What are INTU Blinds, and how do they differ from others?

INTU offer a great solution to those looking for a minimal and easy to fit blind. Compared to normal blinds, where you would need to drill a fitting into the wall above, INTU Blinds are fitted onto the window frame directly with tension brackets that fit behind the rubber seal of the window. This not only helps for convenience and space-saving, but it also means if you wanted to change up your look, or move – they can easily be removed with no messy drill holes left behind. 

As well as this, these blinds are perfect for those with children (or pets) as there are no free-hanging cords!  Their clever design means you can lift and lower the blind using the bottom bar, and if you go for the INTU Venetian Blinds, you can tilt them via a sliding tab on the headrail.  

Will they fit my windows? Can I add them to doors?

From our base in Bolton, we can create your INTU blinds custom to your home. From tricky sized windows to trifold doors, these made to measure blinds are sure to fit your home perfectly. Not only this, but we also stock a wide range of styles, finishes and colours – so you can guarantee we have something to suit your tastes!

How much privacy do they offer?

Because they are made to measure, they offer a lot of privacy and next to no gaps. This not only helps keep your home a private space but also helps to stop light pouring through the room when closed – especially if you go for our blackout blind options.

Contact us for a quote today

If you’re in Bolton, Wigan or Chorley and are looking to add INTU blinds to your home, get in touch with our friendly team via email, phone or contact form today. We offer a free home design and installation service to ensure satisfaction as well as a 3-year guarantee!

The post How to Make the Most of Your Space with INTU Blinds appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

We are going to explore some of the ways you can jazz up your kitchen with the use of blinds and decoration.

Roller Blinds Are A Great Option 

If you are wanting to add a pop of colour into your kitchen, roller blinds are a great choice, not only are they affordable, they also come in a huge range of colours and designs so you can be sure that you will find one that takes your fancy. Firstly, you need to decide on what colour you would like to go for and whether you’d like a block colour or pattern. 

Wooden blinds 

If you want something a little bit different to roller blinds, maybe you’d like a little more privacy in the daytime without blocking out all the light, wooden blinds would be a great option. The great thing with wooden blinds is that they can stay down all the time and then open and close whenever you would like more/ less privacy or light. They can also offer a different look to roller blinds so if you have more wooden features in your kitchen, wooden blinds would fit perfectly. 

Shutters 

Now, shutters are a little more expensive however they do bring a cosy feel to a room. They are also a great option to keep your privacy whilst also keeping your kitchen light with the option to open fully if you don’t need the added privacy. They come in a variety of colours however many people opt for a classic white as it goes with everything and also helps to keep the room bright.

Next step…

Once you have decided on the blinds you would like, you could then look to add some features around the kitchen that match your blind choice to help it all to tie together. A good option could be to add some decoration to your window sill, maybe choose a few pieces that tie in with the look you are going for, or even a few family photographs to make it feel a little more cosy.

Helpful? We hope so!

If you are looking to add a bit of something to your kitchen and you are looking into new blinds, take a look around at our variety of blinds in Bolton and surrounding areas and fill out our simple contact form for a free quote! 

The post Great ways to dress up your kitchen windows appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

To give you some ideas, here is a list of top tips to follow when choosing blinds for your home.

Determine your needs.

First of all, you need to think about what you would like from your blinds and the job you would like them to do within the room. For example, how much light would you like in the room alongside how much privacy you need. Another point to consider with blinds, is the room they are going in and how accessible they are to children you may have in the house. This could help you to decide whether to have blinds with a cord hanging from them or not, due to the safety element. There are lots of options to choose from when looking for blinds in Wigan and surrounding areas, here are some suggestions:

Living room – depending on the amount of privacy you need within your living room, to allow light in the morning whilst giving the option to have privacy if needed, wooden blinds could be a good option as they don’t block out all light but provide privacy at the same time.

Bedroom – Again when deciding on bedroom blinds it depends on privacy and the amount of light you’d like in the room, more often than not you would rather have light in the day and complete black out in the evening. This is why roller black out blinds could be a good option. 

Consider your window shape and size

When choosing the perfect blinds, it’s important to consider the size of the window you will be putting the blinds in. You need to make sure you measure your windows accurately to make sure that the blinds fit seamlessly in your home. For smaller windows it could be a good idea to choose roman blinds as they look neat and tidy in smaller spaces. It’s also a good idea to consider which way the windows are facing as this could affect the heating and cooling of the room.

Consider the material

Linking to the previous point about heating and cooling of the rooms due to the way the window is facing, it’s also important to think about the material of the blinds. Some materials conduct heat more than others so can lead to a room heating up when the light is on them. For example fabric blinds are great for adding a pop of colour to your room, but it could be a good idea to choose a lighter colour if you don’t want the heat within the room or vice versa with a darker colour.

What is your budget

The most important thing to think about when purchasing any home furnishings, is your budget. Blinds can be an expensive addition to your home, depending on the style you would like to choose and the space they need to fill. Once you know your budget you can then look at the blinds that are available to you instead of having your heart set on blinds that you can’t afford.

Overall, these are the most important points to consider when looking for blinds for your home. Once you have thought about all of these points, you will have all the knowledge to find the perfect blinds that suit your home, budget and lifestyle.

The post 4 tips for choosing the right blinds for your home appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

It can be a difficult decision to make choosing blinds for your bathroom over any other room in your home due to the humidity and moisture in the room that must be taken into consideration. It is also important to consider how close your windows are to your bath or shower and whether they will be getting physically wet or not. Don’t forget, bathrooms can also get very warm, so thinking about the lifespan of your blinds in the heat is also an important factor when choosing the correct blinds. We have a range of designs and styles of blinds in Wigan to suit whatever requirements you desire.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are a classic choice for any rooms in your home, but they are most popular in bathrooms due to their variety of styles and fabrics. Besides this they are affordable and easy to install so are a great choice. For your bathroom you are likely to want moisture resistant blinds to ensure that when there is humidity and steam in the air, your blinds won’t ruin.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds often come in 3 different materials, Aluminium, wood or faux wood. Due to the issue of water damage in a bathroom, wood probably isn’t a great idea, however aluminium is a great option due to the fact it is light and flexible and won’t be affected by moisture in the room. This is a great option for your bathroom as it is also easy to clean and available in different colours so you can choose the design to best suit your bathroom.

Perfect fit blinds

Perfect fit blinds are unique in the fact that they fit perfectly to the size of your windows, so they are perfect if your windows happen to be awkward shapes and sizes. They fit into the window pain so no need for brackets, they can also be made in aluminium making them a great water resistant ioption that is easy to clean and durable.

Shutters 

If you are looking for something a little more sophisticated and you have a bigger budget, shutters are a great option. Made from a faux wood PVC, they are able to withstand moisture however if your windows are within direct access of your bath or shower water, there is a chance they may not last as long due to potential water damage. 

No matter what style your bathroom is, whether you would like a warm cosy feel, a bright and bold bathroom or a sleek modern vibe, there will be a style of blinds that will fit your bathroom and budget, take into consideration the positioning of your windows in the room as well as how much humidity that your bathroom is likely to get and if you have any further questions, get in touch with our team by calling 01204 232112 or filling out our simple contact form.

The post Best Styles of Blinds For Your Bathroom appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

Ask any local about what there is to get up to at Easter, and they’re sure to mention an egg hunt. Whether it’s at Bolton Abbey or over at Smithills Open Farm, tracking down eggs is an Easter tradition for Boltonians this time of year.

But, what about Bolton’s more well-kept secrets?

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained, a nice day out for you and your partner or simply a way to get out and enjoy the spring air, we’ve created a list of Bolton’s best ‘Easter Eggs’ to help you make the most of the Easter weekend.

1. Smithills Hall

Take a step back in time by visiting Smithills Hall. Located just a stone’s throw from Smithills Open Farm, the hall is one of the oldest and best-preserved manor houses in the North West.

With a rich history, Smithills Hall is a grade 1 listed building that boasts medieval, Tudor and Victorian architecture, including a chapel that dates back to 792 AD. You can take a free guided tour to experience the full grandeur of the property, exploring the immaculately maintained drawing rooms, breathtaking stained-glass windows and spacious grounds.

Highlight: The tearoom

Smithills Hall even has its own tearoom for you to relax in. An extension of the ever-popular Poppins Tea Rooms in Horwich, here you can sit back and whet your appetite with a light lunch or a range of afternoon tea options.

2. Ye Olde Man & Scythe

The term ‘proper pub’ comes to mind when talking about Ye Olde Man & Scythe. Reportedly Britain’s fourth oldest pub, Ye Olde Man & Scythe dates back to at least 1251 and has quite the history. Not only was the pub the site of the execution of the Earl of Derby in 1651, but is said to be haunted by the very same Earl. If that wasn’t enough, the ghost was apparently stolen for an art exhibition!

Supernatural tales aside, Ye Olde Man & Scythe is a charming pub located on Churchgate that retains traditional features like its wooden beams, stone floors and leaded windows.

Highlight: Local music

Visit at the weekend and you’re likely to be greeted by local musicians, so you can experience the full pub atmosphere as you cosy up in a corner and enjoy an evening ale.

3. Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

Can you think of a better way to spend Easter Sunday than by getting out and seeing the natural beauty of Bolton’s countryside?

The Turton and Entwistle trail is just off Blackburn Road in Edgworth and is a fantastic route that will treat you to picturesque scenes of the reservoir along with the surrounding treeline. The walk is roughly 3 miles long and there’s a car park located at the beginning of the trail, so you can simply park up and take in the sights.

Highlight: Family friendly

Turton and Entwistle reservoir is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, so the whole family can come along to explore the countryside. Plus, it’s a great excuse to treat the dogs!

4. Moses Gate Country Park

If the thought of exploring the great outdoors has you reaching for your walking boots, you can make a day of it at Moses Gate Country Park.

An industrial wasteland turned wildlife haven, the Country Park is Bolton’s largest nature reserve at 750 acres and is home to all manner of foul and fish. Plus, with picnic areas, playgrounds and a visitors centre, there’s plenty to keep the everyone entertained.

Highlight: Local wildlife

Whether it’s muted swans, herons or even colourful kingfishers, Moses Gate Country Park is a fantastic window into the wildlife that still calls Bolton home.

5. Ellerbeck Narrowboats

The Ellerbeck Narrowboats is definitely one of Bolton’s best-kept secrets and is a brilliant way to spend a chilled out Easter Sunday. The boats are located in Chorley near Heath Charnock and follow the scenic Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Perfect for when you have the whole family over for Easter Weekend, Ellerbeck Narrowboats offer self-steer boat hire for up to 10 people. Plus, they even have dog-sized life jackets, so there’s no problem if your furry friends want to join in.

Highlight: Everything you need in one place

The boats come fully equipped with a hob and grill, utensils and even a toilet, so there’s no need for pit stops. That being said, the canal passes a number of cafes and pubs if you do fancy a break from the helm for a coffee or a pint!

So, now there’s no excuse for spending your Easter on the sofa, eating chocolate eggs and watching Doctor Who reruns. Take the kids, the family, the dog and anyone else you can think of and get out there to see what Bolton has to offer!

The post The top 5 ‘Easter Eggs’ in Bolton appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

This will be the tenth time the race has taken place in Bolton since the race moved from Sherborne in 2009. Since then, Boltonians have gained a reputation for their extraordinary enthusiasm and support for the athletes that other races around the world struggle to match.

If you’re planning on watching this year’s UK Ironman, you should choose a spot that gives you a combined view of all the different things on offer, from seeing the athletes in action to the plentiful live entertainment.

We’ve picked out 6 of our favourite spots in and around Bolton to make sure you get the most from the action.

Pennington Flash

• Directions: Sign posted from the A580 East Lancs Road. Follow the signs for Pennington Flash from the A580 East Lancs and turn onto the A579 Atherleigh Way. Take a left onto the A572 St Helens Road. You’ll see the entrance across from Leigh Fire Station. For sat nav users, the postcode is WN7 3PA.
• Parking: Pennington Flash car park, £1.20 for 2 hours.
• Best to see: Swimming
• Best time to be there: 5.30am till 8.30am

If you’re enough of an early bird, you should get down to Pennington Flash to watch the Ironman race kick off.  In the icy waters of the lake, the athletes will take on the first part of their epic Ironman journey: a vicious 2.4-mile swim. It’s a savage start that sets the tone for the rest of the race for all the athletes involved and a real spectacle to watch.

A children’s play area and plenty of picnic benches make it an ideal location for families. Why not bring along some breakfast to share and make a real morning of it?

Sheephouse Lane

• Directions: Take the A58 North from junction 5 of the M61. Join Chorley Old Road, following it until it becomes Lee Lane. Turn into Hope St. Turn left onto Fearnhead Ave, then turn right onto Rivington Lane.
• Parking: Rivington Hall Barn, free.
• Best to see: Cycling
• Best time to be there: 8am to 11pm

UPDATE: Due to the recent fires on Winter Hill, Sheephouse Lane will no longer be included on this year’s course.

Sheephouse lane has become a notorious spot for pushing cyclists to their limits. It’s a gruelling 1km climb against an elevation of 183 metres: that’s an agonising 22% gradient on average. The athletes will need the full support of spectators here, perhaps more so than anywhere else on the course.

Thankfully, supporters come out in droves to cheerlead those brave souls battling the hill. Expect a Tour de France atmosphere coupled with the vibes of a music festival; spectators come in fancy dress and cheer on triathletes as they toil against the punishing ascent.

There’s evena group of Mexican wrestlers that congregate at the top of the hill each year, brandishing motivational slogans like “Don’t stop when you’re tired —- stop when you’re done” and “Don’t watch the clock: do what it does and keep going!”

Hilldale

• Directions:  From Pennington Flash, you join the M6 at junction 23 and travel north to junction 27. From there take the A5209 Hall Lane to the B5246 Lancaster Lane to the Chorley Rd in Hilldale.
• Parking: The Farmer’s Arms, paid (normally £2 per car).
• Best to see: Cycling
• Best time to be there: 8.30am till 12pm

Since the Iron Man came to Bolton ten years ago, the sleepy village of Hilldale has become an annual festival of fun, attracting thousands of excited spectators each year. It’s handily located on the loop section of the cycling route, which means there are two opportunities to see the athletes: once at the 40-mile mark and another at around the 90th. This makes Hilldale a great all-day spot for supporters to get a good glimpse of the riders, with pubs and cafes to keep them occupied in the interim.

Adlington

• Directions: Follow the A579 Atherleigh Way through Atherton and then joining the M61 at J5. Travel up the M61 and join the A6 from junction 6. Head north on the A6 to get to Adlington high street.
• Parking: Street parking available along Bolton road
• Best to see: Cycling
• Best time to be there: 9.30am to 1pm.

If you’re lucky enough to bag a spot in Adlington, you’ll be able to see your athlete a full three times before their transition to the run.

If it’s sunny, make sure you arrive early enough to reserve a bench in one of Adlington’s many beer gardens so you can watch the cyclists fly by while you and the family tuck into some proper northern pub grub and sip on a midday pint.

If you want to get to the running course later on, stay on the southern side of the track: it’ll make it much easier to navigate the road closures.

Queen’s Park

• Directions: Entering Bolton from Hunger Hill, continue straight along the A58 onto the A676 until you reach the intersection at Bolton College, then go left onto College Way. Once you’re over the bridge, turn right onto Spa Road and Queen’s Park is on your left.
• Parking: Topp Way on Duke Street (BL1  2DJ), Deane Road on Wellington Street (BL3 5DX) and the Octagon car park on Great Moor Street (BL1 1TN) are all free on race day.
• Best to see: Running
• Best time to be there: 12pm to 6pm

This year, the second transition has moved from the Macron Stadium in Horwich to Bolton town centre, so athletes and their supporters only need to plan their movements around two key locations: Pennington Flash and the centre of Bolton.

If you want to catch transition 2 (the transition between cycling and running), head down to Queens Park, only a ten-minute walk from the town centre. Grab a spot here and you can watch all the athletes finish their cycling stint and switch over to the final run.

Le Mans Crescent

• Directions: Walk into town from Queen’s Park along Spa Road and take a right where Deansgate ends to walk towards Victoria Square where the town hall is. Le Mans Crescent is behind Bolton town hall.
• Parking: Topp Way on Duke Street (BL1  2DJ), Deane Road on Wellington Street (BL3 5DX) and the Octagon car park on Great Moor Street (BL1 1TN) are all free on race day.
• Best to see: Running, race end
• Best time to be there: 4pm to Midnight

This is it: the finish line. This is the place to be for those who want to capture the mix of pride and disbelief on the faces of those few athletes that complete the full 140 miles demanded of them. It’s an incredible achievement, and those that get a spot at Le Mans Crescent can be there to witness it.

The best part is that there’s a huge after party there as well.  Whether you’re cheering on your friend or family member, or simply don’t want to miss out on the celebrations, Le Mans Crescent is the place to be.

The post The 6 best places in Bolton to see the 2018 Ironman triathlon appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

According to a report from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, domestic homes were found to be the second largest consumer of energy in the UK, with 27% usage (transport was first). While this may come as a slight shock, it actually shows how much of an impact homes can have on our planet. In the spirit of Big Energy Saving Week between October 26th and 30th, Budget Blinds are here to give you their top tips on how you can do your bit for the planet, by making your home more energy efficient.

See the light

One of the quickest and easiest changes you can make in your home is to look above your head and make a few simple swaps. More inefficient bulbs such as incandescent lights can waste as much as 90% of the energy they use, so the majority of what they consume isn’t being used to brighten your surroundings. This means that more energy is used in order to just power the bulb to do its job. LEDs are a far more energy-efficient option; they don’t give off extra heat, can last up to 10 times longer than their more wasteful counterparts and, according to Which?, use up to 90% less energy.

Insulate from within

When they hear the word insulation, most people think of pink fibreglass under the floorboards of an attic or inside the walls of your home, but believe it or not, the way your home is furnished on the inside can actually have an effect on energy efficiency.

Sinking into the squashy embrace of an old armchair is a truly unbeatable feeling. Inside the very material of these comfortable creations are dozens of air bubbles or gaps, and while these allow the chair to mould to your relaxing body, they are also an ideal form of insulation. Because of this clever design, soft furnishings scattered around your home such as sofas and chairs, will retain heat and allow less energy to escape and be wasted.

What about your windows?

Windows are perfect for letting in light, and while it may be tempting to leave the curtains open for as long as possible during the winter months, you could actually be losing a tremendous amount of energy this way. According to the Energy Saving Trust, as much as 20% of heat can be lost through windows and doors. The more that is wasted, the more we compensate by cranking up the thermostat and the more fossil fuels are burned. But there is a simple and easy solution. Research from the Glasgow Caledonian University for English Heritage has discovered that by installing roller blinds to single-glazed windows, heat loss can be reduced by as much as 40%. And with so many designs to choose from, whoever said you couldn’t save the planet in style?

Have you thought about re-decorating?

For added efficiency and a new splash of colour outside your home, you can buy masonry paint that will insulate your walls from the outside. But did you know that interior paint can also make a huge difference? From a psychological standpoint, the colour of your rooms can affect how warm or cold you perceive the temperature to be. If a particular room in the house has a tendency to get a little nippy, warmer tones such as red, orange and yellow are perfect as they create a sense of cosiness. On the other hand, lighter hues such as pale pink, beige, white and cream retain less heat and can be used to create a cooler atmosphere.

Last but not least, what’s under your feet?

There are two sides to every story, and carpet in terms of energy efficiency is certainly one of them. Although carpets feel comfy between your toes, they can get worn quite easily and therefore have a limited lifespan. Many carpets aren’t recyclable either. And while tiled or hardwood floors will last longer, they aren’t particularly efficient as a great deal of heat can be lost through the floor. So why not have the best of both worlds? For an inexpensive solution to warming your home from the inside, why not add a rug to your living room or bedroom? They are also perfect for adding style and a splash of colour.

Research from The Carpet Institute has found that 10 – 20% of heat can be lost through uninsulated floors, and they also say “the thicker the carpet, the greater the thermal insulation provided.” Our extra top tips for adding rugs: make sure you look for carpets that are at least 1 cm thick, and don’t forget to add an underlay for an extra layer of comfort and insulation.

The change of seasons may be upon us, and with it cold weather arriving, but that doesn’t mean that energy efficiency has to be forgotten. Although it is natural for us to use more energy in the winter, whether that’s through lights being on longer or higher thermostats, this guide highlights five ways we can all make simple changes, and do our bit to help the planet.

The post Big Energy Saving Week 2015: Make Your Home More Energy Efficient appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

If you’re surprised by these statistics then it’s probably because of a wider lack of awareness about the condition, as many people still believe that it is ‘just a headache’. Yet sufferers will confirm that there’s much more to a migraine than a headache, it’s a serious health condition that can be disabling and disruptive to daily life.

They can last from four to 72 hours and the attack progresses in increasingly painful and disorientating symptoms, such as vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, numbness, slurring of speech and visual problems. Once the pain has subsided, a migraine can leave the sufferer feeling groggy and drained, which is often referred to as a ‘migraine hangover’ and affects the sufferer’s mood and appetite for days afterwards.

Migraines are one of the most common illnesses to affect the nervous system. From the 6th to the 12th September, the UK will mark Migraine Awareness Week, and you can follow everything that’s happening via the #NotJustAHeadache hashtag on social media. The week is dedicated to raising awareness of the condition and helping those who are suffering to fight the stigma. By improving our understanding of migraines as a serious illness, we can change people’s attitudes in the workplace, education and in general life.

We have spoken to some migraine sufferers, who have helped us to produce this useful guide. We understand that it is a complex condition that may not be caused be a single trigger, or any triggers at all, but we hope that this guide will provide some useful advice that may help sufferers in the future. If your migraines are severe, you may want to consult your doctor for information about preventative medication and pain relief, but you can also try these tips to coincide with medication. Don’t be afraid to speak to someone. According to Migraine Awareness, 60% of people never raise the problem with their GP because they believe that nothing can be done to prevent them, which is just not true.

Lifestyle changes

The way we live can have a huge impact on our physical and psychological health, and certain behaviours have been linked to causing migraines. Adopt healthier lifestyle habits as a preventative measure.

Watch what you eat and drink

Sometimes migraines can be attributed to a poor diet. Irregular eating patterns, consuming foods that are high in sugar and fat, or drinking too much caffeine and alcohol are all dietary factors that could contribute to causing a migraine.

Endeavour to eat a balanced diet filled with fresh food, vegetables and fruit. Make sure you are drinking plenty of natural water to keep your body hydrated and stick to the same regular meal patterns as best you can.

Reduce technology use

Nearly everything we do involves looking at some sort of technology these days. We understand that it is difficult to avoid looking at screens while you are at work, but there are ways to limit your exposure. For example, you could avert your gaze for two minutes for every hour that you look at a screen, then go outside during your lunch break and avoid screens altogether.

Once you are home from work, reduce the time you spend looking at your phone, TV, or other device and give yourself at least one hour of technology-free time before you go to sleep. If you wear glasses, have regular eye tests to make sure that you are wearing the right prescription and wear them to prevent unnecessary eye strain.

Create a relaxing environment

If a migraine strikes you while you’re at home, then chances are you’ll retire to your bedroom. While it’s rare that you can stop a migraine in its tracks, it is a good idea to make this room as tranquil and unstimulating as possible.

Remove all technology and swap your phone for a traditional alarm clock. Use calming neutral colours to decorate, and keep patterns and bright colours to a minimum. As migraine sufferers can be sensitive to bright light, install a blackout blind that will block out any external light. With less light seeping in, you may find that a blackout blind also improves your quality of sleep and having a regular sleep pattern is important if you suffer from migraines. Take a look at some of the blinds you can use to create a distraction-free bedroom.

Understanding triggers

Migraines can be caused by a variety of different triggers, which may change throughout your lifetime. While you probably won’t pinpoint a particular trigger for your condition, you may find that a number of things increase your risk of having a migraine.

Some migraine sufferers report a particular stream of events that leads to a migraine, for example they may crave chocolate, which then gives them a migraine, but the craving of chocolate may be triggered by something else, such as feeling stressed, which could ultimately be responsible.

In addition to food and drink, behaviours and moods have been associated with causing migraines. Record a diary for a month to see whether any particular emotions, behaviours or food/drink affect migraines. For example, partaking in intense exercise, or getting up really early, may just be enough to trigger an attack. Or it could be brought on by stressful situations.

The post Stop the stigma: Migraine Awareness Week appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

Making the perfect environment for them to play, learn and grow isn’t an unachievable dream. Whilst you can’t bundle them up in bubble wrap, there are a few things you can do to make the constant struggle a little easier.

Teach them

You’re probably used to telling them to blow their food and watch the road, but don’t forget to teach them about safety in the home too. They say children learn by doing, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until they have a bump to show them their wrongs. Warn them and make sure they understand the risks. When you’re telling them not to climb the furniture or play underneath the table, explain to them the reason why they shouldn’t. Don’t just tell them they can’t without offering an explanation.

Monitor lighting

Bedtime of course is a constant battle for parents, but you can make it easier by monitoring the light. Especially in the summer months, they know it’s not time for bed while the sun is still up so create the illusion of night with blackout blinds.

As you may have read in our previous blog post, about 1 in 5 of the respondents to our recent survey said one of the first things they’d do to improve their sleep would be to install blackout blinds. Your children will soon fall asleep without the distraction of the daytime sky drifting by and you can ease them into a natural routine, ensuring they get all the rest they need.

Are blackout blinds safe for children? Yes, when you use a cord safety fixing, which we offer free to all customers. Parents are still advised to move cribs and beds away from them to prevent accidents and discourage them from climbing the windowsill. We’re passionate about fitting quality blinds that pose no threat to little ones, and you can read more about this on our child safety page.

Soften all the edges

We’ve all felt that unbearable cringe as our child runs past a table corner or the hard edge of our furnishings, narrowly missing an accident. There’s no quick route to childproofing your home, but there are plenty of things you can do to minimise risk, such as introducing safety guards and subtle cushioning.

You don’t have to completely remove all signs of danger from your home, if you did there would be nothing left! However, these simple tips can help to reduce the risk of any potential tragedies.

The post Creating a safe and secure bedroom for your children appeared first on Budget Blinds Ltd.

According to the Sleep Council’s ‘Toxic Sleep’ survey, nearly half of the UK population only sleep for six hours or less a night, while four out of five people regularly complain about disturbed sleep. This highlights the scale of the problem.

Healthy living isn’t just about getting your heart racing with exercise, you’ll also need a good night’s rest to aid recovery and refresh yourself for a new day. Whilst we can scoff at some of the old tricks that promise us a fast track to falling asleep, often the issue is much simpler than we ever thought.

As sleep is such a big element of our lives, we’re often guilty of overthinking things when we try to work out why we’re still wide awake at 3am. We surveyed 750 people to find what they’d recommend for a good night’s sleep and the results were certainly varied. Almost two-thirds noted that changing the environment around you could help you sleep, recommending remedies such as aromatherapy, a new mattress, soundproofing and blackout blinds.

The very cause of your lack of sleep could be attributed to the way your bedroom is set out, so here are a few changes you can make to ensure you consistently get a good night’s sleep.

Managing light

Of course, the British weather doesn’t always greet us with glorious sunshine every morning, but even the light that is shrouded by clouds can wake us up and affect our sleep. Have you ever beaten your alarm clock in the morning? This could be due to the light peeking through the top and bottom of your curtains.

Traditional curtains offer little help if you’re a sensitive sleeper. No matter the thickness of the material you’ve used, light always seems to escape the seams of your curtains.

Around one in five of our survey respondents said the first thing they’d do to improve their sleep would be to install blackout blinds. Completely plunging your room into darkness, you can be assured that no rays of light will sneak into your room. Our range of blackout blinds will even ensure that the headlights of drivers passing by don’t interrupt your sleep.

But it’s not just natural light that could be causing you an issue. The amount of blue light we’re faced with during the day can suppress the amount of melatonin that our body produces, meaning that looking at your computer screen before bed could prohibit an important part of your natural sleep process.

The smallest hint of unnatural light could cause visual stimulation that distracts the mind from falling asleep. It has been suggested that even small stand-by and charger lights could catch our eye and keep us awake as we try to sleep.

Cutting out the sound

Around 8% of our survey respondents recommended sound proofing as a method to help you sleep, however it’s been suggested that gentle background noise from the natural world could actually help you drift off. Many people find the tapping of rain water or the sound of blustering wind comforting when drifting off, so perhaps you don’t need to completely soundproof your room.

As we mentioned before, our range of blackout blinds are a great choice for helping you sleep and they don’t just block light, they can in fact assist in blocking out unnatural sounds from the outside world. Softening the sounds caused by traffic, noisy neighbours and storms that threaten to wake us, investing in a bedroom revamp could drastically improve your sleep pattern.

A good night’s sleep is completely necessary to perform at your best and making these subtle changes to your room could instantly restore your body’s natural rhythm.

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