May Newsletter - 05.01.06. BlindsOnSale.com

Home Improvement Projects Pay Off!

	It is the start of the selling and buying season for homes. Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous transformation of homes and gardens by professionals and amateur do-it-yourselfers. Is it really that easy, we ask ourselves? Could I do it? Where do I begin? What improvement projects will generate the biggest increase in the value of my home? Every project starts with a plan. Itemize everything you want and think you can afford, and include a design of rooms to be remodeled. If you are going to require professional help, now is the time to talk to contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen, and to ask for estimates.	Comparison-shopping is a must. If you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, price materials and tools needed. If you can't afford to do everything on your list, reassess your prime needs and make a new plan. But what projects are Key? The best projects for improving the value of your home are, happily, the most affordable and the easiest to do yourself, even if you are super klutz. Ask any real estate agent for tips on how to prepare a home for resale and you will be told that the house and yard should be cleaned and all clutter removed. Creating suitable home storage facilities and cleaning and painting the interior and exterior of your

house, and updating or replacing those old window treatments therefore, are the jobs that top the list of desirable improvements. The premium projects that usually require professional help are kitchen remodeling first and bathroom remodeling second. These particular upgrades will provide the best return for your money, and the real estate industry has statistics to prove it. After you have decided on and planned for the most important home improvement projects, new window covering and upgraded flooring should receive your attention. You can choose from a large array of window dressings and styles, or simply buy fabric, turn hems with iron-on tape, and dramatically drape the material over attractive curtain rods.	Shutters are another another possibility and lend themselves to many different decorating styles. Finally, save a little energy and money to improve the appearance of your yard. Maybe all you have to do to improve the landscape is trim, mow, weed, and then plant a few flowers. Adding or upgrading an existing patio, deck, or walkway can also be very worthwhile. Choosing the best modeling and redecorating projects will not only increase the long-term value of your home; they will also provide satisfaction and pleasure for you, the smart homeowner. If you need help deciding how to update your old window treatments, just call us! We have over 30 years experience and can find the right one for you.

Designer Tips and Trade Secrets-All about Draperies

In celebration of BlindsOnSale's upcoming new product, Drapery Rods and brackets; which we will begin selling in June 2006, here is some helpful information on draperies and window treatments.

Measuring for draperies and hanging window treatments is tedious work. Here are some helpful hints to make the details of the job a little easier.

Getting a Perfect Fit--Curtains make a room, but they can also break a room if they aren't measured correctly. Here are some tips to help you get your draperies right and fix those that aren't.


Be sure to measure all windows, even if they appear to be the same size. Write the dimensions down, and then measure again to double check. * Use a metal measuring tape. A cloth tape is too flexible to be accurate. * When measuring, determine the type of rod you are going to use first. If you're using one with rings, you'll measure from the eye of the carrier ring to the floor. The eye is the small metal loop attached to the ring. * As a general rule to determine width of drapery panels, multiply the width of the window by two or three to account for gathering.	Determining drapery length is a personal preference. If you want the panels to touch the floor, allow about 1/2 inch to rest on the floor. Should you want the draperies to puddle on the floor, add anywhere from 6 to 18 inches to the length. * Replacing existing draperies? Simply measure one panel for length and width, and then multiply the width by two to get the total for the pair. Tricks to try with your curtains: Mount drapery panels a few inches below the ceiling. This technique draws your eye up, making lower ceilings appear taller.	* Hang treatments above a transom window, rather than under it, so that they don't cut off the window. * Add a funky fringe or a trim in a complementary color to ready-made draperies to create an inexpensive custom look. Trims and fringes are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can choose one that is more casual or dressier, depending on your needs. * To make a small window appear wider, place panels outside the window frame. * Trying to reuse drapery panels that are too short? Add a coordinating band of fabric to the bottom or the top to create a border. This simple addition will provide a new look without starting all over.	* If you want to mask an unattractive window, consider hanging wooden blinds in a rich wood tone. You could also pair a simple cafe curtain with drapery panels. Remember that BlindsOnSale.com will have the drapery rods and brackets available for purchase over the internet in June of 2006. However if you need to look at purchasing drapery rods now, please call 1-800-919-4301 and we can send information and sell over the phone.

Dressing Your Windows for Success

WHEN it comes to dressing your windows, the sky's the limit. With thousands of fabrics and myriad styles to choose from, there is no reason to have naked windows. Custom window treatments add a finishing touch to any room.

As you are investigating your options, make sure to keep in mind functionality as well as beauty. For instance, do you like your room to be dark in the morning? If so, select a window treatment with a room darkening lining. Is privacy a factor? Look for opaque fabrics or blinds. Does the afternoon sun create glare on your TV? You will want a window treatment that allows you to control the light. Do you have kids or pets to consider? Blinds and shutters would work for you, as would soft treatments made from durable fabrics.

Budget is also a deciding factor. How long will you be living in your home? If you plan to stay awhile, invest in top-of-the-line window fashions. Even if you are planning a move in the next few years, beautiful custom window treatments can be a very attractive selling feature for your home.

Traditional and Formal
What kind of mood would you like to create in the room? Formal, elegant, dramatic? Casual, whimsical? For traditional and formal decor, you might select gorgeous swags and cascades in moir on top of sheer draperies, or perhaps silk drapery panels. Don't forget the tassel tiebacks and bullion fringe for even more elegance.	The beauty of custom draperies is that they can be made to your specifications. If you have high ceilings, for instance, ready-made drapes will be hard to find. Custom drapes, on the other hand, will fit your windows, walls and room perfectly. Ask for help -- a good designer can help you select the perfect fabric and design.
Casual and Dramatic
Casual rooms require more casual window treatments. How about a soft-fold Roman shade or woven wood blind? Perhaps tab-top drapery panels or a box-pleated valance. To create a designer look, use coordinating fabrics to make throw pillows and a tablecloth. Reupholster your dining room chairs and create a custom slipcover for your sofa. Add drama to your room with fabrics in rich colors, textures and patterns.	Whimsical prints in bright colors add a bit of playfulness. Blinds and shutters are very practical and good-looking, as well. Wood blinds, aluminum blinds and shutters offer excellent light control and easy maintenance. For steamy baths, consider faux wood blinds or vinyl shutters, both of which resist moisture.

Did you Know?

Did you know that the majority of workers in the manufacturing factories for blinds are Hispanic or descendants of Hispanic origin. They work very hard to insure that our window treatments fit perfectly, are the best quality, and are the nicest looking products possible. If you have been following the news, you know that a bill that passed the House of Representatives last year is back up for debate. Essentially, the bill makes it a felony to be an illegal immigrant. Whether you agree or disagree with this bill, many Hispanics are planning non-work days in the near future that may disrupt the production time of blinds and shades.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that your blinds arrive as fast as possible and in the best condition. We hope a resolution to this problem will come soon so that those immigrants who are legally here working in our factories can continue to pursue the same American Dream that we all have a right to pursue. We will keep you updated on the situation via this newsletter so check back every month!

Hispanic Workers

BlindsOnSale Coupon

Due to overwhelming response, we will keep our biggest sale ever going for as long as possible, please get your orders in soon. We cannot guarantee how long the sale will continue.

Go today and click on Red Hot Deals for savings like no other!

The Arbour Collection by Springs Window Fashions: the best kept secret in the business!

The Arbour Collection is Springs Window Fashions answer to the Bali line, which is also owned by Springs Window Fashions. SHHH, we won't tell if you won't! The Bali line of wood blinds is allowed only in retail shops such as JC Penney. You may have seen them in your local JC Penney or other store. Now the secret is out, the Arbour Collection has mostly the same colors and blinds as the Bali line! With exquisite stains and even an even better collection of painted blinds, the Arbour collection promises to be a keeper. More and more people are noticing this and they are getting excited because the Arbour Collection has the Quality and workmanship without the cost!

I invite you to compare the Bali and Arbour line, request some Arbour samples from us and see why everyone wants the Arbour blind. Better hurry, Arbour blinds on BlindsOnSale.com cannot stay this inexpensive forever. There are some restrictions to the line such as size limitations and cord placement. Be sure to read all the information under features on our website to get all the info. If you have a question please call us at 1-800-919-4301.

Credits

BlindsOnSale.com thanks, Hunter Douglas, Comfortex, Graber, and Better Homes and Gardens.

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About Our Organization

You will enjoy shopping here because, BlindsOnSale.com is a family owned and operated business based in Oklahoma City. We have been in the blind industry for over thirty years, and work with some of the top designers and name brands. We back every product with a limited warranty and guarantee the quality of our products.

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