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
How much do custom window treatments cost?
Custom window treatments typically range from $100–$1,000+ per window, depending on the product, size, and options. Blinds and shades generally fall in the lower to mid-range, while shutters and drapery tend to be higher due to materials and labor.
At Advanced Window Fashions, we provide transparent, itemized quotes during your in-home consultation with no hidden fees. Factors like motorization, custom fabrics, and intricate mounts can affect pricing. We’ll help you find options that fit your budget and deliver long-term value.
A good ballpark estimate for custom window treatments is between 2%–5% of your home’s value (for a newly constructed home).
What’s the price difference between blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery?
Blinds are usually the most affordable, followed by roller or cellular shades. Woven woods and Roman shades sit in the middle, while custom shutters and drapery are premium investments. The difference comes down to materials, craftsmanship, and functionality.
We carry well-known national brands as well as vetted boutique brands for performance and reliability. We will show you real samples so you can see and feel the quality differences.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options and payment plans through trusted partners to make beautiful custom window treatments accessible. Details are provided during your consultation.
Do you charge for in-home consultations or estimates?
No. Our in-home consultations and estimates are completely 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
How long does it take to get a sales consultation and in-home measurement in the Charleston area?
We typically schedule consultations within 1–7 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 measurement to installation?
Most custom orders take 4–8 weeks from final measurement to professional installation. Lead times vary by product and manufacturer. We’ll 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?
It starts with either a free in-home visit where we discuss your needs, show samples, measure, and 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 1–2 days, and ACH can be 6–8 days.
Once the order is manufactured and delivered, it is inspected in our warehouse. We inspect all treatments. Our team then schedules professional installation. Our process is fully turn-key.
We handle every step from start to finish, delivering professional, high-quality window fashions while you simply sit back and relax—no effort required on your part.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT
Do all windows need the same shades, or can I mix styles?
You can absolutely mix styles! Many Charleston homes combine shutters in formal areas with softer shades or drapery in bedrooms for the perfect balance of function and beauty. Our designers will help create a cohesive look throughout your home.
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 woods for energy efficiency and humidity resistance, and motorized options for convenience or hard-to-reach windows. Custom shutters have been popular for historic homes.
Depending on the direction your window faces, light-filtering and blackout shades are also very common due to our bright coastal light.
How do I choose the right color, fabric, or style to match my room’s décor?
Visit our conveniently located showrooms in the Charleston area to explore hundreds of samples in person, or schedule a free in-home consultation. Our 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.
We also utilize a visualizer with actual photos of the windows in your home to capture the right match.
What window treatments work best for bright/sunny rooms, privacy, or light control in coastal homes?
For sunny rooms, we recommend cellular shades, shutters, or Roman shades with light-filtering options. Blackout liners aid in a good night’s rest. We have excellent solutions for privacy while still allowing natural light.
In coastal homes, we recommend woven shades as a top choice. They bring beautiful natural texture, a relaxed coastal vibe, and excellent durability in humid, salty environments.
Other excellent options include roller shades, Roman 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 choice ultimately depends on your specific windows, desired light filtration, and overall aesthetic.
For inspiration, we encourage you to browse our Product Gallery, where you’ll find curated coastal looks featuring both woven and fabric treatments tailored to beach and waterfront homes.
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 treatments offer a precise fit, better quality, and more style options—especially important in older Charleston homes with non-standard window sizes. The squarer your window is, the better the fit. This creates clean, even lines along the sides of your treatment and delivers 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 treatments are especially helpful for non-standard openings. Pre-made products are less expensive but often don’t fit or perform as well long-term.
Our rule is that if you are planning on being in your home for 3 or more years, custom is generally a better option. 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 like roller shades and cellular shades. Motorized and cordless options reduce cord hazards and are considered child and pet-safe. Our products are 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. We carefully measure to ensure your windows can still tilt in for easy cleaning. There may be limitations of your window.
Who installs the window treatments? Are your installers employees or subcontractors?
Our installation team consists of experienced, background-checked professionals who work directly with us. They are highly trained on all products we sell and participate in ongoing training.
Do you remove old blinds or shades during installation?
We focus on professional installation of your new window treatments. Please let us know in advance if you need assistance coordinating removal of existing treatments. 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?
Motorization is highly recommended for large, tall, or frequently used windows. Our products seamlessly integrate with most popular smart home systems, including Alexa, Google Home, and other major assistants, as well as premium automation platforms like Crestron and Control4. This allows you to control your shades and drapery with voice commands, apps, or automated schedules.
How long do the batteries last in automated window treatments?
Standard battery life typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on usage, and replacement is simple. Many products offer rechargeable batteries, and customers say it’s one of their favorite upgrades.
Can multiple shades be controlled with one remote, and can I set schedules?
Yes. One remote can control multiple shades 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 to be serviced easily. “Off the shelf” or lower quality treatments are not.
What kind of post-installation support do you provide?
We provide ongoing support and maintenance guidance. Cleaning methods vary by product—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 the products?
We also offer cleaning services to keep your window treatments fresh and vibrant.
Find Premium Window Treatments and Services Near Charleston, SC
Family-owned and independent since 2003, 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.