Mini Blinds are Old News

So you just built a brand new house, and you need some sort of privacy, unless you prefer to live in a fishbowl. Many people's first thought is to put up mini blinds; they are inexpensive and they do the job. BUT, you can add style, class, and beauty to your new home with other affordable alternatives. A great alternative to mini blinds is faux wood blinds. You don't want to put up cheap plastic window coverings in a brand new house, right?! Faux wood blinds give you a cleaner appearance as well as an increased view with the 2 inch slats. You could even choose the 2 1/2 inch shutter blinds for an even more sophisticated look.

Sometimes people overlook things like window coverings when considering building or purchasing a new home, however, window treatments should be very close to the top of your list; considering their functionality. Privacy is very important, as well as keeping the sun out on hot sunny days or for insulation purposes in the winter. Since window coverings can be seen inside and out, it's also important for curb appeal when selling a home! Shutters can actually increase the value of your home, so that's an important factor to consider as you put your house on the market. Faux wood blinds are an easy and affordable way to create a uniform look throughout your house and more importantly in the front of your home. The top valances that cover the head rail, create a finished look in your window. You don't even have to fuss with draperies or fabric valances, unless you are looking to add color or texture to a room. If that is something you are considering doing, Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs also carries a myriad of beautiful fabrics to choose from to compliment any decor.

Please keep us in mind when thinking of covering your windows or updating your home. Call us for a FREE in-home consultation at 719-488-0468.

For a Budget Blinds near you, enter your zip code at: www.budgetblinds.com

Not Your Mother's Roller Shades

We all remember the days of the roller shades, boring, old-fashioned roller shades. But today's roller shades have a new look and can be very contemporary! Solar shades are more of a mesh design with a range of "openness". You can choose the type of weave you want depending on how much privacy is needed. Of course, for a sun room, you may not need as much privacy and could opt for a more open weave to maintain your view. Solar shades offer incredible UV protection at they same time providing a stylish look. Dark colors give a more contemporary look as opposed to lighter colors and shades of white which could offer a more traditional look if that is your desire. There are three operation options for Solar shades. The spring loaded option is the same as your traditional roller shades, where you tug a bit on the bottom of the shade to roll them up. The continuous-cord loop is another option that is helpful for larger windows that may be too tall to grasp the bottom of the shade in order to operate it. The spring loaded option gives the room a clean look with no cords. You could also opt for the motorized operation for those high windows. Roller shades are gaining in popularity. With so many options, it's no wonder why! This gives new meaning to the term, "window-fashions"!


Our Corporate site's take on Roller Shades:
Today's Roller Shades are Long on Sleek Sophistication

Modern roller shades exude chic sophistication and classic charm. Abandon your preconceived notions of movie screen-esque roller shades and let your design imagination run wild!

Choose from thousands of fabrics, textures and shades that coordinate with your décor. Add a decorative hem or layer them with a drapery panel for a pop of accent color. Motorize your roller shades for easy operation with the press of a button.

Contact Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs for more information or to set up a FREE in-home Consultation. Our installations are FREE too! 719-488-0468

We also offer a variety of other window treatments, such as shutters, honeycomb shades, roman shades, wood and faux wood blinds, vertical blinds, draperies and so much more!

Energy-Saving Window Coverings in Colorado Springs

Now is the time when many people start thinking about how to keep the cold out. Even if you have new windows, you can still feel that chill when standing by a window. So what's the best type of window treatment to save on energy bills? By far, I would say the double-cell honeycomb shades. Honeycomb shades are comprised of different size "cells" depending on your preference. Each cell holds pockets of air to help insulate your windows. The double-cell honeycomb shade offers even better protection as there are two layers of cells to trap the air to keep you toasty in your home.

There are other great features of this type of window covering. For example, the honeycomb shade can give you a full unobstructed view when in the up position as it stacks very tightly. For those of you who have plants on you window sill, you will want to have full sun. This is a great option for you. Another great feature about honeycombs is that they are fabric and provide you with an easy solution to softening up a room. This is especially helpful if you have a house full of hard-wood floors. Honeycomb shades come in different size cells, different colors, and even different patterns or textures. Adding texture to a room can really help to balance your decor. Our Design Consultants can help you choose the one that's best for your home.

If honeycomb shades aren't for you, keep in mind that there are other window treatments that can save you money on your heating bill. Shutters are a great way to reduce energy usage. Shutters are very dense and in the closed position will keep cold air from entering your home. They are also very stylish and add value to your biggest investment, your home!

Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs will be happy to assist you in choosing the window coverings that are right for your home. Please call us for a FREE in-home consultation at 719-488-0468 or find us on the web at www.blindscoloradosprings.com

For a franchise near you, go to www.budgetblinds.com, type in your zip code for the nearest location.

Below is an article giving our customers another option for saving energy costs:

Good News! Window Film Eligible for Tax Credit Up to $1,500

Thursday, 14 May 2009 04:55 by Suzi

Finally, there’s some good news for U.S. homeowners! Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), homeowners can receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy efficiency improvements," including solar control window film, made to a primary residence from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

Only window films that meet the geographic and solar performance criteria will be eligible for the credit, so be sure to ask your local Budget Blinds Style Consultant which film qualifies for your area.

To qualify for the tax credit, homeowners will need to submit copies of the invoice, the manufacturer’s qualification statement and IRS form 5695.

(Budget Blinds Corporate Blog Post)

How to Clean Window Treatments

Many people ask me about cleaning window treatments. There are many easy cleaning solutions for most window coverings. Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs recommends the following for each type of window covering:

Honeycomb Shades are very simple to clean if you have the right tools. Sometimes dust and debris can accumulate within the cells of the shade. Most manufactures will recommend using a can of air to blow out the debris from the side of the shades. Many people also clean their computer keyboards in the same way. If your shades are in a place that may accumulate grease, and you feel as though it needs a more thorough cleaning. Nothing more than spot cleaning with a mild detergent is recommended by the manufacturer. BUT, remember, if you have purchased your window treatments through Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs, we will be happy to honor your No Questions Asked 5- year Warranty! This warranty is exclusive to Budget Blinds. It is good for one free replacement within the first five years of your purchase. We'll even install them for you free of charge!

Shutters, Wood Blinds, Fauxwood Blinds, Mini-Blinds and PVC Vertical Blinds, Woven Woods and Solar Shades only require dusting or cleaning with a damp cloth. Be cautious when using cleaning solutions. Only use mild detergent. If by chance there is something major, say permanent marker or your new puppy chewed up your blinds, you can also cash in on your one time replacement with your No Questions Asked Warranty!

Draperies can also be dusted using the can of air, but for more thorough cleaning you may want to check the type of fabric before dry cleaning.

If you are looking for any type of window treatment and would like to know more about our Exclusive Warranties, please call Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs at 719-488-0468. We also give FREE in-home consultations and FREE installation! Give us a call or visit us at blindscoloradosprings.com.

For ideas on today's latest window fashions, you may request a FREE Design Guide from our website.

Shopping for Window Coverings In Colorado Springs

You may have just moved to Colorado Springs, or are just looking to spruce up your home. There are a lot of questions you may be asking yourself. What type of window coverings are available? What's the best choice for me, shutters, honeycomb shades, wood or fauxwood blinds? Who do I call for an appointment? How do I get the best deal?

Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs is committed to ensuring you have a top-notch experience while shopping for window treatments from start to finish. Because of this commitment, we have come up with a Window Treatment "Shopping Checklist". This will help you educate yourself on the vast types of window coverings and companies out there.

Here are some questions to ask while shopping for new window treatments for your home.

1. Do you do Free In-home Consultations?

2. Is there a fee for Installation? Are you Installers insured?

3. What kind of warranties does your company offer (separate from the manufacturer)?

4. What are the manufacturer's warranties?

5. Are your warranties in writing?

6. How do you handle repairs? Will there be a service fee?

7. Do you offer a Price Match Guarantee?

8. Do you give Military Discounts, if so how much? Is this discount valid with other promotions and coupons?

9. Ask about each product presented to you. Who makes this? Where is this made? (If someone tells you it takes 6-8 weeks to get a product in, it most likely is not made in the U.S.) Don't be afraid to use the internet to verify facts or debunk inconsistencies. Is this a quality product?

Questions to ask yourself:

1. How knowledgeable was my Sales Rep?

2. Did my Sales Rep listen to my needs, or did he/she push me toward something else?

3. Was my Salesperson honest with me or was he/she just trying to make a sale?

4. Did my Salesperson take his/her time with me or was the appointment rushed?

5. Was everything explained to me about the operation, features, warranties, and installation process?

6. Were the products of good quality or was my Salesperson just trying to sell me on price?

All of these questions should give you an idea about what to expect from your Sales Consultant. Budget Blinds of Colorado Springs will ALWAYS give you the best bang for your buck. Not only do our Consultants make you feel comfortable, but they will make you feel confident in your investment by passing along their knowledge, to you the consumer, to make an informed decision. Many companies offer price guarantees, but we are confident in knowing that Budget Blinds is the ONLY company in this industry that offers the NO QUESTIONS ASKED WARRANTY. This means we will replace your window coverings one time even if it's your fault during the first 5 years after your purchase! This is one of the many reasons to choose Budget Blinds for your home. You get the best price and the best warranty!

Remember, our consultations and installations are free! We honor our service members with a 10% Military Discount that can be used on top of coupons and promotions!

If you are interested in setting up a free in-home consultation, please contact us at 719-488-0468 or visit us at: www.blindscoloradosprings.com or www.budgetblinds.com

Why Would Customers Living in Colorado Springs Like Wood Shutters?

There are many reasons why shutters are the preferred window treatment for many people living in Colorado Springs. Here are the Top 5 Reasons for putting shutters in your home.

1. Beauty and Style--Shutters add sophistication to any home. If you are looking for clean lines, shutters have no strings and come with the option of having a hidden tilt rod. This allows you to have an unobstructed view from the inside out. Shutters give the customer the option of choosing a louver size all the way up to 4.5 inches! So for those of you who have an amazing mountain view, the larger louvers are for you. The divider rail is also a great feature of shutters. This allows you to close the bottom louvers for privacy, but still allow light in from the top by opening the louvers above the divider rail. This is also helpful for those who have yappy dogs that bark at everything that moves outside! A resurgence of customers looking to shutters has made this window treatment, a stylish option. Take a look at the windows coverings featured in current home magazines or even television shows, and you will see many of them sporting shutters. Shutters are definitely "in".

2.Value--Shutters are the only window treatment that adds value to your home! Window treatments are an investment in themselves, but why not make them work for you! Any Realtor or Appraiser will agree that shutters are a permanent window fixture, that ups the value of your home, just as granite counter tops and other high end home improvement would. So why not add some shutters as "window furniture" for your home?

3. Insulation--People today are always thinking "green", and why wouldn't we? Not only are we interested in saving money, but why not do what's right for the environment as well? Whether you choose, wood shutters, or a polymer "faux wood" shutter, you'll be saving a great deal of money in heating and cooling costs.

4. Durability--So you have kids, dogs or are just looking for a window covering that is going to last--shutters are the most durable of all the different types of window treatments. There are no mechanisms or cords, just good old durable hinges. Although most people who have shutters rarely open them, except while cleaning, they will stand the test of time. Our shutters are coated with a UV protectant and will not fade. Our professional and FREE installation will ensure you have a sturdy piece of "window furniture" for years to come!

5. Safety--You may have heard about the recent concerns stemming from strangulation hazards of corded blinds. Shutters are a great option for those who are concerned about this issue. Of course, nothing can be substituted for parental supervision, you can rest assured knowing that your child-proofing efforts are another way to keep your children safe.

**Please note that shutters are not your only option for keeping your child safe around window coverings. We also offer cordless-lift honeycomb shades.

October is Child Safety Awareness Month. Budget Blinds is offering the FREE cordless lift option on all Alta honeycomb shades until the end of the year! (December 31, 2009.)

If you would like a Free In-Home Consultation, please give us a call at 719-488-0468. We do the measuring and installation for free. Give yourself a break!