Hello everyone and a very happy Monday to you all!
I sincerely hope that each of you had a truly wonderful and restorative weekend. My own intentions for the past two days largely revolved around tackling more of our holiday decorating checklist, envisioning a home transformed by festive cheer. However, as often happens, the best-laid plans can sometimes be derailed by an unexpected, yet utterly delightful, case of the “lazies.” The weather certainly played its part in this charming capitulation; with an entire weekend shrouded in overcast skies, persistent rain, and a distinct chill in the air, my partner and I found the perfect, irrefutable excuse to embrace ultimate comfort. Our sofa became our sanctuary, and we indulged in a glorious binge-watching marathon, punctuated only by my essential dash to Bath & Body Works to snag some of their coveted $8.50 3-wick candles. Because, let’s be honest, even when productivity takes a backseat, a cozy ambiance fueled by delightful scents is always a non-negotiable!
Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to bring you a long-awaited update on our home improvement journey. Among the seemingly endless list of tasks that still demand our attention here in our charming, albeit perpetually unfinished, bungalow, finding the right window coverings has consistently resided near the very top. It’s a detail that, while often overlooked, holds immense power to transform a space. To paint a clearer picture of our current “window situation,” imagine this: virtually every single window in our home has, until recently, been a canvas of inconsistency and disarray. We’ve navigated a spectrum from completely bare panes, offering zero privacy or light control, to windows adorned with sheets haphazardly tacked up as makeshift curtains – a temporary solution that, regrettably, became far too permanent. Some windows boasted old, brittle plastic blinds, mostly bent out of shape and stubbornly refusing to open or close properly, rendering them entirely useless. And then, there was the pièce de résistance: a set of truly hideous curtains featuring scenes of cows grazing serenely in fields. I assure you, I am not exaggerating for dramatic effect on that last one. Our window covering game, to put it mildly, was an absolute hot mess. A glaring visual symphony of “before” pictures just waiting for their “after.” Or at least, it *was*. I’m delighted to report that, thanks to some thoughtful intervention, things are now significantly better, moving us one step closer to a cohesive, comfortable home.
The universe, it seems, has a way of aligning when you least expect it. Just as our frustration with the window situation reached its peak, the wonderful team over at Blindster reached out with an incredible opportunity: to collaborate and try out some of their innovative window covering solutions. My immediate reaction was one of immense gratitude and, quite frankly, a huge sigh of relief. I was more than happy to oblige, knowing this could be the solution to one of our home’s most pressing aesthetic and functional dilemmas. While truth be told, every single room in our bungalow desperately needed a window treatment overhaul, we decided that the living room would be the ideal starting point. Strategically, it made the most sense: it’s the closest room to being “finished” in terms of overall design and furnishing, making any additions instantly impactful. More importantly, it’s the most visible room in our home, the very first space guests encounter, and the heart of our daily living and entertaining. Given its central role in our lifestyle, enhancing its comfort and appeal through proper window coverings felt like the most logical and impactful place to begin this exciting transformation.
One of the focal points of our living room is a truly magnificent, generously sized window. I absolutely adore the natural light it ushers into the space and the sense of openness it provides. However, our previous window treatment solution for this particular window had become a daily source of genuine frustration. We were using four fabric panels, a set I had picked up at IKEA what feels like eons ago. While they served their purpose for a time, the routine they imposed was anything but convenient. Every single morning, to let in the light, and every single evening, for privacy, we had to undertake a mini-chore: pull the sofa out from the wall, carefully open or close all four panels, and then painstakingly push the heavy sofa back into its rightful place. This wasn’t a once-in-a-while task; this was an everyday, twice-a-day ritual. Honestly, a hashtag-aintnobodygottimeforthat moment. The constant maneuvering was not only physically cumbersome but also felt like a considerable waste of precious time in our busy schedules. Enough was truly enough. It became abundantly clear that we needed a far more functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution that would streamline our daily routine and enhance the overall comfort of our living area, rather than detract from it with unnecessary effort.
Blindster’s impressive catalog offers an incredibly diverse range of window covering options, designed to suit virtually any style, need, or budget. Their selection spans from elegant faux wood blinds that mimic the warmth of natural timber without the maintenance, to sophisticated fabric shades, and eco-friendly bamboo blinds and shades. Given my desire to infuse a natural, organic element into our living space – a design principle I’m increasingly drawn to – I was immediately captivated by their collection of bamboo shades. After careful consideration and browsing, I ultimately opted for a product from their Premium Bamboo Shades Group A. Our living room walls are painted in a beautiful, deep shade, and to create a visually appealing contrast and prevent the space from feeling too heavy, I chose a lighter, more refreshing tone for the blinds: the ‘Santos Natural’ finish. This choice promised to introduce warmth while simultaneously brightening the overall aesthetic. However, a significant hurdle loomed: the installation. I was genuinely nervous about this phase, primarily because our old bungalow comes with its own unique set of “old house problems.” Specifically, the windows are set quite shallowly within the frames. Window depth specifications are critical, as they dictate whether you can achieve an inside mount – where the blind sits within the window frame – or if an outside mount, covering the frame, is necessary. While I genuinely appreciate the look of both mounting styles, I was particularly hopeful for an inside mount in the living room windows, as it offers a cleaner, more integrated appearance. The requirement for an inside mount is a minimum window depth of 1 inch. To my immense relief, we precisely, barely, made the cut. We measured exactly 1 inch of depth, meaning we could proceed with our preferred inside mount. This small detail, though seemingly minor, was a huge win in achieving the desired sleek and custom look for our new window treatments.
Choosing a custom-made product like these bamboo shades proved to be the absolute perfect solution, particularly for our living room’s exceptionally large window. The sheer size of this window, combined with the inherent quirks of an older home – where floors are rarely level, walls are seldom perfectly plumb, and even window frames can have varying dimensions – made finding off-the-shelf blinds an impossible task. We had tried in the past, only to be met with frustration and ill-fitting results. The ability to customize our blinds to their exact specifications was a game-changer. Each window panel in our bungalow, as is often the case with vintage architecture, had a slightly different width. Blindster’s online measuring guide, which brilliantly includes a helpful video for us visual learners, was an invaluable resource. I meticulously measured each individual window panel, following their clear instructions to ensure absolute accuracy. And here’s where Blindster truly goes above and beyond: their incredible Fit or Free policy. This policy offers unparalleled peace of mind, guaranteeing that if, by chance, you don’t measure correctly and your blinds don’t fit upon arrival, they will remake them for you entirely free of charge! This commitment to customer satisfaction truly alleviates the common anxieties associated with custom ordering. I was able to completely customize every aspect, from the precise length and width of each shade to the specific side I wanted the pull cords placed, and even the type of lining. For this particular space, I opted for a privacy lining, which offers excellent light filtering while ensuring complete seclusion from the outside world. To my absolute delight, the custom-crafted shades arrived at our doorstep within a mere week of ordering, and the installation process was ridiculously easy – far simpler than I had anticipated. We’ve now had them in place for approximately a month, and I can honestly say I absolutely love them; they have profoundly transformed the room.
The impact these new bamboo shades have had on our living room is nothing short of remarkable. They introduce the perfect natural element, grounding the space with organic texture and a soothing aesthetic that beautifully complements our existing decor. Beyond their inherent beauty, they make an enormous difference in giving the windows a truly finished, polished look. No longer do we contend with bare panes or makeshift coverings; instead, our windows now exude a sense of purpose and style. The visual transformation is instant and profound, elevating the entire ambiance of the room. We were so impressed with the results in the main window that we decided to extend the same sophisticated treatment to our French door, which also leads into the living space. For the French door, due to its specific configuration and functionality, we opted for an outside mount, allowing for full coverage and ease of operation. Currently, with the holiday season upon us, these beautiful blinds are artfully outfitted with festive greenery, adding to the seasonal charm of our home. However, even without the whimsical addition of the holiday adornments, they stand out as one of my absolute favorite new elements in the room. They effortlessly blend functionality with enduring style, offering both privacy and light control while enhancing the overall design narrative of our living space. The investment in these custom shades has truly paid dividends in terms of both aesthetics and daily convenience, proving to be a cornerstone of our home’s ongoing evolution.
It cannot be overstated: the right window coverings possess an extraordinary power to profoundly transform a room. They are not merely decorative accents; they are foundational elements that influence light, privacy, insulation, and the overall mood and perception of a space. Despite their undeniable impact, the reality is that high-quality window treatments can often be incredibly, prohibitively expensive. This is precisely why so many homeowners, myself unequivocally included, tend to defer them to the very last stages of a renovation or decorating project, often stretching budgets to their limits or settling for less-than-ideal solutions. This is where Blindster truly shines as an exceptional resource. They democratize access to custom coverings, offering an affordable option without compromising on quality, style, or the precise fit that transforms a house into a home. Moreover, for those currently contemplating their own window transformations, now is an especially opportune moment. Blindster is currently offering some truly amazing holiday sales and savings, accessible through both their user-friendly website and their active Facebook page. This makes it the perfect time to seriously consider outfitting those bare or unsightly windows in your own homes, friends, taking advantage of these limited-time offers to achieve the custom look you’ve always desired. Another noteworthy and commendable aspect of this company is their commitment to local industry: Blindster is proudly owned and operated right here in America, supporting domestic manufacturing and jobs. Choosing Blindster means investing in quality, affordability, and supporting a business with strong local roots.
Now, I’ve shared my confession about our once-sad windows, and the incredible journey to transformation. Tell me, are you also “guilty” of having ugly or neglected windows in your home, perhaps resorting to creative but ultimately temporary solutions? Please, tell me I’m not the only one who has lived with less-than-ideal window coverings for far too long! Share your stories and struggles; there’s comfort in shared experiences. Until next time, my dear friends, may your homes be filled with beauty and comfort!
Xo-Shavonda
*Please note: this is not a sponsored post in the traditional sense, but I was graciously provided with blinds by Blindster for the purpose of review. Rest assured, all opinions expressed within this article are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience and unbiased perspective on their products and service. My commitment is always to provide honest and authentic feedback to my readers.