SAFE AT HOME

January 8, 2018January 8, 2018Leave a comment

“There are many items in our homes that can become a hazard to children or pets, including window coverings. As a parent, I understand your concerns and have made window coverings safety a top priority. It is our duty and honor to provide our customers with safety-conscious products that meet today’s standards. We remain current on the latest safety products and features so that we can bring those innovations to you. From cordless products that protect children from potentially harmful dangling cords to security-grade window film that protects your home during destructive weather, Budget Blinds is your source for window coverings that keep you and your family Safe At Home.”

Cordless Operation
The safest window coverings for children are cordless products. They eliminate the use of potentially hazardous dangling cords.

Cordless Lift System
This innovative feature allows you to raise and lower window coverings easily with one hand. Eliminating the need for lift cords provides added safety and a cleaner look.

Motorization
Using a battery-operated remote control, you can raise, lower, tilt or open and close your window coverings at the touch of a button. No hard wiring required.

Spring-assist Clutch
Raise and lower window shades without the use of common cords with this built-in function.

Sliding Track System
Perfect for vertical products with side-to-side openings and sliding glass doors, sliding track systems operate without the use of dangling cords or chains.

Shutters
Shutters are a cord-free product, making it a great option for homes with small children.
Cord Control
You can live safely with window cords. Be sure to add these cord control features to all products with cords.

Break-away Tassels and Cord Stops
Designed to break apart under minimal pressure, these special tassels and cord stops can be a lifesaver should a child or pet become entangled in the cord.

Continuous Cord Loop System
Dangling cords are kept taut and under control to help prevent a child from becoming entangled.

Window coverings not only enhance the look of your windows and provide privacy, they also enhance your life.

24/7 light control and sound absorption to facilitate napping and sleep
Cut glare to make rooms more livable
UV-blocking products keep harsh rays at bay
Window coverings keep your home energy efficient by providing a layer of insulation

Call or email me today to schedule your free consultation, mention this blog and receive a FREE CORDLESS UPGRADE!

-Pamela Brown

Going Cordless for Child Safety

December 20, 2017Leave a comment

Budget Blinds® Reminds Parents that Window Safety is a Critical Consideration

“Going cordless” is a trend across several industries. But the movement in window coverings is not just about modern style and convenience. It is an issue of safety for homes with small children. Budget Blinds® wants to help parents understand the options available that promote safety and consumer education.

Some styles of traditional corded window coverings pose a tempting hazard to infants and toddlers who view dangling cords as playthings. Each year, entanglement by window cords is a serious danger that can cause injury to small children or maybe even death.

While accidents have decreased with changes in industry safety standards, there is still work to be done in spreading awareness. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least one child dies from window cord strangulation every month, and during that one-month period, at least one more child suffers a near strangulation.

There are simple yet critical steps parents can take to increase the safety in their homes.

Choose Safer Window Coverings

Budget Blinds® recommends cordless treatments for homes where small children or pets live or frequently visit. Cordless options include:

Shutters: Offer a classic and inherently cordless window covering option
Motorized shades: Motorized shades can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button using a battery-operated remote control
Cordless cellular shades: A sleek and modern option, cordless cellular shades can be easily raised and lowered with one hand

Add Safety Features to Existing Cords

Existing corded window coverings can be retrofitted with safety features such as:

Spring assisted clutches: Can be raised and lowered without the use of cords
Sliding panel track systems: For vertical products with side to side openings
Break-away tassels: Designed to pull apart under minimal pressure
Cord stops: For horizontal window coverings that restrict how far the internal ladder cords can be pulled from the blind
Cord cleats: Safely tie dangerous cords out of your children’s reach

Place Furniture with Safety in Mind

Be mindful of where furniture is placed within a child’s bedroom or playroom. Moving furniture, such as cribs, changing tables, toy chests and chairs away from the window area prevents access to window coverings. This also minimizes the risk of accidentally falling from the window should the child crawl up and over the wrong end. In the event that the glass breaks, positioning furniture away from the window reduces the risk of injury from broken glass.

If furniture must be placed near a window, consider adding security film, which helps maintain the integrity of windowpanes during a storm or earthquake, and from the impact of flying objects such as wind-driven tree limbs or baseballs from the neighborhood game.

Additional Safety Tips

Window safety is just one of many considerations when decorating a home with small children. For more information and tips on whole home safety, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes.

-Pamela Brown

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

October 21, 2017Leave a comment

If you need to upgrade your window treatments in time for the holidays, this is the week to start the process! It may seem a little early for holiday preparation. However, the fall and winter seasons are especially busy times for me and other companies in the industry, so to ensure your installation before the family arrives, call me today!

The holidays can be stressful as is. Nothing is worse than having people over to your home when you are less than proud of it. Whether it is the main gathering areas like the kitchen and living room, or your entire home, upgrading your window treatments is an excellent way to take your home décor up a notch! Not only can it improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, but we are partnered with Lutron and can connect your home to your smartphone! Wow guests with your tech-savvy and stylish home!

Don’t try to take on this project yourself. It can turn costly, quickly without the guidance of a professional. It is my goal to help you design a space that you will be elated to show off! I will walk you through each step and help take the stress out of what should be the most wonderful time of the year!

Beginning as soon as possible ensures you will be able to work with me, a credible, skilled and experienced decorator. It also reduces the chances of you having to rush through the project last minute, which can often lead to unnecessary costs. By tackling the home improvement project now, you will get it out of the way and make your life that much easier come the holiday season. Plus, you’ll find comfort in knowing you have carved out enough time to ensure every detail of the project will be up to your standards, and you won’t have to cut corners or glaze over the details.

To schedule your free consultation or to request a design guide, reach out at pbrown@budgetblinds.com or visit my web page budgetblinds.com/Stillwater

Budget Blinds – What to Expect!

March 18, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Budget Blinds – Professional Measuring

The number one concern when hiring someone to take control of your next window coverings project is measuring. It can be nerve-racking putting your trust into someone else’s hands, but truthfully, it is the best decision you can make (saves you time, money AND confusion!)

Budget Blinds of Stillwater is an excellent choice for your window treatments because not only will you have window covering professionals who come to you and get the job done right BUT you can also guarantee that your window treatments will be 100% customized, fit and tailored to your specific windows. Seamless, flawless, perfection – and total peace of mind 🙂

Leave it to the Experts

Our Style Consultants at Budget Blinds of Stillwater are not only trained in window coverings, they have the latest knowledge on trending products and are well-trained professionals when it comes to measuring. You might think measuring your windows is a do-it-yourself kind of project (which it totally can be) BUT it requires design experience, measuring skills, installation talent, and more! When you hire Budget Blinds of Stillwater you are hiring an interior designer, a professional advocate and an expert in the field (did I mention peace of mind? ;)) Hiring us will definitely eliminate the costs of first-time mistakes, time spent doing and redoing the job, and ensure a personal level of satisfaction with the final result. Not to mention, it can actually be fun too! We come to you, in the comfort of your home, on your time.

Avoid Major Mistakes with Budget Blinds

Hiring Budget Blinds of Stillwater helps you avoid major mistakes that can happen if you try to do it yourself like:

Mismeasurements
Safety issues
Not a custom-fit
Incorrect window treatments for the windows
Design and color correction/assistance

Avoid Mismeasurements

A mismeasurement is the number one mistake that people make when trying to measure a window themselves. It seems like a simple task to accomplish, but when you are measuring for a certain window treatment there are different techniques that are used to get the correct fit. The Golden Rule when it comes to measuring is to remember not all windows are created equal. Even though all the windows may look the same there is a good chance that they don’t have the exact same measurements. One mismeasurement can throw off the whole window treatment, causing you to have a window shade that doesn’t open or close correctly. With measuring you also have to consider factors like inside or outside mount that can make a huge difference when you get ready to install your treatment. If you take measurements for an inside mount when you actually wanted an outside mount, you will have to settle for a window covering that is not ideal. Save yourself time and money and hire a Budget Blinds expert to avoid major mistakes.

Safety

Safety is key when it comes to measuring your windows because no one wants the pain of being injured or worse, inevitably creating a fire/child hazard! Many measurements require a ladder for proper and accurate measuring. Ladders can cause inconveniences, especially if you don’t have the right size ladder. Typically every household has a step-ladder or a five or six-foot ladder which will not help when you need to reach really tall or higher up windows. In that case, you will have to rent or buy an extension ladder that can be pricey, hard to transport and dangerous if you are inexperienced when it comes to ladder safety. This is why it is just safer and more convenient for you to call a Budget Blinds professional to measure all your windows, eliminating the possibility of injuries 🙂

Not a Custom-fit

If you are looking for a truly custom-fit for your window treatment it is crucial for you to hire a professional.

With Budget Blinds you are guaranteed a custom-fit in three ways:

Precise measurements mean every window covering will fit perfectly
Our design expertise ensures you will have the style that best suits your individual style
We can custom-fit any budget with our wide range of high-quality products

What Else to Expect with Budget Blinds

Budget Blinds wants you to have the best experience when it comes to choosing custom window coverings. We strive to provide you with superior service from beginning to end. Budget Blinds will give you an exclusive combination of design-driven products, expert service, no-surprises pricing, and our no-questions-asked warranty*: the best in the business! It seems like a no-brainer right? Remember that we not only work on residential, but also commercial businesses too! We can customize anything!

If you want the best in custom window coverings for your next window project, Budget Blinds of Stillwater is your answer. Call 651-351-7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com and let’s get in touch!!

5 Must-haves for Every Nursery

February 2, 2017February 6, 2017Leave a comment

[ NOTE: POST ORIGINALLY FROM CORPORATE – BUT I HAD TO SHARE IT WITH YOU! ]

The nesting phase is here and it is time to start planning your little one’s nursery. Whether it is your first baby or your third, there is still preparation that needs to take place before your little one arrives home from the hospital. It can be an overwhelming time in your life and to make it a little easier, here are five must-have nursery needs.

The crib is an important piece of furniture that needs to be in your baby’s room. Babies spend a majority of their first year sleeping so it is crucial to find the perfect crib that will meet all your baby’s needs. A great tip for designing your baby’s room is having multiple colors all around the room. This will help them to develop faster as the various shades of different colors help to stimulate brain development. Also, having a mobile above the baby’s crib can help with their eye-coordination and calm them when it is bedtime.

A rocking chair in your baby’s room might not seem like a must-have, but it truly is. A rocking chair can help both the baby and parents. The soothing motion of the chair provides social and emotional development for the child and it will help them stop crying which can be a lifesaver in the middle of the night. A rocking chair can also create a stronger bond with both parents and baby because it allows for one-on-one time together. When your arms are extremely tired from holding that tiny but heavier-by-the-minute baby, a rocking chair provides support.

A rug is a great addition to your child’s room. Not only will it help with color-coordination of the room, but it can add some decorating flare. It’s a way to add a pop of color and character to your baby’s room without being overwhelming. A rug also helps to keep your feet warm when you are getting up in the middle of the night for a feeding or a changing. It absorbs sound and protects bottles, toys or anything else that drops to the floor. Lastly, it is great when your child is ready for belly time or crawling, it gives them a safe place to learn and be comfortable.

Motorized window coverings are a MUST when it comes to your baby’s room because of safety concerns. Keeping your child safe is the number one goal when it comes to parenting. Motorized window coverings will ensure that your child is safe and sound when they are in their room. Every year there are injuries to babies and small children caused by dangling cords, so it’s important to have cordless window coverings in every room of your home. Motorized window coverings not only help with safety, but will block harmful UV rays, protecting your baby and the room’s furnishings. Also, motorized window coverings come in a variety of options from roller shades to custom drapery to match any nursery décor and they are super quiet which comes in handy when the baby is sleeping.

The changing table is an item that gets over looked all the time when it comes to the baby’s room. The main excuse for not getting one is “we want more room for a bigger crib.” But a changing table is an item that is mandatory for the baby’s room because it benefits the baby but, even more, the parents. On average, parents change over 2,400 diapers by a child’s first birthday. WOW, that’s a lot of diapers! A changing table will help keep you organized by having everything you need for a successful changing right at your fingertips, diapers, powder, wipes and ointment. It’s good for after bath time too, when a fresh diaper goes on. Having a changing table can prevent major messes on your couch or carpet which is a plus because you don’t want to clean more than you have to.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go decorate!

October 25, 2016October 26, 2016Leave a comment

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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!

_________________________________________________________

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! *

October 17, 2016Leave a comment

YOU NEED THIS: Technology + Motorized Window Coverings

Smart Homes have been around long enough now that the “pros-and-cons” battle is in full swing. Most of us already use smart technology in our homes in one form or another:

Programmable coffee maker that brews your coffee while you shower
Thermostats that automatically go on and off to maintain a set temperature
The key fob to lock and unlock your car or front door
Lights and sprinkler systems set on timers
Home security systems

These are individual processes, but a Smart Home takes automation to a whole new level, with incredible advances in home automation systems that run the whole house, even when you’re not home.

Somfy’s smooth, quiet motors are available on many of the window coverings that Budget Blinds offers, including blinds, shades, vertical blinds, drapes and more! Whether you choose light-weight coverings like cellular shades or heavier woven wood door panels, you will always have the right motor for the job!! You also have a choice of control options – including wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes, timers, sensors and the newest technology, the Somfy® myLink^TMapp, a central control for all your window coverings. 🙂 Sync it with your smart phone and you are HIGH TECH! Love it!

With programmable timers, sensors and mobile apps you can:

Open and close window coverings to block or admit the sun, controlling indoor temperatures
Close window treatments to protect from harmful UV rays
Have the safety of cordless operation; no dangling (children and pet safety!)
Program to close your window coverings at night even if you’re not home
Enjoy the ultimate convenience of one-touch operation – even remotely
Save the wear and tear that manual operation can inflict with repeated use

Motorization makes all of life easier

As you think of motorized shades, you may think of blocking the glare on the TV without getting up, and that’s a pretty universal problem easily solved by motorization!! But the ease and convenience of motorized window coverings is MUCH more useful than simply allowing us to remain on the couch. There are other practical uses for motorization throughout a home where remote operation of blinds, shades or drapes would be most welcomed.

A baby’s room: New parents probably don’t realize the value of motorized blinds or shades in the nursery. They don’t know yet how often they’ll feel the need for an extra hand. Being able to darken the room with one finger without jostling and waking a sleeping babe-in-arms is such a blessing. And, as the baby grows, the cordless design is a safer option for a young child’s room.

A sunny kitchen: Having a window over the sink for an outside view is a delight. But sometimes people can’t always raise and lower an over-the-sink shade or blind effectively. A motorized shade with remote control eliminates the need for having to grab a stool when you want to either fully expose the view, or close the window for privacy or light control. This is also true of windows over a washer and dryer; it can be a long reach if you’re under six-feet tall!

Skylights and hard-to-reach windows: A room full of natural light is only appreciated until you want the room darkened. High, inaccessible windows and skylights often remain uncovered (or always covered) because getting to them to adjust window coverings is too much of a chore. Motorization would make any window fully functional, no matter how high or difficult the reach. At the touch of a button, you would be able to completely control both light and privacy.

You may need only one or two motorized window coverings to make life easier, or you may be excited at the prospect of all your window coverings controlled at the touch of a button! Budget Blinds lets you conveniently shop in your own home for blinds, shutters, shades and drapes, with hundreds of samples of fabrics, finishes, colors and decorative hardware. It takes all the guesswork out of designing beautiful window coverings for every room in your home and, by standing in front of each window you can easily determine where the convenience of motorization would be most beneficial.

To schedule a FREE, in-home consultation, call 651-351-7620 today or go online to www.budgetblinds.com. Our Biggest Sale of the Year is going on now. It’s the PERFECT time to talk to your local Budget Blinds Style Consultant to see if the gift of technology should be on your list, even if it’s only for you!!!

October 9, 2015Leave a comment

OCTOBER is not only Child Safety month but National Window Cord Safety month too; and let’s face it, its not only children that are unpredictable, its pets, roommates and guests too. In a blink of an eye seemingly harmless objects can become dangerous – especially with little ones! Budget Blinds is a leader in child safety and not to mention, we carry one of the best warranty polices in the industry. With this, we are able to not only offer safe solutions and window treatments, but also stylish and classy options that fit into your budget! Check it out <>

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) declared window covering cords as one of the top five “hidden hazards” in the home for strangulation and asphyxiation in children. That’s why Budget Blinds is committed to providing innovative and beautiful products that meet today’s safety standards for your home.

– WINDOW COVERINGS CAN BE CHILD FRIENDLY AND PET FRIENDLY –

Tracy Christman, Budget Blinds’ Vice President of Vendor Alliance (and a mother herself) shares, ”From cordless products that protect children from potentially harmful dangling cords to security-grade window film that protects your home during destructive weather, Budget Blinds is your source for window coverings that keep you and your family safe at home.”

1. Cordless Lift System – raise and lower blinds and shades easily with one hand, eliminating the need for cords

2. Motorization – battery-operated remote control allows you to raise, lower, tilt or open and close your window coverings with the touch of a button. No hard wiring is required and you can operate up to five windows from one remote

3. Spring-assist Clutch – built-in system to raise and lower window shades that eliminates dangling cords.

4. Shutters – cord-free window covering that is perfectly safe around children and pets.

5. Sliding Track System – beautiful alternative to vertical blinds for sliding glass doors and side-to-side openings, the sliding track operation eliminates the need for cords or chains.

” IT’S A GREAT IDEA TO TAKE STOCK of all your window coverings AND ENSURE protective measures ARE IN PLACE – AND IF THEY AREN’T, TO SEE WHAT SOLUTIONS need to be instituted.”

– BUDGET BLINDS

Move cribs, beds or other furniture that children can climb on away from windows.
Be sure continuous-loop cords are firmly secured to the wall or floor
Add break-away tassels and cord stops to eliminate cord hazard.
Wand control for blinds is an alternative to dangling cords.
Keep all cords as short as possible, out of children’s reach
Use cordless blinds or shades where children are able to reach the window.

Most of our window coverings at Budget Blinds can be cordless or motorized giving you endless possibilities to find your own personal design style (and we can help when needed!)

Some of our most popular cordless window treatments include:

Woven wood shades, unique, natural beauty with optional light control liner
Roller Shades, available in over 100 screen styles
Cellular shades, for light filtering and privacy
Solar Shades, control your environment, interior or exterior installation
Roman Shades, soft folds in a full spectrum of luxurious fabrics
Faux wood blinds, resist moisture and reduce solar heat
Shutters, interior shutters can be custom fit to virtually any shape window

Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, formal or casual surroundings, we can help you find window treatments you will love. One phone call brings hundreds of samples right into your home so you can design the windows of your dreams. Call (651) 351 – 7620 or go online to www.budgetblinds.com /Stillwater and let’s schedule your FREE in-home consultation!

* Visit the Window Covering Safety Council or U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to learn more about National Window Cord Safety and Child Safety Protection Month

OCTOBER IS CHILD SAFETY MONTH!

October 1, 2015Leave a comment

AND we have a new certification (YAY!)

Budget Blinds just announced that several of our key manufacturing partners are participating to earn certification for selected window covering products known as “Best for Kids.” This new program was launched by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) to help our consumers identify window covering products that are certified as best suited for use in homes with young children.

“Making window treatments safer for homes with children is one of Budget Blinds’ top priorities,” said Chad Hallock, CEO and Co-Founder of Budget Blinds. “We work with our manufacturers to consistently review and evaluate our products to ensure they are child-friendly, durable, and still look great in the home.”

According to WCMA, criteria to earn the Best for Kids certification requires that a window covering product must either have no cords or the inner cords cannot be accessible. Products must be submitted to a WCMA-recognized third party testing laboratory; and products that meet these criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified .” We are so excited for these awesome products.

“We are already proud to announce that several of our key manufacturing partners will have earned certification by October 1,” said Tracy Christman, Vice-President of Vendor Alliance for Budget Blinds. “It’s exciting to continue to bring homeowners beautiful and stylish window coverings that are also child-friendly and certified as Best for Kids.”

We are so excited that Budget Blinds offers dozens of options for child-friendly window treatments) including cordless blinds and shades with a retractable lift). Not to mention, motorized shades with cordless operation, and shutters too!

The last thing you want is a home that isn’t 100% safe. With Budget Blinds, you can rest assured that you are doing everything you can do to protect your loved ones and while adding style (and benefit) to your overall home! With our new certified program, “Best for Kids” I am positive that you will love the look, feel and value of your child-safe window treatments.

For more child safety window treatment options visit www.BudgetBlinds.com/Stillwater.

blindladystilly

Category: Child Safety