Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. Consultations are free, and most take place in your home.
Why do you consult in my home?
Seeing your windows, light, and decor in person helps us recommend the right products and take accurate measurements.
What areas do you serve?
Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and St Armands.
How long have you been in business?
Our team has 10+ years of experience with window treatments.
What products do you offer?
Plantation shutters, roller and solar shades, cellular and Roman shades, motorized shades and blinds, blinds, and drapes.
Do you work with interior designers and builders?
Yes. We work with interior designers and new custom home builders as well as homeowners.
Can my window treatments be motorized?
Most of our products can be motorized. We'll review options at your consultation.
What helps most with Florida sun and glare?
Solar shades cut glare while keeping your view, shutters let you redirect light, and cellular shades add insulation. Many homes use a mix.
What's best for privacy?
Shutters, blinds, room-darkening shades, and lined drapes all give strong privacy. We'll match the option to each room.
What is the process?
Free in-home consultation, product and fabric selection, precise measuring, then professional installation.
Do you measure the windows?
Yes. We take all measurements so your window treatments fit correctly.
How do I schedule?
Call (941) 822-6606 or email coastalshadesandshutters@gmail.com.
Are motorized blinds worth it?
They're most worth it for tall or hard-to-reach windows, rooms with many windows, and homeowners who want to control shades from a remote or phone. For small, easy-to-reach windows, a manual or cordless option may be all you need. We'll give you an honest recommendation for each room during a free in-home consultation.
How much do motorized blinds or shades cost?
Cost depends on the number and size of your windows, the product and fabric, the motor and power type, and the control options you want, so it varies from home to home. We give exact quotes after measuring your windows at a free in-home consultation. Call (941) 822-6606.
What's the difference between cellular shades and roller shades?
Cellular (honeycomb) shades have air-trapping cells that add insulation at the window. Roller shades are a single flat piece of fabric that rolls up out of sight, with options from sheer and solar to blackout. Cellular shades focus on insulation; roller shades focus on a clean look and fabric choice.
What's the difference between plantation shutters and California shutters?
The terms are used in different ways. "California shutters" often means narrower louvers and a lighter, streamlined look, while "plantation shutters" usually means wider louvers. Some companies use the names interchangeably. The louver size, frame, and finish you choose matter more than the label.
Do plantation shutters open?
Yes. The panels are hinged and swing open like doors, and you can also tilt the louvers while the panels stay closed.
Are solar shades energy efficient?
Solar shades block part of the sun's heat and glare before it spreads into the room. How much depends on the fabric, the color, and which way the window faces.
How do Roman shades work?
A lift system gathers the fabric into horizontal folds as the shade rises, and the fabric lies flat when lowered. Styles include flat, hobbled, and relaxed folds.
Can you use Roman shades with blinds?
Yes. A decorative Roman shade can be layered over a blind, or you can use Roman shades in some rooms and blinds in others for a consistent look.
