Upgrading your window treatments is a smart investment. Handsome, high-quality blinds and shades improve comfort, boost energy efficiency, and improve the look and value of your home. But before you start adding samples to a cart or booking consultations, there’s one key step you can’t overlook: choosing the right company to work with.
If you live in the Lewiston–Clarkston Valley on the border of North Idaho and Eastern Washington, you’ve probably noticed that there are several businesses offering blinds and shades. While we may all look very similar at first glance, not all companies deliver the same quality, service, or long-term value.
Best Blinds & Awnings has built a solid reputation for providing quality home services for our clients by paying attention to the details. To help you make an informed choice, here are some things you should consider when comparing window covering companies in the LC Valley before you commit to a purchase.
1. Product Quality Matters More Than Price Tags
A low price isn’t a win if the blinds start warping, fading, or malfunctioning within a year. These events may sound like “worst case scenarios,” but they are more common than you might imagine. The LC Valley has hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of sun exposure, and your blinds need to hold up. That “unbelievable deal” may prove to be truly unbelievable in practice, which means your investment becomes worthless. Instead of looking only at price, look for companies that offer:
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Durable materials (e.g., moisture-resistant faux wood, long-lasting aluminum, high-quality fabric shades)
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Reliable hardware and mechanisms
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Energy-efficient options for homes facing direct sun
Do not hesitate to ask about brand warranties. A reputable company won’t shy away from explaining what’s covered and why their products last.
2. In-Home Measurements and Custom Fit Are Non-Negotiable
Every window is different, and off-the-shelf blinds rarely fit correctly. A proper fit affects everything: ease of installation, privacy, light control, insulation, and how your windows actually look. Choose a company that provides:
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Free in-home measurements
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Customized ordering (not “close enough” sizing)
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Professional recommendations based on window style, sun exposure, and your preferences
Precise measuring is especially important for older LC Valley homes, where window frames may not be perfectly square.
3. Full Installation Services Make a Huge Difference
Some companies only sell blinds; they don’t install them. That leaves homeowners wrestling with brackets, drilling, and trying to level everything on their own. If you are a great DIY-er, own the right tools, and have an hour or two to spare, you’re in luck. But for everyone else, that can be a real deal-breaker. A full-service window treatment company should offer:
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Expert installation
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Guaranteed workmanship
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Cleanup after the job
Professionally installed blinds look better, operate better, and last longer. You won’t have to fill in unnecessary holes with putty and paint!
4. Local Experience Matters
There are a lot of blind companies that look great online, but they could be located in Timbuktu; their “best” blinds might not be the best for your needs. The LC Valley has its own unique climate, and not every window covering is right for the conditions here: bright sunlight, warm temperatures, snowy winters, and a mix of new builds and older homes. A company based in this region understands those factors and can recommend window solutions that work well here.
In addition to knowing regional conditions, a local company will also:
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Respond more quickly to questions, changes, or problems
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Offer more personalized service
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Be easier to reach if you need adjustments or warranty support
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Work hard to maintain a good reputation and build relationships
When your blinds come from a business that knows the community and invests in it, you’re not just another order number; you’re a neighbor.
5. Range of Options and Design Support
Your home isn’t one-size-fits-all. Homeowners like to express their unique tastes, and window treatments play a big part in that. A good blind company will help you compare styles, colors, features, and materials so you can make a choice that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Look for companies offering:
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Multiple blind and shade types (cellular, roller, wood, faux wood, vertical, Roman, motorized, etc.)
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Sample viewing in your home to compare colors & fabrics for compatibility with the rest of the home’s decor
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Advice tailored to your space, not generic sales pitches
If they’re rushing you through your choices to get to their next appointment or pushing one product, those are red flags, indicating that their primary interest is serving their business rather than you.
6. Reputation Built on Real Customer Experiences
In a community as connected as the LC Valley, word-of-mouth says everything. Pay attention to:
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Local reviews
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Before-and-after photos
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Feedback from friends and neighbors
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How long the company has served the region
Strong local companies have strong local reputations, usually earned through consistent quality and service.
Why LC Valley Homeowners Choose Best Blinds & Awnings
Best Blinds & Awnings is a locally owned and family operated window treatment company with locations in LC Valley, Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We take pride in being a trusted window treatment provider in the LC Valley. We offer:
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Top-quality blinds, shades, and motorized options
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Free in-home consultations
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Precise and accurate measurements
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Expert installation
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Local service you can count on
Whether you’re upgrading the windows in one room or your entire home, we’re here to make the process easy and the results impressive. But don’t just take our word for it; compare for yourself. Contact Best Blinds & Awnings today to schedule a no-cost consultation for your home in the Lewiston–Clarkston Valley.