Comparing Apples to Apples with Blinds
If you’ve chosen to research multiple blinds vendors and quotes, it’s EXTREMELY important that you’re comparing apples to apples when it comes to blinds. Your blind estimate from Beacon Heights Paint and Design includes only the premium lines from Alta Window Fashions and Graber. Competing companies such as big box stores or local low cost/budget blind competitors, carry secondary tier lines from Alta Window Fashions and Graber alike. This translates to them being able to state they utilize the same blind vendors (mentioned above), but the blinds are not manufactured equal. Attributes such as length of life, clunkier mechanical operation and increased warranty claims/product defects may be seen with these secondary tier lines.
Sale Pricing is our STANDARD Pricing
Other blinds vendors will claim that they have a HUGE SALE on, but what that usually means is that they’ve marked up the retail price, then discounted it the same amount. In theory, it’s their everyday price with a hook in it to create a sense of urgency. At Beacon Heights Paint and Design, we offer honest and transparent pricing every day. On average, we’ll be very competitive or better to other estimates, but the difference is that we’re committed to our customers in every way and you won’t find better service. We’ve worked hard and are proud of our nearly perfect online customer reviews!
Our Warranty
With our two blind vendors (Alta Window Fashions and Graber) the standard warranty is classified as limited lifetime. This means that with the exception of wear and tear, sun damage and pet/human damage, most other scenarios are covered under warranty. The warranty summaries for each blind vendor are available to open with each sent estimate. We encourage you to review and analyze before making your final decision.
The benefits of fine window coverings include:
- An increase in the value of your home
- Light and privacy control options to meet your personal needs
- Added insulation to your home to increase your overall energy efficiency
- Sound absorption to add an element of softness to any room
- UV protection, important for the protection of your furniture and flooring
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Alta Window Fashions from Shade-O-Matic® has been servicing the window coverings industry for almost 40 years. Founded in 1982, we have grown from a small regional company to a leading national Canadian supplier of premier quality window coverings. In 1996, Shade-O-Matic, became part of the Hunter Douglas Group of Companies, a world leader in the window covering industry and in 2020, we merged with Custom Brands Group (CBG), a Hunter Douglas company who has been in business for 45 years.
As CBG Canada, we offer a wide selection of high-quality custom window coverings including honeycomb shades, roller shades, dual shades and more under the Alta Window Fashions from Shade-O-Matic brand and our popular vinyl shutter under the Eclipse Shutters from Shade-O-Matic brand.
Today, CBG is a streamlined company with a strong team culture featuring our strongest brands and retail partners — shop-at-home and storefront, and online. We continue to earn a place in customers’ homes with our focus on lasting quality, exceptional value, and timeless style.
Graber has eight decades of experience in the window covering industry. Dedicated to fine craftsmanship, founder John Graber invented the first stabilizing metal bracket for venetian blinds, which greatly elevated the standards for overall window treatment quality. Graber’s custom window treatments are sophisticated, stylish, and made to last. With shades, blinds, shutters, and drapes available in a wide array of styles, colours, and fabrics, Graber window coverings will fit in any home.
Qualities of Graber window coverings include:
- Design solutions for every window
- Cordless options for peace of mind
- Protection against distracting glares
- Energy efficiency for room temperature management
- Made sustainably and responsibly
- Convenient motorized options
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Additional savings available through Graber’s contractor pricing program
You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
Alta Window Fashions and Graber are both high quality blind manufacturers. Alta Window Fashions is a subsidiary of Hunter Douglas and has the luxury of utilizing some of Hunter Douglas’ research & technology without the ultra-premium price point. Both blind manufacturers excel in their own respects, and based on your project requirements, we’ll guide you to the best product based on your needs!
Since 2017, we’ve been a Hunter Douglas vendor and starting in 2023 we will no longer be selling Hunter Douglas blinds. The biggest part of this decision was despite a lot of our community members thinking they want Hunter Douglas blinds during the initial consult, once the preliminary estimates are sent, when compared to Alta Window Fashions and Graber, 90% or more of our customers over 5 years have reliably chosen Alta Window Fashions or Graber instead of Hunter Douglas.
If you haven’t already made contact, please utilize the embedded tool on this page to send along your request for more information. A member of our team will be in touch soon to have an initial consult over the phone and set up your on-site visit where we do measurements, review blind options based on your needs as well as review fabric colours and lift systems.
Beacon Heights Paint and Design is a locally run small business with an emphasis on customer service. Our experience has confirmed that blinds purchased from big box stores or lower cost providers (Bali blinds, Levolor, Budget Blinds, Hampton Bay etc.) have increased warranty claims upon installation or soon after. Warranty claims happen on all products, but as a locally run small business we don’t have the capacity to handle this level of enormous warranty care and support. Alta Window Fashions and Graber have one of the lowest manufacture defect rates in the industry, which USUALLY translates into functional, beautiful blinds being installed and enjoyed for at least 10+ years without issue.
When warranty issues do arise, as indicated from our 5 star google rating and available customer testimonials, we resolve issues as quickly as possible and generally at no additional cost to the customer. It goes without saying that when you have a direct cell phone to the store’s owner, versus a telephone line to the blinds department at Home Depot, you can certainly expect faster, more thoughtful service.
Both Alta Window Fashions and Graber blinds have a limited lifetime warranty. This means that with the exception of wear and tear, sun damage and pet-human damage, most other scenarios are covered under warranty. The warranty summaries for each manufacture are available with each estimate sent.
Is shopping local Important to you?
Beacon Heights Paint and Design is a locally owned and operated small business by Graham Harder and his team. When you do business with us, it’s personal! In five years, we haven’t had a negative customer review, because building a community on exceptional customer service is how we drive our success. We’re a brick and mortar location that will be here to serve now and into the future!
Duals Shade (also know as “Zebra”) – the dual shade has quickly become the fan favorite and one of the most popular blinds ordered. It’s unique style bring a classy fit and feel to any space and provides enormous light control. The horizontal light filtering bands can align, leaving the sheer fabric above and below each band to filter out damaging UV light, while still allowing plentiful light to pass into the space. Alternatively, with the light filtering bands unaligned, it provides full privacy and light filtration to the room. Duals shades are a cost effective option that add class and style to any space.
Cellular (also known as “honeycomb”) – the classic blind that USED TO be available with top down-bottom up functionality. Also described as the top portion of the blind being able to descend, leaving open air space at the top of the window. Child safety regulations from 2021 now restrict this style of blind to be manufactured in Canada.
Cellular/honeycomb style blinds now come in 2 varieties. Bottom up which is the standard blind that can be pulled down and up, as well as two fabric combination that has a see through sheer on the upper portion of the blind and the standard fabric on the bottom. Cellular blinds have the best insulating value (R-value) of any blind style on the market and are available in both light filtering and room darkening.
Roller/Solar Shades – Roller shades are one of the most versatile and durable shades on the market. From texture rich fabrics to more durable synthetic solar shade fabrics, this style of shade can be elegant while also outrageously child and pet friendly. It is one of the easiest shades to keep clean with unmatched washability, particularly with the solar shades. With over 500 different fabric choices, there’s no design style that can’t be complemented. Both light filtering and room darkening fabrics are available.
Faux Wood Blinds – Faux wood blinds offer the look and style of real wood, yet are a practical alternative. They are a perfect choice for high moisture areas such as bathroom or kitchens, but durable enough to be a whole home solution for the busy family space. One of the industry’s most cost-effective blinds. Alta Window Fashions is the ONLY manufacturer we’re aware of, that offers an operable faux wood blind (meaning you can lift and lower to any height in the casing). This technology is patented by Alta Window Fashions and is called Bandlift Cordless Lift & Lock. It is truly one a kind in the industry. No other manufacturer we’re aware of, offers faux wood blinds you can lift up and down, only ones that permanently hang in place. This is a classic blind that offers good insulation and a timeless look.
Window Shadings – This style of blind is the one of the most sophisticated window covering products available. It combines soft sheer panels of fabric with center horizontal vanes that provide the highest degree of light and privacy control. These shadings will add simplistic beauty and sophistication to any home. Fabrics are anti-static, dust and stain resistant. If elegance could be described as a blind, this would be it.
Vertical Blinds – Offering a wide selection of patterns, colours and textures, in both fabric and PVC options, vertical blinds are the classic patio door and room dividing solution. Great for studio spaces where maximizing usable square footage is a priority. These blinds can be installed on the ceiling with sliding tracks and used as room dividers. Vertical blinds are the classic patio door solution for those looking for an easy, maintenance free option with lots of flexibility that adds style and light control to any room. Wand control comes standard and is both child and pet safe.
