Hunter Douglas vs. ALTA Window Fashions: Which is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right window treatment supplier is a significant decision for homeowners in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and surrounding areas. This comparison focuses on two prominent names in the industry: Hunter Douglas and ALTA Window Fashions. Hunter Douglas is renowned as a premier brand, with Blind Magic being Edmonton’s largest dealer for over 30 years, offering extensive collections like Hunter Douglas Blinds, Shades, and Shutters. 

ALTA Window Fashions, on the other hand, is often positioned as a more budget-conscious yet high-quality alternative, frequently highlighted for new homeowners looking for affordable Hunter Douglas products. We will dissect the quality, innovation, and pricing structures of both brands to help you determine which best suits your home’s needs.

Key points

• Quality & Reputation: Hunter Douglas is globally recognized for premium quality, extensive product lines, and industry-leading warranties, such as the Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee Warranty.
• Affordability: ALTA Window Fashions generally targets a more accessible price point, often promoted as an affordable answer for covering an entire home, sometimes starting as low as $2500 for a whole home package.
• Innovation: Hunter Douglas leads with advanced technology like PowerView® Automation (including the new Gen 3 system) and specialized features like LightLock® for superior room darkening.
• Dealer Support: Local dealers like Blind Magic offer significant advantages, including a 110% Price Matching Guarantee and specialized services like an in-house repair department.

HD vs. ALTA: Quality Face-Off

When comparing the core quality of Hunter Douglas (HD) versus ALTA Window Fashions, the distinction often lies in brand positioning, warranty depth, and material refinement. Hunter Douglas is consistently positioned at the top tier, often associated with proprietary, award-winning features. 

For instance, HD products often feature advanced insulation technology, such as the honeycomb design in Duette® Cellular Shades, which offers exceptional energy efficiency. ALTA Window Fashions, while offering quality products, often emphasizes its value proposition, making it a strong choice for those needing to cover many windows affordably, such as when purchasing for a new home.

Innovation Edge: Who Wins?

Hunter Douglas generally maintains the edge in cutting-edge innovation, particularly in motorization and light control technology. HD has pioneered systems like PowerView® Automation, which allows for scheduling via an app or voice control, integrating with smart home systems. 

Furthermore, specialized features like the LightLock® system offer unparalleled light sealing for blackout needs, often seen in products like Duette® Cellular Shades. While ALTA Window Fashions offers modern operating systems, including motorized options like the PowerWand™ upgrade on their Roller Shades, Hunter Douglas’ ecosystem of integrated technology remains the benchmark for innovation in the window treatment sector.

• Motorization Leadership: Hunter Douglas offers PowerView® Automation (Gen 3) and SoftTouch® Motorization, providing seamless control options.
• Light Control Technology: HD’s LightLock® system is a proprietary innovation for achieving near-total room darkening.
• Unique Product Features: Hunter Douglas continually introduces unique concepts, such as the Aura™ Illuminated Shades, which combine light filtering, room darkening, and built-in illumination.
• ALTA’s Focus: ALTA focuses innovation on affordability, such as offering the PowerWand™ upgrade for free on qualifying roller shades for a limited time.

Price Check: Budget Battle

The price comparison between Hunter Douglas and ALTA Window Fashions often comes down to the specific product line chosen. Hunter Douglas products, while premium, are often supported by extensive promotions that can significantly reduce the final cost, especially when purchasing in volume. 

For example, Blind Magic frequently runs events offering rebates on popular HD lines like Silhouette® or Pirouette® shades when purchased with PowerView® Automation. ALTA Window Fashions, conversely, is often marketed directly as the more budget-friendly option, sometimes allowing homeowners to cover approximately 10 windows for between $2500 and $6000, depending on the style chosen, as seen in their pricing structure for new homeowners.

• Hunter Douglas (HD): Higher initial cost, but significant savings are achievable through dealer promotions and volume rebates (e.g., $100 rebates on qualifying shades during the Style + Savings Event).
• ALTA Window Fashions: Generally lower entry price point, making it attractive for whole-home coverage on a tighter budget.
• Price Matching: Local dealers like Blind Magic offer an 110% Price Match Guarantee, ensuring competitive pricing against identical products.
• Financing Options: ALTA options can sometimes be added to a mortgage payment, offering a unique financing avenue for new homeowners.

Feature Showdown: Specs Compared

Both brands offer a wide array of styles, but their flagship features often differ in complexity and proprietary technology. Hunter Douglas excels in offering specialized fabric constructions and operating systems across its entire portfolio, whereas ALTA focuses on providing core functionality and style at a more accessible price point.

Your Best Fit: Final Verdict

The best choice between Hunter Douglas and ALTA Window Fashions hinges entirely on your priorities: premium features and brand legacy versus immediate affordability and value. Hunter Douglas is the superior choice if you prioritize industry-leading innovation, the widest selection of specialized products (like Silhouette® Sheer Shades), and the most robust warranty structure. ALTA is ideal if you are furnishing a large new home or prioritizing budget without sacrificing basic quality and style.

• Choose Hunter Douglas if: You desire the latest smart home integration (PowerView®), need maximum light control (LightLock®), or value the longest-standing reputation for quality and warranty support.
• Choose ALTA Window Fashions if: Your primary goal is covering many windows cost-effectively, or if you are a new homeowner looking to finance window treatments easily.
• Consider Local Expertise: Regardless of the brand chosen, working with an established local dealer like Blind Magic ensures expert consultation, measurement, and installation services across Edmonton and surrounding areas like Sherwood Park and St. Albert. Blind Magic also offers a 40 Day Replacement Blinds Guarantee as part of their advantage.
• Safety First: Both brands comply with new Canadian regulations banning pull cords, offering cordless options like LiteRise® or motorized systems.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both Hunter Douglas and ALTA Window Fashions offer viable solutions for window treatments in the Edmonton market. Hunter Douglas represents the pinnacle of quality, innovation, and comprehensive feature sets, backed by strong dealer support and warranties. ALTA provides a compelling, high-value alternative that allows homeowners to achieve beautiful, functional windows while adhering to a stricter budget. By visiting a large showroom, such as the Blind Magic Gallery Showroom with over 50 full-size displays, customers can physically compare the feel and operation of both brands before making a final commitment.

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