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Could your home or business benefit from automated window coverings? Consider the energy efficiency, privacy, and security needs that automation can offer. Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers a variety of automation options with Lutron smart shades, blinds and more. 

Smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Nest, Sonos and more.

You’ll be able to monitor and control your smart blinds, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons, and provide added security when you're away.

With Lutron, your home or business shades and blinds can be programmed to automatically open and close for both peace of mind and energy savings. You can set your blinds to automatically tilt throughout the day to diffuse sunlight or maximize the privacy in your space.  And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are modular and can be easily expanded. 

And Budget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Cooler weather will be here before we know it. Now is the time to prep your home to reduce those winter heating bills.

As much as 50% of a home's heating (and cooling) energy can be lost through windows. Energy efficient window treatments can make a significant difference to help conserve energy, and cut down on the chill and those bills!

Look to Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island for a number of great solutions that will look great, and save you money year-round. 

Modern, energy saving window covering options include:

• Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, combine the soft look and energy efficiency of window shades with the functionality of horizontal blinds.
• Layering your curtains or drapery with light filtering or room darkening liners to control light gaps and improve insulation retention.
• Floor-to-ceiling drapes that fold back against the wall. This allows the drapes to seal off the window, preventing drafts and loss of heat through convection. 
• Traditional wood shutters use an insulating design that helps make indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter, keeping your room at an ideal temperature.
• Window film deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays, reducing heat gain and protecting your furniture against harmful UV damage.

Learn more about all of the options at your local Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

We all know the weather on Vancouver Island varies dramatically from season to season, and depending on the direction your home and individual rooms face, that variability can signifcantly impact the light and temeprature in your home.

South-facing windows

If your home faces south, direct sunlight from the south causes heat to build up, forcing your AC to work harder. However, it may also be warmer in the winter for the same reason. 

Southern exposure helps makes a room cozier in the winter. The addition of shades to the window allows the option to raise the shades and enjoy the sun's warmth during those chilly winter months. However, it can also make summer too hot or bright without the right window treatments. That’s why it’s essential to work with a professional window treatment designer to determine which product will work best for a southern-facing window.

North-facing windows

Windows that face north receive natural light all day but don’t receive direct sunlight. Interior shutters are a great way to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from north-facing windows. Their louvers can let in as much or as little light as you like while the cordless design looks clean and uncluttered in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. 

Alternatively, sheer curtains add gentle textures and patterns to your interior decor without restricting sunlight. In daylight, pulling sheer drapes across the window allows the indirect sunlight to shine through and highlight the design. 

East-facing windows

An east-facing window will catch the early sun, which can appear bright and glaring in the morning, and diffused and delicate later in the day. Dark colors will seem gloomy, but light colors and sheer materials bring out the softness of the sunlight.

Morning sun can be pleasant in a kitchen or living room, but it can be an annoyance in a bedroom. The best way to deal with morning light is to customize your window treatments to get exactly the amount of light you want.

West-facing windows

On summer afternoons, west-facing windows can cause heat to build up in your home. To keep the room comfortable, make sure to keep them covered. Like with south-facing windows, you don't want to lose all the natural light you get from west-facing windows, but you also need to deal with glare and heat. Blinds are a great choice because you can change their angle as the sun moves, diffusing light without blocking it out.

Energy efficiency

Most energy-efficient window treatments use layers of fabric to improve insulation and control light in the room, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you like shades, drapes, blinds, or shutters, there are many energy-efficient window treatment choices.

To prevent UV rays from damaging your furniture and decor, consider solar shades or try UV-resistant window film if you prefer a clear view but don’t want to risk damage to your decor.

Motorization

Motorized window treatments will help you avoid continually moving the position of your blinds. With various sensors and timers available, they can be programmed to change on their own based on the sun’s position to give you the perfect lighting without lifting a finger.

Regardless of your home's direction, Budget Blinds can help you find window treatments that make sense for your home. 

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

New homes on Vancouver Island often showcase West Coast Contemporary interior design - with clean lines and surfaces that offer comfortable and inviting spaces. The right window treatments will help you perfect these aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Window treatments are essential to the overall look and feel of your home while also providing functional benefits like privacy and light control.

What is West Coast Contemporary design?

West Coast Contemporary interior design is characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and the use of natural materials to bring the outdoors in. It features open floor plans with carefully curated decor for a clutter-free look. 

When thinking about decorating your space, consider your style and taste. While trends can be a great guide, it’s most important that your home decor reflects your style. When choosing window treatments, go for those that will enhance the aesthetic of your West Coast Contemporary design. The right window treatment can help bring more natural light to the room and create an illusion of space and openness. Or use a bold pattern to add colour and patterns to the space.

Window treatments are an essential element of contemporary design style. Drapes, roller shades, and Roman shades are all popular choices for window treatments and are perfect for West Coast contemporary interiors.

If you’re looking for custom window treatments for your contemporary design, reach out to your local design consultants at Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island, who are ready to help. Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

This time of year, as the sun peaks up so early, you may be considering blackout blinds or curtains for your bedroom. When decideing on window coverings for your home, start with the question “Do you want any light in your room?” If you want the light, but need the glare and harmful UV rays filtered out, and a little privacy, Budget Blinds can offer options that may be more suitable than a blackout shade. 

On the other hand, if you need to sleep during the day or have a toddler that needs to take a daily nap, then a blackout shade or blackout curtain would likely be your best choice.

Options That Filter Light and Provide Privacy

If you like light but need privacy consider translucent roller shade fabrics that let a glow of light in but provide a level of privacy. Or woven shades with a light weight liner that allow light to filter through, but no one to see in your windows. This option also allows for the wonderful texture of the woven shade to be enhanced and not completely washed out by the harsh sunlight streaming through an unlined shade. Or consider the ever-versatile cellular shade with a range of fabric opacities and options like top-down/bottom up.

This is another reason to call your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island design consultant who will bring the samples to your home and show you how each fabric works with the light coming through your windows.

Do Blackout Shades Have to Be a Dark Colour?

Your blackout shades do not have to be black! In fact, they do not even have to be a dark colour. The “blackout” effect of the shade is not determined by the colour of the shade but the backing layer in the material.

You can have a light-coloured woven shade, or fabric Roman Shade, lined with a blackout liner. The blackout liners come in shades of white, beige and greys, great for condos. You can also choose a lighter colour for a roller shade - as long as it has the blackout backing, it will do the job of darkening your room. 

What about Blackout Curtains?

Like shades, custom blackout curtains are offer light blocking thanks to the lining and not the face fabric. So you can use a lighter weight fabric combined with a blackout lining to get all the light control and privacy you need.

As you can see there are a lot of things to consider when selecting the right window treatments! Budget Blinds is here to help. Your locally-owned stores bring years of experience, and a variety of samples directly to you. Budget Blinds will assist you in finding the right product that fits your style, your needs, and your budget. 

To get started contact your local store and schedule your complimentary in-home consultation today:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Big bright windows are a fabulous feature in any home, but have you considered how they affect your home’s heating and cooling? As we head into another hot summer season, you may want to give your window coverings some extra thought!

As much as 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy can be lost through the windows, costing you extra money and making it difficult to regulate home temperatures. Remember, “it’s the little things”, such as energy efficient window treatments, that make a difference in helping to conserve energy.

So rather than cranking up your heat or air conditioning to avoid uncomfortable temperatures inside your home, look to Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island for a number of great solutions. Choose from blinds, shades, shutters, and window film that are practical, energy efficient, and stylish.

• Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, combine the soft look and energy efficiency of window shades with the functionality of horizontal blinds.
• Layering your curtains or drapery with light filtering or room darkening liners helps control light gaps and improve insulation retention.
• Traditional wood shutters use an insulating design that helps make indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter, keeping your room at an ideal temperature.
• Window film deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays, reducing heat gain and protecting your furniture against harmful UV damage.
• To maximize energy efficiency, consider our floor-to-ceiling drapes that fold back against the wall. This allows the drapes to seal off the window, preventing drafts and loss of heat through convection. 

Learn more about all of the options at your local Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Window coverings need updating from time to time, just like other items in your home. They can get worn and damaged, or may not match your current decor.  Sometimes though it's unclear when it's the right time to replace your window coverings. 

Here are 4 signs it's time to upgrade your existing window treatments, as suggested by Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

1. Warped, Bent or Broken Slats
Faux wood blinds will bend when exposed to high heat for long periods, while wooden blinds warp when exposed to moisture. Aluminum blinds also dent when you apply heavy pressure. 

Solar/roller shades might be a great replacement choice for those windows that get a lot of sun. Choose from a range of opacities to filter light, heat, and harmful UV rays. 

And while aluminum blinds can be a cost efficient choice in offices or commercial settings, it's best to avoid aluminum blinds at home, especially if you have kids or pets, because they dent easily.  Additionally, they often also have cords which create a choking hazard.

Honeycomb or cellular cordless shades or roller shades are an excellent upgrade because they're child-friendly, available in light-filtering to room darkening, and are flexible, very durable, and easy to clean.

2. The Window Treatments Are Difficult to Open
Do you struggle to open your blinds and shades or draw your curtains? If so, it means that your opening mechanisms are damaged or are simply worn out and need to be replaced. For corded blinds, the damage may also be tangling or broken cords. For non-motorized curtains and drapes, opening and closing may be restricted due to jammed curtain tracks. The carriers in the track could be off or the cord control is simply worn out and frayed, making the curtains even harder to operate.

Frayed cords that have outlived their years are also difficult to operate. A new set of blinds helps you eliminate operation issues and the frustration of not being able to raise or lower your blinds. You may also experience problems with old, motorized blinds, or shades. Automation has improved greatly, with new motorization options from rechargeable to smart home apps. Replace outdated technology and enjoy opening and closing your window treatments with the push of a button on your smartphone.

3. Discoloured Slats and Fabrics
Over years of use and exposure to weather elements, the slats on your blinds and wood shutters lose their color and begin to yellow. UV rays from the sun discolor the material, making your blinds and shutters appear faded.

New window treatments are pleasing to the eye, especially if you're looking to upgrade your home for sale. Homebuyers are more willing to give your house a chance if the window treatments are as new as the freshly painted walls in the rest of the house.

4. Out of Style
Do you think that your horizontal blinds are out of style? Perhaps the floral patterns on your curtains are outdated? Upgrading your house to a contemporary more modern on-trend style is a perfect reason to upgrade all your window treatments.

Fortunately, you can still find blinds, shutters, shades, and drapes that match your updated style while allowing natural light control, privacy, and beauty in your home. It's wise to invest in custom window treatments that fit each window perfectly. 

Also, after years of using the same style, changing your window treatments is rejuvenating for you and your home.

If you're looking to cut energy costs, shades and blinds are great choices because there are varieties with solar insulation properties. The best part is that you can choose different window treatments for every room to serve the space's needs.

Where Should You Start?

Do you need new window treatments but don't know where to start? Budget Blinds has the solution for you. Schedule a free consultation with us to receive expert guidance on window treatments for a fresh look or sale upgrade.

Contact your closest Budget Blinds location today:
Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Could your home or business benefit from smart window coverings? Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers a variety of automation options with Lutron smart shades, blinds and more. 

Smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Nest, Sonos and more.

You’ll be able to monitor and control your smart blinds, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons, and provide added security when you're away.

With Lutron, your home or business shades and blinds can be programmed to automatically open and close for both peace of mind and energy savings.

With Lutron blinds you can set your blinds to automatically tilt throughout the day to diffuse sunlight or maximize the privacy in your space. Programmable features allow you to use heating or cooling only when you need it for maximum energy efficiency.

And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are designed for modular expandability. 

And Budget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island is having their biggest sale of the year all month long. Save 50% off MSRP pricing all of February!

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers free in home consultations, so you can work with their experts in your own home to find the perfect match for your design and lifestyle needs. And with 50% savings during their biggest sale of the year now is the time to book that consultation!

Locally owned and operated, with locations across Vancouver Island, Budget Blinds offers the largest selection of window coverings in Canada, back by the best industry in the business! They are offer eth firneldy local service of a small business, backed by an amazing selection and pricing.

Call your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Isalnd today to take advantage of their biggest sale of the year!

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

There are lots of ways to refresh your home, but an easy way to improve so many areas is new window coverings. Blinds, shades or curtains will update the look of your home, and also aid in temperature control, lighting, privacy and security.

Budget Blinds on Vancouver island offers a multitude of options to suit your style and budget. For unusually shaped windows, or for specific needs, they are your window covering specialists. Even if you don’t need to update the coverings themselves, maybe it's time to add automation, to let light in when you want it, and keep it out when you don’t. Enhance your home security by automatically opening and closing your blinds or curtains, even when you’re not home.

Locally owned and operated, Budget Blinds has several Vancouver Island locations to serve you, from the Cowichan Valley to Campbell River, and all places in between. Call your local store today to schedule a complimentary in home consultation. Trust the experts to measure and install it right the first time!

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

The team at Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island would like to wish their clients and the communities they serve a safe and healthy holiday season.

Over many years, Budget Blinds has built a strong reputation of providing Vancouver Island residents with great service, selection and pricing.

Budget Blinds is well known for their in-person complimentary consultations with their in-house designers. These designer consultations are available in-person, or if you prefer, arrange a virtual consultation.

And as always, Budget Blinds’ selection covers all price points and styles. From partnerships with famous brands like Hunter Douglas to their own in-house brands, you’ll find a style that meets your budget and style. From curtain to shutters, and from automation to unique window shapes, they’ve got you covered!

Contact Budget Blinds today:

Call Budget Blinds today at any one of their three Vancouver Island locations:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Take advantage of Budget Blinds' Buy More, Save More sale, all month long!

This November, you can save up to 45% with Budget Blinds' current offer. If you've been planning to replace your old home shades, now is the time.

Purchase 1-4 shades and receive 35% off your entire order. With 5-9 shades, the discount goes up to 40% and for 10 or more shades, you can save 45%! Some brand restrictions do apply, but the offer is available all month long, and with several brands to choose from, Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island is sure to have the right option for your home.

Control light and temperature throughout your home, add automation to make adjustments easy and select from the latest colours and styles to suit your decor.

While other brands are offering Black Friday deals for a few days only, Budget Blinds’ special is available all month long, so no need to wait!

Contact your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island today to take advantage of their free in-home consultation and their Buy More, Save More event.

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call: 250.924.0249

North Island - Courtenay

778.771.5013

In the past few years, you’ve likely added some smart home technology to your home, whether for security or comfort. App-controlled lights, doorbells and speakers are common smart tech in many homes. But have you considered automating your window coverings?

Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island carries smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all of which integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Nest, Sonos, and more.

With Lutron, you can monitor and control your smart window treatments, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons.

Lutron allows your home or business shades and blinds to be programmed to automatically open and close for peace of mind and energy savings. Using the Lutron app, you can automatically tilt your wood blinds to preset angles throughout the day to diffuse sunlight and maximize the light in your space. Programmable features allow you to use heating or cooling only when you need it for maximum energy efficiency.

And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are designed for modular expandability. 

And Bugget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

It’s officially cozy season on Vancouver Island, and as you settle into sweater weather, make sure your home is also ready for the changing seasons. Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island can help you ensure you’re set up to get you through the winter months comfortably.

Budget Blinds can help you create a warm and inviting living room, home office or bedroom with the right window coverings. You can regulate light and temperature with the right selection of window coverings. In addition to being beautiful, these additions to your home can also be practical. The right window coverings can keep the drafts out and keep you warm while you work, snuggle down overnight or spend time with family and guests. Home automation can automatically adjust the mood and lighting throughout your whole home!

Is it time for a refresh to keep the inside of your home bright and cheery, and keep the winter rain and cold at bay? Budget Blinds expert designers are ready to help, with a complimentary in-person consultation. They can suggest the latest brands, products and styles to suit your needs and budget. Call your locally owned and operated Budget Blinds today to get started on creating your cozy space for this winter.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
Call: 250.338.8564

Budget Blinds has always been renowned for their excellent selection of products to suit all tastes and styles. They are now working with two additional companies to expand the scope of their products even more.

Budget Blinds has recently introduced products from Inspired Drapes, from the United States. This company offers made-to-order blinds, ensuring the latest styles are always available. Their draperies coordinate with their roller blinds, providing a seamless look throughout your home. The draperies are dry cleanable and steam beautifully for easy touch-ups at home. Inspired Drapes are available as pleated, ring-ready or grommet/backtab styles.

Creative Threads is the other new brand now available at Budget Blinds. This family-run business features high-quality cotton/linen blend draperies. All of their designs are created in-house and the drapes feature special touches such as embroidered borders. Creative Threads curtains are available in 2 stock sizes: 50”x96” and 50”x108”. They also offer bedding and unique decorative pillow designs.

Contact your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island location and learn more about these and other great choices for your windows. Complimentary in-home consultations are available.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Budget Blinds locations in the Comox Valley, Nanaimo-Oceanside and the Cowichan Valley are all owned by the same local family and are all garnering great reviews from their customers. Some of their happy clients have shared the following Google reviews over just the past few months:

“Great service and price from Budget Blinds!  Sarah came to our house for a consultation within days of my calling to get a quote. She was friendly and knowledgeable and helped us select the blinds we needed for our home. Their price beat two other quotes we received from other companies. A few weeks later, after ordering, Bryan came to install the blinds. He was polite, friendly and super quick - he installed the blinds in 15 minutes! We love the blinds as they give us better privacy and help keep the heat down in the summer months!” - Kande

“The installers, Brian and Ian, were extremely professional and did an excellent job of installation. They were attentive to the smallest details and even removed a small blind I wasn't replacing. They removed all the old blinds and showed me how to charge the wands. The process, from the initial sale to the completion, was effortless.” - Linda

“We just had our exterior blinds installed by Pete and Andrew this morning. They were very efficient and professional and the blinds look get. Dealing with Budget Blinds has been a very smooth process and I appreciated Lisa assistance with the selection of products. A very good company. Thank you.” - Jurgen

“Before contacting budget blinds, I received quotes from a few other places and found it overwhelming. Budget blinds made it so easy for me which was a huge relief after just finishing our house build. Budget blinds came to my house with all their samples and helped me select the right style and color that suited us and our house best. It was so quick and easy. Bryan just came and installed our blinds, he was in and out of here so fast and they look great. We are so happy with the entire process and of course love our blinds!” - Carly

“Very happy I went with Budget Blinds Comox Valley. I did get other quotes and pricing was similiar (window treatment is expensive!). What made me go with Budget was that, not only did they show me product samples of what I asked for, but also options I didn't know existed. You can't ask for what you don't know about. Turns out I liked the 'other' better than what I thought I wanted. THIS is what I want in a vendor!  From initial consult to install was right on schedule. Everything went smoothly along with friendly appointment reminders. Special thanks to Pete and Andrew for a great job on the install-- friendly, professional, courteous, on time, cleaned up the mess on the way out, what else can you ask for. Would do business again.” - Teri

You’ll find many more great reviews on Google, and know that Budget Blinds will strive to make your experience 5 star!

Regardless of your needs for home or commercial window coverings, Budget Blinds can deliver on time and on budget. Contact your closest location today:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Are you looking to take the style up a notch in your home? Consider draperies from Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island’s Inspired Drapes Collection, which features fabrics from Europe, India and the United States.

Elevate the style of any room in your house! Whether you’re looking for a light and airy coastal vibe or something to offer added insulation and elegance to your home, Budget Blinds Inspired Drapes can offer customized solutions for your home.

Opt for ready-made draperies to easily change up the look of your home, or go for something custom with a huge variety of colours, textures and fabrics for any size window covering.

And for the full package Budget Blinds also offers a large selection of hardware to hang your new curtains, motorized options, liners for room-darkening options and even premium bedding options to pull the entire look together!

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Our Vancouver Island weather varies dramatically from season to season, and depending on the direction your rooms face, that variability can be even more impactful. Your home’s direction impacts how and when the sun hits each room and this can mean big changes in heat and light, depending on the season and direction each room faces.

South-facing windows

If your home faces South, it may have higher energy bills in the summer. Direct sunlight from the south causes heat to build up, forcing the AC to work harder. However, it may also be warmer in the winter for the same reason. 

Southern exposure makes a room cozy in the winter. The addition of shades to the window allows the option to raise the shades and enjoy the sun's warmth during those chilly winter months. However, it can also make summer too hot or bright without the right window treatments. That’s why it’s essential to work with a professional window treatment designer to determine which product will work best for a southern-facing window.

North-facing windows

Windows that face north receive natural light all day but don’t receive direct sunlight. Interior shutters are a great way to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from north-facing windows. Their louvers can let in as much or as little light as you like while the cordless design looks clean and uncluttered in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. 

Alternatively, sheer curtains add gentle textures and patterns to your interior decor without restricting sunlight. In daylight, pulling sheer drapes across the window allows the indirect sunlight to shine through and highlight the design. Adjust the blinds or shade behind the drapes to add privacy or control the light. 

East-facing windows

An east-facing window will catch the early sun, which can appear bright and glaring in the morning, and diffused and delicate later in the day. Dark colors will seem gloomy, but light colors and sheer materials bring out the softness of the sunlight.

Morning sunlight is welcome in a kitchen or living room, but it can be an annoyance in a bedroom. The best way to deal with morning light is to customize your window treatments to get exactly the amount of light you want.

West-facing windows

On summer afternoons, west-facing windows can cause heat to build up. To keep the room comfortable, make sure to keep them covered. Like with south-facing windows, you don't want to lose all the natural light you get from west-facing windows, but you also need to deal with glare and heat. Blinds are a great choice because you can change their angle as the sun moves, diffusing light without blocking it out.

Energy efficiency

Most energy-efficient window treatments use layers of fabric to improve insulation and control light in the room, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you like shades, drapes, blinds, or shutters, there are many energy-efficient window treatment choices.

To prevent UV rays from damaging your furniture and decor, consider solar shades or try UV-resistant window film if you prefer a clear view but don’t want to risk damage to your decor.

Motorization

Motorized window treatments will help you avoid continually moving the position of your blinds. With various sensors and timers available, they can be programmed to change on their own based on the sun’s position to give you the perfect lighting without lifting a finger.

Regardless of your home's direction, Budget Blinds can help you find window treatments that make sense for your home. 

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Often we think of custom design or custom options as luxury items for out homes, and many of us associate that luxury with a high cost.

But Budget Blinds can provide custom options for your home window coverings in a variety of price points. Working with Budget Blinds to select your custom designed come with many benefits over store bought options.

Custom window treatments from Budget Blinds wlll always be high quality, properly measured to fit and will offer a wider variety of design choices than any big box retailer can stock!

You can choose to utilize a complimentary in-home design consultation to amke sure you’re getting the look you want and professional guidance on the best type of window covering for your home and family needs.

Additionally you can call on Budget Blinds for professional install, to ensure that those perfectly measured window coverings are installed just right! Save your Sunday afternoon for family time, rather than extra chores!

Call your local Vancouver Island Budget Blinds today and get started on updating your window coverings from their wide range of custom designs.

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Design professionals and homeowners are seeing the following trends for 2023, accoridng to the design and building site Houzz. They include:

1. The Return of Colour
2. Playful Traditional Style
3. Layers of Texture
4. Connection to the Outdoors
5. Natural Materials

We Want Colour!

Bringing back more colour is one of the most common trends in the Houzz survey. After years of gray and white, it appears our extended time at home made us realize we miss colour! As we have become comfortable in our homes, we've gained confidence to surround ourslevs with our favorite colours, regardless of current trends whether on-trend or not! Go all in with colour, by adding saturated walls in a study or office, or just bring in a pop of colour with accessories like pillows, rugs, and artwork.

Colour can also be added through custom window coverings! Budget Blinds onV ancouver Island can match a paint colour for your blinds or shutters or create a bold custom fabric for drapery, pillows, and Roman shades. 

Traditional Becomes Playful

What exactly is Playful Traditional?

The phrase popped up in the recent Houzz survey and in design magazines. Homeowners, especially younger first-time homeowners, are embracing traditional styling with a twist. They are adding their personality to the style with new colours, vibrant wallpaper, and by mixing vintage and modern furniture in rooms with traditional architecture. 

Layering shades and draperies is the perfect complement to the playful traditional look. Classic drapes in a fun print or bold updated colour over a textured woven shade is the ideal combination of classic elements in an updated style. 

Natural Materials and Organic Style

Natural materials are trending everywhere - from stone countertops and white oak cabinetry to wood floors, handmade tiles, and stone fireplaces, a natural organic feel is on-trend for 2023 and beyond.

Connecting to the Outdoors 

Windows are getting more prominent, and large glass doors are often featured elements of home remodels or new builds. On Vancouver Island, our love of the outdoors, combined with the natural benefits of sunlight, has homeowners seeking a natrual connection and ways to bring the outdoors in.

While big panes of glass us the best views and abundant natural light, also create a window covering challenge. Seek advice from a trusted window covering designer at Budget Blinds. Budget Blinds has the perfect options to filter light and give you a layer of privacy when needed no matter what size your windows are.

2023 is About Personalization

Regardless of trends, homeowners will reflect their personalities and preferred colour choices in their homes.

Budget Blinds understands personalization; it is what they offer daily to homeowners across Vancouver Island. Visit their website to schedule a complimentary consultation with your local Budget Blinds design consultant and find the perfect window treatment to fit your home's personality.