Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do roller shades help reduce energy costs?

    Energy-efficient roller shade materials help reduce heat transfer by blocking solar heat in summer and retaining warmth in winter. This is especially useful on the Western Slope's sunny, high-altitude climate where UV exposure is intense. At Alpine Shades, we help customers select fabrics that balance light control with year-round energy savings.

  • What's the difference between real wood and faux wood shutters?

    Real wood shutters can be painted or stained to match trim and offer a timeless, elegant look. Faux wood shutters provide durability and moisture resistance, making them ideal for Colorado's dry climate and high-sunlight areas. At Alpine Window Coverings, we bring samples to your home so you can compare finishes in your actual lighting.

  • Do honeycomb shades really save on heating and cooling?

    Yes—honeycomb shades use a D-cell construction that traps air between dual layers, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. They're nearly as affordable as standard blinds while offering significantly higher energy efficiency. At Alpine Window Coverings, we recommend them as a cost-effective upgrade for Western Slope homes in all seasons.

  • Can motorized shades be controlled with a smartphone?

    Yes, motorized roller shades and other automated window coverings can be controlled via smartphone, remote, voice assistant, or integrated into smart home systems. This allows one-touch adjustments and improves child and pet safety with cord-free designs. At Alpine Window Coverings, we demonstrate automation features during in-home consultations.

  • What are the benefits of an in-home window covering consultation?

    In-home consultations let you see samples in your actual lighting and compare colors against your walls and furnishings. At Alpine Window Coverings, we bring a mobile showroom directly to your home, eliminating the need to visit a store and ensuring you choose the right opacity, fabric, and style for each room.

  • How do banded shades control light and privacy?

    Banded shades—also called zebra or dual shades—feature alternating sheer and opaque fabric bands. You can align sheer bands for filtered light and views, or overlap opaque bands for privacy and light reduction. At Alpine Window Coverings, we show how layering effects appear under your home's natural lighting during our in-home demos.

  • Are 2-inch wood blinds durable in Colorado's dry climate?

    Yes—2-inch wood blinds made from durable PVC resist warping, cracking, and peeling, making them ideal for the Western Slope's dry, high-altitude conditions. They offer the warmth and style of real wood at an affordable price with minimal maintenance. At Alpine Window Coverings, we custom-fit each blind for smooth operation and long-term performance.

  • What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing window coverings?

    The biggest mistake is not viewing samples in your actual home lighting and décor. Colors and fabrics can look very different in a showroom versus your room's natural light. At Alpine Window Coverings, we bring samples directly to you, so you make confident decisions that match your style and functional needs.

  • Can SmartDrape be used on patio doors?

    Yes—SmartDrape® combines the softness of drapery with the structure of blinds and features individual vanes that allow walk-through access even when closed. This makes it perfect for large windows and patio doors, especially for indoor-outdoor Colorado living. At Alpine Window Coverings, we demonstrate how SmartDrape® reacts to your natural lighting during consultations.

  • How long does professional window covering installation take?

    Installation time varies by product type and number of windows, but most residential projects are completed in a few hours. At Alpine Window Coverings, our owners personally perform measurements and installations using specialized tools to ensure secure mounting, smooth operation, and a precision fit for your home.

  • Do Roman shades work well in both modern and traditional homes?

    Yes—Roman shades offer elegant, fabric-forward designs with options from classic soft folds to modern flat styles. They're available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns that complement any décor. At Alpine Window Coverings, we help Western Slope homeowners match Roman shade fabrics to existing trim, furnishings, and lighting during in-home consultations.

  • Why choose an authorized Norman dealer for window coverings?

    Authorized Norman dealers provide access to premium, warrantied products and trained installation teams. Norman's limited lifetime warranty covers hardware and components, and authorized dealers can also repair existing Norman shades and blinds. At Alpine Window Coverings, our team is Norman-trained to ensure high-quality installation and long-term support.

We Bring the Showroom To You!

We provide the easiest experience to purchase window coverings. Let us come to you and take care of all the headaches typically involved in purchasing blinds for your home.


  • Step 1: Complimentary In-Home Consultation
  • Step 2: Precise Measuring & No Pressure Quote​
  • Step 3: Hassle Free Installation