Window Covering Advice from The Blind Man

50 new Google Reviews. A Lot of Happy Customers. One Big Thank You.

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 02:07:19 GMT

For over 30 years, we've helped Colorado Springs homeowners find the right window coverings. Your feedback means more than you know.

We've always believed that good work speaks for itself. But hearing it directly from our customers makes it that much more meaningful.

Recently, we celebrated reaching 50 Google reviews, and we couldn't be more grateful.

It's the Little Things That Matter

From helping someone find the perfect shades to making sure every installation is done right, we take pride in the details.

Reading your reviews reminds us why those details matter.

Your kind words about our service, attention to detail, and workmanship mean a lot to our family business.

Helping More Homeowners Find Us

Every review also helps other Colorado Springs homeowners feel more confident when choosing someone to work on their home.

With a little help from our friends at Patchwork, we've made it easier for customers to share their experiences.

They even shared a special spotlight about our review milestone on their blog.

Thank You for Supporting Local

Whether you've been a customer for years or recently welcomed us into your home, thank you for trusting The Blind Man.

We look forward to helping more Colorado Springs homeowners for many years to come.

Are Motorized Shades Worth It? What Homeowners Should Know

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:09:24 GMT

Are Motorized Shades Worth It?

More than just a convenience, motorized shades can make everyday light control easier, cleaner, and smarter.

Motorized shades can seem like one of those home upgrades that sounds nice but isn’t really necessary.

Then you live with them.

Instead of walking around the house opening and closing shades every morning and evening, you can control them with a remote, wall switch, phone, or even a preset schedule.

But are motorized shades actually worth the added cost? For some homes, absolutely. For others, a traditional shade may make more sense.

Here’s what to consider before deciding.

How Do Motorized Shades Work?

Motorized shades use a small motor built into the shade to raise, lower, or adjust the window covering automatically.

Depending on the system you choose, they can be controlled with:

A handheld remote
A wall switch
A smartphone or tablet
A smart home system
Automatic schedules

Some systems use rechargeable batteries, while others can be hardwired into your home.

That means motorization can work for an existing home or be planned into a new build or remodel.

They’re Great for Hard-to-Reach Windows

This is one of the biggest reasons we recommend motorized shades.

If you have tall windows, windows above a bathtub, large stairway windows, or coverings behind furniture, adjusting them manually can be a hassle.

Motorization lets you control those windows without stretching, climbing, or rearranging the room just to reach a shade.

For certain windows, motorization goes from being a luxury to being a genuinely practical solution.

You Can Control Multiple Shades at Once

Have a wall of windows?

Instead of adjusting five or six shades individually, motorization can allow you to operate them together.

With the press of a button, you can lower the shades when afternoon sunlight starts pouring in or raise them all in the morning.

This is particularly useful for large living rooms, sliding doors, home theaters, and rooms with several windows facing the same direction.

Schedules Can Help Manage Colorado Sunlight

Colorado Springs gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year, and the position of that sunlight changes throughout the day.

With compatible motorized shades, you can create schedules that adjust your coverings automatically.

For example, your shades could open in the morning to let sunlight in, close during the brightest part of the afternoon, then close again in the evening for privacy.

You don't have to remember to do anything.

They Can Help With Heat and Energy Efficiency

Motorization itself doesn't make a shade more energy efficient. What it does is make it easier to actually use your shades when they can help.

A great insulating shade won't do much if it stays open all afternoon while direct sunlight heats the room.

Automating your shades can help manage sunlight and heat throughout the day, especially on south-facing and west-facing windows.

Pair motorization with cellular shades, solar shades, or other energy-efficient window coverings and you can get both convenience and better control over your home's comfort.

No Cords Means a Cleaner Look

Motorized shades also remove the need for dangling cords and chains.

That gives your windows a cleaner, more finished appearance and can be especially useful in modern homes with large windows and simple designs.

Cordless operation can also be a good consideration for homes with young children or pets.

Are Motorized Shades Expensive?

Motorized shades generally cost more than manually operated shades because you're adding the motor, controls, and potentially smart home features.

That doesn't mean every window in your house needs to be motorized.

In fact, we often think a mixed approach makes more sense.

You might use traditional shades on smaller, easily accessible windows and choose motorization for:

Large windows
High windows
Groups of windows
Frequently adjusted shades
Bedrooms
Media rooms
Hard-to-reach areas

That lets you spend the extra money where you'll actually notice the difference.

What About Batteries and Charging?

This is one of the first questions homeowners ask.

Many modern motorized shades use rechargeable batteries that can operate for extended periods between charges, depending on the shade, motor, size, and how frequently it is used.

Hardwired options are also available and can be especially appealing during a new build or major remodel.

There isn't one power option that's best for every home. The right choice depends on your windows, access to electrical wiring, and how you want to use the shades.

So, Are Motorized Shades Worth It?

If you're covering one small window that's easy to reach, probably not.

But if you have large windows, difficult-to-reach shades, several coverings you'd like to operate together, or you simply want your home to be easier to manage, motorization can be a worthwhile upgrade.

The best approach is to decide where motorization would actually make your life easier rather than adding it everywhere just because you can.

See Motorized Shades in Your Own Home

It can be difficult to understand the difference between motors, fabrics, controls, and power options just by looking at pictures online.

We can bring samples to your home, look at your windows, and help you figure out where motorized shades make sense and where they don't.

Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation in Colorado Springs and see which window covering options are right for your home.

How to Block Sunlight in Your Golf Simulator, Home Theater, or Game Room

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:08:45 GMT

If You're Going to Build the Perfect Setup, Don’t Let Light Ruin It

You’ve got the gear. The projector, the screen, the software. Maybe even a full golf simulator or theater system. But if you still have bare windows or light coming through the shades, you're not getting the experience you paid for.

Light control makes all the difference in any room built for screens, sports, or entertainment. Whether you're swinging a club in your golf sim, watching a movie in your home theater, or gaming with friends, the right window coverings are what take it from good to fully immersive.

Here’s how we help homeowners create a clean, dark, and functional space that actually works.

Why Total Light Control Matters for Simulators and Screens

You’ve probably already noticed it.

Glare washing out the screen

Shadows where you don’t want them

Light bleeding in and ruining contrast

Distractions from reflections on windows

Projectors need darkness to perform their best. Even a little daylight can ruin brightness, clarity, and overall picture quality.

�� The Best Shades for Golf Simulators and Media Rooms

Not every window covering is built to handle this kind of job. Here’s what we usually recommend:

✅ Blackout Roller Shades

These are clean, modern, and minimal. When closed, they block nearly all light.

They can be paired with side channels to help block light around the edges too.

✅ Motorized or Smart Shades

Remote-controlled or app-connected shades make it easy to block out light instantly.

You can even set them on timers, so they lower just before your simulator or movie time.

Other Rooms That Benefit from Blackout Shades

This setup works great in more than just simulator spaces. Homeowners are also using blackout solutions in:

Home theaters

Game rooms with large screens

Video editing or creative studios

Meditation or yoga rooms where light control matters

Any space with screens, projections, or specific lighting needs will benefit from full blackout coverage.

Custom Fit Matters

Getting the right result depends on more than just the shade itself.

We take time to measure each window correctly and recommend the best mounting method, so everything fits clean and works the way it should. No light gaps. No headaches.

Cheap, store-bought blackout shades often leave gaps or hang awkwardly. We make sure that doesn't happen.

Let’s Build the Room Right

If you’ve already invested in a simulator or home theater setup, don’t let a simple lighting issue ruin it.

We’ll help you pick the right product, handle the install, and make sure the result actually works the way it should.

Why Fall and Winter Are the Best Times to Install New Window Coverings

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:12:59 GMT

Keep your home cozy, energy-efficient, and guest-ready with the right window coverings this season.

A Warmer, Cozier Home Starts at the Window

As temperatures drop and the sun disappears earlier each day, your windows start to play a bigger role in how your home feels and how much you spend on energy.

If you’ve been putting off upgrading your blinds or shades, this is actually the perfect time to take care of it. Whether you're trying to keep the cold out, get your home ready for guests, or just want things to feel cozier before the holidays hit full swing, late fall and early winter are ideal for updating your window coverings.

Here’s why.

1. Window Coverings Can Help Cut the Chill and Lower Your Heating Bills

Most homeowners don’t realize how much warm air escapes through windows in the winter. Without the right shades or drapes, even brand-new windows can still let in drafts and let out heat.

The right coverings act like insulation - helping trap warmth inside and keep the cold air where it belongs: outside.

Some of the best cold-weather options include:

Cellular (honeycomb) shades : Trap air in pockets and reduce heat loss

Motorized shades : Can be programmed to open during sun hours and close in the evenings to trap heat

2. Your Home Will Look More Finished for the Holidays

Got company coming over? Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday gathering in December, your windows are one of the first things people notice.

Fresh window coverings:

Instantly make your rooms feel more polished and cozy

Add privacy as the days get darker and interior lights make your home more visible from outside

Let you control light better for entertaining and relaxing evenings

Even a simple update can make a room feel newly styled — without needing to repaint or buy new furniture.

3. Avoid the Spring and Summer Rush

Many homeowners wait until spring to think about home updates — but by then, installers are booked out, materials may be backordered, and heat issues are already hitting hard.

By ordering in November or early December:

You get quicker turnaround times

There’s less competition for scheduling

You’ll enjoy the benefits all winter long (not after the fact)

4. Winter Sun Is Still Bright in Colorado Springs

Just because it's cold doesn’t mean the sun isn’t a problem.

That low-angle winter sun can cause glare, heat certain rooms unevenly, and even fade furniture over time.

Window coverings aren’t just for privacy or decoration — they help you manage sunlight year-round.

Ready to Warm Up Your Home This Season?

We’ll help you choose coverings that:

Keep your home warmer

Lower your energy bills

Look great for holiday hosting

And install cleanly, quickly, and professionally

and we’ll bring samples, real advice, and help you get your home winter-ready.

Why Exterior Shades Are the Secret Weapon for Hot, Sunny Homes in Colorado Springs

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:57:54 GMT

Exterior shades stop the heat at the source — so your A/C doesn’t have to.

You love your home — but not when the sun turns it into an oven.

If you’ve got rooms that overheat, furniture that’s fading, or patios you can’t use in the afternoon, exterior shades might be exactly what you need (and most people don’t even know they exist).

�� What Are Exterior Shades?

Unlike regular blinds or curtains that go inside your windows, exterior shades are mounted outside — often on patios, porches, or the exterior of west-facing windows. That means they block the sun before it hits your glass, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable.

They look sleek, they work quietly in the background, and most can roll up and disappear when you don’t need them.

�� Why They’re So Useful in Colorado Springs

We get intense sun at this elevation. That’s great for plants, not so great for your furniture, floors, or energy bills.

Exterior shades are especially helpful for:

-West-facing windows that trap afternoon heat

-Patios or decks that are too hot to use after 2 PM

-Kitchens or living rooms with large, sun-exposed glass

-Privacy from neighbors without losing light

�� Save on Cooling Costs

Because exterior shades stop heat before it gets inside, your A/C works less — and you’ll feel the difference fast.

Plus, they protect your interior from UV damage, meaning your flooring, upholstery, and artwork last longer.

�� Exterior Shades vs. Interior Shades — What’s the Difference?

Both help with light and privacy, but exterior shades go one step further:

Interior shades block the sun once it's already inside. Exterior shades stop it before it enters.

It’s like the difference between wearing sunglasses vs. putting up an umbrella.

��️ Manual or Motorized — You Choose

You can go simple with pull-down exterior shades, or go fully motorized with a remote, wall switch, or smart home system . We’ll show you the options that make sense for your space and budget.

�� Installed Right Here in Colorado Springs

We’ve installed exterior shades on everything from custom patios in Black Forest to kitchen windows in Old Colorado City. We know how to mount them cleanly, how to angle them for your sun pattern, and how to make sure they last.

�� Want to See If They’d Work for You?

We’ll come out, take a look, and give you an honest opinion — no pressure, no big sales pitch.

Sometimes exterior shades are perfect. Sometimes there’s a better fit. You’ll know either way.

�� [Contact us today] to set up a free consultation.

5 Common Window Covering Mistakes Homeowners Make — And How to Avoid Them

7016601630 — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 01:04:16 GMT

5 Common Window Covering Mistakes Homeowners Make — And How to Avoid Them

Whether you're moving into a new home or finally upgrading those tired old blinds, choosing the right window coverings can completely transform a space — or totally ruin it. As a local window treatment business here in Colorado Springs, we’ve seen it all — the good, the bad, and the confusing.

Here are five of the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing blinds, shades, or shutters — and how to avoid them so your home looks great and functions even better.

Mistake #1: Choosing Style Over Function

Sure, that white sheer roller shade looks great on Pinterest — until you're trying to sleep in on a Sunday and the sun floods your bedroom. Or worse, your neighbors can see into your living room at night.

What to do instead:
Start with the purpose of the room. Need total darkness? Go with blackout shades. Want both privacy and natural light? Consider top-down bottom-up cellular shades or layered treatments that give you flexibility.

Mistake #2: Buying the Wrong Size

We see this all the time: homeowners go with a standard size from a big box store, only to realize later that there are gaps on the sides, the blinds don't sit right, or worse — the hardware damages their window trim.

What to do instead:
Get custom-fit window coverings. Even a “standard” window can have slight measurement quirks, especially in older homes around Colorado Springs. A professional measurement ensures a clean fit and a polished finish.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Energy Efficiency

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a home — and that matters in both our freezing winters and sunny summers.

What to do instead:
Look into cellular shades that help insulate your windows. You’ll save on energy bills and keep your rooms more comfortable year-round.

Mistake #4: Skipping Cordless Options

Traditional corded blinds may still be common, but they’re not always the safest — especially if you have kids or pets. Plus, cords can look messy or get tangled over time.

What to do instead:
Choose cordless blinds or motorized shades . They're safer, sleeker, and often easier to operate — especially for hard-to-reach windows.

Mistake #5: Trying to Do It All Yourself

DIY can be great for some projects — but window coverings? Not always. Incorrect measurements, poor mounting, and bad material choices often lead to frustration and wasted money.

What to do instead:
Work with a local expert (like us!). We come to your home, bring real samples, help you find what actually fits your space and budget, and handle the installation from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Window coverings aren’t just decoration — they’re part of how your home functions. The right choices will give you better light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and even home value.

If you're in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area and want help picking the right blinds, shutters, or shades for your home, we’d love to help . We’ll make it simple, personal, and stress-free — just like it should be.

�� Ready to upgrade your windows? Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation.