with us. They’re highly trained on all products we sell and participate in ongoing training.
Can shades be mounted inside the window recess, and will I still be able to use the tilt-in function on my windows?
Yes, with the proper depth in your window recess, inside mounts provide a clean, built-in look. Our team carefully measures to ensure your windows can still tilt in for easy access and cleaning.
As a good-to-know, there may be limitations on your window that we can discuss further during a consultation.
Who installs the window treatments? Are your installers employees or subcontractors?
Our Advanced Window Fashions installation team consists of experienced, background-checked professionals who work directly with us. They’re highly trained on all products we sell and participate in ongoing training.
Do you remove old blinds or shades during installation?
We focus on the professional installation of your new window treatments. Please let us know in advance if you need assistance coordinating the removal of existing window coverings.
We offer a takedown service for projects involving painting, remodeling, or window replacement.
Motorization & Smart Features
Is motorization worth it? How does it work with smart homes?
We highly recommend motorization for large, tall, or frequently used windows. Our product collection seamlessly integrates with most popular smart home systems, including Alexa, Google Home, and other major assistants, as well as premium automation platforms like Crestron and Control4, allowing you to control your custom window coverings with voice commands, apps, or remotes.
How long do the batteries last in automated window treatments?
The standard battery life is typically 6 to 12 months, depending on usage, and replacement is simple. Many products offer rechargeable batteries, and customers say it’s one of their favorite upgrades.
Is motorization worth it? How does it work with smart homes?
We highly recommend motorization for large, tall, or frequently used windows. Our product collection seamlessly integrates with most popular smart home systems, including Alexa, Google Home, and other major assistants, as well as premium automation platforms like Crestron and Control4, allowing you to control your custom window coverings with voice commands, apps, or remotes.
How long do the batteries last in automated window treatments?
The standard battery life is typically 6 to 12 months, depending on usage, and replacement is simple. Many products offer rechargeable batteries, and customers say it’s one of their favorite upgrades.
Can I control multiple shades with one remote, and can I set schedules?
Absolutely! One remote can control multiple custom window treatments or groups. You can also set automated schedules for convenience, energy savings, and security.
Some shades may require a hub purchase.
Warranty, Care & Support
Do you offer warranties for your window treatment services?
Most quality window fashions come with a lifetime limited warranty on mechanisms and a multi-year warranty on fabrics. Quality window fashions are engineered for easy service, while “off-the-shelf” or lower-quality treatments are not.
What kind of post-installation support do you provide?
At Advanced Window Fashions, we provide ongoing support and maintenance guidance. Cleaning methods vary by custom window treatment product, which is why we provide detailed care instructions and are always available for questions or follow-up service.
We offer a year of free service calls. After that, we offer a maintenance plan for reduced parts and labor.
Do you offer warranties for your window treatment services?
Most quality window fashions come with a lifetime limited warranty on mechanisms and a multi-year warranty on fabrics. Quality window fashions are engineered for easy service, while “off-the-shelf” or lower-quality treatments are not.
What kind of post-installation support do you provide?
At Advanced Window Fashions, we provide ongoing support and maintenance guidance. Cleaning methods vary by custom window treatment product, which is why we provide detailed care instructions and are always available for questions or follow-up service.
We offer a year of free service calls. After that, we offer a maintenance plan for reduced parts and labor.
How do I clean and maintain my new custom window treatments?
We offer cleaning services to keep your custom window coverings fresh and vibrant.
Find Premium Window Treatments and Services Near Charleston, SC
As Charleston’s Original Hunter Douglas Gallery, our team has the experience and the know-how to get your home outfitted beautifully with custom window treatments.
Contact us online or call our showroom at (843) 881-8858 to speak with our window fashion specialists.
Advanced Window Fashions is a family-owned and operated window treatment store that proudly serves Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Sullivan’s Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, James Island, Daniel Island, West Ashley, Awendaw, McClellanville, and Summerville, SC.