When choosing premium window treatments in Chicago, IL, homeowners are often faced with a major decision: Hunter Douglas vs. Norman. Both brands are respected for their quality, style, and innovation, and each has built a loyal following among homeowners and interior designers alike. But which is right for your home?
At Superior View Window Fashions, we’ve worked with both Hunter Douglas and Norman products and understand the subtle – and not-so-subtle – differences between them. In this post, we’ll explore what sets these two brands apart when it comes to blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and motorization, all while keeping the unique needs of Chicago homes and homeowners in mind.
Whether you live in a high-rise condo in the Loop or a historic brownstone in Lincoln Park, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your window treatments.
Why Chicago Homeowners Trust Superior View Window Fashions
Before diving into Hunter Douglas vs. Norman, it’s important to choose a local provider with expertise. Superior View Window Fashions has been helping homeowners in Chicago, IL find the perfect window solutions for years. We specialize in blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and motorization, offering a wide range of custom options with expert guidance.
Our team is committed to helping you understand not only what looks great but also what works best for Chicago’s diverse architecture and climate.
📞 Call us at 888-222-1917 or email [email protected] for a free in-home consultation.
Brand Overview: Hunter Douglas
Hunter Douglas is often considered the gold standard in the window treatment industry. Headquartered in the United States, the brand is known for pioneering smart shading systems and developing highly customizable, fashion-forward products. From upscale Roman shades to energy-efficient honeycomb shades, Hunter Douglas blends function with elegance.
Many Chicago homeowners choose Hunter Douglas for its attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and expansive material selections.
Brand Overview: Norman
Norman is a strong competitor that continues to gain traction across the country. Known for its affordability and excellent warranty policies, Norman products are engineered with durability and practicality in mind. Based out of California, Norman focuses on sustainable materials, including fast-growing hardwoods and patented performance fabrics.
In the Chicago, IL market, Norman is popular among homeowners who want custom-quality window treatments at a slightly lower price point than Hunter Douglas.
Customization & Design Options
Hunter Douglas: A Leader in Customization
Hunter Douglas leads the way when it comes to design flexibility. With over 20 product lines and hundreds of fabrics, textures, and finishes, you can tailor every detail to match your home’s décor. For example, their Silhouette® and Pirouette® shades offer layered fabric designs that allow for dynamic light control and privacy.
You’ll also find a robust palette of color options, perfect for coordinating with modern lofts in Wicker Park or classic interiors in Hyde Park.
Norman: Streamlined Selection, Smart Options
Norman offers a curated design experience with plenty of flexibility. While the color range and fabric library may not be as vast as Hunter Douglas, many Chicago customers appreciate the simplicity and speed of the ordering process.
Norman is particularly known for its PerfectSheer™ shades and Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades, which provide style and energy efficiency at a competitive price.
Product Durability in Chicago’s Climate
Hunter Douglas: Built for Longevity
Chicago’s climate includes humid summers, freezing winters, and strong winds off Lake Michigan. Hunter Douglas window treatments are built to withstand these elements. Many of their products come with UV protection and fade resistance, which helps preserve color and material integrity over time.
Their patented PowerView® Automation also integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, making it easy to adjust blinds or shades to minimize solar heat gain or maximize natural light, depending on the season.
Norman: Solid Performance with a Practical Edge
Norman window treatments are crafted with a focus on structural integrity and moisture resistance. Their wood shutters, for instance, are made from Phoenix Wood®, known for its lightweight, durable, and sustainable qualities. In high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens, Norman’s Woodlore® Plus line offers enhanced moisture resistance ideal for Chicago’s changing weather.
While Norman may not have all the bells and whistles of Hunter Douglas, it delivers solid performance in a variety of environments.
Blinds: Hunter Douglas vs. Norman
Blinds are a versatile choice for modern and traditional homes alike.
Hunter Douglas Blinds
Hunter Douglas offers premium blinds in materials like hardwood, aluminum, and faux wood. Their Parkland® and EverWood® collections are especially popular in Chicago homes with high ceilings and large windows. Many lines are available with motorization, cordless control, and top-down/bottom-up operation.
Norman Blinds
Norman blinds provide great value and functionality. Their SmartPrivacy® technology offers tighter closure and increased privacy – an important feature for city dwellers in areas like River North and Bucktown. Chicago homeowners also appreciate that Norman’s faux wood blinds resist bowing and yellowing over time.
Shades: Light Control and Style
Shades are all about balancing privacy, insulation, and aesthetics.
Hunter Douglas Shades
Hunter Douglas excels in this category, with standout products like Duette® Honeycomb Shades, which offer industry-leading insulation — a game changer for Chicago’s cold winters. Their Vignette® Modern Roman Shades bring soft elegance to bedrooms and living rooms alike. With motorization and automation available across most collections, you can easily adjust your shades from your phone or voice assistant.
Norman Shades
Norman shades are energy-efficient and stylish. The Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades are comparable to Hunter Douglas in terms of insulation, though some users feel they’re slightly less refined in design. However, Norman’s pricing is typically more accessible, making it a good option for families upgrading multiple rooms.
Shutters: Classic, Durable, and Timeless
Shutters are a long-lasting investment that adds value and curb appeal.
Hunter Douglas Shutters
Hunter Douglas shutters like the Heritance® Hardwood Shutters and Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ are elegant, durable, and available in custom configurations. These are often used in Chicago’s upscale homes and historic properties due to their classic aesthetic and structural quality.
Norman Shutters
Norman is often considered one of the best shutter manufacturers on the market. Their Woodlore® and Normandy® shutter lines are renowned for their quality, competitive pricing, and safety features. Many Chicago homeowners love Norman shutters for their durability and moisture resistance, particularly in lakefront homes.
Draperies: Luxury and Layering
Hunter Douglas Drapery Options
While Hunter Douglas is more known for blinds and shades, their Design Studio™ Drapery collection includes luxe fabrics and exclusive designer patterns. This is a great solution for homeowners in areas like Gold Coast or Lakeview looking to elevate their living spaces.
Norman Draperies
Norman offers fewer options in the drapery category, but they do provide layered treatments using shades and valances. For customers in Chicago seeking a complete, high-end look, Hunter Douglas generally provides more versatility in this department.
Motorization & Smart Home Integration
Automation is quickly becoming the standard in modern window treatments.
Hunter Douglas Smart Features
Hunter Douglas leads the market with PowerView® Automation, a fully integrated system compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. From your smartphone or tablet, you can schedule, control, and adjust all your shades and blinds.
Chicago residents love this functionality for homes with multiple floors or hard-to-reach windows, especially in new construction or renovated condos.
Norman Smart Options
Norman offers automation via its PerfectTilt™ and SmartMotor™ systems. While they may not be as advanced as PowerView®, they still provide smooth operation and scheduling features. For customers focused on budget and ease of use, Norman’s automation solutions work well.
Energy Efficiency: A Must for Chicago Homes
Hunter Douglas
With harsh winters and sweltering summers, energy efficiency is crucial in Chicago. Hunter Douglas products like Duette® Architella® help trap air and insulate windows, reducing heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Norman
Norman shades and shutters also provide excellent insulation. Their SmartFit® system is designed to minimize gaps, helping to reduce drafts in older homes across Chicagoland. However, Hunter Douglas has more third-party certifications and advanced materials in this category.
Warranty and Support
Hunter Douglas
Hunter Douglas offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering workmanship, materials, and installation when purchased from authorized dealers like Superior View Window Fashions.
Norman
Norman also offers strong warranties. Their performance warranties are straightforward and consumer-friendly, which appeals to many Chicago homeowners looking for peace of mind.
Cost Comparison: Hunter Douglas vs. Norman
In general, Hunter Douglas is priced higher due to its advanced features, luxury fabrics, and automation options. Norman, while more budget-friendly, still delivers premium quality at a lower cost. Think of Hunter Douglas as the luxury SUV and Norman as the high-end sedan — both great, but suited for different needs and budgets.
What’s Best for Your Chicago Home?
Ultimately, the decision between Hunter Douglas vs. Norman depends on your goals:
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Choose Hunter Douglas if you value high-end customization, smart home integration, and long-term performance.
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Choose Norman if you want quality materials, modern features, and affordability.
Both brands are excellent choices — and Superior View Window Fashions is here to help you compare them in person.
Why Choose Superior View Window Fashions?
At Superior View Window Fashions, we bring decades of experience to every project in Chicago, IL, and surrounding areas. Our team is trained to measure, install, and service both Hunter Douglas and Norman window treatments. We offer personalized consultations, free estimates, and expert advice to help you choose what’s right for your home and budget.
We proudly serve homeowners in:
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Chicago
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Evanston
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Oak Park
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Naperville
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Schaumburg
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And surrounding communities
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Choosing between Hunter Douglas and Norman is easier when you can see and feel the difference. Our team will bring the showroom to your home, so you can explore both brands in your lighting and environment.
📞 Call us at 888-222-1917
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🪟 Explore custom blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and motorization solutions for your Chicago home.
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