When it comes to selecting blinds and shades for your home, Stoneside Blinds and Shades is a brand that often pops up in conversations. The company has garnered quite a reputation, offering custom-made blinds and shades, ranging from roman and roller shades to motorized options.
After searching high and low for a solution to my window treatment dilemma, I decided to give Stoneside a try. I had seen a mix of glowing reviews and a few critiques, but I was eager to form my own opinion and share my honest experience with others.
So, if you’re in the market for new blinds or shades and you’re wondering whether Stoneside is the right choice for your home, let’s take a detailed look at my experience—from the selection process to installation—and how the company stacks up against other brands in the same league.
Why I Chose Stoneside And Where You Can Buy It?
Before I dive into the specifics, I should mention that you can order Stoneside Blinds and Shades directly through their website or by making an appointment with one of their design consultants.
They offer in-home consultations to help you choose the best product for your space, and you can also handle everything virtually if that’s more convenient for you.
What initially drew me to Stoneside was their high customer ratings and wide selection of products. They offer everything from wood and faux wood blinds to solar and cellular shades.
I also loved the idea of having someone come to my home to take measurements and provide expert advice on the right materials, colors, and designs to suit my specific needs.
My Stoneside Experience: From Consultation To Installation
My journey with Stoneside started with a free consultation, and let me tell you, that was a game-changer. I had initially planned to just pick something off the shelf, but I’m glad I didn’t. A design consultant named Anna visited my home, and she was an absolute delight.
She took the time to understand my needs, my style, and even the specific challenges my home presented—like the large sliding glass door in the dining room and the huge wall of windows in the living room.
We went through a range of options, including roller shades, cellular shades, and faux wood blinds.
What impressed me most was her ability to provide suggestions I hadn’t even considered.
In the end, we settled on roller shades with a UV-rated material that would block out the harsh sunlight without compromising the airy feel of my home.
The consultation felt incredibly personalized, and Anna’s design expertise shone through. She even provided fabric samples for me to consider, which was a huge help in visualizing how the shades would look in my space.
If you’re someone like me, who needs a little extra help with design choices, the Stoneside consultation service is worth every minute.
- Installation: A Smooth Process with Stellar Customer Service
The installation process was equally seamless. Edgardo, the installer, showed up right on time. He was not only professional but also incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly he installed the shades—no mess, no fuss.
He even took the time to fill in screw holes from the previous shades, which was a nice touch. Not to mention, he patiently walked me through the programmable remote, making sure I was comfortable using it before he left.
One thing that truly stood out to me during the installation was how Stoneside doesn’t just slap up the blinds and call it a day. They make sure the job is done to your satisfaction, and in my case, Edgardo went the extra mile to ensure everything was perfect before leaving.
Pros of Stoneside Blinds and Shades
Now that the shades have been up for a few months, I can say with confidence that they’ve been a fantastic addition to my home. Here are some of the key positives I’ve noticed:
- Customization: One of Stoneside’s biggest selling points is its ability to customize every aspect of the shades. Whether it’s material, color, or mechanism (manual or motorized), you get a product that fits your space perfectly. For my home, the roller shades were a perfect match in terms of both style and function.
- Quality of Materials: The quality of the materials is another standout feature. Stoneside doesn’t cut corners when it comes to durability. The fabric I selected is sturdy yet elegant, and I’ve had no issues with fraying, color fading, or wear and tear.
- Customer Service: From consultation to installation, Stoneside’s customer service was exceptional. Anna, the design consultant, made the selection process enjoyable, while Edgardo, the installer, provided excellent service during the installation.
- Motorized Options: For anyone looking for convenience, the motorized shades are a dream come true. The remote control allows me to open and close the shades with just the click of a button, which is especially handy for my hard-to-reach windows.
- Value for Money: Although Stoneside blinds aren’t the cheapest option on the market, I found them to be well worth the investment. The combination of quality materials, custom fit, and top-notch service makes them a great value for anyone looking to upgrade their home.
Cons of Stoneside Blinds and Shades
Of course, no product is without its downsides, and there are a few aspects of my Stoneside experience that could have been better.
- Delivery Delays: One of the biggest drawbacks I encountered was the delay in receiving my shades. Due to material shortages, my order took longer to arrive than initially anticipated. While Stoneside was transparent about the delays and kept me updated, it was still a bit frustrating to wait.
- Higher Price Point: As I mentioned earlier, Stoneside is not the cheapest option out there. While I believe the quality justifies the cost, it might be out of reach for some budgets. That being said, they do offer financing options, which could make it more affordable for those who want high-end shades but need a flexible payment plan.
Maintenance Tips Tor Stoneside Blinds And Shades
One thing I didn’t realize when I first ordered my Stoneside shades was how easy they are to maintain. Here are a few tips to help you keep your blinds and shades looking brand new:
- Regular Dusting: For basic upkeep, a quick dusting with a soft microfiber cloth will do the trick. This helps to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on the surface.
- Spot Cleaning: For more stubborn spots, you can use a mild detergent mixed with water. Just be sure to dab—don’t scrub—so you don’t damage the fabric.
- Remote Maintenance: If you opt for motorized shades like I did, don’t forget to charge the remote periodically. Stoneside’s remotes come with a USB charger, and it’s a good idea to set a reminder every few months to ensure your shades remain operational.
Stoneside Vs. Other Brands: How Do They Compare?
To give you a clearer picture of whether Stoneside is the right brand for you, I’ve compared them with a few other popular blind and shade companies.
- Stoneside Vs. Graber Shades
Graber is a well-established brand known for its wide range of window treatments, from cellular shades to wood blinds.
One of the standout features of Graber is the eco-friendly materials they use in their products, which is a big selling point for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
However, when it comes to customer service, I found Stoneside to have the upper hand.
Graber’s customer experience can be more hands-off, as they often work through third-party retailers and installers, which means you might not get the same consistent support throughout the process.
In contrast, Stoneside handles everything in-house, from consultation to installation, making the experience more seamless and personalized. Additionally, Stoneside offers motorized options at a more competitive price point compared to Graber.
- Stoneside Vs. Beltway Blinds
Beltway Blinds is a regional company offering a range of custom blinds and shades, similar to Stoneside.
One key difference is that Beltway Blinds primarily operates in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, so if you’re outside that region, they may not be an option for you.
Stoneside, on the other hand, offers nationwide service, making it accessible no matter where you live.
When it comes to product selection, both companies offer a variety of styles, including roller shades, cellular shades, and wood blinds. However, Stoneside provides a more extensive range of motorized and commercial-grade options, which may appeal to homeowners looking for high-tech or large-scale solutions.
Another advantage of Stoneside is their transparent pricing and flexible financing options, which I found to be more accessible compared to Beltway Blinds.
- Stoneside Vs. Hunter Douglas Blinds
Hunter Douglas is one of the most recognized names in the window treatment industry, known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials.
Both Stoneside and Hunter Douglas offer custom blinds and shades, but there are a few key differences.
While Hunter Douglas is renowned for its advanced features, such as their energy-efficient Duette® honeycomb shades and light-diffusing Luminette® sheers, these products often come at a premium price.
Stoneside, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option without sacrificing quality. While they may not have the same patented technology as Hunter Douglas, their custom shades are durable, stylish, and come with an excellent warranty.
Additionally, the customer service experience with Stoneside far exceeded what I’ve encountered with Hunter Douglas. Stoneside’s in-home consultation and personalized service, from design to installation, made the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Where Stoneside truly shines is in its motorized options. While Hunter Douglas also offers motorized shades, the cost can be significantly higher, especially for larger windows or more complex setups.
Stoneside provides motorized solutions at a lower price point, making it a more accessible option for those looking to add automation to their home without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Stoneside?
If you’re in the market for high-quality, custom blinds and shades, Stoneside is an excellent choice. The combination of exceptional customer service, premium materials, and a wide range of customization options make them a standout in the industry.
While there may be some drawbacks, such as potential delays and a higher price point, the overall experience and quality of the product more than make up for it.
Whether you’re looking to install new blinds in a modern loft or replace outdated shades in your home, Stoneside has options to suit every need. Just make sure to factor in potential delivery times and budget accordingly.
In the end, I couldn’t be happier with my new shades, and I would highly recommend Stoneside to anyone looking for a stylish and functional window treatment solution.
If you’re ready to transform your home with Stoneside blinds and shades, you can make an appointment with their design consultants directly through their website. It’s an investment that not only enhances your home but also delivers peace of mind knowing you’re getting a top-tier product backed by outstanding service.