Broken Blinds – Quick Fixes for Handling Broken Blinds

Blinds are one of the most versatile window treatments, fulfilling several needs like light and privacy control apart from allowing us to adjust the outside views as per our preference. The best part about blinds is that they can be adjusted for sufficient privacy while simultaneously allowing in some amount of light during the day. At bedtime, they can be closed for complete privacy and to block all incoming light so you can enjoy a night of deep and restful sleep.

Blinds made from certain materials like real wood even offer insulation which results in considerable energy efficiency and cost savings. And they look great too, instantly elevating any space!

But their charm is easily reversed even if functionality is off. These window treatments typically function well but at times they pose problems like broken slats, slats tilting to one side or being stuck in the up or down position. Thankfully there are easy fixes for all these problems, so there’s no reason to worry! And of course, if you would like help in resolving any challenge posed by your blinds, Budget Blinds is just a phone call away.

Budget Blinds has compiled a guide of some helpful tips for resolving some of the most commonly faced challenges with blinds. Are you ready for some quick fixes? Let’s get started then!

Guide to Fixing Broken Blinds

Faux Wood Blinds in Dining Room

Some of the most commonly faced issues with blinds are: broken blinds, blinds that hang unevenly, blinds that won’t roll up, and many others. Regardless of the type of challenge your blinds are posing, here are some easy-breezy solutions:

Broken Slats

Fixing broken blind slats is comparatively easy as one can easily replace the individual slat instead of having to replace the entire window treatment. Follow the steps listed below to replace a slat:

  1. First remove the plugs located at the bottom of the rail. After removing the plugs, you’ll be able to see the knotted lift cord.
  2. Undo the knot of the lift cord and pull the cord from the front of the blind.
  3. Replace the broken slat and restring the lift cord through each slat in the new blind.

Slats Won’t Lower

Blinds can be easily pulled up to allow more light into the room. However, at times, they get stuck, making it difficult to lower them. This happens especially if the blinds are left in the rolled up position for an extended period. But there’s no reason to worry. This problem can be easily fixed by following the procedure listed below:

  1. Hold the lift cords level and gently pull it. This action should release the blinds’ locking mechanism.
  2. If step 1 doesn’t help release the lock, locate the pin and try to release it. You can release the pin by pushing it to disengage the locking mechanism on the cord, which is located in the headrail where the cord runs. Releasing the pin will release the blinds, lowering them immediately.

Blinds Won’t Lift

For maximum privacy and room darkening, blinds are often pulled down completely. But at times they get stuck and it gets difficult to lift them up. This problem especially occurs when the blinds have been left in the down position for a long duration. But fret not. It can be easily resolved by following a couple of simple steps enlisted below:

  1. Pull down on the bottom rail to reactivate the spring.
  2. The above action should help reset the spring which helps release the stuck up blinds and they can be lifted up easily.

Slats Won’t Tilt

Sometimes there’s a problem with the slats’ tilting mechanism. This happens when the tilt rod becomes disconnected from the tilt mechanism in the headrail due to handling in transit. Follow the following steps to resolve this issue:

  1. First remove the blind from the window.
  2. Then examine the headrail and try to locate the metal rod that runs the length of the headrail. At this point, you should also be able to locate the tilt mechanism. Gently push the end of the tilt rod back into the space where the tilt mechanism is housed. For a more secure tilt positioning, it’s best to push the tilt rod through.
  3. Finally you should be able to replace the blind.

Bottom of the Blinds Won’t Hang Evenly

At times the bottom of the blinds doesn’t hang evenly. This is caused by cords being caught in the headrail. This challenge can be easily tackled by performing the following step:

  1. Simply raise and lower the shades repeatedly until the bottom hangs evenly.

If you would like help in resolving any challenge posed by your blinds, all you have to do is you’re your local Budget Blinds. We would love to assist you!

Or if your blinds are beyond repair, consider replacing them with brand new window treatments from Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, including motorized window coverings that are easier to operate. Schedule a complimentary in-home design consultation today to explore our latest offerings in shades, blinds, shutters, and draperies. We bring the showroom to you so you can browse in the comfort of your home and as per your convenience!

Call Pamela Today! 651-351-7620 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/stillwater

 

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Fall in Love With Home Automation This Year

Home automation is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Automated window treatments from our Smart Home Collection offer everything from convenience, safety, security, and privacy to child safety, all at the touch of a button. This year, explore the many automated solutions we offer at Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo and get ready to make your life just a little bit easier. 

Motorized window treatments allow you to control and schedule the positioning of your window coverings for enhanced on-demand privacy, and since they are cordless, they provide a safer environment for children and pets. Motorized window treatments also include unique sensors that allow you to increase energy efficiency by automatically adjusting your window coverings with rising temperatures.

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With so many great features and benefits of home automation, what’s not to love? At Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, Pamela is here to help transform your home into a smart home this new year with automated window coverings from our Smart Home Collection.

Call today 651.351.7620 to schedule your free in-home design consultation or visit our website!

Pamela Brown

Tell Us What You Love, We’ll Make it Happen

Ready to go custom? Make your window coverings one of a kind? At Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, you’ll find exactly what you want in custom blinds, shades, shutters, drapes and accessories. We can also custom color match window coverings to coordinate with your walls, furniture, and décor. 

Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo does custom at a price that fits you. That’s why we say we have style and service for every budget. See for yourself — let us bring the showroom to your home!
call 651-351-7620

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

-Pamela Brown

Get Both Style and Safety with Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo

With Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, your family’s safety is Pamela’s top priority.
Budget Blinds adheres to industry child safety standards and offer automated, motorized, and cordless window covering solutions to keep potentially dangerous dangling cords out of your home.
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Cordless shades offer added safety for children while making window operation a breeze.

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Automated shades are an excellent option because of their cordless operation and ability to be programmed to open and close at your preferred time of day. 

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Shutters ensure optimal privacy and child safety due to their cordless nature.

Call Pamela Brown at Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo today at 651-351-7620 or visit her website budgetblinds.com/stillwater

 

Going Back to the Basics

With the end of summer nearing and school starting up again, it’s the perfect time to focus your attention on framing your windows and your lifestyle beautifully with custom window treatments from Budget Blinds.

Cellular window shades, also known as pleated or honeycomb blinds, are a modern window treatment solution. Constructed of multiple small honeycomb cells within the shades, cellular shades offer excellent insulation and improve every room’s energy efficiency.

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While the kiddos go back to school, treat yourself to the convenience of motorized blinds that open and close at the touch of a button.
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Make sure you’re ready for family dinners by adding wood shutters that elevate your dining room beautifully.
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Layer drapes over window shades to give you additional energy-saving insulation and light control so you can take that well-deserved snooze.

Uncompromising Style That’s Good for the Environment

With eco-friendly window treatments from Budget Blinds, you can do your part in helping to preserve our natural resources and still be on-trend with innovative products. With our vast selection, embracing sustainability with gorgeous window coverings has never been easier.

We use 100% recyclable packaging when shipping our products, and most of our non-wood product components can be recycled as well. Plus, most of our window treatments offer superb energy efficiency that helps reduce dependence on electricity and natural gas for cooling and/or heating your home.

Created from natural, eco-friendly materials such as rattan reeds, jute, natural woods, and a variety of grasses, woven wood shades from Budget Blinds impart a craftsman-like, ethnic vibe to a room that inspires comfort. And our woven wood shades, also known as woven wood blinds are made from 100% organic materials, making them environmentally-friendly window treatments and completely recyclable.

Various woven wood shade styles include standard Roman shades, which offer a clean, classic look and rises evenly into neat, flat folds; looped Roman style, which features soft, billowing loops of natural material for a more dimensional look; and hobbled, waterfall style, which hangs from the front of the headrail and positions the cords behind the shades for a clean look. Select woven wood shades, including ones some from our new Inspired Shades Collection, are available as sliding panels that can be configured to open via as one-way draw, from the center, or as free-moving panels.

  • Renewable materials like bamboo and jute introduce eco-friendly window treatments with an organic appeal to your home.
  • Our Inspired Shades™ collection features woven shades made of soft, natural fibers in a wide color palette including vibrant reds, greens, and blues.
  • Woven wood shades are ideal for rooms furnished with rich woods, including wood flooring.
  • Are available in a wide range of colors and hues, including lighter tones to complement rooms with white, bright, or neutral furniture, and darker tones for rooms with bold colors or dark wood accents.
  • For the ultimate in privacy and light filtering, woven wood shades are semi-transparent, and can be paired with a blackout liner, making them perfect bedroom or home theater window coverings.
  • Complete your room’s makeover by coordinating your woven shades with woven drapes and panels that enhance both windows and sliding doors.
  • Available in a variety of operating styles, including popular top-down/bottom-up and roller shade options.
  • Add convenient motorization to your window shades for additional safety and convenience.

 

Call me, Pamela Brown – Owner & Interior Designer of Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo
651.351.7620 Main
612.812.3261 Mobile/Text

 

Want a Fresh New Look for Summer?

Are you wanting to freshen up your home décor this summer? Just call Pamela! She will deliver the perfect window covering solutions that reflect your unique needs and style. And she does it all for you — design, measure and install — so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Created from natural, eco-friendly materials such as rattan reeds, jute, natural woods, and a variety of grasses, woven wood shades from Budget Blinds impart a craftsman-like, ethnic vibe to a room that inspires comfort. And our woven wood shades, also known as woven wood blinds are made from 100% organic materials, making them environmentally-friendly window treatments and completely recyclable.

Various woven wood shade styles include standard Roman shades, which offer a clean, classic look and rises evenly into neat, flat folds; looped Roman style, which features soft, billowing loops of natural material for a more dimensional look; and hobbled, waterfall style, which hangs from the front of the headrail and positions the cords behind the shades for a clean look. Select woven wood shades, including ones some from our new Inspired Shades Collection, are available as sliding panels that can be configured to open via as one-way draw, from the center, or as free-moving panels.

Schedule your free design consultation today!
-Pamela Brown

New Year, New Eco-Friendly Window Treatments

Start 2019 with eco-friendly window treatments by Budget Blinds. With our vast selection, embracing sustainability with gorgeous window treatments has never been easier. We believe in finding the perfect marriage between style and promotion of a healthy environment. With eco-friendly window treatments, you can do your part in helping to preserve our natural resources and still be on-trend with innovative products. Take a look!
Hardwood Blinds

Through sustainable-yield forest management, the amount of wood harvested for our hardwood window treatments is below the levels of tree growth. Not only do they provide excellent privacy control, our wood blinds are a natural insulator that helps lower your heating and cooling bills, ensuring your home maintains comfortable temperatures throughout the seasons. They utilize renewable resources and environmentally-friendly forestry techniques without sacrificing style.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, with their honeycomb-shaped cells, act as an insulator, and when combined or layered with other treatments and placed close to the glass, can reduce summer heat gain by as much as 45%. A wide range of opacity choices, from transparent to light-filtering, to room-darkening, allow you to customize natural light. And a vast selection of the latest fabrics and colors ensure a perfect match with your décor.

Woven Shades

Our woven natural shades from our Inspired Shades™ Collection are made from hemp, kenaf and flax, are 100% organic and environmentally-friendly, and completely recyclable! They allow for an operational roller shade on the back of the woven wood in solar, room-darkening, or light-filtering options that allow you to adjust the level of light and reduce heat gain from rising temperatures.

Bamboo Shades

From Roman style to a more streamlined flat style, bamboo shades combine the natural beauty of organic materials with inspired design for a refined, relaxed look to any room. These shades fuse eco-friendly materials, including bamboo, reeds, jutes and grasses, with a variety of designs that can be integrated into the perfect customized window treatment.


Start the New Year with new eco-friendly window treatments that are stylish and sustainable. We use 100% recyclable packaging when shipping our products, and most of our non-wood product components can be recycled as well. Most of our window treatments offer superb energy efficiency that help reduce dependence on electricity and natural gas for cooling and/or heating your home. Start your New Year’s shopping today with Budget Blinds! For more information contact your me today!

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF BUSINESS

 

 

Window treatments are more than just utilitarian objects, they are fashions for your home. Picking the right ones for your home doesn’t need to be a difficult process. Budget Blinds of Stillwater is locally owned and operated by interior decorator, Pamela Brown. Pamela has been proudly serving local homeowners and businesses by providing the highest quality of name brand window treatments and the largest selection of styles in the industry.

There is more to window décor than just picking a color. The window treatments you choose should be functional, make the right statement, be child and pet-friendly, and help with energy efficiency! To better understand which window treatments are best for each room in your house you must look at the material, functionality, design and overall measurements. “With me, you don’t lift a finger. I bring the store to you and take care of it all, measure and install. I believe everyone at every budget deserves style and service. And that’s a beautiful place to be!” Says Pamela.

“As an Interior Designer with over 18 years of experience, I stay relevant with modern industry trends, including innovative products like motorization and smart home automation, and bring valued knowledge to my clients. My expertise is in window treatments and I am passionate about style! I personally work with all my customers and assists them throughout the entire process – from design consultations to measuring, installation and the completed result. I love bringing style and practical, energy efficient window treatments to my clients.”

Avoid Major Mistakes with Budget Blinds

Hiring Pamela 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

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

Budget Blinds has provided window covering design and installation expertise for HGTV’s Buying & Selling with the Property Brothers, the W Network’s Love It or List It, PBS’ This Old House, the Marc & Mandy Show in Canada, and NBC’s George to the Rescue.

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! I will be offering 45% off for the remainder of September.

-Pamela Brown

 

Beat this Heat with Energy Efficient, Honeycomb Shades

When you’re considering new window treatments, don’t forget to compare the energy efficiency of different styles and materials, because the right window treatments can greatly improve your windows energy efficiency and lower your energy costs whether you are warming your home in the winter or cooling it in the summer.

For example, the unique design of signature series cellular shades traps insulating layers of air and reduces heat transfer. Whether you’re trying to keep the heat out or in and when you combine that Enhanced energy efficiency with motorized controls that let you program when your window treatments automatically open and close your blinds or shades become an effortless part of your home’s heating and cooling system and with so many colors and styles to choose from you don’t have to sacrifice style for energy efficiency.

Cellular and Roman Shades

Cellular shades are the TOP  energy-saving window coverings. These styles are very trendy and have plenty of factors that help you save money on your energy bill.

Cellular shades (aka pleated or honeycomb shades) are designed to create insulation by trapping the warm air inside and keeping the cold air out! Cellular shades are very versatile window treatments with a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. We have light filtering options including sheer, light filtering, room-darkening and blackout fabrics which help with privacy and insulation too!

When they are closed, cellular shades will help keep in the heat and make every room pleasant to be in during the winter. For hot summer months, they block intense heat or they roll up all the way allowing for a view. Best of all, cellular shades have a cordless lift or one-touch remote control motorization making them easy to open and close as well as child safe!

Contact me today to schedule your free in-home consultation and make your home stylish and energy-efficient!

-Pamela
651-351-7620
pbrown@budgetblinds.com