"After seeing the new Centurion Widget at CWC, I purchased a couple to try out in my workroom. Rather than make a new sample shade, I retrofitted one I already had. I removed the cordless tube headrail and replaced it with a 3-cord Widget."
- Liz Hawkes
Windows by Liz,
Harvard, MA
- Liz Hawkes
Windows by Liz,
Harvard, MA
Frequently-Asked Widget Questions
How many cords do I need for my shade?
The #1 question we get, and unfortunately, the one we can't directly answer because the Widget doesn't determine this! Variables like fabric flexibility, use of ribs or not, and your design all play into this decision. Please watch the first video in any of our YouTube video sets, as this helps you understand the design factors.
Can I exceed the 10" between cords listed in the Widget specifications?
We list the width for which fabric seems to fold nicely by itself when retracted. Our rule of thumb is 1 cord for every 10" of width, although workrooms have expanded this by using ribs to stiffen the folds. When designing, you need to keep in mind that the customer has to pull down and lift the weight of the treatment to lower and raise it. Experiment as you wish, keeping the published weight limits in mind!
If you design a shade wider than 48", be sure to e-mail us at [email protected] as you place the order specifying the complimentary custom length of hem stiffener you'll need, as the kits contain lengths for the specified maximum width.
Can I make Roman Shades with more than 4 cords?
Fabricators have successfully combined two Widgets on the same headrail. We would recommend pairing same-size Widgets whenever possible. We have fabricators building shades 62" wide (2 x 4-cord Widgets), but the length of the cords always limits the height to 84". Generally, the limits are the fabric type and the resulting weight more than the dimensions.
If you design a shade wider than 48", be sure to e-mail us at [email protected] as you place the order specifying the complimentary custom length of hem stiffener you'll need, as the kits contain lengths for the specified maximum width.
Can you add hidden ribs to the shade at the folds with this lift system?
Yes, and the Widget will function as usual
Can you use other cord securing systems instead of the ladder tape? What is the cord size?
The Widget’s cord is 1mm diameter, and we supply Ladder Tape as our preferred cord safety system. Other systems designed for 0.9mm cord will not operate optimally with the Widget.
Can I adjust the tension in the Widget?
The tension in the spring mechanism is fixed, but over-tightening the Widget mounting screws can increase the effort needed to lower the shade. Try loosening the mounting screws until the Widget can just rock very slightly on the mounting board.
What's the best cordless solution for wider-width Roman Shades (over 48")?
There are several things to consider, such as weight of the fabric and/or structure of the shade (i.e. ribs). One option would be to combine Widgets for more cords. Using identical Widgets is a better approach than mixing the Widget sizes (i.e. two 3-cords or one 4-cord would be better than a 2-cord and a 3-cord). Sometimes, the better option on a wide width might be a continuous cord system that allows the wider shade to be raised and lowered from one end instead of from hem grips in the middle of the shade.
If you design a shade wider than 48", be sure to e-mail us at [email protected] as you place the order specifying the complimentary custom length of hem stiffener you'll need, as the kits contain lengths for the specified maximum width.
Will you ship to Canada and Internationally?
Yes, Centurion ships by UPS to Canada and overseas "Delivery Duty Unpaid" or DDU. UPS will contact you to obtain payment information for Customs, Duty, and Brokerage fees, which seem to average around 10% of the cost of Goods + Shipping to Canada and around 20% to the UK and EU..
Is there a special way to tie off the cords?
It is crucial to tie off your cords at the hem before pulling the pin to tension them. Using "No-Knot" Orbs or level locks is not recommended because of the pulling force used on a cordless Roman using the Widget. A hitch knot is a good knot to use (twice!) at the brass ring to secure the cord. Technically, the sketch shown on the next page is for a "half-hitch" knot, but when you do it twice, it's a hitch knot. See the Tutorials, Instructions and .pdf page for a video and diagram.
The #1 question we get, and unfortunately, the one we can't directly answer because the Widget doesn't determine this! Variables like fabric flexibility, use of ribs or not, and your design all play into this decision. Please watch the first video in any of our YouTube video sets, as this helps you understand the design factors.
Can I exceed the 10" between cords listed in the Widget specifications?
We list the width for which fabric seems to fold nicely by itself when retracted. Our rule of thumb is 1 cord for every 10" of width, although workrooms have expanded this by using ribs to stiffen the folds. When designing, you need to keep in mind that the customer has to pull down and lift the weight of the treatment to lower and raise it. Experiment as you wish, keeping the published weight limits in mind!
If you design a shade wider than 48", be sure to e-mail us at [email protected] as you place the order specifying the complimentary custom length of hem stiffener you'll need, as the kits contain lengths for the specified maximum width.
Can I make Roman Shades with more than 4 cords?
Fabricators have successfully combined two Widgets on the same headrail. We would recommend pairing same-size Widgets whenever possible. We have fabricators building shades 62" wide (2 x 4-cord Widgets), but the length of the cords always limits the height to 84". Generally, the limits are the fabric type and the resulting weight more than the dimensions.
If you design a shade wider than 48", be sure to e-mail us at [email protected] as you place the order specifying the complimentary custom length of hem stiffener you'll need, as the kits contain lengths for the specified maximum width.
Can you add hidden ribs to the shade at the folds with this lift system?
Yes, and the Widget will function as usual
Can you use other cord securing systems instead of the ladder tape? What is the cord size?
The Widget’s cord is 1mm diameter, and we supply Ladder Tape as our preferred cord safety system. Other systems designed for 0.9mm cord will not operate optimally with the Widget.
Can I adjust the tension in the Widget?
The tension in the spring mechanism is fixed, but over-tightening the Widget mounting screws can increase the effort needed to lower the shade. Try loosening the mounting screws until the Widget can just rock very slightly on the mounting board.
What's the best cordless solution for wider-width Roman Shades (over 48")?
There are several things to consider, such as weight of the fabric and/or structure of the shade (i.e. ribs). One option would be to combine Widgets for more cords. Using identical Widgets is a better approach than mixing the Widget sizes (i.e. two 3-cords or one 4-cord would be better than a 2-cord and a 3-cord). Sometimes, the better option on a wide width might be a continuous cord system that allows the wider shade to be raised and lowered from one end instead of from hem grips in the middle of the shade.
If you design a shade wider than 48", be sure to e-mail us at [email protected] as you place the order specifying the complimentary custom length of hem stiffener you'll need, as the kits contain lengths for the specified maximum width.
Will you ship to Canada and Internationally?
Yes, Centurion ships by UPS to Canada and overseas "Delivery Duty Unpaid" or DDU. UPS will contact you to obtain payment information for Customs, Duty, and Brokerage fees, which seem to average around 10% of the cost of Goods + Shipping to Canada and around 20% to the UK and EU..
Is there a special way to tie off the cords?
It is crucial to tie off your cords at the hem before pulling the pin to tension them. Using "No-Knot" Orbs or level locks is not recommended because of the pulling force used on a cordless Roman using the Widget. A hitch knot is a good knot to use (twice!) at the brass ring to secure the cord. Technically, the sketch shown on the next page is for a "half-hitch" knot, but when you do it twice, it's a hitch knot. See the Tutorials, Instructions and .pdf page for a video and diagram.
Gallery of Widget Roman Shades
Please share with us your beautiful shades and we will collaborate with you on Social media and in our Gallery, so we can brag a little more! Please send video and photos to [email protected], thanks!