Top 5 Window Treatments for Bay Windows

Bay windows don’t need to be tough!! Period. The ONLY thing that makes these windows a little bit more complicated is their shape (and awkward size)… but STILL they shouldn’t be tough! Bay windows are beautiful, and with the right window treatments, these windows can go from drab to fab (and if you’re lucky… to focal point!) 🙂

Most people will leave their bay windows bare because they don’t know what window treatments work and look good. Don’t do this!! Don’t leave these pretty windows bare. Instead, let’s connect and make them beautiful together 🙂

Here are my favorite treatments for your bay windows: 

1. Shutters

Bay windows add a beautiful “wow” element to your home, but without the proper window treatments they can bring up issues of too much light and not enough privacy. Shutters are a great option that can cover bay windows while giving  it an overall classic look.

At Budget Blinds, our shutters are custom made to fit your window (right from the start, we got your privacy concern covered!)  Additionally, shutters are low maintenance and easy to clean, also ideal for a large window.

shutter on bedroom bay window

2. Pleated Shade 

Pleated shades can cover your large bay windows at an affordable price!  Pleated shades are designed like a folded accordion – this allows the shade to stack completely flat for a full, open view. They come in sheer, light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics to give you complete 100% light control (soo nice!) In addition, shades provide UV protection, glare reduction and are an energy efficient window covering! My FAVORITE thing about pleated shades is that they are offered in the style of top-down/bottom-up  (see below picture). This style allows you to raise the top or bottom so you can maintain your privacy while allowing in sunlight, and also being stylish! Btw, did I mention… cordless!! 🙂

pleated shade for a living room


3. Roller Shades

Roller shades are also a popular window treatment and can also be 100% customized to fit your big bay window. Roller shades come in a variety of colors and fabrics to match any room and any style too! We have modern textures, elegant patterns, contemporary styles, etc.,… whatever your style is, we have a pattern for you! With our Inspired Shades Collection  we are proud to offer 80+ prints and patterns for your home! In addition to all this customization, there is a variety of opacity levels including sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening and blackout for privacy options too! These shades are beautiful and child-safe with the control options which include continuous-loop lift, cordless lift, smart pull lift, and motorized lift…. the list goes on, and on!

Bedroom roller shade

4. Top Treatment

Top treatments like valances and cornices are a wonderful way to keep your bay windows uniform and alike. Top treatments can provide a visual statement in your room without interrupting your view. They pair beautifully with a window treatment like a Roman shade or cellular shade, but they can definitely stand alone as a window covering. Its no surprise here, but we offer a variety of contemporary (and modern) fabrics for your top treatments to match your specific style. Let us come to you and help you!

colorful top treatment for a kitchen bay window

Cover your bay windows today, let us make those a focal point in your home!! Let us bring style to you!!  We will help you narrow down what’s the best fit for your challenging bay windows, and really can’t wait to show you how easy (and fun) it is!  Call 651-351-7620 and let’s schedule your free in-home consultation! Can’t wait to get started!

Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day: a Special Time to Honor Veterans

*** FROM CORPORATE ***

(but we couldn’t help pass it along!) 

Every November 11, people in the United States and Canada take time to honor their country’s military heroes and Veterans. In the U.S., it’s Veterans’ Day and in Canada, Remembrance Day to acknowledge the unpayable debt to all who serve in the Armed Forces, past and present.

Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

Celebrations abound in private homes, local communities and on the national stage with speeches, flag ceremonies, parades, picnics and fireworks. It’s a bittersweet time, mindful of the service and sacrifices of our military at home and abroad, while at the same time celebrating the way of life we enjoy because of those sacrifices.

Budget Blinds honors veterans all year long

Honoring veterans is a core value at Budget Blinds¼, as shared by our Chief Executive Officer, Shirin Behzadi: “At Budget Blinds, we share a strong commitment to supporting veterans who have served our country. Many of our franchisees across the country are veterans or have personal connections to the U.S. Armed Forces, so we feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to these true American heroes when and where we can.” This giving back takes several forms, including support of community service programs and career assistance.

In Canada, the partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) focuses on supporting Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families. The mission of Wounded Warriors Canada, to Honour the Fallen, Help the Living, is realized through supporting and funding programs and services that physically and emotionally assist and support veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other casualties of war. Together with our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions¼ who produces our exclusive line of Signature Series¼ window coverings, Budget Blinds has made two $15,000 donations to WWC in the past two years.

How WWC help Veterans

U.S. veteran support efforts include placing window blinds into specially adapted homes for severely wounded Veterans through partnership with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT).  Springs Window Fashions supplies Signature Series faux wood blinds and supports the Budget Blinds’ commitment of donating $1 million to HFOT over a three-year period, which consists of a combination of product, services and cash donations. To date, two annual donations of $50,000 have been made and window blinds have been installed in almost 70 homes across the country by local Budget Blinds franchise owners, enabling the Veterans and their families to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.

Inside the Veterans home

The newest Budget Blinds partnership in support of Veterans is Designing Spaces’ Military Makeover airing on Lifetime¼ Television and by year end we’ll have participated in the renovation of four homes for deserving Veterans. Custom window coverings from our exclusive Enlightened Styles¼ product line are supplied to meet each family’s needs for energy efficiency, child-safe cordless operation and complete light and privacy control. For each show, the local Budget Blinds franchise owner gives their time to consult with the family and professionally install the blinds, shades or shutters of their choice. On each show, Tracy Christman, Vice President of Vendor Alliance at Budget Blinds, talks with hosts Art Edmonds and “Gunny,” retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, about the benefits of having the right window coverings.

Tracy talking with Art about the blinds

Helping Veterans build businesses

Another way to honor Veterans is by offering substantial discounts to qualified veterans who purchase a franchise business with Budget Blinds or one of its sister companies, Tailored Living or Concrete Craft, all thriving franchise brands of Home Franchise Concepts (HFC).  HFC choses to honor and say thank you to U.S. and Canadian Veterans in a tangible way by helping them build secure financial futures through ownership of a low-cost, home-based franchise, scalable to the way they live and the needs of their family.

Retired Marine Corps, Ed Burns, now a proud franchise owner of Budget Blinds serving Costa Mesa, shares: “You have so much responsibility in the military; it’s really nice to be just responsible for yourself. I love it. I love being my own boss [with Budget Blinds]. I love the service we’re providing.”

Budget Blinds has been ranked "best for vets"

To find out more about franchise business opportunities for Veterans, go to Home Franchise Concepts/Veterans.

Check out the Giving Back section on our website to read more about how Budget Blinds supports veterans:

If you’ve been shopping for new window coverings and are hopelessly confused, save yourself and call Budget Blinds! We’re the experts with blinds, shutters, window shades, drapes, curtains, decorative window film and more, including energy efficiency, child safety and smart home technology for remote control window coverings. Call 651-351-7620 today, or go online to www.budgetblinds.com  to find the Budget Blinds Style Consultant nearest you and schedule your free, in-home consultation.

A Style You Need: Blackout Window Treatments

Blackout Window Treatments for Every Room in Your Home

Blackout Shade Selections

Do I even need to detail the reasons why you need blackout shades? They are stylish, affordable and yes, you need them! Think of turning off all the lights before bed, getting into bed and having TOTAL darkness – bliss! Or picture watching the football game and having no sun glare on the screen! Yes, it can be done (and in a super stylish way too!) With blackout shades from Budget Blinds you will find the ideal solution for every room in your home!

 

DID YOU KNOW: Blackout is actually a light opacity option that can be added to most window coverings?! Its true, Budget Blinds has a variety of blackout styled shades including roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, Roman shades, woven wood shades, and even drapery and curtains can have blackout linings too! Depending on your style preference, we can totally match (and customize) the specific look you need.

Let’s talk specifics,

KITCHEN- 

Your kitchen is one of the brightest rooms in your home (well, it should be!)  If you’re like me, you love having the sun shine down on you while you’re drinking your morning coffee. The sun is a wakeup call. Yet, there are times when the sun is shining so bright through your kitchen windows while you’re cookingup a hot meal – hot x hot x hot = not good! During a situation like this blackout shades are the best solution for you! Blackout shades will allow you to block out the sun and will save money on your energy bill – not to mention, they look modern too!

Modern Kitchen with Roman shade

LIVING ROOM –                                                                          

retro living room with roller shade

Your living room might not be a typical place to have a blackout shade, but when you need privacy and security it is the perfect window treatment!  A HUGE reason to have a blackout shade on your living room windows is privacy. It also helps when you don’t really want to have drop-in company that come over unannounced.  A blackout shade makes it look like you’re not home just in case it’s not the right time to have guests 😉

 

 

BEDROOM – 

The bedroom is ThE BESTplace to have blackout shades. An important reason is privacy, but aside from that blackout window coverings provide BETTER SLEEP, and who doesn’t want that?!  Having the room extra dark can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Blackout treatments ensure a dark room that will help you get the sleep you deserve. Also, while you’re getting a wonderful night’s sleep, a blackout window covering can help keep in the heat during those cold winter months or keep the room comfortable and cool during warmer months too! Winning all around!

Room-darkening shade

 

CHILDS ROOM –

Blackout shades can give your child the best when it comes to their room – not only does it provide privacy and security, but it can be helpful when it comes to their much-needed sleep! For a newborn, blackout window coverings can help when baby is sleeping, and can also help tired parents catch some Z’s while their baby sleeps! Another wonderful option that can be added to your blackout treatments is motorization.  Budget Blinds offers motorization powered by Somfy, the world’s leading manufacture in specialized motors for over 45 years. With a touch of a button, you can have complete darkness to ensure your child stays asleep. Also, having your window covering motorized eliminates dangerous dangling cords making them child safe. Budget Blinds stresses the importance of motorization for all your window treatments when there are children and pets living in the home.

Nursery with blackout shade

 

BATHROOM – 

Motorized bathroom shade

The bathroom is YOUR place that needs as much privacyas possible. I don’t need to go into benefits of blackout shades in the bathroom, just trust me, you need them in this room probably the most! Motorized blackout shades are ideal for your bathroom, especially if you have hard-to-reach windows.

 

 

 

 

BLACKOUT WINDOW TREATMENTS IN ALL THE ROOMS IN YOUR HOME IS THE WAY TO GO! ! Call 651 – 351 – 7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com and let’s connect with a free in-home design consultation!!

Remodeling Tips 101: Bathroom

How to Keep Your Bathroom Remodel Cost Low (with Budget Blinds!)

The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re like most people  you are just about to start your bathroom remodel (or another room remodel!)  I know you know that it sounds like a crazy idea, but most people actually start home improvement projects right before the holidays.

Obviously, it doesn’t hurt to impress your family with your newly-renovated bathroom, but sometimes it can hurt your wallet. According to HomeAdvisor (a trusted consumer source to find the best in home service professionals), most homeowners spent an average $9,313 on a bathroom remodel!!  Here at Budget Blinds we can not only help you save money with some tips below, but when it comes to window-coverings for your bathroom we got you covered with ultra stylish and budget savvy options!!

So with that, let’s talk tips!

STARTING BUDGET: 

  • Depending on the amount of the budget for your bathroom, window coverings can be a small or large portion. There are endless possibilities when it comes to window coverings for the bathroom at every price range. Here at Budget Blinds we have a huge selection and we want to help you achieve your dream bathroom. We want to match the window treatments with the overall look that you desire!

Bathroom.jpg

 

LIMITED BUDGET: 

Budget Blinds has so many high-quality window coverings at different price ranges. If your bathroom remodel budget only allows a limited portion for the window coverings, here are three wonderful options that will look beautiful and not break your bank (yes, thank me later!) 😉

Composite Blinds

Composite blinds are ideal for your bathroom if you are looking for a durable window covering that is also reasonably priced. Composite Blinds are constructed from high-quality synthetic materials that are moisture-resistant and prevent fading and cracking, (perfect for a bathroom because it’s a high moisture environment!) These blinds are crafted to look like traditional wood blinds that have an expensive feel but are affordable. Budget Blinds of Stillwater offers composite blinds in over 80 colors and finishes to compliment your dream bathroom’s dĂ©cor.

Composite blinds for your bathroom

Faux wood blinds for bathroom

Faux wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds give the look of real wood blinds but are more durable for moist environments. There are a variety of paints from white and neutrals to deep dark wood grains and finishes that are smooth or textured to choose from. They come in custom fitted slats to allow an outside view (perfect for bathrooms, again!) Faux wood blinds block harmful UV rays when closed – preventing any damage to your belongings and you. They are a great option if you would like to add a little extra design to your windows with decorative tapes and valance. It will give your blinds a personal touch and make them a custom window treatment that will look great in your new bathroom.

 

Vinyl Blinds

Vinyl blinds are an affordable window covering if you have a LARGE WINDOW in your bathroom. They are stain resistant, easy to clean and have a high resistance to moisture. Vinyl blinds offer a wide range of colors or textures to match your bathrooms décor. With options of vertical or horizontal, vinyl blinds give you enough privacy but if you want more, cloth tapes can cover any gaps to give you more light and privacy. Vinyl blinds are a great way to cover your windows at a very reasonable price.

Vertical vinyl blinds for large bathroom window

 

 

ENDLESS BUDGET: 

If you have an unlimited amount to spend on your window treatments for your bathroom remodel… well, lucky you! Budget Blinds has soo many high-end options too that will not only will it look great, but it will add value to your home! With a larger budget, upgrades, like motorization, can (and should) be added to your window treatments for convenience and a “wow” factor! Here are three great options that are IDEAL for bigger budgets (and will add overall value too!)

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters are a gorgeous window treatment that is designed for high moisture environments since they are made from synthetic material (like their counterpart composite blinds!)  They can handle a large amount of sun exposure without fading and cracking, making them very long-lasting. You should know that shutters are an investment and cost a little more than other options listed, BUT they have a long life span and ADD VALUE to your home. Composite shutters come in three popular colors and have louver sizes of 2 œ”, 3 œ” and 4 œ” – they can be customized to fit arched windows too! Shutters are great for privacy, but an important bonus is that they are designed without cords making them a safe option for homes with children and pets.

composite shutters add value to your home

Roman Shades

Roman shades for your bathroom

Roman shades are made for luxurious bathrooms because they add drama and an elevated style to any room. There are SO many choices when it comes to Roman shades, like fold options including balloon, cascading, tear drop and relaxed which can give your bathroom a definitive look.

Another decision to make with Roman shades is choosing from a variety of fabric colors, prints and textures to achieve a high-end look.

Last choice is picking a range of privacy from light-filtering to blackout liners, giving you total light control. Roman shades are one of the grander window coverings when it comes to fashion. If you want to make a major statement, Roman shades are your answer.

 

Motorization

Motorization can definitely feel like the biggest upgrade when it comes to window treatments, because its amaaaazing! Here at Budget Blinds, we can add motorization to almost any window covering – giving you instant privacy with a touch of a button. It is super convenient!  We offer motorized window treatments powered by Somfy, the world’s leading manufacture in specialized motors for over 45 years! A major benefit of motorization is that it eliminates all dangling cords making your window treatment child-and pet-safe (and not to mention – super sleek too!!)

Motorized window blinds

So Many Choices
 What to Do?

There are plenty of options when it comes to window treatments for your bathroom remodel, but it depends on what look you are trying to accomplish and most importantly your budget. Let us at Budget Blinds of Stillwater help you find the right window for your dream bathroom from our many styles, including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and window film! Call 651-351-7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com/stillwater and lets get started on your remodel today! We ALSO offer free in-home design consultation!

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-1-28-32-pm

Let me start out with saying that the past TEN YEARS with Budget Blinds of Stillwater have really been amazing. I love owning and operating Budget Blinds of Stillwater and I am passionate about giving back to the community and serving my friends, family and customers every single day. The Greater Stillwater Area is such a unique and fun location to run a small business. We are beyond thankful to not only be continuing this success, but to have grown this business in such a supportive and welcoming environment!   To all our customers, network friends, business groups and family – thank you for this success!  Budget Blinds of Stillwater wouldn’t be celebrating ten fantastic years if it wasn’t for you!
Celebrate with us, as we mark our TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY on our calendars! 
Thank you again for your business and your loyalty!
screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-2-03-14-pm
_________________________________________________________
Also- It’s NATIONAL WINDOW SAVINGS MONTH!! What better way to celebrate that than with your favorite blind lady? AKA- ME! Budget Blinds of Stillwater (check out my design blog here – BlindLadyStilly.com) For National Window Savings Month (October) I am proud to represent Budget Blinds every day. Budget Blinds is certified as “Best for Kids” window treatments. We adhere to industry child safety standards and offer so many varieties of motorized and cordless window options to keep cords out of your home!
Let’s connect with a FREE in-home design consultation! 
(I promise its painless – I work with your schedule too, and I come to YOU!)

Call me today and we can get started RIGHT away! 
* If you want an updated home before the holidays now is the time to connect with me! *

2016 TRENDS – have you tried them?

– This year, we watched as Budget Blinds predicted and described the upcoming trends and styles for 2016 (and we have LOVED them btw!) Looking back, we want to know… have you seen these styles this year? And if so, have you dared to be bold and try them in your life? What about in your home?

 

Here are the trends predicted by Budget Blinds:

” Trend: ROMANTIQUE
Pale pink becomes a power color and takes center stage as one of two hues chosen by Pantone as Color of the Year. Large-scale blooms and botanicals bring nature inside. Gray reigns as a classic complement to lighter, chalkier hues. Metals, woods, glass, and ceramics bring textural interest and keep pastel rooms from becoming too cutesy.
              Screen Shot 2016-10-03 at 8.52.56 PM.png Screen Shot 2016-10-03 at 8.53.04 PM.png
Trend: MODERN GEOMETRY
Bold patterns and shapes executed in a brighter palette are anything but staid. The look is eclectic, with artisanal patterns and geometric shapes clashing—in a good way. Black and white temper the riot of colors and help anchor the space.
screen-shot-2016-10-03-at-8-52-37-pm
Trend: GLOBAL ARTISTRY

Inspired by travel and adventure, the trend is a modern take on global patterns, fabrics, and crafts. It’s all in the mix. Embroidery, caning, animal
hides, even macramé, give a handcrafted, organic feel to accessories. Soft pastels contrast with deep blues and grays. Ethnic accents complete the look.

Trend: MASCULINE MÉLANGE
Black continues to be a strong color preference for walls, windows, and metal accents. Vintage details add a timeless quality. Rustic woods contrast with classic shapes in furnishings. Leather, copper, wire, and natural elements give texture and shine throughout a room.
           screen-shot-2016-10-03-at-8-52-43-pmscreen-shot-2016-10-03-at-8-52-49-pm
Trend: PATINA LUXE
Texture and shine take center stage, with jewel-like accents amping up the glamour. Now more than ever, vintage shapes executed in modern materials look new and fresh. Velvets, linens, and leathers provide the all-important contrast of matte and gloss for a sophisticated overall look.”
Let’s elevate the style of YOUR home with trying some of these ultra modern trends! They can all be implemented so easily – and quickly too! Let’s get in touch and talk style with your FREE in-home design consultation! We should get started before the seasons start, it is effortless and I promise its fun! 🙂
Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 3.53.06 PM

 

How to DIY clean your BLINDS (and without damage!)

DID YOU KNOW –  blinds that accumulate dust for months are actually harder to clean – and the dust can cause major damage! YIKES! It is crucial to clean your blinds on a regular basis to prevent health risks (like allergies) or having to frequently purchase new window treatments when they get too dirty.

We always wants you to have beautiful clean blinds! So they keep reading for some great tips (and tricks) to properly clean your blinds in your home, and on your own!

– EASY TIPS TO PREVENT LONG-TERM DAMAGE – 

Most of us use a cloth to clean our blinds – am I right? Using a simple swipe we clean our blinds and sometimes only cleaning the side people see the most. Oh come on, we all do it! But cleaning our blinds SHOULD be much more than that! To keep your blinds looking good for the long haul it is important to:

  • Dust/vacuum your blinds at least once a month
  • Clean your blinds every time the seasons change
  • Do a deep clean twice-a-year, especially before the holidays!

 

Chocolate Colored Wood Blinds

Cleaning Wood Blinds:

Cleaning real wood blinds differs from other materials, so it is important to use these tips so you don’t ruin the real wood.

  • Use a soft cloth that is lightly sprayed with furniture polish or lemon oil and start dusting at the top, across each slat, all the way to the bottom
  • Use mild detergent in tepid water on a clean cotton cloth if your wood blinds are badly stained; make sure to rinse with clear water and dry with a cotton cloth immediately.
  • By all means, NEVER let moisture stay on wood blinds

 

Cleaning Vertical Blinds:

Budget Blinds White Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a little tougher to clean because of their floor-to-ceiling size. Yet, cleaning them during your normal housekeeping routine will keep them looking fresh year round.

  • Dust or vacuum each side from top to bottom
  • Use soapy water on a soft cloth for dirty spots for a deeper clean and then rinse
  • For vinyl or aluminum blinds, place a towel underneath to eliminate spills and use soapy water and a sponge to wash both sides from the top to the bottom until they are fully clean
  • Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth
  • For sheer fabric blinds, unsnap fabric from the vanes and wash gently with Woolite, hang to dry, then snap back onto the vanes

 

Dusting your blinds: 

  • Fully extend your blinds and close them as flat as possible. Starting from the top, clean across each slat, all the way to the bottom, using a soft dust cloth or feather duster. Then rotate the slats and repeat.
  • Instead of using a cloth, you can use a sock. Place a clean sock on your hand, open the slats and run your hand back and forth across each slat, from top to bottom.
  • Use specialty tools for cleaning the slats that allow you to clean several at the same time, on both sides.

Tools for dusting blinds

 

If your blinds are just too dirty– aluminum or vinyl ONLY: If you tried dusting and vacuuming and your blinds still need more work, try giving them a good bath! You will have to remove your blinds before you begin:

Window Cleaning Tools

  • Lay the blinds flat in your bathtub in enough water to just cover them, mix in two or three cups of white vinegar and a splash of dish soap
  • Let the blinds soak for 5-10 minutes, then clean them off with a sponge
  • For dirtier spots or crevices use a toothbrush to give a deeper clean
  • Rinse off the blinds in fresh water and lay flat to drip dry, or use a clean cloth to immediately wipe the blinds dry

 

Taking time out of your schedule to clean your blinds with these easy tips will keep your blinds nice and glistening clean, and the best part is YOU can do it yourself!

If you wish to have your blinds cleaned professionally we help with that service as well – just give us a call and we will come pick up your blinds, clean them and deliver them back to you!

On the other hand, if its too late to save your dirty blinds, we have got you covered! We boast a LARGE selection of top name-brand window coverings: blinds, shutters, shades and drapery to update your home. Call 651-351-7620 today to schedule your FREE, in-home design consultation! Email me directly too: pbrown@budgetblinds.com

 

Improving Veterans’ Lives with Fabulous, Functional Faux Wood Blinds

Okay, so I can’t lie – this blog post from Budget Blinds Corporate (love it!) I read the post and thought it was too good NOT to share! I am so proud to work for a company that gives back to the heroes of our country.

— Keep reading 🙂 

“Home” calls to mind many images and emotions.

  • Safety, love and comfort
  • Family and friends
  • Good times and good food

If, however, you are a severely injured military veteran, it may also mean inaccessibility, frustration, pain and threat of injury. That’s because standard homes are not built to accommodate people with special needs such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and limited mobility.

HFOT House

Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops (HFC) has been rectifying that situation for as many injured veterans as they can, as fast as they can, by building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans Post 9/11, to enable them to rebuild their lives. To date, 211 homes have been built and 70 projects are currently underway nationwide.

Budget Blindsbecame a corporate sponsor of HFOT in 2014, committing to install faux wood blinds from our Signature Series¼ collection into all the homes built over the next three years. It’s been an exciting journey as, month after month, veterans and their families move into these new, mortgage-free HFOT homes. Blinds are donated by our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions, and local independent Budget Blinds franchise owners do measuring and installs for the homes in their areas.  Read more about our relationship with HFOT by clicking here, and read on to meet the two newest home recipients.

 

Faux Wood Blinds are the right window blinds for all seasons!

Whenever and wherever the HFOT homes are built, white faux wood blinds from our Signature Series collection are ideal because of their versatility and high quality. Regardless the climate or season, our faux wood blinds create a comfortable and safe home environment for veterans and their families.

  • They provide energy efficiency by blocking sunlight to reduce solar heat
  • Made of durable polymer materials, they won’t crack, chip or peel and are easy to clean
  • Classic, white 2” slats are compatible with any home’s color scheme
  • They are moisture resistant, excellent for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms
  • With UVA inhibitors built in, these blinds will not turn yellow over time

Faux Wood Blinds

Budget Blinds is available to help you with refreshing your own windows with our extensive line of window treatments including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and more.  Increased energy efficiency will keep your summers cooler, eco-friendly products can help you go green, and cordless options, including motorization, provide child-safe environments. Call 651-351-7620 to schedule your free, in-home consultation! 

To learn about the many ways to support Homes for Our Troops or to make a donation, go tohttps://www.hfotusa.org/How_to_Help.

Budget Blinds + Inspired Shades

MESSAGE FROM CORPORATE!! (ORANGE, CA.  April, 2016) — With windows becoming more of a focal point in the room, Budget Blinds launched Inspired Shades, its designer collection of two, original product lines: Roller shades and natural woven shades!

Classic-Livingroom-with-patterned-roller-shades-inspired-shades

The collection features never-seen-before designs and patterns that are on-trend, versatile, modern and vibrant, built with optional child-safe operating systems and light-control features.  The Inspired Shades Collection is available to consumers in the U.S. and Canada through Budget Blinds’ franchise network serving over 8,000 cities.

According to Budget Blinds, the Inspired Shades Collection is the culmination of over a year’s work by a project team of internal designers and partners including textile and print experts and production specialists.  Together, they have traveled extensively around the world to develop a designer collection of roller shades and natural woven shades unlike anything available on the market today.

The Inspired Shades Collection has over 80 original roller shade prints and 240 decorative fabrics, commissioned directly from the weaving mill exclusively for Budget Blinds and specifically created for modern North American color and design trends.  These original selections were conceived by Budget Blinds’ internal design team using trending Pantone color chips and geometrical and floral patterns.

“In the window coverings industry, roller shades have become intensely competitive,” said Tracy Christman, Vice-President of Vendor Alliance and Design Expert for Budget Blinds.  “What differentiates us and keeps us ahead of the competition is being able to show a unique and original product that is stunning, dramatic, trend-setting and versatile for homeowners.  We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and, every year, we work harder and travel farther to bring the best to our customers.”

Inspired-Shades-Roller-Shades-Swatch-9889Traditionally, natural woven shades have been heavy, rustic and limited to the natural colors of bamboo and wood.  The natural woven shades featured in the Inspired Shades Collection bring a new level of softness, finesse, elegance and simple, natural beauty to the home. There are 38 unique blends of soft, natural fibers – like hemp, jute, and flax – woven into the thinnest threads to make the lightest natural shades both durable and delicate.  Vibrant reds, greens and blues are used in the decorative accents, silk-edge bindings, sewn-in ribs and other finishing touches.  The colors are all-natural plant dyes and 100% sustainable.

Christman added, “Our new collection is a dramatic step in the evolution of natural woven shades into attractive, stylish and smart shading solutions for all dĂ©cor needs.  The feel is very soft, almost like drapery, and you won’t find these natural woven shades available anywhere else, only with Budget Blinds.”

A requisite for Budget Blinds is child-safe operating features, and they worked closely with their partners to build in cordless, wand control, and motorized shade options.

“For over 15 years, we have aligned ourselves with the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA),” said Shirin Behzadi, CEO of Budget Blinds and Home Franchise Concepts.  “Our top priority is window covering safety, and safety features are a key component anytime we roll out a new product line.”

Additionally, the Inspired Shades Collection offers light-filtering, blackout, operable liners, edge binding and valance options.

Learn more about the new Inspired Shades Collection by Budget Blinds on their website or social media channels,Facebook and Pinterest.

You can see Tracy Christman featured on the national TV shows, Designing Spaces and, in Canada, the Marc & Mandy Show.  View recently aired segment clips on the Budget Blinds Blog.

Summer Styles: Aluminum Shutters

 WANT TO TAKE THE BURN OUT OF SUMMER OUTDOOR LIVING? Aluminum Shutters are what you need!

June 20 is the official start of summer – that’s like two months!! And here in Minnesota / Western Wisconsin, we know that summer can actually pop up any day! Summer has a magic all its own, and it means outdoor get-togethers with family and friends and the love/hate relationship we have with the sun (and sunburn).

Budget Blinds actually has an answer for maximizing your outdoor summer fun!! Aluminum shutters are the PERFECT solution for ensuring that your outdoor spaces are livable (all day, every day) and tame the extremes of summer so your family / friends aren’t driven indoors. Simmering heat, summer showers and blustery breezes are NO match for the beauty and functionality of our collection of indoor-outdoor aluminum shutters! 🙂

Don’t let this summer melt away when you can have COMFORTABLE and PROTECTED outdoor living spaces with CUSTOM aluminum shutters that create PRIVACY, lower energy costs and add CLEAN DESIGN to your home. Call 651-351-7620 today to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation or go online to www.budgetblinds.com to find the styles and get inspired!! Discover just how much fun you can have in—and out of–the sun, and IN STYLE!!

Stylish Starts HEre

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