Alameda Shade Shop

I had an exceptional experience with Alameda Shade Shop and would like to share it. I live in a condo building in Oakland with great views of Lake Merritt and the East Bay Hills, accordingly window coverings are important. I had a problem with my existing venetian blinds. I contacted Alameda Shade Shop on the recommendation of the condo building manager. They came out, diagnosed the problem, and installed replacement blinds. All the work was expertly done when, and as, promised. I was most impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail, such as making sure that the worksite was clean after the installation. Mitchell took care to make sure the cleanup was as carefully done as the installation. I unhesitatingly recommend this company to anyone in need of such services. David Alexander

We just had 7 windows done at our house. The blinds look awesome! The team at Alameda Shade Shop did a great job — everything from measurement, ordering, keeping me in the loop, and installation. Thank you Lydia, Dan and Mitchell for the great experience and great product!!!

I would give them more stars if I could!!! Can’t say enough good things about Alameda Shade Shop and Lydia in particular!
I have older Hunter Douglas shades that are a bit of a nightmare — this is on the manufacturer, not the shade shop! In fact, I didn’t even buy them here, but HD has a «lifetime» warranty on the shades for repairs, etc. however, one must work through a shade business to invoke the warranty.
After going to Alcatraz Shade Shop and having less than a stellar experience (seems to be overcrowded, understaffed, and expensive), I went to Alameda Shade Shop when my shades needed restringing. They also needed cleaning. Alameda Shade Shop handled everything, including getting the shades transported to Bubble Magic for cleaning and then back to the shop so I could pick them up. (They don’t clean shades, but recommend Bubble Magic).
The shades looked great!
Fast forward to now: Once again 2 of the shades have stringing problems (this is due to HD’s cheap mechanism in older shades — I’ve been told it’s rectified in new designs). Off I go to the shade shop, shades are sent to HD. HD informs the shade shop that shades are delaminating, they will replace them at no cost, but they don’t make that particular shade anymore. Lydia calls me and now we’re working on selecting new shades. Will update when the whole project is completed, but suffice to say, I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
I read a couple of reviews from other customers. Things go wrong, there are misunderstandings, that’s life, get over it. It’s how it’s handled in the end that really matters and is the hallmark of true customer service.
I absolutely trust Alameda Shade Shop and have found them to be a pleasure to work with!

My experience with his shop was fantastic. The consultation was thorough and informative. I was able to take my time in deciding colors and fabrics, and it was nice to have samples and pictures to really get a good sense of what it would look like. I didn’t feel pressured at all to make a decision, and they were professional but didn’t seem like they were just trying to make a sale. The wait time between the consultation and the set up was a bit longer than expected, but luckily I wasn’t in a rush. The actual set up was quick and easy.
Overall, after getting price quotes from a few shops and dealing with a few window services, I can safely say that this one is the most professional and best one in the area. The prices are reasonable, and there was no mistakes made along the way.

Lidia is so helpful and patient. Keyword patient. She’s very knowledgable on the brands she carries and has opened my eyes to what would look best in our condo.
They are very well priced. So well priced that I drive from San Francisco to Alameda everytime I need to go look at fabrics. Our condo is in the city and after getting local estimates over $ 30,000 on roller shades, I decided to look at vendors outside of SF. Finding Alameda shade shop has honestly been a blessing!

I really like this biz cuz of the 2 women who own it… Lydia & Diane. Lydia seems to be the stay in the shop gal while Diane takes to the road to do the measuring & installation with one other person. I walked into the shop with drapes in mind, but as soon as I saw the Roman shades display, I changed my mind. Lydia showed me some materials & told me after me giving her a bit of the color schemes in my living room, which fabric/​color would look good. After going thru all the other fabrics, I chose the one she recommended right off the bat. The wait period was 8 wks instead of the 6 predicted cuz my chosen fabric was out of stock. Anyway, when I finally got it, I knew it was worth the wait. The were beautiful & really changed the look of my living room… kinda like a bit of Victorian to go with my antique furniture. The installation was perfect & done quickly. Diane really knows her stuff. The shop can be difficult to reach by phone at times cuz they’re so busy. My only complaint!

It’s amazing how much the bedroom went from okay to fabulous with the beautiful shades installed. Dan and Diane came, took measurements, listened to what I had in mind, then popped back with a perfect set of shades for the look I wanted. Dan hung them in minutes. The shades look delicate and graceful, but when you slide them up or down, they are sturdy and perform perfectly — ‘look ma, no strings!’ Although the sun comes in, the heat is muted. You can bet Alameda Shade Shop will be the only place in which I will consider getting window treatments. Next — valences for dining room and kitchen.

I was able to select and order the shades I needed at this shop. It is extremely useful to be able to see and touch samples, and see and test the different styles they have these days, something you obviously can’t do if ordering online. Lydia is on top of her game — totally competent and helpful and friendly.
I would probably come back here, if I could work only with Lydia. Don’t mean to play favorites, but I found it hard to work with Diane. I was never quite sure if she heard me correctly — details really matter with orders! — and she didn’t seem tha concerned with asking me to repeat myself, etc.

We continue to be pleased with our blinds and the customer service provided after the sale.

We have had shades made for our Victorian home and had a great experience with this company. Recently, we needed to get a lace panel curtain made because our new puppy had shredded the existing curtain on the bottom. We took in the damaged curtain to the Alameda Shade Shop. It was measured and we chose an appropriate pattern that would work with the other panels in the room. Because the windows in our home are extremely long and narrow, we had to have the curtain made to the specific size. Buying off the rack was not an option.
When we went to pick up the panel, we brought it home and started to hang it. Low and behold, it was about 3 feet shorter than it was supposed to be. I immediately telephoned the company and was told to bring the panel back and that they were sorry this had happened. Not so fast, the owner, Diane, said that she wanted to come out and measure the curtain for herself.
We had paid about $ 300 for a lace panel that was not the size of the other panels in the same room. Diane came to the house and suspiciously looked at the windows in other parts of the house. She asked me, «Are you sure you didn’t bring the panel from another window?». We have an office with three windows. Each window has a long lace panel. One window is missing a panel. Excuse me, why would I bring the wrong panel? There would be no reason for me to do that. I think her unpleasant and suspicious attitude would keep me from ever using this company again.
I will say that in the end, the panel was replaced and just fine. But I dislike being treated like I am a dishonest person.

Long time resident of Alameda — first time in the market for window coverings replacing old stuff from former homeowner. I worked with Lydia and she was extraordinarily helpful. Provided perfect balance of information, advice, insight and then left me alone periodically to make decisions. Shop happily allows you to take home samples to view them in your own home. I’ve had multiple appointments with Dan the measure and install man and he has always been on time, even early, for the many late afternoon appointments we’ve scheduled. Dan also provides invaluable advice being a life long Alameda resident … he knows what works where. I’ll return to them for the next set of windows.

Such a great business! I had no idea what I wanted, but they helped me pick out the best products for my needs!
They have a huge selection and variety to choose from and helpful friendly staff to help along the way!
The owner Diane is very knowledgeable and truly was a huge huge help! Her husband Dan installed my window coverings quick and easy! The process was much more pain-​free then I was expecting!
I will be recommending their business to all of my friends and family!
Thank you again!

Absolutely didn’t get 5 star service or even close.
–They didn’t listen (even though we said big time no tacky borders!) and showed them a picture.
–They show up with tacky borders. And really crappy cup hooks instead of clips we told them we wanted (we drew a picture).
–Took forever for installation.
–Didn’t call us back.
–The topper: We asked for 3 sets of clips. They forgot one set. And then wanted to charge us $ 63 (avl. for $ 7.50 online)
Bottom line: They botched the job… and then blamed us.
So if you own a Victorian, maybe this is your place.
If you want anything with any style or taste, go to Alcatraz Shade in Berkeley. Same price or a little cheaper, professional – and they know what the hell they’re doing.

I’ve used alameda shade shop before and I will reccomend them to everybody. They just finished installing our front unit and I couldn’t be happier :) thanks Diane !!! I can’t wait to do more ! Debbie

This place is great, with a good selection of product, and very friendly, knowledgeable people. And it is service that sets them apart from others I must say. I bought some blinds that, sadly, have a string problem: It keeps breaking. But I take them back to the shop, they pack and ship them out for me, and they come back just like new each time. And each time, they are friendly and helpful about it, and even apologetic, though not their fault. The crew know their stuff, and are pleasant.
I highly recommend this place. They will get it right, and by some chance they do not, they will make it right I am sure.

Thank you Alameda Shade Shop! You were able to help me and gave me recommendations on the Hunter Douglas Silhouette Blinds on how to get them cleaned. I truly appreciate your recommendations and your quick reply. We have ordered ALL our blinds thru you and wouldn’t hesitate to order from you again.

They installed Hunter Douglas blinds throughout my entire home (something like twenty-​one windows) and everything about working with them was great. I highly recommend them!

We just purchased a Hunter Douglas shade from Alameda Shade Shop, and had them install it for us (I am generally a do-​it-​yourselfer, but decided that getting this right was worth the cost). I’m a total novice to selecting shades (sizing, configurations, etc.). Having Dianne walk us through the process and provide design advice was just what we needed. Great service, and we’re glad to work with a local people that know their business well. Thanks!

This is an amazing place! Shade Shop doesnt begin to describe what they do. They make drapes, custom made solar shades, any kind of window treatment you want. They are incredibly professional and have the best installer that we have ever met! I wish we had known about them when we first put in our drapes. They have fixed all the ones that the others put in wrong and didnt charge us! If you want any kind of window treatment come here!

Wow. I’m old. I’m actually reviewing a window shade shop. Sad. Anyway, this place deserves a little boost, but I’ll keep it short and sweet. We moved into this nice old bldg with white Victorian pull shades (I thought we were fancy, but have since noticed that every other home on the island has them, too). One busted, so my wife found this place down the street (in Alameda, *everything* is «just down the street,» regardless of what you need). It was one of the most satisfying, no-​nonsense business transactions I’ve ever had! Diane, the owner, was quick but helpful, chatty but informative. I was in and out in under 10 minutes with a repaired shade rod. $ 20. Plus, she gave me a cheat-​sheet on «How To Take Care of Your Shades.» You see? I just had to review this merchant! Makes me want to bust another shade.