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Shades lend a clean and modern look to most windows. However, the time and effort to get them make the task less than pleasant. Ordering custom blinds or shades for a home used to be a hassle. For most shoppers, the process involved heading to a home improvement store or a specialty window covering center to speak with a design consultant to select a style. Once that was done, shoppers had to schedule a technician to come to their home to measure, and then wait weeks for the product to arrive.
Thanks to Blinds.com, getting custom-made blinds or shades for a home is easy and fast. This window-covering company specializes in blinds and shades and offers a variety of types, colors, and materials to suit diverse tastes and needs. Best of all, the entire process is done from the comfort of the shopper’s home.
To evaluate this process, I reviewed the SimplyEco cordless light filtering cellular shades from Blinds.com. I assessed and rated the shade based on the design consultation and style, the ordering process, the manufacturing time, and the installation. Overall, the shades exceeded my expectations.
Best Light Filtering
Photo: Blinds.com
What We Like
- Lightweight and energy efficient
- Light filtering
- Easy to instlal
- Cordless design eliminates cord-entanglement danger
What We Don’t Like
- Limited colors (only neutrals)
- Not ideal for high-traffic or kid-heavy spaces
- Paper-like material can be difficult to clean
What Are SimplyEco Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades?
Blinds.com‘s SimplyEco Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades are window treatments made from plastic bottles. According to the manufacturer’s site, an average-size shade reuses up to twelve 16-ounce bottles. The shades are lightweight, energy efficient, and feature a ½-inch single-cell size.
Color options are limited to five neutral colors in whites, tans, and grays. The street-facing side of all shades is white to ensure uniformity when viewing from the outside. The shades also feature a cordless lift system with an option for a top-down lift for more light control. This feature allows you to lower the shades from the top, rather than lifting the shades from the bottom of the shades. There is an option to have both lift systems on the shades. The SimplyEco shades are not blackout shades; they are marketed as light-filtering shades. The shades let in a softer light that brightens the room while protecting privacy.
How Helpful Was the Design Consultation?
Once I submitted my request for a consultation, I received an email in less than 24 hours to schedule a consultation. I already knew I would get the SimplyEco shades, so I initially thought the consultation would be just a formality. However, Danielle, my design consultant, was very knowledgeable and asked me questions to help me narrow down my choices further.
There was no upselling. The consultant asked me what my top priority was for the shades in the home and listed the options to achieve that goal. Once I had my top choices settled, Danielle ordered my samples, and they arrived within a day.
How Easy Is It to Measure Your Windows for Custom Shades?
After my consultation, I received an email with video instructions on how to measure windows. There are also videos linked in the product description pages and a PDF with written instructions on how to measure, as well. The video and PDF gave specific instructions on measuring windows with trim and no trim, and how to measure for inside or outside mount. The only tool needed is a metal tape measure. I was instructed to round each measurement to the nearest 1/8″ for best results.
After I measured each window, I entered the measurements into a Word doc and labeled them by room and window name. I sent off my measurements to my design consultant, and she reviewed all my measurements, color selection, and mounting style before I placed my order. Danielle even caught a mistake I’d made with my door measurement. Blinds.com allows one remake per item, even if you make a measurement mistake.
How Long Does It Take and How Do the Shades Arrive?
Every blind is custom-made, so manufacturing and shipping times will vary. However, I received my order about a week after the order date. I received constant updates and tracking information throughout the manufacturing and shipping process. Once they’d shipped, I received them 2 days later. The blinds were individually packaged with the measurements listed on the ends of the box. Each box contains all the necessary hardware for each blind and installation instructions. The fasteners included are designed to work with concrete, wood, drywall, plaster, or steel.
Are the SimplyEco Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades Easy to Install?
The blinds are very easy to install. It helps to have a power drill with a drill bit (I used a 3/32 bit) and a level. DIYers may need to make a pilot hole in the wall for the screws to go in more easily. The illustrated directions included in the box were clear and user-friendly. However, for those who are not comfortable with installing blinds, they can call the customer service line for guidance or to request professional installation for an additional fee.
How Do the SimplyEco Shades Look Once Installed?
Once installed, the first word that popped into my mind was “open.” The blinds immediately brightened my space and made the room feel airy. The light filtering in gave off a bright, warm glow. I was looking to maximize the light in my area without sacrificing privacy, and the SimplyEco shades delivered.
How Did the SimplyEco Shades Perform?
The stand-out feature on the SimplyEco blinds for me was the cordless lift. It’s a hidden control system that eliminates a lift cord and enables the shade or blind to be easily raised or lowered from the bottom. An option for a “top-down” lift (for an additional charge) gives you more light control. However, the shades filter plenty of light, so I felt the top-down option was unnecessary.
Cleaning the shades is relatively straightforward with regular upkeep. A vacuum fitted with a brush attachment can help remove surface dust, and spot cleaning with mild soap may be used as needed. The material can tolerate light handling, such as gentle wiping with a microfiber cloth, though care is recommended to maintain its appearance over time.
Living with My Purchase for Over 2 Years
After living with the SimplyEco shades for over two years, I can say they’ve held up impressively well in terms of performance. They still function just as smoothly as they did on day one and continue to filter in that soft, natural light I loved from the start. That said, real-life use in a busy household has revealed a few drawbacks. In rooms where my kids handle the shades daily and don’t always lift them from the base as intended, I’ve noticed more visible wear and tear, suggesting they are not the most durable option for high-traffic, kid-heavy spaces. Cleaning has also been a bit tricky. Because of the paper-like material, vacuuming is not as effective for removing dust and pet hair as I had hoped. After two years with pets and kids, I would probably recommend a sturdier material for more active homes. Still, for lower-traffic spaces, these shades are a great choice. They are easy to install, look clean and modern, and do a beautiful job of letting in filtered light while maintaining privacy.
Are the SimplyEco Shades Worth the Money?
SimplyEco Blinds start at $63.99. Blinds.com often runs promos on cost and shipping. However, in my research, I found that this product’s price aligns with the prices of other custom blinds. The shade material is mostly sturdy, and the overall product looks and feels well-made. I think that the price is fair for the quality of the product.
Should You Buy SimplyEco Shades?
For anyone who wants an attractive window covering option that’s easy to install, sustainable, and looks wonderful, SimplyEco shades are a great fit. The shades allow plenty of light, maintain privacy, and are easy to clean. Overall, I am happy with the blinds because they give my house a stylish upgrade and brighten my space. I feel that the shade’s cost was reasonable and the quality is superb.
Where to Buy
Photo: Blinds.com
The post I Tested Blinds.com’s Custom Window Treatments—Here’s How They Held Up After 2 Years appeared first on Bob Vila.