An option for those who prefer shopping at home is 3 Day Blinds. The Irvine-based company essentially connects you with one of its designers who will make a home visit for a free consultation. During this meeting, you can talk budget and figure out which of their options works best for you.

And, at 3 Day Blinds, there are plenty of options. Both wood and faux wood blinds are available, as well as mini metal and vertical. The selection of shades include cellular, roller, Roman, horizontal and woven wood. The company also makes "simply sheer" shades, otherwise known as zebra shades, for those interested in contemporary looks.

Both custom shutters and custom curtains and drapery panels are available through 3 Day Blinds as well. There are also options for motorized shades, certified eco-friendly products and blackout window treatments. Once your order is ready -- about 80% of the products are made at the company's own facility -- a professional installer will come and handle the job for you.

There are no 3 Day Blinds showrooms, so to get in touch you will have to make an appointment, either by filling out the form on the company's website or by calling their toll-free number.

Rebecca Gloudeman jokes that it's the name, Orange County Shutters, that has made her business a hit with locals for years. Really, though, there's more than that to the success of this blinds and shutters company.

"When you have a good product, good customer service and a good name, it makes you stand out above the rest," she says.

Homeowners turn to Orange County Shutters for "clean, modern" styles, including flat panels, hidden tilts and motorized options. Custom paints and stains also are available. Orange County Shutters excels in specialty shapes, as well as French and sliding glass doors.

"We basically have a shutter for any need," says Gloudeman. "The versatility is amazing."

Fall is the busy season for Orange County Shutters, so make an appointment to visit the showroom and see what options work best for you. For new clients, a design consultant can make a home visit. Once you've made your selection, it takes about four to eight weeks for a professional installer to outfit your windows with new shades or blinds.

For more than 15 years, Westminster-based ABC Shutters has been outfitting Orange County windows with blinds, shutters and drapery. Working primarily with Hunter Douglas, the shop offers a wide range of options, from classic wood blinds to sheer, vertical shades that work with large windows.

With such a large selection, there are window coverings suited to fit different preferences. Whether you need light-enhancing shades for the kitchen, room darkening ones for your media space or sound absorption shades to curb the neighborhood noise, ABC has products to suit your needs at home. If you're interested in motorized shades, the store carries Hunter Douglas models that work with the award winning PowerView Automation program.

In addition to selling blinds and shades, ABC also makes drapery and valances in various styles. The showroom is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is available by appointment on Sundays. During regular business hours, walk-ins are welcome.