SPRING; Adjective 

 of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or suitable for the season of spring:

rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth.

1. Bright lively colors in your living room are a perfect way to welcome spring into your home. Pinks pair well with neutral walls, throw in accent colors like silvers or golds to give more of a POP!

2. Getting your bedroom ready for spring is a whole other story. You have to find the perfect sheets and comforters. Replacing a your heavy  comforter used for the winter with a light weight coverlet is a great way to get ready for warmer months.

3. Changing or adding new window coverings to your home can help eliminate too much heat, while making your space new and refreshing. Sheer Shades are a great way to block out harmful UV rays but still maintain a bright gorgeous look to any room.

4. Adding lots of Foliage to your home is a great way to welcome in spring. Using simple plants with gorgeous vases can really freshen things up and give a big statement. Its an easy and low-maintenance way to add more decor to your home.

5. COLOR! Adding lots of bright colors is an easy way to update for spring. affordable vases or trinkets can be place on coffee or side tables. Books and magazines can even be a fun accessory.

6. Scent is what hits you first when you walk into a house. Fresh linen or Citrus scent is the way to go. It can give your home a rejuvenating feeling.

NO MATTER HOW LONG THE WINTER, SPRING IS SURE TO FOLLOW…

Hippy.. Hoppity… Easters on its way!

This very fun holiday is a time for friends and family to be together. Good food, kids playing, lively colors, and lots of laughs. Decorating your home to fit the holiday is essential. Here are some tips and trick to make it look perfect.

Glitter easter eggs are a great alternative to dyed easter eggs. They are simple and easy to make all you will need is the large and small egg shaped styrofoam, glitter, craft glue and a wood skewer

Egg shaped banners are a great way to more decoration to walls or a table during this holiday. A pretty cool way to make it more colorful is taking paint swatches from your local hardware store and cutting them into egg shapes. Once that is complete you can punch holes into each piece and feed a string through them.

Easter Wreaths can add a welcoming feeling when walking to your home. Having one for every holiday is a must! Incorporating the spring flowers can be used long after this holiday is over. If you want something geared more towards easter having one that has easter eggs in it, or small little yellow chicks can also work.

Easter eggs in a jar displayed is also a creative way to get into spirit. If you buy jars that are of different sizes (glass , add some filler and throw in the colored or glitter eggs BAM! you have a great centerpiece for a dining room table.

Hanging eggs from a tree out in your front or backyard is a cool way to add decoration to your yard. It can be quite simple. Plastic eggs with yarn or string fed through a hole tied into a loop. Easy Peasy.

Jars filled with your favorite candy or treats is a perfect idea when having children over for easter. Its a double whammy, everyone is able to enjoy the yumminess and it’ll look very nice. Setting up a candy bar or a table of snacks can display it all perfectly.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter with friends and family!

LEAP DAY: good or bad luck??

29 Fun & Interesting facts about leaping into February 29th

February 29th, it happens once every 4 years. It is known as leap day. This specific day was added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, due to the earth needing an extra 24 hours to orbit around the sun. There are so many fun facts about this very rare day, keep reading to find out more!

• The ancient Egyptians were the first to figure out that the solar year didn’t always match up, They were actually the first people to start leap day.
• There are 4 million people who have been born on February 29th, they are called “Leaplings” or “Leapers” 
• The chance of having a leap year birthday is 1-in-1,461
• Leap day babies are considered to have unusual talents and personalities.
• Babies are eligible to join the Honor society of leap year babies, a club for those born on Feb 29th. There are currently over 10,000 members of the club.
• In Greece it is unlucky to get married during a leap year
• Julias Cesar officially changed the calendar to include leap day.
• February 29th is not only leap day, but rare disease day. 
• Rare disease day was made to raise awareness about many diseases that affect a small percentage of the population and improve access to more treatment. Only 1-in-15,000 people can contract these certain diseases. Hence why it shares a day with leap day.
• The tradition of women “popping” the question on leap day is thought to date back to the 5th century Ireland. St. Bridget told St. Patrick that women had to wait too long for men to pop the question, so he then gave women one day in a leap year to pop the question,- the last day of the shortest month. 
• The frog is the symbol associated with leap day.
• All years divisible by 4 will be a leap year. 
• In some Countries February 29th is known as Bachelors Day.
• The Hindu and Hebrew Calendars add a full leap month. 
• On February 29th, 1962 the first warrants were issued in the Salem Witch Craft Trails in Massachusetts.
• The U.S. Presidential Elections and Summer Olympics happen during leap years. 
• The Titanic Disaster happened during a leap year. April 14, 1912 – April 15, 1912
• The battle of Little Bighorn happened in a leap year. June 25, 1876 – June 26, 1876
• Benjamin Franklin proved that lighting was electricity in 1876. Also a leap year 
• In the 1780’s there were leap year parties where only on this one night girls were allowed to ask boys for a dance. 
• The first play boy club was opened also on a leap year. Feb. 29, 1960
• In 1940 Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American woman to win an academy award.
• Rapper Ja Rule was born February 29, 1976. 
• The City of Anthony which borders Texas and New Mexico in the United States is the self-proclaimed leap year capital of the world.
• Every leap year this specific city hold a four day festival to celebrate all of the children and people born on February 29th.
• Women in Scottland the proposer had to wear a red petticoat to warn her lover that she planned to pop the question.
• In Ireland it is recommended that women propose to men on a leap day since it is considered good luck. 
• It is believed crops will not grow well if planted on a leap year. 
• Pizza Hut gives away a free personal pan pizza if you were born on a leap day. Head on in and show them your ID. 

I hope reading this article is as fun to read as it was to write. These awesome facts all about this day are truly exciting. The world we live in is such a crazy place. 

You spend a ton of time in it, its your sanctuary… why not decorate your BEDROOM beautifully?

Here are some fun things to spice up your living space and give your room that perfect personal touch, you’ll really never want to leave it.
                                       

1. A shrine of things you LOVE

Having things in your room that you hold close to your heart can add that
much more happiness to your room. Dust off that box of little trinkets you’ve acquired over the years and place them on a shelf that is in clear view when you wake up. They will really serve their purpose when you can start your day remembering the memories associated with them.

2. The PERFECT curtains

Spicing up a dull room is sometimes difficult if you don’t know where to start. Why not start with something that serves two purposes: Blocking out some sunlight, while adding the perfect amount of pizazz. There are so many options when it comes to window coverings. Roman Shades, Artisan Draperies, and Roller Shades are a perfect pair to colorful walls.

4. Artwork and Paintings

Instead of having photos of family in your bedroom add some color with beautiful
paintings or photos of things that inspire you. There is nothing wrong with having family photos in every other room in your home but keeping black and white photos can give your mind a  sense of ease to not have to think about anything or anyone specify before closing your eyes.

4. pillows, pillows, MORE Pillows!

What is the best thing you have on your bed besides your mattress? PILLOWS! They are like little clouds that your able to rest your head on after a long day. So why not have tons and only limit yourself to one? We are talking about throw pillows. They are a great way to spruce up your bed and they can be changed and swapped with holidays or even if you want a slight change to your bedroom. Go CRAZY and get tons of colors and prints that can really add that much more excitement.

5. a RUG

If you don’t already have carpet in your room one of the worst things is waking up in
the morning and placing your feet down on cold tile or hardwood floors. Rugs are an easy, less expensive way to add that warmth and color to your bedroom. There are so many places you can purchase rugs from whether its shag rugs or something much more simple. Smaller rugs next to the sides of your bed accompanied by one large on in front can also be an awesome alternative.

No matter what you choose to do, your bedroom is YOURS, let your creative
mind roam and in the process have FUN.

You walk into a store and right in front of you, you are attracted to the lovely Wood Blinds on display. Looking at the product next to it, you realize they somehow look the same but they bear a different name, Faux Wood Blinds. You get curious and you would like to know why they are different yet they look similar. Here is a little bit of clarification which will help you in choosing blinds which fit best in your home.

Bass Wood Blinds 

Bass Wood Blinds are actually created from wood that has an exceptional look offering a natural, organic and warm feel to décor. Bass Wood Blinds are a natural product and therefore susceptible to moisture and direct sunlight. This tells you that if you are choosing them for an area in your home that is very sunny or moist, it isn’t a good idea as they may warp, crack and fade in the long run.

If you want to match your blinds with wood furniture or flooring, Bass Wood might make a better option. It is easier to match the shades of natural flooring and furniture with Bass Wood Blinds than it is with Faux Wood Blinds.

Bass Wood Blinds are kiln dried and when the moisture is removed they are made lighter, making it easy for you to pull them up for light and ventilation. Not only are they lightweight, but also are available in many varied size options, making them a better option when covering large windows.

You have to be keen when selecting the cleaning product to clean your Bass Wood Blinds. Blinds Etc.‘s 100% Bass Wood Blinds will last a lifetime when cared for properly! Choose the cleaning component that does not risk staining the fine grain of real wood, otherwise you may be disappointed when you damage your blinds in the name of cleaning

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux Wood Blinds are artificial or imitation wood blinds. They look like the “real/natural thing”, but in the reality, they are made of PCV/vinyl or composite wood material. Both Bass Wood and Faux Blinds are made with slats, but the slats of Faux have a wood core that is coated with a composite or are wholly made of a PCV/vinyl material. 

Contrary to Bass Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds are the best option for very sunny or moist areas. They are more resistant to moisture and sun and therefore you can comfortably have them in your bathrooms and basements.

Something else that can guide you in choosing the best blinds for your house is what you want the blinds to match with. If you have a white or neutral color in your house, go for Faux Wood Blinds as the natural grain look is not present here and nobody will tell the difference.

Faux Wood Blinds are heavy as they are not kiln dried as wood blinds. If you are the person who likes to pull your blinds to open your window, they may be a bit challenging as they are heavy especially when it is an oversize window.

It is easier to clean Faux Wood Blinds with any cleaning product type as you have nothing to worry as far as damaging any fine grain of Bass Wood Blinds.

When you have a tough decision to make,  you can make a list of pros and cons. Choosing between Faux Wood and Bass Wood Blinds, it comes down to your homes climate and decor. These window treatments are indistinguishable to the eye and built to last! Any choice will surely be a wise one!

Having sleek and spotless window treatments in your home is something we all want but don’t know where to start. Luckily, there is no need to fret because finding the solution to cleaning even the most sensitive of Blinds and Shades is easier than you think! Some of the most delicate window treatments, like Woven Wood Blinds or Aluminum/Faux Wood Blinds, should not intimidate you into you calling in the cleaning Calvary. Here are tips on how to start keeping up with your window treatments!

Cleaning Woven Wood Shades  

Woven Wood Shades are a beautiful way to dress up a window and provide a natural appeal to the home. They are, however, not best friends with water. So next time you are vacuuming your floor, don’t forget the brush attachment! Vacuuming your Woven Wood Shades with a soft bristled brush will keep the composition of the weave in-tact and most importantly lift the dust!

Cleaning Aluminum and Faux Wood Blinds

Depending on how deeply you plan on cleaning, there are various ways to cleaning Aluminum and Faux Wood Blinds. The first one being with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Wiping each slat with the cloth will eliminate the built up dust and wash away any possible stains. If you have our routless Faux Wood Blinds, you have the option of removing each slat to wipe individually and soaking the cords in a bucket of warm water and mild detergent. This method surely promises the deepest clean possible!

Keeping up with window treatments takes a small detour from your usual housework but boy does it make a difference! With minimal effort and built-to-perfect treatments from Blinds Etc. , your windows will satisfy you for years to come!

If you have lived in California at one time, you probably know how tough the winter season can be. This winter season especially will be noticeably cold because of the El Nino rains.

During these cold months, most people stay indoors and turn up their heating. Around this time of year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, your energy bills will increase up to 45% more than usual.

Here are some of the top energy efficient ways to keep your California home warm in winter while saving money!

1. Insulate your home.

An energy efficient and affordable way to warm up your home in the coming winter is to insulate it. A well insulated home can use as much as 40% less energy for heating and cooling. Usually, most of the heat escapes through the ceiling, the walls and floors. Effective insulation will ensure your home remains warm throughout these cold and dark months.

2. Install Roller Shades over windows!

Thick roller shades will provide insulation for your house against heat loss in the winter. The heavier the blinds, the better the insulation they will provide. Classic Fabric Blackout Shades add the perfect layer to your windows for extra protection against a chilly glass.

3. Cover bare floors.

Non-insulated floors account for as much as 10% heat loss on average. Ensure you cover your floors with carpets especially if you live in one of California’s old Victorian houses with draughty wooden flooring.

4. Seal up gaps and fill the cracks!

All cracks and gaps in a home would be equivalent to having a 1 by 1.5 metre window open all day and night. The cracks and gaps can account for approximately 20% of heat loss in a home. As the winter approaches, ensure you seal all the cracks and gaps in your house using weather stripping, gap fillers and simple door snakes.

5. Let the sunlight in during the day.

This one of the easiest way to keep your home warm in winter as it does not cost anything. Routless Faux Wood Blinds  are the superior way to control light within the home during the day and let the sunlight warm your house. Remember to close your Artisan Drapes when the sun goes down so as to retain heat.

During this coming winter, your Inland Empire home can be an enjoyable haven that will keep you and your bank account cozy throughout the entire winter. 

With the year coming to a close, websites scramble to list off everything that happened in the year 2015. Popular lists include the biggest scandals, the best albums, and the most important trends. Why do we always tend to look back, when we have bigger stories and different trends waiting for us around the corner!
When the new year approaches, people find excitement in making new resolutions. You can poke fun at the “resolutioners,” all you want, arguing with the fact that a new year does not make a new person. Although true, we all use January 1st as a start date for a new year. This should be a day where we can start new and why not start within our home? New colors, less clutter, and more organization will help us focus our energy inward. Your resolution might take you to the gym, or across the sea, but you will always look forward to coming home to renew yourself and your family. To start the year right, here is a list that looks forward to the trendiest colors of 2016, chosen by some of the leading voices in home decor.

Benjamin Moore chooses Simply White as Color of the Year 2016. This color’s lack of color, makes it a fresh and easy color to work with! Especially when you are trying to find out what color baubles and trinkets would look best on the shelves, white is the go-to color. If you are looking for color but still want to maintain the clean feeling, these Roman Shades really bring the room together and give it an earthy touch! Blinds Etc. are the people to call to achieve this look.

PPG names Paradise Found as their Color of the Year 2016. Paradise Found really adds tranquility to a room. When I think of yoga studios, meditation rooms or anything else that promotes an ease of mind, Paradise Found is the first color that pops into my head. Luckily, this color is versatile and looks stunning with dark or white wood!

Dulux hails Cherish Gold as Color of the Year 2016, and it is absolutely timeless. Cherished Gold is a warm addition to your living space that is sure to make your morning coffee a bright experience to spark up your day.

Sherwin-Williams makes creamy Alabaster their Color of the Year 2016! Although this color is only shades from white, it makes all the difference when you are looking to add little pops of color from Powder Blue to Paradise Found. Alabaster with white shutters from Blinds Ect. sings welcome home!

With one year coming to an end, you have to be sure that you start the new one off with a positive attitude. The best start is in the home, a place where you ring in the beginning of a new day and celebrate the end of one. To welcome the new year with a beautiful home, call Blinds Etc. today!

From October 1st through November 30th, Graber is offering FREE CORDLESS LIFT system on selected products. Here at Blinds Etc. we are always excited to pass along any savings to our customers.

Graber is one of our top selling lines, with beautiful cell shades and wonderful woven woods we are sure you will find a Graber product that will not only match your homes decor but also be a functional window treatment. Graber also has a brand new line of draperies and soft window treatments including over 500 fabric choices for roman shades, swags, valances, cornice box and more.

Be sure to stop by and visit our factory showroom, and take a look for yourself at all Graber has to offer.  You can also shop from the comfort of your home and we’ll bring the samples to you!

At Blinds Etc. we are always striving to stay up to date with the latest in all things window coverings. Draperies, including Roman shades, Fabric valances and accent panels have really increased in popularity for the last few years. We are excited to announce that we will now be offering the Graber Artisan Drapery  line. This line has over 500 fabrics to chose from with multiple lining options including blackout. They are lovely in addition to your existing window treatment or perfect on their own.