So, what the heck is the California Clip, and why does it matter?  Great question. 

The California Clip is the best way we have seen to attach a wood or faux wood blind valance to a wood or faux wood blind.  Many of the big name manufacturers save a couple pennies per blind and use different variations of a plastic valance clip.  So, you need to know to be looking for it.  The thing about these plastic valance clips is that they are more prone to cracking or breaking - and then can be hard to replace - especially if the blind is years old - and the industry has changed up the style.  Planned obsolescence anyone?

Here are some of the specs:

• The California Clips come pre-installed on the valance for fast and effortless installation.

• California Clips are available for both inside and outside mount installations.
• Valances for inside mount are manufacturer approximately 1" wider than the window opening and have standard 1/2” returns.
• A return size of 3/4” can be requested.
• Inside mounted blinds are to be installed with at least 1/4” of the headrail extruding from the window opening.
• Outside mounted blinds have valances with standard returns of approximately 2-3/4” for all valance styles.

If the we can make it work, we always try and design our jobs with valances that have the California Clip.  There are some inside mount applications for which this clip will not work, however, most of the time, and with an educated consumer understanding the restrictions and advantages, we can make this much better, easier and more durable option work.

We would love to help you add California Clips to your wood and faux wood blind project.  Also, for a rough idea of what your project might cost check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator.

Here is a scenario for you.  Let's say you have a need to do an inexpensive clean-up of your window coverings.  Your budget is limited but your current blinds are just done.  What do you do?  You know full well that you generally get what you pay for - so, you are hesitant to buy the super cheap deals you see online or at your favorite box store.

What should you do?  Well, our suggestion would be to consider the InLite Faux Wood blind offered by Skandia Window Fashions.  Why?  Because in all of our years of handling the faux wood blinds, in our opinion, the best low cost option is the Skandia InLite Faux Wood.  We have sold and installed these blinds for many customers over the years and have had very few minor issues.  This is stunning given the price point of this offering.

Here are the specs:

• Made from Extruded PVC - Slats, bottomrail and valance are extruded PVC with an added UV stabilizer. Will not crack, peel, warp or fade.
• UV Rating - InLite™ faux wood blinds have a 500-hour UV rating.
• Self-Extinguishing - InLite™ faux wood blinds are self-extinguishing and are safe for residential areas.
• Traditional Look - The look and quality your customers desire and below the cost of wood blinds.
• Three Color Options - Skandia offers three color options of White (#704), Antique White (#707), and Alabaster (#708) in a sleek gloss finish.
• Environmentally Friendly - InLite™ faux wood blinds do not require the destruction of our forests for their production and all remnants are recyclable - not adding to our waste management problems.
• Warranty - InLite™ blinds are backed by a 2-year warranty.

We would love to help you with an affordable quality option for your faux wood blind project.  Also, for a rough idea of what your project might cost check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator.  For Inlite faux wood blinds you can reduce the calculator price by about 10%.

We carry Skandia brand GrandView wood blinds and arches and we want to brag on them a bit.  These blinds bring out the best in a room with the sumptuous look and feel of real wood. Having handled many brands of blinds, we can honestly say that the Grandview blind is one of the best on the market.  They have a look and finish that just looks top of the line.  They are often confused for far more expensive Hunter Douglas wood blinds.

With today’s styles ranging from highly contemporary to all out country and every realm between, GrandView wood blinds and arches are at home with any style decor. Handcrafted of basswood, these blind and arches come in a variety of finishes and colors. From painted to stained there’s a finish guaranteed to work for your decor design. 

GrandView wood blinds have two valance options: the standard GrandView valance with a traditional style, or an upgraded valance with a contemporary look. The valance clips are hidden upon installation.  Another feature of this blind is the option of tape ladders. Tape ladders give the choice to make a statement by either subtly complementing the color and finish of the blind or adding contrast to the decor.  With the rectangular bottom rail, tape ladders are ensured a finished look and stay flat to the windowsill.  Controls can be specified as wand control or cord control. Certain applications can and will dictate which control option is to be used to ensure function ability and ease of operation. The wand control is of the same color wood. 

GrandView blinds are made with the low-profile head rail that takes up less space and helps eliminate unsightly light leakage.  The head rail is also narrower than the valance so less of the head rail is visible.  The ends of the wood slats are carefully painted with a double-pass technique with a color-matched paint. This technique grants the blind a tailored, furniture-quality finish.

We are always happy to provide Grandview wood blinds by Skandia Window Fashions.  The end product is always one that makes us feel good about the work that we do.  With that said, we would love to help you with your next wood blind project.  Also, for a quick idea of what your project might cost, please check out our online wood and faux wood blind cost calculator.