The Complete Guide to Hunter Douglas, Graber, Norman, Levolor, and Bali
Blinds By Design Blog
Walk into the window treatment world and you’ll hear the same few names again and again. They’re all respected, they all offer good products, and they’re not identical. If you’re comparing options for your Portland-area home, it helps to know what each brand is known for before you start looking at samples.
Here’s a practical guide to five of the brands we work with at Blinds by Design, plus how to choose between them.
Product lines and features change over time, so treat this as a starting point. We’ll walk you through current options and pricing during your in-home consultation.
Why Brand Matters (and Why It Doesn’t Matter as Much as Quality)
A good brand gives you consistent manufacturing, a wide range of colors and fabrics, tested operating systems, and a warranty you can rely on. But the brand name on the box is only part of the story. Accurate measuring, correct installation, and choosing the right product for the room matter just as much. A perfectly made shade that doesn’t fit properly won’t perform the way it should.
With that in mind, here’s what to know about each brand.
Hunter Douglas
Hunter Douglas is one of the best-known names in the industry, and it’s often the first brand people think of when they want a premium product. It’s recognized for a broad lineup that spans nearly every window treatment category.
Known for:
- Duette cellular shades, a well-known honeycomb design popular for insulation and light control
- Silhouette window shadings, which pair soft fabric vanes with sheer facing for gentle, filtered light
- PowerView motorization, their system for automating shades by remote, app, or schedule
- A wide selection of shutters, wood blinds, and designer fabrics
A good fit if: you want a premium look, a large range of options, and smart-home-ready motorization.
Learn more on the Hunter Douglas website.
Graber
Graber has a strong reputation for fabric shades and a wide variety of styles. Our own gallery features Graber products, including natural-material shades and classic Roman shades.
Known for:
- A large selection of shades, including Roman, roller, cellular, and natural-material options
- Many fabric, texture, and color choices for a more custom, designer look
- Good options for homeowners who want style and quality at a range of price points
A good fit if: you care most about fabric and design, especially for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Learn more on the Graber website.
Norman
Norman is widely associated with shutters, and its products appear in our own gallery. Shutters are a lasting, architectural upgrade, and many homeowners find them a good match for traditional New England homes.
Known for:
- Interior shutters with adjustable louvers
- A clean, built-in look with excellent light control
- A durable option for high-use rooms
A good fit if: you want a long-term investment that adds character and works hard every day.
Learn more on the Norman website.
Levolor
Levolor is a long-established name best known for blinds, with a reputation for solid everyday products.
Known for:
- Blinds in wood, faux wood, and aluminum
- A range of styles and prices, from budget-friendly to higher-end
- A good selection for practical rooms like kitchens, baths, and rental properties
A good fit if: you want dependable blinds with classic styling, or you’re outfitting several windows and want value.
Learn more on the Levolor website.
Bali
Bali is a familiar name in blinds and shades, with a wide range of products aimed at making custom-look window treatments accessible.
Known for:
- A broad selection of blinds and shades in many materials and colors
- Approachable pricing across much of the line
- Options that suit everyday homes and busy households
A good fit if: you want a solid product, plenty of choices, and good value.
Learn more on the Bali website.
Quick Brand Comparison
- Most premium range and smart-home options: Hunter Douglas
- Fabric and style variety: Graber
- Shutters: Norman
- Blinds and practical value: Levolor and Bali
These are general tendencies, not rules. Most of these brands offer products in several categories, and the best choice depends on the specific product, not just the logo.
How to Choose
- Start with the product type, not the brand. Decide whether you want blinds, shades, shutters, or draperies, then compare brands within that category.
- Match the product to the room. A bedroom wants blackout and insulation. A kitchen wants moisture-friendly materials. A sunny office wants glare control.
- Set a budget range up front. Brands span a wide price spectrum, and a good consultant will show you options at several levels.
- Check the warranty. Manufacturer warranties vary by product. We’ll go over the specifics for the items you select.
- Think about operating systems. Cordless, motorized, or traditional cord, depending on your household. See our child safety services if you have little ones at home.
- See and touch real samples. Fabric and finish look very different in your own light than on a screen.
We’re Not Limited to One Brand
Because we’re a local, family-owned business and not tied to a single manufacturer, we can recommend what suits your home rather than steering you toward one name. And if you’ve seen a brand you love that isn’t on this list, just ask. We can often source other options.
Bring the Showroom Home
Blinds by Design brings our mobile showroom directly to you. We’ll arrive with samples from these brands, measure your windows, talk through options, and handle the installation.
Request a free consultation today, or call (207) 501-2800. We proudly serve Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Brunswick, Augusta, and surrounding communities. Browse our project gallery for ideas, and read what neighbors are saying in our customer reviews.