Glossary of Window Shade Terms
Automation/Motorization
The use of electric motors or smart technology to control window treatments via remote, app, or smart home integration.
Bead Chain
A chain consisting of small beads connected together, often used in the control mechanism of roller shades and blinds.
Bracket
A metal or plastic mounting component used to install blinds or shades onto a wall or ceiling.
Bracket Cover/End Cap
Decorative covers that conceal the mounting brackets or the ends of the headrail for a polished finish.
Cassette
A casing at the top of a roller shade that encloses the tube and mechanism, often wrapped in fabric for a seamless, finished appearance.
Chain Connector
A small device used to connect the ends of a bead chain to form a continuous loop.
Clutch/Drive
The mechanical component that allows controlled raising and lowering of the window treatment, often operated by a chain.
Control Side
Refers to the side (left or right) where the operating mechanism, such as a chain or cord, is located.
Deflection
The bending or sagging of the roller tube under the weight of the fabric, especially in wider shades. Excessive deflection can cause the shade to not roll evenly, leading to operational and aesthetic issues.
Draw Rod
A rod used to manually open and close shades without touching the fabric directly.
Dual Shade
A window treatment that combines two different fabrics or shades in a single unit, offering varied light control options.
Fabric
The material used for window treatments, available in various types, opacities, and styles.
Fabric Valance
A soft fabric covering that conceals the hardware of window treatments, adding a decorative element to the top of the window.
Fascia
A cover or trim that conceals the hardware and mechanisms of window treatments for a clean, finished look.
Hanger & Closure
Hanger and Closure provide a secure solution for installing window treatments in recessed pockets, ensuring shades remain hidden when fully open with a clean, streamlined appearance
Headrail/Valance
The top part of a window treatment that houses the operating mechanism and may include a decorative covering called a valance.
Hem Caps
Caps placed on the ends of bottom bars or rails to provide a finished look and prevent fabric wear.
Hem/Bottom Bar/Bottom Rail
The bottom part of a shade that helps maintain its shape and tension, often with a weighted bar inside.
Hold Down Brackets
Brackets that secure the bottom of a shade or blind, preventing movement when windows or doors are in use.
Idle End/Pin End
The non-operational side of a roller shade where a pin holds the shade in place within the bracket.
L Channel
L Channels reduce side light gaps, improving privacy and light control. Their sleek right-angle design blends into interiors and can be retrofitted to existing shades. Use this photo instead.
Lateral Mount
A method of installing window treatments on the sides of a window frame rather than the top.
Light Shelf
A horizontal shelf installed near the top of a window to reflect natural light deeper into a room.
Measure
The process of taking precise dimensions of a window to ensure a proper fit for window treatments.
Memo Sample
A small fabric sample provided to show color, texture, and opacity before making a purchase.
Metal Chain
A chain made of metal used to operate window treatments, such as blinds or shades, by pulling it to raise or lower the fabric.
Multi Band
A configuration that allows multiple shades to be operated together with a single control mechanism.
Multi In One
A design that combines multiple shades or window treatments into a single unit for a streamlined appearance.
NEO Chainless
Neo Chainless is a window shade operation system that uses a spring instead of a chain. The shade can be operated by pulling on the bottom bar to engage and release the spring tension.
Outside/Floor Mount Clip
Hardware used to install window shade chain operations in outside mount situations or when the chain hold-down needs to be secured to the floor.
P-Clip
A plastic clip shaped like the letter "P" used to secure chains or cords to a wall, enhancing safety by keeping them taut.
Plain Hem
A simple, folded, and stitched bottom edge of fabric shades, providing a clean finish without additional hardware.
Pull
A handle or cord used to operate blinds, shades, or curtains.
Pull Tab
A small handle or tab attached to the bottom of a shade to assist with manual operation.
Railroad / Transverse
Refers to the direction in which the fabric is cut and oriented, with "railroad" meaning the fabric is turned horizontally to reduce seams.
Remote
A handheld device that allows wireless control of motorized window treatments.
Return
The bottom portion of a valance or fascia that conceals the roller, hiding the hardware from below.
Roll Type: Regular Roll / Reverse Roll
Refers to how the fabric rolls on the tube, with regular roll keeping the fabric close to the window, and reverse roll bringing the fabric forward, away from the window.
Roll Up
Refers to the action of winding the shade fabric around the top tube, allowing the shade to be raised and hidden when not in use. The thickness of the fabric and the height of the shade will affect the roll-up.
Safety Shield
A protective cover designed to enhance safety, particularly around chains and cords to prevent accidents, often used in child-safe window treatments.
Seams
Joining two or more panels of fabric together, used for large shades that exceed roll sizing.
Shield Connector
A component that connects safety shields, ensuring consistent safety and stability for chains or cords.
Smart Hub
A central device that connects motorized window treatments to smart home systems, allowing voice and app control.
Spring Assist/Lift Assist
A mechanism that reduces the effort needed to lift heavy shades, providing smooth and balanced operation.
Stitched Sides
The sides of fabric shades that are sewn to prevent fraying and enhance durability.
Stop Balls
Small components attached to chains to prevent over-rotation or to stop the shade at a specific height.
Sunscreen
A fabric or material that filters sunlight, reducing glare and heat while maintaining an exterior view.
Torque
The rotational force applied to the mechanism of a window treatment, typically in the clutch or motor, which allows the shade to be raised or lowered smoothly. Higher torque is needed for heavier or larger shades.
Trim
A decorative edge or border added to window treatments for an enhanced appearance.
Tube
A cylindrical component in roller shades on which the fabric is rolled.
Tube Adapter
A piece that connects the shade fabric tube to the clutch or idle end, allowing compatibility with different tube sizes.
U Channel
U Channels are a U shaped metal channel that is mounted around the window shade. They are used to block out 99% of the sunlight to offer a true blackout effect.
Wire Guide
A cable system that keeps shades aligned and stable, often used with exterior or angled applications.
Inside Mount: Tight
Fits inside the frame. Designed to be installed within the window frame (we automatically deduct 1/8" from the width for clearance).
Outside Mount (Finish Size)
Covers the frame; shade is made to your exact specified width. Designed to be installed outside or above the window frame.
Outside Mount (Cloth Size)
Covers the frame; fabric is made to your exact specified width. Designed to be installed outside or above the window frame.