Tag: window treatments

VALANCES: The Crown for your Windows!

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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.

 

 

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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

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Celebrate Our Anniversary with us

{it’s one of our Biggest Sales of the Year}

Since 2006 I have had the pleasure (and honor) of owning and operating Budget Blinds of Stillwater. I built my business  under the foundation of providing the best customer service paired with one-of-a-kind services such as expert measuring, convenient in-home consultations, knowledgeable consultants, professional installation and quality, name-brand window treatments.

This year, I am celebrating my ninth anniversary in Budget Blinds.

My success in my business and my passion for design is all because of you, my current and previous customers, my family and friends. Thank you all for your support and business, we literally couldn’t do it without you.

At Budget Blinds of Stillwater our clients satisfaction is one of our top priorities; and because of that, we make sure we follow the most cost-effective solutions based on your individual needs.  Our education and professional experience in the window-treatment design industry coupled with measuring services and installation is what makes us stand out (not to mention one of the best warranty’s in the business!) We build our business on referrals and relationships – and our success is directly linked to our clients satisfaction, so thank you! 

To express our loyalty to you all, we are hosting an anniversary sale event through the end of the month (September 30, 2015), and its awesome – 35% off your total order!

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That’s right, stylish and style start here –  with YOU, with your home, with your spaces and with Budget Blinds. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t be more happy with the nice weather and the sunshine! Spaces tend to feel bigger with sunshine (and light) – and right now, is the perfect time to let that light into your home!  My favorite product for this time of the year (and all year round) are SOLAR ROLLER shades . Seriously, they are absolutely perfect.

Solar Shades are some of the most versatile window coverings ever (for real). Their primary purpose is to serve as a shield against solar heat gain, which helps to keep your energy costs down. Aside from being energy-saving, solar shades also reduce glare from the sun.

  • Solar window shades create just the right ambience in any room. They gently filter and diffuse natural sunlight, block out harmful UV rays, and keep your rooms cooler.
  • They come in various styles and openness levels. Choose a higher openness factor and a darker fabric for a clearer your view.
  • Solar shades are available in an impressive collection of fabrics and colors that add balance and style to your rooms.
  • They are an effective solution for covering large windows, as most fabrics are available in wider widths.
  • Most styles coordinate with sliding panels.
  • You can customize your solar shades by adding wood cornices and valances to create a beautiful combination of warm colors and textures in your home.
  • Exterior solar shades can be installed to the outside of your windows, patios and porches to provide protection from the sun’s powerful heat and strong UV rays.
  • You can motorize your solar shades to provide privacy and safety.

Connect with me today and let’s talk solar shades! For the ultimate in light control, privacy, and protection from sun glare, be sure to ask about our dual shades (dual shades combine the benefits of two popular shading fabrics, solar and roller, into one easy to operate shade!)  I love Solar Shades and I know you will too! #Trending!

BENEFITS of CORDLESS

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Cordless systems are my absolute favorite –  seriously. They are effortless, chic, classy and clean! With Budget Blinds, cordless systems are a great (and super customizable) way to control the light and privacy in your home. They are great for kids (super safe!) and are awesome for pets too.

 

– clean, uncluttered look.

– no constant adjusting.

– light control & privacy.

– safe & secure.

 If you have kids or pets. Window cords may become your toddler’s distraction, or a pets new favorite toy without proper supervision. In worst case scenario, these can become hazards that could lead to strangulation. Cordless window systems are a safer choice for children’s rooms or anywhere in homes with kids or pets. Now’s a great time to upgrade for free. Let’s connect and I’ll show you how! 🙂

Walls With Many Windows. If your windows are your walls (literally) – and you want to preserve that panoramic element, cordless blinds will give your interior a uniform and classy look. Cordless treatments provide clean lines and allows many shades to be adjusted quickly and easily.  When raised, (or half-up / down) cordless blinds are practically invisible. No cords (or hardware) get in the way of your beautiful view.

  • Motorized shades are excellent child-friendly window treatments because of their cordless operation and ability to be programed to open and close at your preferred time of day.

        

Let’s connect – I can’t wait to show you all your cordless options, customizable to your home! This month only, mention this blog and receive a FREE CORDLESS UPGRADE on your order!

Schedule your free in-home design consultation and I’ll come to you – shop for your home, in your home! Cordless systems are my favorite for a reason, and I so hope they become yours too!

interior sun solutions

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“The sun tends to fade my furniture and my carpet!” i love natural light but i hate what it does to my furniture and floor! can you help me?

– Well, of course!” 

– I hear so many of my clients (and friends) complain about interior fading (furniture, walls, carpet, wooden floors, etc.) More times than often, I connect their comment with the level of their window treatments – they don’t have any (or they aren’t using them appropriately!)

Sunlight through your windows can cause color fading and deterioration of fabric over time (& it does!). Ultra-violet rays (40%), visible light (25%), and solar heat (25%) each play a factor. UV radiation degrades materials, while visible light and solar heat cause damage at a slower rate.

Window treatments from Budget Blinds block harmful UV rays and prevent fading. Blinds, shades, and shutters are designed to block unwanted light, protect your privacy, and maximize customizable light control.

 Budget blinds window coverings EFFECTIVELY FILTER LIGHT while maximizing light control

Check out this awesome video I found – there are SO many ways to customize your window treatments (stylish & classy!) Protect your interior furnishings from unwanted sunlight by choosing the perfect fit for you!

energy saving window treatments

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Did you know that window treatments can actually save energy? Seriously, that’s what I’m talking about!

As much as 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows!

Rather than cranking up the heat or air conditioning to avoid uncomfortable temperatures inside your home, you can avoid those costly energy bills through energy-saving window treatments.

  • Energy-saving window treatments provide effective insulation, offering your home increased protection against heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer.

    

Honeycomb shades (above) are designed with honeycomb-shaped pockets or ‘cells’ designed enhance your home’s energy efficiency by keeping air from escaping or entering your home.

 

  • Hardwood shutters (above) provide an insulating design that makes indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter- keeping your room at an ideal temperature!

 

  • Optional motorization options allow your blinds to become energy-efficient blinds, as they can be set on timers to maximize or minimize heat gain as needed.

I love energy-saving window treatments because they help to create a comfortable environment  family and guests – and reduce heating and cooling costs for your long-term energy savings!

Contact me today – let’s connect and schedule your complimentary in-home consultation!