Window Blind and Shade Glossary T - W

Window Blinds

Window Blind and Shade Glossary T - W

Tapes: Cloth versions of the braided ladder cords that run down the length of the blind, holding the slats together. A variety of colors, weaves, decorative patterns and sizes are available. In addition to being more decorative, cloth tape blocks more light than braiding because it covers the routing holes on the blinds.

Tilt: The cord or a wand, that opens or closes the slats of a blind, tilting it in one direction or the other.


Top-Down: A shade that opens opposite the customary direction — from the top down instead of from the bottom up. When fully open, the fabric stacks at the bottom of the window rather than the top.

Top-Down/Bottom-Up: A combination top-down AND bottom-up shade. This shade uses two sets of lift cords to open either from the top down or from the bottom up, or both at the same time. Allows for maximum versatility and protecting privacy while allowing light.

Two or more blinds on one headrail: Multiple blinds attached to one headrail, allowing each of the blinds to operate independently.

Valance Returns: The two "side" sections of a valance that connect the front (main) valance to the wall. Used only on outside mounts.

Venetian Blind: A window blind made of thin wooden or metal slats that can be set at any angle to regulate the light and air.

Vertical Blinds: Long, narrow, vertically slatted blinds made from PVC, fabric, or aluminum. Vertical blinds and shades are opened by rotating the vanes or drawing them away from the window. They are very useful for many situations and range from very basic to highly decorative and are excellent light and temperature insulators.

Wall Mount: Refers to mounting a headrail on the wall above a door or window to install a vertical blind.

Wood Blinds: Blinds made of hardwood. Available in several different classes and a large range of sizes and finishes.