FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ FOR ARCHED, TRAPEZOID, TRIANGLE, PENTAGON AND ANGLED BLINDS
BCC Arched And Angle Blinds Product Overview
Since 1998, BCC has fabricated fully operable blinds and shades for virtually every size and shape of window. The following information is intended as an overview of the products we offer, and answers to frequently asked questions.
INSIDE MOUNT
Most BCC specialty shape blinds are designed for an inside mount installation. As an inside mount, there are very few limitations for size or shape. If you are working with a client who requires an outside mount, please email a photo for fabrication approval.
3/4 INCH HONEYCOMB PLEAT SIZE
3/4 inch light filtering pleat size is the preferred material for arched and angled blinds. Double cell and larger pleat size options are available.
LIGHT FILTERING AND SEMI-OPAQUE
Light filtering and semi-opaque materials are preferred materials for specialty shape fabrication. Room darkening options are available. Light filtering and semi-opaque generally provide the most pleasing finished aesthetic.
MOTORIZATION FOR ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS
Battery operated with a reloadable AA battery wand is standard. Power options include a rechargeable battery wand, individual plug in transformer, low-voltage hard-wired, and a multi-shade power supply.
SMART HOME DEVICES & HOME AUTOMATION FOR ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS
BCC arched and angle blind products are compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and other smart home devices. Drivers are compatible with virtually every home automation system.
SIZE / SHAPE LIMITATIONS FOR ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS
Provided the arched or angled blind will be an inside mount, most sizes and shapes are available for fabrication. BCC fabricates for imperfect arches, perfect arches, bullet arches, eyebrow arches, triangles, trapezoids with just about any degree of angle, pentagons, quarter rounds, extended quarter rounds, and virtually all other shapes. If you have photos or sketch you can email for prior fabrication approval.
MEASUREMENTS AND TEMPLATES FOR ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS
Trapezoid, triangle, pentagon and other angled applications require measurements ONLY – no template. Provide exact IB measurements. Templates are preferred for arched blinds. Measurements for an arched blind can be provided for CAD output.
WHAT IS THE CONSUMER WEBSITE
BlindVideos.com is the website for use with a customer. It has videos to show a client operation of the blinds. This website has videos only, with no contact information.
BOTTOM ROLLING SCREEN SHADES FOR ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS
Bottom rolling screen shades for arched and angled windows are available. Limitations for a bottom rolling screen shade can be significant. An openness factor of one percent or greater is required. Room darkening materials are not available on a bottom rolling screen shade. Substantial hardware installation is required at both the base and top of the opening. Finish trim carpentry will be required after installation of shade to cover hardware at the top and bottom of the opening. Bottom rolling screen shades require heavy duty lift cords which will be visible when shade is retracted.
TRAPEZOID, ANGLED AND TRIANGLE BLIND FAQ’S
How will trapezoid, top angled and triangle blinds and shades operate? Are BCC angled blinds and shades fully operable?
A BCC angled blind headrail will install at the top of the window opening. A trapezoid blind will be fully operable extending down from the top of the window to cover the window when needed and raise completely to the top when a wide open view is desired.
Are there limitation for the size or shape of a trapezoid or angled blind?
As long as a trapezoid or angle blind will install as an inside mount, BCC has few limitations for the size or shape of an angled blind. While BCC fabricates blinds and shades for sizes as wide as 174 inches, angled and trapezoid blind sizes available will be determined by the top angle size of the window opening.
Will a valance be required for a trapezoid or angled blind?
A valance will install in front of the headrail and is intended to cover the headrail as well as a portion of the material stack. The valance will coordinate with the hardware color of the blind.
Can BCC fabricate a trapezoid blind with a very short leg?
Short leg and even three-sided triangular blinds are fully operable with virtually no size or shape restrictions.
Where will an angled or trapezoid blind install on the window?
Angled and trapezoidal blind shapes will install on the top angle of the window.
Where will a triangle blind or shade install?
Where a triangle blind headrail will install is based upon the shape of the window. Most triangle blinds will install on the top angle and will be fully operable. In recent years architects have been designing more and more complex window sets with triangles. It is suggested that photos be reviewed to confirm where a triangle blind headrail will install.
My customer has a pentagon window with trapezoids on the left and right side. How will these trapezoid and pentagon blinds operate?
Trapezoid and angle top blinds will compress to the top of the window while a pentagon will compress to the base of the window.
PENTAGON BLIND FAQ’S
How will BCC pentagon blinds and shades operate?
A BCC pentagon blind headrail will install at the base of the window opening with a return cord guide at the top. A draw cord will travel from the base of the pentagon opening around the return cord guide at the top and back to the base. This cord is what will raise and lower the pentagon blind. A pentagon shade will operate in a similar manner to an arched shade application.
Are BCC pentagon blinds and shades fully operable?
Yes, a pentagon blind will be fully operable extending up from the base to cover the window when needed and lower completely to the base when a wide-open view is desired.
Can a pentagon blind raise to the top of the window?
No, a pentagon blind is fabricated only as a bottom compressing application.
Can two trapezoid or top-angle blinds be placed inside a pentagon window?
No, two trapezoid blinds operating within one pentagon opening is not available. Because gravity will affect the operation two trapezoid blinds will not allow for this type of operation.
What suggestion do you have If a client prefers that a pentagon blind compress to the top of the window?
If a customer strongly prefers to have top compressing blinds on a pentagon window a false vertical mullion could be used to bisect the window. This false vertical mullion will create a window set that can accommodate two top compressing angled blinds. This will most often be a helpful solution when the pentagon window is flanked on the left and right with angled or trapezoid windows. The false mullion could be as straight forward as using a plantation shutter divider, which are available in a large assortment of colors to coordinate with the existing window trim.
ARCHED BLIND FAQ’S
How will BCC arched blinds and shades operate?
A BCC arched blind headrail will install at the base of the window opening with a return cord guide at the top. A draw cord will travel from the base of the arched opening around the return cord guide at the top and back to the base. This cord is what will raise and lower the arched blind.
Are BCC arched blinds and shades fully operable?
Yes, an arched blind will be fully operable extending up from the base to cover the window when needed and lower completely to the base when a wide open view is desired.
Can you fabricate for a non-perfect arched blind?
BCC fabricates for both perfect and imperfect arched blinds.
Are arched blinds with legs available?
Yes, BCC fabricates for arched blinds with legs, bullet shape arches, eyebrow window blinds and for most every shape of arched blind and shade.
What size limitations are there for an arched blind?
As long as an arched blind will install as an inside mount, BCC has few limitations for the size or shape of an arched blind. BCC fabricates blinds and shades for sizes as wide as 174 inches.
How does an arched blind raise and lower?
The BCC arched headrail will install at the base of the opening with a return cord guide at the top of the arched opening. A draw cord will travel from the base of the opening up around the return cord guide and back to the base. This cord is what will raise and lower the arched blind.
How many draw cords will be visible when the blind compresses?
Most arched blinds, even very wide arched blinds, will require only one cord set.
Will my customer need a valance?
The arched blind headrail will install at the base of the opening. A valance will install in front of the headrail and is intended to cover the headrail as well as the stack of material. The arched blind valance will coordinate with the hardware color of the blind. The valance size will be determined by the stack height at time of fabrication.
Are there limitations for motorized arch blinds?
There are virtually no limitations for BCC motorized arched blinds. Most every size and shape of arched blind is available with motorization. The standard motorization for an arched blind will be battery powered with a remote control. All other standard options are available including hard wire, home automation and smart home interfaces.
Are templates required for BCC Arched Blinds?
Templates are preferred for arched blinds. Measurements for an arched blind can be provided for a CAD output.
What about arched openings where the sill is BELOW eye level?
Normally, an arched blind window sill is higher off of the ground. When an arched blind is installed on a window where the sill is below eye level, you will see an unfinished stack of material along with a draw cord when compressed. Arched blinds compressing where the sill is below eye level are not suggested. A mullion break or palladium shelf installation for this type of window is generally suggested.
What if my customer has window cranks or a casement window?
Window cranks for an arched blind will most likely interfere with the installation of the arched blind headrail at the base of the window. Removing the crank or replacing with a butterfly crank handle may be options. Photos and related measurements are required for fabrication approval for this type of window set.
QUARTER ROUND AND QUARTER CIRCLE ARCH BLIND FAQ’S
How will quarter round arch blinds and shades operate?
A BCC quarter arch headrail will install at the base of the opening with a return cord guide at the top of the arched opening. A draw cord will travel from the base of the quarter arched opening up around the return cord guide and back to the base. This cord is what will raise and lower the quarter arch blind.
Are BCC quarter arched blinds and shades fully operable?
Yes, a quarter arched blind will be fully operable extending up from the base to cover the window when needed and lower completely to the base when a wide open view is desired.
Is there a moving headrail segment on a quarter arch blind?
Yes, a bottom compressing quarter arch blind will have a small moving headrail segment. This moving headrail segment is required for operation and will travel with the blind when it is raising and lowering. Note that there will be a small light tolerance at the top of the opening where the moving headrail segment meets the top of the arch.
Is there a difference between a quarter round arch, a quarter circle and an extended quarter round window blind?
A true perfect quarter round window will be as wide as it is tall. BCC fabricates for all shapes of true quarter circle blinds, perfect and imperfect quarter round blinds, extended quarter round blinds and slight elliptical extended quarter round blinds. These shapes are able to compress to the base of the window with full operation. Note that slight elliptical extended quarter round blinds are often suggested to be treated as a trapezoid top angle blind, compressing to the top of the opening.
A slight elliptical extended quarter round blind can be treated as if it were a trapezoid, compressing to the top of the window set. When would you suggest this type of operation?
When an extended quarter round window has a slight elliptical curve at the top of the opening, this shape of window might be best treated as if it were a top angled trapezoid blind application. In this case the blind headrail will install at the top of the opening allowing for the blind to extend down from the top of the window. The headrail will leave a small void in the slight elliptical area at the top of the window. A valance curved at the top will be included to cover the slight void area at the top of the window.
MOTORIZATION FOR BCC ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS FAQ's
What shapes are available with motorization?
All BCC specialty shape blinds are available with motorization. This includes motorized blinds for arched, angled, triangular, pentagon, quarter round, and more.
Can blinds be controlled by smart home platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, an iPad or with a smart phone?
BCC arched and angled blinds can be operated by most smart phone and smart home platforms including Alexa, Google Home, iPads and smart phones.
What motor systems does BCC fabricate with?
BCC fabricates motorized arched and angled blinds with a variety of widely used industry motors. Motor and home automation compatibility 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.
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. Rechargeable battery options eliminate the need to change batteries and are a frequently requested option.
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. 16-2 home-run wiring is suggested for most low voltage hardwire applications.
Where will wire position be suggested for arches, angles, pentagon, triangle and other blind shapes?
Wiring for arched and angled blinds will be determined by where the headrail is installed. Angled and most triangular blinds will install on the top angle of the opening. Most arched, pentagon and quarter-round blinds will install at the base of the opening. Wiring should be positioned toward the glazing side of the window jamb which will then be concealed when the blind is installed. Photos are strongly suggested for mark-up prior to determining wire location.
What voltage of motor is used for arched and angled blinds?
Motor voltage will be determined by motor manufacture, size of blind and other factors. Low voltage motors will generally be 12V, 18V or 24V for arched and angled blinds. Battery operated is standard when available. Low Voltage hard wired is available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ARCHED AND ANGLED BLINDS
Who is BCC?
BCC Specialty Shapes produces patented and exclusive blind and shade 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?
BCC fabricates fully operable blinds and shades for imperfect arches, perfect arches, eyebrow arches, bullet arches, trapezoids with just about 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 is available but will have restrictions. If a window requires an outside mount, photos will be requested for approval.
What mounting depth is needed for an inside mount?
The minimum suggested mounting depth for BCC specialty shape blinds 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.
What types of honeycomb materials are preferred?
Light filtering and semi-opaque three-quarter inch pleat size materials are preferred for our arched and angled specialty shapes. Opaque or room darkening 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 specifically for specialty shape windows, and you will work with your regular fabricator for any standard rectangular window coverings used on the project. Cut samples when needed are available upon request.
What information do you need for a quote?
We generally need a sketch of the shapes along with rough dimensions. Photos are helpful if available. If you know the material selection you are looking to work with that is helpful as well.
Does BCC have a price list?
Specialty shapes are quoted from a sketch or emailed photo with rough sizes.
Are templates required?
Angled windows require measurements, but DO NOT require a template. Most arched blinds can be fabricated using exact measurements, however, paper templates are always preferred when available.
Do you have a website for consumers?
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 of the blinds.
What is the warranty?
BCC provides a five-year warranty. This warranty applies to both the blind as well as the motor. BCC has been fabricating blinds or specialty shape windows 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 / Blind Corners & Curves Inc. has been fabricating fully operable blinds for arched and angled windows since 1998.
What locations does BCC 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. We suggest reviewing installation videos prior to installation.
Will BCC 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 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 - 10 week range from the time of order.
Is a valance needed for installation?
A valance is provided with all specialty shaped blinds. The valance color will coordinate with the color of the blind hardware. 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.
Can I use my own valance?
Valances are installed as a final step of the installation and attach with an “L” bracket. The supplied valance is color coordinated to the rail color of the blind. A customer can elect to use their own valance to match window trim detail or a stain finish.
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 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. Cord cleat tie-offs are used for manual applications and multiple cord sets are required for some shapes. See manual operation overview for operation of manual blinds. Motorized applications are standard and generally suggested.
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 a client that light strikes will occur around the edges of the window, and light strikes will be more visually pronounced with a room darkening material. We suggest using a room darkening material only after appropriate expectations have been set. A light filtering or semi-opaque material will generally be the most pleasing for aesthetic purposes.
Are light abating side channels or trim options available?
While BCC does not produce or ship side channels, industry available side channels can be used on many specialty shape installations. Flexible trim molding is an option that can be used to conceal light strikes on the edges of an arched window. Installation of side channels or trim must install in a manner that will not interfere with operation of the shade.
Can specialty shaped blinds stop midway on the window?
BCC specialty shape blinds are suggested 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 important for a bottom rolling screen shade customer. It is important to understand that with a bottom rolling screen shade 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 will require finish trim carpentry following the installation of the shade. Characteristics of a bottom rolling screen shade include visible draw cords when the 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!” We also like “We’ve Got Every Angle Covered”, and of course, “Odd-Shaped Windows can be a Pain in the Glass”.