Window Coverings in Kitchener & Waterloo – Glossary

arch window – a window in the shade of a half-circle. commonly placed over a door or another window, arch-es are often used for decoration and allow for additional light.

bottom rail – the bottom rail is the piece of material that secures the ladders and cords to the bottom of the blind. it is made of wood, faux wood or metal depending on the product ordered

bottom rail button – a small piece of plastic that snugly fits into small openings in the bottom rail. it secures the ladders into the bottom rail.

box bracket – installation brackets used to mount traditional 2″ and 1″ horizontal blinds

center support bracket – used on wider blinds to help support the weight of the blind. prevents sagging.

clearance – the distance from the wall to the back of the window covering

cloth tape – a decorative braided cloth available in different color options to replace standard cord ladders.

control length – the length of both the tilt and lift. this length is generally half the overall length of the blind.

cord lock – component in the head rail of a horizontal product, which enables the blind to be raised or low-ered and locked into any position.

continuous cord – cord that comes out of the head rail and is attached to the bottom rail.

cord tilt – this mechanism operates with 2 cords instead of using a wand to tilt the blind-it is standard on all 2″ and 2 ½” products. cord tilt is not available on 1″ metal blinds.

cutout – procedure where a section of the blind is cutout to allow clearance for obstacles that may be in the way of the blinds.

end cap – plastic caps that secure on to the bottom rail and head rail of metal and cellular shades—they are color coordinated to match the window covering

flush mount – a flush mount means fully recessed. the entire blind will fit into the frame of the window. if you do not have the required depth for a flush mount the blind will sit out from the frame. you may flush mount any of our blinds or shades, but each product could have a different flush mount minimum. there is no difference in the way you measure when ordering blinds for a flush mount, you just need to be sure you know what the re-quirement is for a flush mount for each product.

extension brackets – metal “l” brackets that are used in installing blinds that need to be extended out over the sill

head rail – the steel channel that houses all of the components that are needed to operate the blind.

hobbled – option on fabric roman shades that adds horizontal pleats to the fabric.

hold down brackets – these are typically used on outside mount applications and on door blinds. they secure the end of each side of the bottom rail to the outside of the window frame to prevent the blind from swaying.

inside mount – a window treatment installed inside the window frame rather than on the window casing.

l-brackets – used during installation to extend the blind out over the sill. also called extension brackets.

metal tape roll – a cylinder piece that fits into the head rail in a standard blind. it connects braided ladder to the clips in the drums.

lift cord – the cord that is pulled to raise and lower the blind.

mullion – a narrow structural object between two windowpanes.

multiple blinds (or shades) on one head rail – 2 or 3 blinds or shades mounted on the same headrail. typically this is to cover a large window where the size is too large to allow a single shade. each blind or shade on the headrail will have its own set of controls so one blind may be open while the other is closed.

outside mount – the installation of a window covering on or beyond the window frame rather than within the window frame.

projection – the distance from the front surface of a window-covering rod from the wall it is mounted on

return – the distance from the face of the head rail to the wall or frame. also the valance piece that attaches to the face of the valance to completely cover the head rail

roman fold – a type of fold on woven wood shades that folds up from the bottom like an accordian, back and forth on itself.

route hole – the punch in the slat that the lift cords run through

sill – the horizontal, ledge like portion of a window casing spacer/projection brackets- 3/8″ clear plastic spacers that are used on top or behind an installation bracket to clear obstructions

sill – a circular piece that joins all of the lift cords as they come out of the head rail. it is used on all blinds to prevent the cords from tangling and to reduce the risk of possible strangulation.

tassel – attaches to the ends of cords to lift or tilt blinds-usually color coordinated. tassels are wood on wood blinds; pvc on faux wood and wood impressions; and plastic on metal and cellular shades.

tassel – attaches to the ends of cords to lift or tilt blinds-usually color coordinated. tassels are wood on wood blinds; pvc on faux wood and wood impressions; and plastic on metal and cellular shades.

wand tilter – component in the head rail that turns the slats up or down. a wand is attached and attaches to this with a connector.

valance – decorative top treatment hung as an accent to cover the head rail. the material of the valance varies depending on the product.

valance clip – clear plastic piece that is used to attach the valance to the head rail.