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 Blinds®, 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 Fashions® who produces our exclusive line of Signature Series® 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 Lifetime® 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 Styles® 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.

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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! 🙂
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Have the “Cool” House on the Block with Motorized Window Treatments

Give your house the WOW factor with motorized window treatments – not only will YOU benefit from the stylish and convenient treatments, but your neighbors and house guests will be impressed too! Trust us, these treatments pour in the compliments – “so modern!”

                somfy5  somfy_motorization  blinds_motorization

Adding motorization to your window coverings is cool and super convenient with a touch of a button and/or remote! Budget Blinds offers motorization powered by Somfy which allows you to control your window treatments for lighting and privacy (and let’s be honest, style is a huge plus too!)

Having motorized window treatments can make your life easier by covering hard-to-reach windows or helping someone with limited mobility effortlessly control their window coverings! Best of all, motorization has SO many wonderful benefits that will improve how you live in your house. Another plus – no matter your window covering preference–blinds, shutters, shades or drapes–we (Budget Blinds) can make it motorized!

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When thinking about motorized window coverings, it’s awesome to be able to open or close them by remote control, BUT there are other aspects of life when motorization can really come to the rescue. It can help in ways that are not commonly thought of – like covering windows to protecting your child (cordless!)

Hard-to-reach windows: Every home has at least one or more windows that are impossible to reach, making life super inconvenient, right?  Covering these windows seemed impossible until motorized window treatments came along. Instead of climbing over a bath tub or kitchen sink (or on top of a counter top!) you can close and open your own privacy without hurting yourself.

Also motorized treatments are ideal for other hard-to-reach windows like:

 

MOTORIZATION BENEFITS: 

  • Security – Somfy provides your security by allowing you to set timers making it appear as someone is home even when you are not.
  • Privacy – Motorized treatments add more privacy to your home when you just don’t have enough time to close your blinds.
  • Convenience – Easy opening and closing with a touch of a button.
  • Energy Saving – You can program your window treatments on timers during peak hours to help reduce your energy bill.
  • UV Protection – Motorization allows you to protect your furnishing by programming your window coverings to close when the sun is brightly shining down.

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Motorized window treatments are as great as they seem – honestly, why wait!?  Let Budget Blinds make your home the cool house on the block with custom blinds, shutters, shades and drapers with one-touch operation. Call 651-351-7620 today or email me directly at pbrown@budgetblinds.com

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

 

Window Coverings for Your Vacation Rental that Won’t Break the Bank

Owning a vacation rental property can be tough. Competition can be fierce and upkeep adds more and more expenses. When you are renting out property, you want to make sure it is welcoming. If you leave it bare and dull you can’t expect people to get excited about renting it, and it becomes a wasted investment. Don’t worry; with Budget Blinds, we got you covered. We offer an assortment of window coverings that are stylish and trendy and won’t break your bank.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are a great choice for any rental property (or any property in general!) They give a classic look that never goes out of style. Faux wood blinds are very durable. Made from polymer materials with UVA inhibitors they are energy efficient by blocking out the UV rays, which helps prevent sun damage to your furnishings. Budget Blinds offers faux blinds in 2”- 2 ½” slat sizes and a variety of colors from whites to textured finishes. Also, faux wood blinds can be motorized for cordless operation, making them a child- safe product which is ideal when families are renting your home.

Budget Blinds Ready-made Panels

Panel Curtain Fabrics

Budget Blinds offers an alternative to blinds for your rentals window coverings: ready-made drapery panels. Our exclusive Inspired Drapes collection offers custom, ready-made drapery panels to dress up any window. The ready-made panels are great for a vacation rental because they are quick to order and install. They’re offered in three styles: flat, back tab or grommet, and come in three lengths. There are over 25 designer fabrics and colors to choose from. Ready-made panels are also great to layer with other window coverings, such as window blinds or shades, for a more elegant look. They add a designer look without the designer cost, making them a reasonable choice for any vacation home.

Classic Mini Blinds

Mini Blinds

Mini blinds are another very cost efficient choice when placing them into your vacation rental. Mini blinds have modernized and upgraded their image and are not just your basic white mini blind anymore. They come in quality materials and a wide assortment of colors and textures to add a designer element to your rental. Mini blinds add value through durability and functionality including being user-friendly for your renters. Mini blinds are ideal for covering large windows and can be customized to fit any uniquely-shaped windows including skylights. They are energy effective by blocking sunlight and keeping your rental cool during the summer and saving money on your energy bill.

Vertical Blinds

vertical-blinds-budget-blinds

Almost all vacation rentals have sliding doors which bring up two issues: light and privacy. Vertical blinds will control both of those issues and still allow a full view outside, making them a brilliant solution for sliding glass doors. They are very durable and can withstand heat for those humid locations. They come in a vast spectrum of colors and materials which are ideal for a modern look, and are easy to operate and easy to clean.

Roller Shades

Roller Shades

Roller shades are a classic yet sophisticated window covering to add to your vacation rental. Budget Blinds Inspired Shades collection features an exclusive assortment of custom roller shades in over 80 contemporary prints and colors making them a top choice for window fashions.  Roller shades are very user-friendly for renters and have great light control. They are available with cordless lift for a child-safe environment and come in four opacity levels to add different effects to each room. Roller shades are a great investment to put into your vacation rental that will last long and never go out of style.

Sliding Panels

Vertical Sliding Panels

Sliding panels are perfect for patio doors, large windows or even separating one room into two. They come in an assortment of colors and materials that give a very trendy vibe. Also, they come in natural materials like Bamboo and woven woods which create a great ambiance for beach rentals. They are very cost effective for large windows and enhance the environment with unique style. For more humid areas, sliding panels are great with a sunscreen track which allows for greater UV protection. The sunscreen track will help preserve your panels by keeping out moisture.

Budget Blinds offers endless design possibilities for window coverings to perfectly suit your vacation rental but that won’t break your bank. Call 651- 351 – 7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com to find your Style Consultant and schedule your FREE, in-home consultation. Let your stylish window coverings place you above the competition and help to sell your vacation rental as the place to be!

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 Series® 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.

CUSTOM ROMAN SHADES offer beautiful solutions for your windows!!

Colors + Fabrics + Drama = ROMAN SHADES.

Roman Shades Budget Blinds

A nod to their popularity for many years, Roman shades do have lots of names and, regardless of what you call them, they are sweet. Sometimes referred to as a combination of blinds and drapery, or even Roman blinds, Roman shades give the operational convenience of blinds or shades, with the opulent beauty of fabric drapery. With Budget Blinds® you can have elegant custom Roman shades by any name you choose:

  • Relaxed, Slouched or Soft
  • Classic and Reverse Classic
  • Balloon, Austrian or Cloud
  • Pleated, Knife pleat
  • Flat: Unconstructed or Constructed
  • Hobbled, Looped, Waterfall, Cascading or Teardrop

 

There’s a Roman shade for every need

Knife Pleat Roman Shade

Despite the wide range of names and styles, a Roman shade is basically a fabric window covering panel that folds up accordion style, creating even horizontal folds. When raised, a Roman shade stacks in folds at the top, providing the look of a decorative fabric valance. The amount of fabric and how the shade folds is what defines the design, from Flat to Hobbled to Balloon, and everything in between. Whatever you need covered, there’s a Roman shade to meet the need!

  • Narrow windows, wide windows, French doors and uniquely shaped or shallow windows can be covered with ease.
  • Available in endless fabrics and colors, you can create your unique fashion statement, including Shabby Chic, Modern, Traditional, Global Artistry, Romantique or Masculine Melange.
  • Roman shades can be cord operated, child-safe cordless lift, or motorized for ultimate convenience.
  • Light controls range from sheer to light-filtering to complete room-darkening, making them ideal solutions for bedrooms.

 

Roman shades offer benefits beyond beauty

Bamboo Shades

As fabulous and refreshing as beautiful window coverings are, ROMAN SHADES BRING MORE to your windows than just beautiful style, color and design. Energy efficiency is an important benefit, helping to control energy costs all year long. The insulation factor of Roman shades can be improved with heavier linings to keep out either cold or excessive heat, helping to maintain a consistent temperature.

Roman shades can increase the comfort and convenience of your home in other ways as well:

  • Top-down/bottom-up shades give light and privacy control beyond fully open or fully closed.
  • Enjoy the luxury of lush fabrics on your windows at a fraction of the cost of full-length drapes.
  • Cordless lift or motorization provides a safety factor for homes with children and pets.
  • Hard-to-reach windows are neutralized with motorized remote control Roman shades.
  • Go green with eco-friendly Roman shades made from 100% organic materials like woven woods, jute and bamboo.

If you’re considering new window treatments, Roman shades are an ideal way to bring LUXURY into your home, adding the richness of beautiful fabrics to your windows without the cost and volume of full draperies. The range of styles makes a Roman shade PRACTICAL for any room, giving a pop of color, embracing the latest 2016 fashion trends, or finding solutions for problem windows.

VALANCES: The Crown for your Windows!

Adding a valance to your window treatments is a super easy way to customize and personalize your home! The versatility of valances is only limited by your imagination, as you’ll see in this “Valances 101” crash course 🙂

From a crisp, clean line for the minimalist, to pleated, ruffled and trimmed traditional opulence, there is no right or wrong in designing valances.  With names like swagged, pleated, cascading, layered and balloon, there truly are unlimited design possibilities! Scroll down to see why we LOVE valances… and most importantly, why you will too!

 

 

* SOOO MANY DESIGN OPTIONS! 

Valance Styles

Valance styles: A sampling of what’s in store in the iD Lookbook

Window valances generally take one of two styles : board-mounted or rod / pole-mounted.

1. Board-mounted has multiple cuts of fabric draped and upholstered to a board (Cornice boxes are included in this category, finished wood or upholstered)

2. Pole-mounted has fabric attached and draped in various ways, including rings, tabs, ties, bows, ribbons and hooks

 

 

Either style can be simple or elaborate, layered and trimmed, coordinating or contrasting (suuuper customizable!) Design options include shirred, stylized cascades, long and short layered swags, jabots, pleated and inverted pleat panels, pelmets, tassels, ruffles, decorative edging, beaded trim and more!!

The Budget Blinds® exclusive Inspired Drapes® collection of sumptuous fabrics and gorgeous hardware will have you wondering how you’ve lived without window valances in every single room (seriously!) Valances add definition and charm to your windows. Our online Inspired Drapes Lookbook (page 26 to start) can take you on a tour of valance designs that will get you excited!!!

 

* PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

The first step in valance design is to determine what exactly you want to accomplish. A valance can be  so much more beyond “a big ruffle capping your window.” They can camouflage crooked or uneven windows and elevate the beauty of existing window coverings (designer tip!)

Valances are fashionable as stand-alone window treatments, or they can be combined with window blinds, shades or drapery for layers upon layers of style. Let us walk you through the wonderful, innovative world of window valances to help you find the ideal accent for all your windows!! Let’s get started today! 

 

 

Frame a window, finish a full treatment, create a new look or add a seasonal touch.

Brown ValanceThis layered treatment includes Roman shades, custom drapery panels and a swagged decorative valance that adds colorful interest and elegance. For a room design update or refresh, just replace the valance for a whole new look without spending a fortune on new window coverings. For example, a brown and white subtle stripe or Greek Key patterned valance would give this room an entirely different vibe.

 

 

Cover unsightly hardware or pleats and headings of functional draperies or shades.

Although there are curtain rods for the roller shades and the drapes, these custom valances hide the hardware so all you see is a beautiful, continuous treatment across all three windows.

 

 

Soften the appearance of hard window treatments like blinds or sliding panels.

Orange ValanceThe straight lines of the vertical sliding panels on this patio door are softened with a pleated valance that adds a colorful focal point in this dining room. Even when the panels are stacked off to one side, the door is stylishly adorned, enhancing the view.

 

 

 

Create the allusion of additional height or width for a window.

One valance across two smaller windows helps to create the allusion of one large window, especially with drapery panels defining the space by extending the width of the windows.

Unify the appearance of different types of window treatments used in the same room.

Light ValanceMatching valances create symmetry between the vertical and horizontal blinds in this bedroom. When window treatment styles don’t match, you can unify any room with coordinating valances.

 

 

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:

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