Arched Blinds and Angled Blinds Frequently Asked Questions

BCC Specialties FAQ's

Who is BCC?

BCC Specialty Shapes produces patented and exclusive solutions for arched, angled, triangular, pentagon, quarter round, and most other specialty shapes.

Are BCC specialty shape blinds fully operable?

Virtually every window covering we fabricate for arched and angled blinds is fully operable.

What are the size limitations?

Provided the blind will install as an INSIDE MOUNT, most every shape and size of window will be available as a fully operable application. BCC routinely fabricates for windows that are 8, 10, 12 feet wide and wider. Please contact us if you have specific window size or shape questions for approval.

Are there limitations such as for imperfect arches, steep angles, triangles or other common specialty shapes?

We fabricate fully operable blinds for imperfect arches, perfect arches, trapezoids with any degree of angle, triangles, pentagons, quarter rounds, extended quarter rounds, and virtually all other shapes.

Is an Inside Mount required for BCC specialty shape blinds?

An inside mount (IB/IM) is standard and is important for both aesthetics and operation. Outside mount will be available but will have some restrictions. If a window requires an outside mount, photos will be requested for approval.

What mounting depth is needed for the inside mount?

The minimum mounting depth for BCC specialty shape blind is one inch. A window depth of approximately 3 3/8 inches provides for a fully recessed flush mount installation for most 3/4 inch pleat sizes. If you have a depth shallower than one inch, please send photos for review. Refer also to mounting depth chart.

What types of honeycomb materials are preferred?

Light filtering and semi-opaque three-quarter inch pleat size materials are preferred. Opaque materials and larger pleat sizes are available.

Will I need to purchase sample books?

Your customer can select from the sample books of major manufactures that you already use. BCC fabricates for specialty shape windows, and you will work with your regular fabricator for any window coverings used on the project. Cut samples when needed are available upon request.

Do you have a price list?

Specialty shapes are quoted after a review confirmation from a sketch or emailed photo with rough sizes.

What information do you need for a quote?

We generally need a sketch of the shapes along with rough dimensions. If you know the material selection you are looking to work with that is helpful as well.

Are templates required?

Most arched blinds can also be fabricated using exact measurements, however, paper templates are always preferred for arched windows. Angled windows require measurements only on all sides of the opening, but DO NOT require a template.

What shapes are available with motorization?

All shapes are available with motorization.

Can blinds be controlled by Alexa, Google Home, an iPad or with a smart phone?

BCC specialty shape blinds can be operated by most smart phone and smart home platforms including Alexa, Google Home, iPads and smart phones.

What motor systems do you work with?

BCC fabricates motorized specialty blinds with a variety of widely used industry motors. Home automation interfaces include Hunter Douglas, Somfy, Lutron, Crestron, Vantage, LiteTouch, Control4, Savant, Z Wave, ZigBee, Somfy MyLink, Mecho Shades, and most other smart home and smart building automation systems.

Do you have a website for use with a consumer?

BlindVideos.com has videos only, with no contact information and is intended for use with consumers. It has the most requested videos and can be used to show a client operation.

What is the warranty?

BCC provides a five-year warranty. This warranty applies to both the blind as well as the motor. We have been fabricating for specialty shape window for more than twenty years. If you ever have a problem with a shade outside of this five-year period, please let us know as we will want to help.

How long has BCC been fabricating blinds for arched and angled windows?

BCC has been fabricating fully operable blinds for arched and angled windows since 1998.

What locations do you ship to?

We are located in Denver Colorado and we ship specialty shape blind products throughout the United States and Canada.

Are BCC specialty shape blinds difficult to install?

Specialty shape blinds will generally take longer to install than a standard window blind but are not overly complicated to install. Programming of the motors is similar to standard blinds.

Will the specialty shaped blinds be affordable for my client?

Every specialty shaped blind is custom fabricated. It is helpful to set client expectations with the understanding that while specialty shape blinds are higher in cost than standard window blinds, these blinds will often times help solve problems that greatly enhance a living environment. Since 1998, we have helped provide solutions for challenging windows for thousands of highly satisfied customers across North America.

What is the standard production time for fabrication?

There are multiple steps to specialty shape fabrication. Our average production time is in the approximately 8 week range from the time of order.

Is a valance required? Can I use my own valance?

A valance is provided on all specialty shaped blinds. The valance color will coordinate with blind hardware colors. On a top compressing angled shade, the valance is designed to cover the headrail, and a portion of the material stack. On arched, pentagon and other bottom compressing blinds, the valance is designed to cover the headrail and the material stack.

Is there a stack height chart?

BCC specialty shapes require support rods which will vary by shape, size and material. Stack heights and valance profile will be determined during final fabrication.

Are battery powered specialty shaped blinds available? How long will the batteries last?

BCC specialty shaped blinds come standard with battery powered motorization. Batteries in an arched or angled blind will typically last for about one year, and can last longer. Battery life will depend upon the size of the blind, use, and other factors.

Where is the battery pack located? Are satellite battery packs available?

The battery pack installs directly behind the headrail. Satellite battery packs are available.

Are hardwired options available?

Low voltage hard wire options including plug-in transformers and multi-shade power supplies are available. Pre-wire instructions are available for new construction.

Are non-motorized applications available?

Motorization is by far the most requested option for BCC specialty shape blinds. For smaller window sizes of less than approximately 60 inches wide or 60 inches long, manually operated blinds are an option. Your customer will need to understand that a BCC specialty shape manual shade will operate differently than a standard rectangular manual blind. See manual operation overview for operation of manual blinds.

What is the reason honeycomb or cellular material is the most requested for arched and angled windows?

Honeycomb materials allows BCC to fabricate for just about every size and shape of arched and angled windows without limitations. Importantly, this material is low profile and tight compressing which keeps the architectural appeal of the specialty shape window.

Are room-darkening / blackout / opaque options available?

Opaque materials are available for virtually all arches and angles. It is important to set an expectation with your client that there will be light strikes which will occur around the edges of the window, and this will be more visually pronounced with a room darkening material. We suggest using a room darkening material only when required by the customer. A light filtering or semi-opaque material tends to be the most pleasing for aesthetic purposes.

Can specialty shaped blinds stop midway on the window?

BCC specialty shape blinds are generally suggest to be used either fully retracted or fully deployed.

What if a client has window cranks or other window hardware?

BCC arched and angled blinds will require a free and clear landing area such as a window sill for installation. Please send photos for fabrication review when a window does not have a smooth sill, window cranks or other hardware.

Does BCC fabricate using screen shade materials for arched and angled windows?

BCC fabricates arched and angled blinds in a bottom rolling screen shade application. Setting appropriate customer expectations is critical for a bottom rolling screen shade application. It is important to understand that with a bottom rolling screen shade application there will be a large roller tube at the base of the opening as well as hardware required at the top of the opening. All hardware requires finish trim carpentry following the installation of the shade. Characteristics of a bottom rolling screen shade include visible draw cords when shade is retracted and wrinkling/ rippling of the material when deployed. An openness of 1% or greater will be required. Blackout and translucent materials are not available in a bottom rolling screen shade. We find that this type of application is generally best suited for commercial settings.

Are showroom or home product displays available?

BCC arched and angled showroom and home show display blinds are available to window covering and home automation dealers. Displays are 100% rebatable and suitable for showroom display as well as at home shows.

Does BCC offer online training?

BCC conducts online training for design firms, window covering dealers and installation professionals, home automation contractors, and architectural firms. Please email to SpecialtyShapes@BCCBlinds.com for more information.

What is BCC’s favorite tag line?

We are partial to “Serious Blinds for Funny Shaped Windows!” But we also like “We’ve got every angled covered”. And of course, “Odd-Shaped Windows can be a Pain in the Glass”.