A Bespoke Blog

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-12-23T01:54:00.000-08:00

Along with everybody else, Neil, myself and the team would like to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It's been wonderful how much you have all supported our business during 2011, and backs up our strong belief that people want to invest in their homes and workplaces and buy quality products; safe in the knowledge that they can speak to real people about their ideas and visions.

2012 is going to continue for us in much the same vein- supporting our existing customers, welcoming new customers, building relationships with suppliers to ensure that our offer to you is the best it can be in terms of window coverings. All backed up with a sense of good humour and great service (not my words, a customer's this week)

So we end our message as we start- have a lovely Christmas, a fabulous New Year, enjoy your break however short or long, and see you on 2012.

Maxine, Neil, Danielle and Emma

Napoleon was right... Thank Goodness!

2011-12-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

"England is anation of shopkeepers". Napoleon lifted this from a longer quote of AdamSmith (Wealth of Nations, 1776)

I'vebeen thinking about this quote today, as Mary Portas delivers her 28-pointreview of the High Street.

Read the bullet points here

I don't think she's delivered the one-stop solution (in fairness, neither does she; recommendation no. 28 is to run a series of pilot tests to test her other 27 recommendations)

Whatshe has done, for the whole of her career, and it's something that is desperately needed, is highlight theimportant role a High Street plays in a community.

Peopletell me that shopping today is "clicks" first, then"flicks" and finally "bricks", and yet.....here's therub..... study after study says that people research online, with a view tobuying offline.

"Peoplebuy from people", "people shop with their senses"- quote uponquote backs up what e-tailers don't always want you to know; people like to goto a shop and buy from a real person, with all accompanying excellent servicebefore, during and after the sale. *

Iam not banging the drum for a High Street only; I buy online, shop insupermarkets and spend money with large corporate retailers. I ALSO shop withour local butcher, garden centre and wine merchant. There is room foreveryone on the High Street; but when I walk down a street and seebank/bank/phone shop/bank/ phone shop/ charity shop/ estate agent, what do I do? If I don'twant a phone, house or second hand goods, I cannot shop on my High Street!

TheFederation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been telling successive Governmentsthis same story for years, but wheels turn slowly. The current Governmenttalks about their vision of a "Big Society" where everyonepulls together; this is a High Street; and the Government should recognise thiswith more than platitudes. We are the people who are supposed to take up theunemployment slack.... how can we when planning laws favour out-of-town retailparks with huge warehouse buildings and impossibly high rents? Again, Ms Paddresses this to some degree in points 14 and 15.

So,good on Mary Portas for highlighting the value of a High Street; fingerscrossed that Governments acknowledges the importance of the High Street in their long-termplans; thank you to every customer who recognises the importance of localindependent business on their high street and supports them by shopping there;and watch out banks/ phoneshops/ supermarkets/ etailers etc... localindependent businesses are fighting back, and we are a force to be reckonedwith.

*PS if you don't receive excellent service before, during and after a sale, don't give a business your money... however small or large they are!

HO HO HO.....w close is Christmas?!

2011-12-02T02:36:00.001-08:00

It's already begun. We closed out installation books just over a week ago, as we have run out of time. We push this to the wire, and spend September and October warning our customers in as many ways as possible about the impending cut-off dates, phoning all quotes and reminding them, and the moment we do it, we get people saying.... "why didn't you tell us?" *le sigh*

I don't blame them, large corporations are pushing Christmas from August, and you almost become deaf to the discussions; but bespoke products have lead times, and.... no matter how much we try to squash work in, Christmas ALWAYS falls on the 25th December.

All is not lost though.... there are two ways you can get around missing the installation cut-off date.

1. Measure & Fit Yourself
There are still some of our products available for pre-Christmas delivery. We can point these out to you, and give you as much guidance as possible regarding how to measure. our website has tips and hints, and you can always ask us :-)

2. Don't Sweat It- Wait Until 2012.
Some of our suppliers have already announced their January sales (see our offers page for more details)
Why not kick-start your New Years Resolution about "being more organised this year" and book your appointment for us to visit your home in January and get ahead of the game? Plus, dependant on your preferred product, you take advantage of anything up to 20% discount, so you're saving money. Win-win.

Whatever you decide to do, we'll aim to make it as easy as possible for you. Whether you want it now, or next year, we can help; so you can have both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jack of No Trades, or Master of One?

2011-10-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday, and I'm updating the blog; after updating the website; as any small business owner will no doubt tell you, there's no rest for the wicked. Luckily, not being at our places of work means that I can do this in sloppy clothes, whilst half-watching Grand Designs on Sky Plus ( or something.... I'm not known for my technologicial talent)

I've just read an article about a very successful supermarket who is downsizing on the "GM" ranges (general merchandise). Apparently, after recording a rare drop in profits, and speculating that the second half will be "broadly flat", the man in charge has defected, and they are laying off approx 5% of that department's workforce.
Read it here

Over the four years plus that we have been trading as a showroom business, we have been asked many times (no exaggeration) to add products only vaguely linked to out business, to our business. Sometimes it's been tempting, especially when sales have been a little "flat"; but it always came down to the same two things- if we could not offer a service that was better than anyone else, we didn't want to offer it; and, if we didn't know anything about a business, why would we offer it to our customers?

As the economy rattles along, and the media paints a doom and gloom scenario, people want to make sure that their money is well-spent; that happens in one of two ways:

1. Good Value through quality and longevity: you buy something that will last, and will do exactly what you expected it to do, year on year, without you having to think about it
2. Good Value through price: you buy something that meets your requirement short-term, knowing that you will probably have to replace it in a few months/ years.

We definitely fall in to the first category; as much as we surprise people with how little they have to spend to cover their windows, there are definitely companies out there who offer cheaper products.

All we would say is, if you want good quality products, longevity, reliability, face-to-face service, aftersales, comprehensive installation service- come and see us.

If none of this matters, you can still come and see us, and use our expertise to make your decision (we know you internet shopping addicts do this) without spending any money; and good luck to you :-) We don't resent your cheekiness :-)

Meanwhile, I shall continue to watch Grand Designs, wher no-one does anything "on the cheap" and everyone is always in awe at the end of the programme at what quality has gone in to the build; it's what we have done with our business and our customers love it.

You Need a 16'4" for that......

2011-10-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

The title of this is a reference from a previous job years ago, on the Soft Furnishing department of a local, well-known department store. I'll not bore you with the details, suffice to say that nearly 15 years on, there are a group of friends who fall around helpless with laughter when one of us says it.

We announced that we were going to adopt the metric system in 1965.... in 2011 we are still not completely there yet!

Metric brings out an almost colonialistic view that "our way is the best way". Which is ironic really, as the metric system was pioneered by British scientists in the 1860s.
The BBC picked up on this anomaly in 2004

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3934353.stm

Some of the changes they discuss for implementation in 2009 are still yet to happen..........

In terms of business, we have to provide measurements in metric when ordering anything. Our suppliers class it as the most accurate measurement, and we are happy to oblige.

When talking to our customers, we work to the time honoured adage "the customer is always right". We don't mind whether your are imperial or metric/ inches or milimetres/ yards or metres; we make sure that you understand what you want, not what we want.

So, if you have a window that is 4ft 11inches and 150cms high, we'll show you those measurements on a tape measure, and ask you if the window looks square!

Meanwhile, should you want to know what your equivalent "nemesis" measurements are, here's a conversion table. Just for fun :-)
http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/inches-to-centimeters-table.htm

Style Over Substance?

2011-10-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

William Morris, Textile Designer and Social Reformer

I recently read an article about bathrooms (yes, it's an exciting roller-coaster of a ride running your own window covering business). It included a series of pictures celebrating "Wet Rooms- The Best of 2011"; ten photos showcasing current trends for wetrooms. Six of the pictures were shot showing a window as part of the scene. Only one shot showed a window with a blind on it- a roman blind.

Now, I love interior design, and am in awe sometimes of the creations that experienced interior designers pull together; but magazine stylists and Interior Designers can sometimes fall prey to their artistic temperament at the expense of practicality.

Lets go back to the article: two things are glaringly obvious about wetrooms:

Wetrooms are bathrooms which are fully tiled. You are often in some degree of nakedness in a bathroom. Some sort of window covering is usually required.
Wetrooms create a very humid atmosphere when in use. Humidity and fabric do not mix well.

When we are discussing window coverings with our customers, we will often ask seemingly random questions..... the idea for us it to get an idea of how you use a room. We will listen to your requirements and show you practical solutions which match your vision. We will also explain why some creations are not necessarily our first choice for your window. For example, a roman blind in a wetroom- invariably lined in cotton, it is not cleanable, and will eventually get moldy and rot as the steam soaks in to the fibres.

As a company, we aim to offer solutions that suit your style, your personality, have longevity and are practical. More than anything, these days, we want you to buy something that is fit for purpose and you can enjoy for years to come without having to replace it.

William Morris, a very talented and wise man in my book, once stated "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, nor believe to be beautiful" These days, you can have both; and magazine stylists would do well to remember that.

Why I like "Roman" around......

2011-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

*ouch* As a witty quip creator, I make a great window covering advisor!

Terrible title aside, Roman blinds have a love/ hate relationship with our customers. They seem to create the "marmite" effect when they are brought in to a conversation- screams of joy or frowns of consternation.

I like Roman blinds for several reasons:

They add a real touch of luxury to a window. The folds of a Roman give a depth to a window that can create a feeling of opulence
With a Roman blind being made out of curtain fabric, you have a myriad of colours, textures and designs from which to choose. Funky, multi-coloured print in mind? No problem! Completely plain chenille for a sumptuous effect? Of course you can!
There is no limit to the style you can bring to your windows, as not only do you have our selection to choose from, you can bring in your own fabric and we'll make that up for you. Although, with seven pattern books, we don't usually struggle to find a solution
Child safety is always uppermost in minds, and our Roman blind systems all accommodate that need. We are also the exclusive independent stockists of the Premier Choice range, with their new Premier Safe System (patent pending). After 10.10.11 you'll be able to experiment with our working display sample in either showroom.
Insulation is also a major consideration these days, and Roman Blinds are ideal for keep heat in a room. The gap between the lining and fabric traps air, acting similarly to double glazing. The insulation benefits are tangible (I speak from a position of knowledge, having Roman blind all around my conservatory)
Budget. No, Roman blinds are never your cheapest option; but you don't have to spend a fortune to create a great look in a room. It's really worthwhile considering them as an option when you are shopping.

So, don't dismiss Roman blinds outright... you may be pleasantly surprised :-)

Do You want a Motor Home?

2011-09-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Enquires regarding motorised products are on the increase. This is for several reasons:

1. Security: being able to set a timer on a track or blind so that they will operate when you are away from home has a huge positive impact on security. Closing curtains for two weeks is as obvious as leaving them open that your home is empty. Opportunist thieves don't stick their faces up at the window, they observe from a distance, and moving window shades put doubt in their mind.

2. Easy-to-Operate: maybe you live in a new apartment with a mezzanine floor, or where the architect has had a love affair with glass; maybe you have your furniture positioned in front of the window to maximise space; maybe someone in your home struggles to operate blinds or curtains easily; whatever the reason, motorised tracks and blinds allow you to open and close window dressings at the press of a button.

3. Everything else is motorised!: as the trend for home automation increases, so does the urge to apply it to everything! Cinema rooms, operating window coverings from a distance (even abroad), improving insulation to suit the ambient temperature of a room- even opening a blind in a son's bedroom to kick start him in a morning without you having to go in 3/4/5 times (true story)- operating blinds tracks and poles is increasingly programmed in to home automation systems.

4. Safety: child safety, always a major consideration, is the driving force behind the BBSA "Make It Safe" campaign. Although all products provided by us (we are active members of the BBSA) are installed with control safety devices as standard, motorisation removes the need for any cord loops whatsoever.

A different safety tack, awnings are always recommended to be motorised, as this allows you to have a wind sensor. Fixing an awning to a building is the equivalent of fixing a sail to it; and we've all seen how much a yacht pushes forward when the wind gets in the sails. Unless you can guarantee that you will never leave an extended awning unattended, buy it motorised. You and your external walls will thank you for it.

We are one of the leading suppliers of motorised window products in South Yorkshire; and at the moment there are several excellent offers on these products. Look here for more details. All the motorised offers are exclusive to us in South Yorkshire

As always, you can call in to either showroom and see examples of motorised blinds, awnings and curtain tracks. We can talk to you about remote control, timers, battery powered versus wired-in, and give you ball park figures for you to consider (just remember to bring your window sizes!)
Meanwhile, enjoy a couple of short videos of some over sized roller blinds we installed at a local hostelry,

and a panel blind we installed for a customer.

Sustain & Save or Drain Away

2011-09-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

The red shows where the most heat is lost. Aka "windows"

Whether you are a home owner, or alandlord, it is in everyones interest to reduce our use of energy.

Environmentally and financially,there is a huge push to reduce the energy levels which escape from a building.Centuries ago, windows were known as "wind holes". Even these days, ahome can lose up to 50% of it's heating energy through them; and with the costof utilities constantly rising, it is well worth investing in blinds.

Commercially, a recentarticle in Property Week haswarned that the UK’s 2011 Energy Bill could make around one in five commercialproperties in the UK unable to be let. This is due to a proposal that, fromApril 2018, all private rented properties must be brought up to a minimumenergy efficiency rating of ‘E’. This provision will make it unlawful torent out a house or business premise that does not reach this minimum standard;therefore buildings which have an F or G rating.*

It is well knownthroughout the window covering industry that the best way to keep a room coolis to install exterior window coverings- such as awnings orexternal blinds. To insulate a room, internal blinds are best.

Obviously, from my point of view,both is best... but you may feel I am a little biased!

Personally speaking, what I cantell you is that installing internal roof blinds on our conservatory 5 yearsago reduced the internal summer temperature by over 10 degrees, and allowed ourunderfloor heating to work more successfully during the winter.

As members of the BBSA (British Blind & ShutterAssociation) we have access to the Shade Specifier- a BBSA project which demonstrates the energy saving & internal comfort benefits to be derived from blinds, awnings and shutters

Several of our suppliersnow offer insulation comparisons between their own products, and LuxaflexBlinds have produced a handy leaflet for you. Contact either showroom and we'llpost a copy out to you.

Luxaflex have also created a handyonline energy-saving calculator to help with your decision.

Luxaflex Energy Saving Calculator

Simply put, if you want advice onhow to save money, better control the temperature in your home or workplace,reduce your CO2 emissions- we can help.

Meanwhile, if you are a family of 3 or 4, with young children, click here to win a chance to live in a sutainably built home rent-free for a year.

*Thanks to the BBSA for this information

Hey, Hey- Do You Have A Bay?

2011-09-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

If you live in an area with older homes- 1920's/1930's for example- then you will notice that one of the features of these building is bay windows. By the same token, new builds are also increasingly adding features such as bay windows, bow windows, aureole windows etc.

Outside, they add an extra dimension to a house- give it some depth. Inside, they often add space, increase light or even act as a mini-extension with doors in the centre.

In the main, there are two bay shapes: 3 sided (usually square or a half-hexagon) or 5 sided (almost a semi-circle or 5 shallow angled windows).

At the end of the day, you can dress these windows like any other window- curtain tracks and poles go around them easily, you can put a vertical blind on them the whole way around, or you can dress each pane individually.

The fallacy comes with what you use. Take curtain tracks- ready made products would have you believe that plastic tracking is ideal for bay windows. It's not. Plastic's natural state is straight (try bending a ruler), so forcing it into an angle means it will spend it's lifetime trying to pull away from the bracket. This usually leads to twisting, and your curtains popping off every time you move them.

Or curtain poles- invariable heavier than tracks, they need extra support with a bracket at each bend. This means that you cannot use eyelet-headed curtains, or tab-top curtains on a pole; unless you are happy that your pole moves every time you open/ close your curtains as you can only use 3 brackets maximum.

As with all things, we can talk you through your options and show you what we mean; we offer tracks and poles which suit every shape of bay. We have examples of these and curved vertical blinds on display. We can walk you through it all, and talk you through it all; and we can explain why we would or wouldn't advise a product. It's one of the reasons why people recommend us over and over again- every other bay window we dress belongs to a previous customer or via recommendation.

We are very good at bay windows.

Blind and Child Safety

2011-08-26T03:28:00.000-07:00

On BBC 1's The One Show last night, Dom discussed child safety with blinds. See it here for the next seven days (16.30minutes in)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007tcw7

We are active members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA). This is an industry body committed to ensuring that their members operate to the highest standards of quality and workmanship for window blinds, awnings and shutters.

Where children are involved, even basic household products can become a potential hazard. Blinds are no exception.

All blinds supplied by Bespoke Blinds & Poles conform to this safety standard. However, should you have older, imported or ready-made blinds and are not sure what to do, here are some general guidelines:

Position furniture a safe distance away from blinds and windows to prevent children from being able to reach them.
Do not allow control cords or chains to hang close to costs or beds, or to gather on the floor.
Do not allow control cords or chains to hang free. they should always be secured out of reach, or a cordless control should be used.
Never leave a child unsupervised in an area where there are potential safety hazards- even if safety devices have been installed
Always make sure that you purchase your blinds through a reputable company who can talk you through the best options for your home.

As members, we actively support and pass on knowledge regarding the "Make It Safe" Campaign. The BBSA have led the way in improving the safety aspects of blinds over the years, working with several safety bodies (RoSPA, CAPT, etc) Over the last few years, this has prompted the development of a European Directive- EN13120- Internal Blinds performance Requirements Including Safety.

As always, we are here to help. If you have any questions regarding child safety and blinds, or want advice on how to improve a current blind, please do not hesitate to contact the showrooms. Showroom details here: http://www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk/contact
We can talk you through the types of safety devices on offer, and even supply you with free ones to fit to your existing blinds.

Meanwhile, here's a leaflet from the BBSA on this very subject: http://www.bbsa.org.uk/admin/uploads/bbsa_mis_window_blind_safety_leaflet_0111.pdf60.pdf60.pdf

Sometimes it's not about the money.

2011-08-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I have been around to thank a fellow local independant business for the help they gave to a family member yesterday. To say they went above and beyond the call of duty does not begin to describe their actions.

It cost them- they closed their business early, recruited their own family to deal with the crisis, stayed with them until one of our family could reach them, and are currently working on fixing the problem that started it all off.

The only thing we could genuinely have expected was for them to work on the problem- that is their business. Everything else was a personal, human response to a call for help.

As with many smaller, independant businesses, they know they did something special, but were not expecting any thanks. "It's not something we offer as a service, but he's been our loyal customer for over nine years" was the response.

In these days of shopping around when we are told constantly that loyalty is not worth anything, that you should vote with your feet, that cash is king- there are still thousands of independant businesses out disagreeing and quietly offering something extra with your purchases. The big corporations call it "customer service", but it's far more than that; we are here, not at the end of "your call is important to us" . Every day small businesses make someone's life a little better without making a profit, or being paid, or without being acknowledged.

And, you would miss us if we weren't here. I can vouch for that from both sides of the coin.

So, Paula, Kent and Marcus- thank you. You know why.

How much does FREE cost?

2011-08-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you receive information by email, the internet, the TV, the radio and/or post, you will be aware of the word “FREE”.

I can get free information, free booklets, free gifts- you name it, it’s available for free; except.....

It’s not always quite as good value as you expect, is it?

It’s funny, but as difficult as it must be to devalue something that, by definition neither costs anything nor incurs a charge, that is how this word now appears to me.

In our industry, the catch-all is “free measuring” and “free fitting”.

Honestly? We charge for fitting. Our measure service is included in the charge. It’s not a lot for a bespoke service and advice, and we always let you know how much it is before you sign up for the order.

But here’s the anomaly....... our customers use our fitting service in over 95% of our sales. Why? Many reasons, but here are the main ones:

We offer the right advice to ensure the best fit.
It saves you time- how valuable is your time?
It’s fitted by an expert. We install products that are fitted to stay in place for as long as necessary.
Like- for-Like, we invariably come out the same price or only slightly different than our competitors- and that’s either way!

By all means, don’t pay for the service. We offer as much advice as possible in store, and on our website; but we don’t offer free fitting:

we offer quality fitting including a no-obligation measure and quote; and our customers come back again and again to use this service.

August in the UK- what are your Christmas plans?

2011-08-04T04:23:00.000-07:00

It's always a strange time in the Home Interiors industry around August. As school holidays start to loom from around June, we are frantic in our showrooms, with nearly all conversations including the following three questions:

How soon can we get out to measure?
How soon can we fit it?
Will this give me understated privacy?

All these questions matter because, as soon as the bell rings for the end of the last day of the year, people are OFF! Holidays, days out, visiting family and friends- for six-ish weeks, people have action-packed days and weeks when they just aren't around. The one thing on the agenda is NOT shopping, but installing products before holidays away is always a priority for security.

For our business, this means that our Augusts are chock-a-block.
Our installation team is full booked until after the August Bank Holiday; and our sales team are gently reminding our customers in-store that a measure in September invariably means installation in October at the earliest!

So, our advice to all our customers, and readers, is this:

do your homework now.

Come and see us, start planning your next project now, and get your initial site visit booked for September; Bring your window sizes in and we can all start to consider what's best for your needs; because, before you know it, you'll be back at work, September will have come and gone, and-yes- Christmas will be looming.

And we'll be fully booked from mid- November. We were last year. Don't miss your Christmas window.......
Meanwhile, if you think I'm exaggerating, here's a good site to keep you on track:

http://www.xmasclock.com/

Sunway Blinds Storm onto the Interior Scene

2011-07-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

It's not often that a whole blog is devoted to one supplier, but we are so excited about the Sunway brand at the moment.

Sunway are the archetypal British brand who have recognised the need to update and develop to attract more customers. Manufactured, in the UK and abroad (depending on the range), they have been known for decades for their good quality, if very traditional, ranges of roller blinds, vertical blinds and venetian blinds.

However.... a few years ago they started to upgrade their offer, to meet the needs of a younger market. The first product which had major impact was the MultiShade- a simply, yet highly effective way of offering both light and privacy control within a roller blind.

This was something completely different to the norm. 3 years after our first display, it's still one of our most popular ranges.

This year, Sunway are the runaway success in terms of new ranges. First came the Italian Blind, a modern twist on the ever-popular Roman Blind. Soft, overlapping fabric folds give a window a luxurious look and feel.

Then came their new Roman Blind book- and Sunway have heeded feedback and created a wow-factor with this range. Offering customers a wide spectrum of plains, through sophisticated weaves to modern prints: there is a fabric to suit even the most particular of tastes. Plus they have spent time sourcing and negotiating to bring this range in at significantly lower prices that before.

Finally, for now.... a completely new range to the brand- pleated blinds. Sunway have recognised the growing importance of this style of blind, and put their own stamp of authority in the market. Pleated blinds bring refined fabrics with clean lines to a window. You get privacy and warmth when you want it, whilst stacking away neatly when not in use to maximise light and views.

Amongst all these launches, the most exciting af all is their collaboration with Jeff Banks. Jeff has been synonymous with style and fashion since the 1960's, and his input in to this range is both tangible and inspirational. A heady mix of roller blinds, MultiShades, wood and metal venetians, and woven wood blinds, all the roller fabrics are exclusive to this range, and created by Jeff Banks' team. Seperated in to 6 themes, each theme creates a mood and atmosphere to suit any home.

Sunway back all this innovation up with quality componenets and excellent customer service. These products, as our customers will attest to, reflect an investment in your home and room. They are built to last. As with all our suppliers, they support the BBSA Make It Safe campaign, and are purchases are supplied with a child safety clip as standard.

It's a Red Letter Day when we all get excited with a new range, and we've hardly been able to contain ourselves so far this year! So what are you waiting for? Come visit one of our showrooms, and see what all the fuss is about. You won't be disappointed!

Dust and Allergies

2011-06-10T03:29:00.000-07:00

We had an enquiry from a customer last weekend. She was taking the plunge and redecorating her son’s bedroom. Usually not such a big deal, except in this case; her son had a severe dust allergy and the whole process needed to be as dust repellent as possible.

For individuals with allergies, spring and summer days are a daily struggle, and coming home to as sterile a home environment as possible will provide solace.

However, there are places in your home that can build up dust and allergens far more quickly, such as windows. It's important to have a window treatment that's easy-to-clean.
Keeping your home clean will work wonders to improve the air quality of your home, and ensuring that your windows are spotless will provide comfort during allergy season.

Ideally you want to stay away from soft fabrics (curtains, roman blinds, etc). With the best will in the world, fabric holds dust and becomes a haven for dust mites- the real culprit in the majority of allergy cases.

Solid treatments such as aluminium and PVC are ideal. If maintenance is an issue, don’t go for venetians- this is a blind that is made up of horizontal surfaces! Verticals are ideal, very contemporary and the solid vanes means there is no need for weights or chains.

If you do want a softer look, pleated blinds are a great solution. Luxaflex in particular use treatments on many of their pleated ranges that repel insect filth, and are antibacterial. Easy to maintain, they can be vacuumed down, brushed with a soft brush or sponged clean. There are also roller blind fabrics with similar treatments.

There are plenty of other blinds that will also reduce the opportunity for dust to build up. We have examples of everything on display, and can talk you through to a solution that is best for you.

2011-05-23T02:32:00.000-07:00

20-26 JUNE 2011 is CHILD SAFETY WEEK, the annual flagship community education campaign run by CAPT (Child Accident Prevention Trust) . This year's theme is "Take a Second Look for Safety".

We are active members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA). This is an industry body committed to ensuring that their members operate to the highest standards of quality and workmanship for window blinds, awnings and shutters.

As members, we actively support and pass on knowledge regarding the "Make It Safe" Campaign. The BBSA have led the way in improving the safety aspects of blinds over the years, working with several safety bodies (RoSPA, CAPT, etc) Over the last few years, this has prompted the development of a European Directive- EN13120- Internal Blinds performance Requirements Including Safety.

Where children are involved, even basic household products can become a potential hazard. Blinds are no exception.

All blinds supplied by Bespoke Blinds & Poles conform to this safety standard. However, should you have older blinds and are not sure what to do, here are some general guidelines:

Position furniture a safe distance away from blinds and windows to prevent children from being able to reach them.

Do not allow control cords or chains to hang close to costs or beds, or to gather on the floor.

Do not allow control cords or chains to hang free. they should always be secured out of reach, or a cordless control should be used.

Never leave a child unsupervised in an area where there are potential safety hazards- even if safety devices have been installed

Always make sure that you purchase your blinds through a reputable company who can talk you through the best options for your home.

As always, we are here to help. If you have any questions regarding child safety an blinds, or want advice on how to improve a current blind, please do not hesitate to contact the showrooms. Showroom details here: http://www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk/contact

Meanwhile, here's a leaflet from the BBSA on this very subject: http://www.bbsa.org.uk/admin/uploads/bbsa_mis_window_blind_safety_leaflet_0111.pdf60.pdf60.pdf

Why we are not Masters of the Universe

2011-05-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

Whilst chatting with a customer this morning, we got onto the subject of blinds versus curtains.

We sell:

blinds of all types

plantation shutters

awnings

curtain poles

curtain tracks.

We don't sell curtains. Why? Simply put, none of us sew.

We decided a long time ago to be the best place to buy blinds, plantation shutters, awnings, curtain poles and curtain tracks in the world....starting with South Yorkshire, and in particular Sheffield (great oaks from little acorns grow, as my old school motto told me).

If you aim to be the best at what you do, by definition it means you can't do everything.

Any great business has a point where it stops diversifying; "spreading yourself too thinly" as my mom says. We know our market, our products, and (we like to think) our customers. If you speak to someone in our business, we will give you our name, and where/ when you can next speak to us. We specialise in providing products of a certain quality and service that reflects that quality. Within our offer, we show people things that they have never seen before, and offer solutions to their problems which they never considered.

On Watchdog on Thursday, there was a storyline about a national company who tries to be all things to all people; best prices, best products, best service, fast service- best everything in Home Interiors. It didn't make for comfortable viewing.

see it here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0110ljw/Watchdog_05_05_2011/

(start at 41.44minutes in, if you are short of time)

We knew when we started our business that we wanted our customers to return to us, recommend us and above all enjoy their purchases. So if we can't do it well enough, we don't offer it- which is why we don't sell curtains.

Space- the final frontier

2011-03-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

A recent article on moneysupermarket.com offers suggestions on which home improvements could boost your property's value. Read it here: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/which-home-improvements-boost-your-propertys-value/0011262/

Space, creating or best use of, is definitely a winner in terms of increasing value.

Sarah Beeny (off t'telly!) says "Square footage is a sure bet to adding value - next up would be to clean the property inside and out."

If the costs involved with a loft conversion/ new kitchen/ bathroom etc are too much of a stretch at the moment, then blinds could be a solution. Simply changing curtains for a blind can create a feeling of space and clean lines, and increase light into a room.

Outside, once you've tidied up a patio or decking, fixing an awning above it will increase the time you can spend out there and be a huge boon to any BBQ gathering!

At the moment, two of our suppliers have fabulous offers on their best-selling awnings- Luxaflex are offering free motorisation on their Base Plus awning (normally valued at over £300), and Markilux are offering £250 off their four best-selling awning styles (models 8000, 6000,1500, 990).

Quotes are free and no-obligation, so get yourself down to one of our showrooms, and re-discover your windows.

Customer Service: Virtual Reality of Shopping

2011-03-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

"Customer service is not a department, it's an attitude!" (Source Unknown)

I recently had the opportunity to listen to a presentation on customer service and where social media sits in it.

I was struck by the anomaly of old and new. It seems that, far from detaching oneself from human contact by using only technology to communicate, we are looking for a greater positive emotional experience when we go shopping.

Social media/ networking impacts on the initial concept of shopping and product research: “Hey, if I’m looking to buy a blind, where would you guys recommend?” can prompt a myriad replies on FaceBook, Twitter and Forums (fora??). You can do this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The internet never sleeps or closes for lunch. I get to interact and discuss subjects with friends up and down the country, and all over the world.
However, as this aspect of shopping leaps forward, we are, more and more, looking for a real experience in shops. Customers want to feel important when they take the time to travel to a shop.

I started work in retail nearly 30 years ago, in a company which had a lot of time-served staff. At 16, on my second department, I was the youngest by a good 30 years. I was not allowed to serve certain customers until I was trained and introduced to them, I was taught how to speak about customers and their requirements, and had no choice in what time I had breaks/ lunch.

I loved it.

Those lessons in retail and handling customers have allowed me to work my way up a career ladder, work all over the world and start up my own business.
These lessons are what we re-create every day in our showrooms, and I show our staff how to do the same. Along with the product, it’s what keeps our customers coming back time and time again.

As the opportunity to do research and to interact with people on the internet increases, so does the physical experience of shopping return to its core values- polite, easy conversation delivering honest advice and information.

Retail, Etail: it's all in the Detail

2011-02-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

Quote: "It doesn't matter what state the economy's in, people will always respond to brilliant service, genuine expertise and a quality product"

Mary Portas in the Telegraph 11.02.11 http://bit.ly/dP6mrD

Last week I had a visit from a customer about a curtain track. We had given them a price on a heavy duty curtain track, but they had decided to buy it off the Internet as they could get it £20 cheaper.

At the time, I had explained that they were probably right- online businesses are springing up all the time, they offer little advice, and certainly the shopping experience is different (you can't handle the merchandise, can't ask any questions etc); but they often buy in bulk from suppliers to negotiate a better discount and don't have overheads (e.g. knowledgeable staff, a showroom to view the products, a measure/ installation service). However, if price was the top priority then I totally understood. It was, and they left.

Anyway, back to the second visit. Could they buy extra brackets and gliders for the track from us? The answer was yes, but the gliders were only available in boxes of 1000, for just over £300 (the track, if purchased from us cost around £84.00)

The customer started regaling us with the saga of the purchase they had made:

Track arrived damaged: Customer refused to sign for it, courier refused to leave it without signature. A Mexican stand-off for 20 minutes until customer gave in and signed.

On contacting the Online Retailer, was told that track had left them in perfect order, so their complaint was with the courier. (not true, the contract is between the retailer and courier)

After lost of emails flying backwards and forwards, Online retailer deliver a replacement track at a 50% discount.

On installing the track, customer found they did not have enough gliders for the curtain heading, and not enough brackets to cope with weight of curtains. Online Retailer told them same as us- can purchase brackets separately, but gliders are only available in boxes of 1000. Glider quantity supplied is a standard amount (true)

I don't have a problem with E-tailers- like all businesses, they are making a living. I DO have a problem with their marketing strategy: they only tell you the basic information and do not account for the variations in customers' needs.

As I explained to the customer, I could supply them with the track from scratch, request extra brackets (less that half the price of the Online Retailers' quoted price) and extra gliders (no extra charge as long as ordered at same time. I also gave them some advice on installation which should help with the weight issue (take it down, install a batten and re-fix the track to the batten).

In the current climate, everyone is looking for the best possible price- myself included. If you can find the identical product cheaper of course that's where you will buy it. John Lewis' whole marketing strategy is based on this ethos- "Never Knowingly Undersold".

However.....

There are other criteria at play with purchases, especially when you are not making a "bog standard" purchase. This is where service, product knowledge, hands-on discussions and product comparison are a must; and a shop/ traditional retailer/ showroom wins every time.
It's why John Lewis are tweaking their "Never Knowingly Undersold" policy to include extended warranties and delivery charges as part of the comparison criteria; it's why Mary Portas' Secret Shopper programme is one of the top shows on TV, and it's why we have two showrooms in Sheffield rather than a man with a van and a couple of catalogues.

It's also why a LOT of suppliers are looking at what they will sell to E-tailers in future, and refusing to supply new products to them.

So, when you are shopping, have a think about what you need from your purchase, put them in order of importance, and then find the shop- real or virtual- that will give you the best result for your needs. And remember the old retailer adage: "buy cheap, buy twice".

Oh, and the customer with the track? Well, as I pointed out after getting the whole story, they had two tracks, only one of which was useful, so why not take the gliders and brackets off the faulty one and add them to the new one? They were thrilled, and I got no sale; I don't think it mattered in this instance.

Have you got the Golden Touch?

2011-02-11T19:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday 4th March, our Hillsborough showroom will be one year old.

As the only Inspiration Dealers for Luxaflex Blinds in South Yorkshire, we have also re-vamped our Luxaflex presentation, complete with touch screen information.

To celebrate these two milestones, we are holding an Open Day on Friday 4th March between 11am-3pm.

This is your opportunity to meet with myself, Neil and some of our staff, plus representatives from Luxaflex, and view the new displays.

The first 30 people to visit will receive a goody bag, in which one lucky person will find a Golden Ticket, entitling them to a Luxaflex blind of their choice upto the value of £250.00.

Lite refreshments will also be available.

To book a place (and to help with catering numbers!), please let us know at either of our showrooms, or via our FaceBook enquiries page.

Inspiring Windows all over South Yorkshire

2011-02-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

Bespoke Blinds & Poles are the only company in South Yorkshire to hold Inspiration Status with Luxaflex Blinds.

The status itself may not mean anything to you but it reflects in our showrooms and the quality and variety of products that you can choose from.

Many of our customers are often looking for something a little different, an investment in the home rather than a “quick fix”. Many Luxaflex products offer a unique way of dressing a window, whilst being practical, useable and safe.

At the moment there are some excellent offers on Luxaflex products; an exclusive one to Bespoke Blinds & Poles (as Inspiration Dealers) is 10% cashback on all conservatory roof blind orders* until end March.

There is also a superb offer on awnings. Purchase their best-selling Base Plus Awning, and you receive FREE motorisation, a saving of over £300.00.

Both these offers are on product ranges that enhance your home, can have a real positive energy-saving impact and make space inside or outside your home more useable all year around.

This is a great time for our customers to look at cost-effective ways of adding value to their homes . Our partnership with Luxaflex allows us to help you find your inspiration.

(t&cs apply. See either showroom for details)

January sales- the true value.

2011-01-12T03:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

January has always been one of the traditional retail sales periods here in the UK; although these days you would think that the sales period runs from 1st january to 31st December with some companies.

Recently there has been some discussion on supermarkets advertising alcohol (mainly wine) at heavily discounted rated- 50% plus in some cases, and whether they are genuine savings. This discussion should roll across to other industries.

Take blinds: I did an experiment last year, and kept every leaflet that was posted through our letter box from a national competitor advertising 50% discount off their blinds. As at November, I had TEN.

Now, I'm no marketing expert, but surely the buying public realise that a constant 50% discount is neither viable for a product or sustainable long term for a business?

Is the customer being conned? I don't know;

If the customer gets what they want, at a price they feel is good value, then is there a problem? probably not;

Should they shop around before buying? DEFINITELY.

(if you ever want to hear someone screaming on the radio, listen to BBC Radio 2 on a Friday between 1-2pm, when Martin Lewis of http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ hears that someone hasn't shopped around!)

Yes, we run offers. Genuine ones that we have negotiated with our suppliers. You will see us price up from our price list then list the discount that you are receiving. They invariably have an end date*, and then that's it. back to the price list.

* warning: the 20% discount offer on S:Craft Shutters and Blinds will finish on 14th February 2011*

You have been warned :-).............

Snuggle up and save money with better insulation

2010-12-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

The weather has been particularly trying for us all this month (I want to use far worse words the "trying", but don't like to use foul language)

We have seen a huge upturn in enquiries for insulated blinds. If you have single glazing, or your windows are north-facing, or simply that your seat in the room is nearest the window; as soon as the temperature drops, windows become "wind holes", and you are tugging jumpers over one shoulder and moving furniture closer to heat.

Upto 50% of your home's heating energy is lost through windows; and with energy costs set to rise- again- the right blind ban make a significant impact on controlling that loss.

Several of our suppliers have calculated the energy efficiency of their products, and you can discuss which options are right for you.

One of our main suppliers- Luxaflex- have produced an online "Energy Saving Calculator" which can calculate the possible energy savings to be made, using different products from their ranges. Follow this link, and have a look for yourselves:

http://www.luxaflex.com/gb/en/sb.cn

We are also members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association, who are working constantly with the industry to produce cross- brand information on this subject. read more about it here:

http://www.bbsa.org.uk/ShadeProject.aspx

So, don't despair as the weather worsens. wrap up warm, head over to one of our showrooms, and have a look at how you can make your home snuggly warm for 2011.

Love Shutters, Love Blinds, Love S:Craft!

2010-12-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Normally, we don't find out about any offers from our suppliers until January; but S:Craft Shutters already announced their deal, and now is a great time to set your 2011 home improvement plans in motion.

From 4th January until 14th February, any orders for S:Craft Plantation Shutters or wood venetian blinds will enjoy a whopping 20% discount of their products.

Shutters are economical, need very little maintenance, provide an additional layer of heat and sound insulation and look fantastic. They offer a wide range of additional benefits as each individual panel can be adjusted individually giving not only unrivalled control over the levels of natural light in the room but also providing a greater selection of the levels of privacy the home owner can chose from.

We are proud to be the sole distributor for S:Craft shutters in Sheffield. As a company, they have one of the longest track records in supplying shutters in the UK. They back all this experience up with a 3 year product guarantee, and (just as importantly) are really nice people to deal with.

So, bring in your widow sizes to either showroom, try out our display models of S:Craft shutters and blinds, pick you colour and let us give you a price. You may be surprised how reasonable it is to change your windows.

Keep the arguments at bay with the right track or pole

2010-12-04T03:50:00.000-08:00

My friend visited me for a coffee and chat this week (it's been a little quiet, what with the white stuff and all!), and witnessed a couple having the beginnings of a heated discussion.

Here is a condensed and stylised version of it:

Him: We need a pole for a bay window.

Her: Or a track.

Me: Great, we do several.....

Him: We said we wanted a pole

Her: We haven't decided on our curtains yet. A pole might not be suitable.

Me: well, how about I show you......

Him: I'm not having a track, they don't bend properly. Look at the one we have now: every time I draw our curtains they fall off at the bend.

Her: well, I didn't pick that or put it up

Me: *holding up hands* I think I can help! First of all, what shape is your bay?

Both: *staring at me* errrmmmmm........

After a lot of laughing, drawing, demonstration, discussion and negotiation, I booked their appointment for Neil to visit and measure.

My friend watched all this with interest, occasionally joining in (we are a friendly lot in Sheffield), but mostly observing. Afterwards, he commented "How can you not know what shape your bay window is? And how did you calm them down? I thought they were going to start arguing."

Bay windows are a lovely feature to a home; they add space, light and interesting features to a home. They can also be a nightmare to hang curtains from, if you don't have the right track or pole.

One of the biggest myths perpetrated by "off the shelf" businesses is that plastic likes to bend. It doesn't: you buy a plastic track in straight lengths because that's it's natural state.

You bend it and fix it to a bracket, and it will spend it's lifetime trying to straighten out.

Hence:

brackets breaking with the strain
curtain gliders popping out of the track when you try and draw them
your curtains hanging oddly, as the heading pulls away from the track, due to the weight of the curtains.

Plus, the friction of opening and closing a curtain creates static which attracts dust. Just try wiping behind a plastic track and see what appears on your cloth.

For bay windows, metal is the best option for longevity and coping with the weight of curtains.

Whether it's a track or a pole is up to you. We offer three types of poles, and a multitude of aluminium tracks that will (pretty much) go around all shapes of bay windows.

The big advantages with poles are:

Far more decorative: a wide range of colours and a myriad of finials will let you personalise the pole to suit your style.

Proportion: poles range from 19mm diameter to 50mm diameter, meaning that you can select a pole that will suit the dimensions of your window and your room.

Style: these days the ranges of finials and finishes on poles mean that you can be as traditional or as contemporary as you like in terms of furnishings; there will be a pole to suit your decor.

The big advantages with tracks are:

Limited fixing: tracks are narrower and with smaller brackets, so they can fit into more limited fixing areas

Neat: If you want something more utalitarian, and less of a feature, a track fits the bill; and many come in a range of colours other than white!

Price: tracks are more competetively priced that poles.

It's a good idea to have a rough idea of size for your bay, and how many bends it will require. Other than that, we can ask you all we need to know to give you a ball park quote, and spend a happy few minutes drawing diagrams, looking at photos, decipering arm movements and gently steering you all away from arguments. I am always amazed at how people living in the same home have completely different visions of how their bay window looks. It makes for some interesting conversations :-)

Oh, and many of our bay window solutions are still available pre-Christmas, if the in-laws are visiting ;-)..........

Beat a Burglar with Blinds

2010-11-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

We have had two separate discussions this week with customers wanting blinds as soon as possible. Unfortunately, both customers had been targeted by thieves.

Thieves are opportunists. They look for the easiest option: the home with valuables on display, in an empty home.

The following advice is available on several police websites; we took this from West Midlands Police website, in their “Safer Homes” section:

What a burglar looks for when choosing their property

A home which appears to be empty
• Easy access to the back of the building
• Trees and high bushes in surrounding area which provide good cover
• Homes with no visible signs of protection such as alarms or lighting.

When they’ve chosen a property they will:

• Look through the windows to see inside
• Check if any neighbours are watching

Both our customers had been advised to install some sort of covering at their windows- especially the one that was the point of entry.

Any covering will help reduce the chances of being a target, but it’s worth considering something that can be positioned to show light PLUS obscure a view.

Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, plantation shutters can all be positioned to allow a limited amount of light to show OUT, without allowing a view INTO your home. Speciality roller blinds are now available to do the same thing.

With Christmas fast approaching, and everyone making plans to leave homes unattended whilst they enjoy their holidays with family and friends, it’s worth checking your home to ensure that you can enjoy your holidays, festivities and nights out safe in the knowledge that your home stays secure.

I’ll leave you with a link to the Neighbourhood Watch website, listing their Top 10 suggestions for securing your home.

http://www.neighbourhoodwatch.net/index.php?func=PageResourceStory&Type=Resource&StoryId=2356

A Cold Front.....

2010-11-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

.... for the first time in many years, we are dealing with snow in November. Some places more than others, but with it comes that biting, pinching cold that wakes you up the moment your head surfaces from under the duvet in a morning!

In this climate of austerity, with energy companies already warning of huge hikes in costs, it makes sense to investigate potential savings on heating to be made in your homes and offices.

Consider these facts:

•In the UK 40% of all energy consumption is building related

•Heating is the biggest user of gas in homes and commercial offices

A traditional modern home with standard double glazing will have approx 10% of it's shell made up of windows. This windows will lose up to 50% of heat through them, if uncovered. And today's trend for larger windows, and more glass, exacerbates this loss.

The right shading at your windows can make a dramatic difference to the heat escaping from your home. As members of the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutters Association), we can give you guidance on which are better performing fabrics or better coverings for insulation.

Even something as a simple as a roller blind using a better performing fabric, could save you up to 15% of heat loss each year.

So pop along and see us, and ask us how we can help you keep your cockles warm!

Life is for Living....

2010-11-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

...and a room that reflects your taste and style will help you achieve this.

We are being inundated with requests for appointments and products, with all conversations ending with "and will I have them for Christmas?"

It is always amazing to me that a holiday period that is so geared towards family and friends meeting, relaxing and enjoying each others' company, causes so much drama in the weeks running up to it!

Hopefully this will give you a little food for thought to help you decide what you want to achieve.

Whatever the use of the room, consider your colours and light in there, and work them to make it truly yours.
Don't necessarily worry about what's in fashion; look at your possessions/ ornaments that you have gathered together over the years- do your favourite ones have a recurring colour them?

The interior designer, Nina Campbell, says "think of bright colours as the equivalent of spice when cooking: you do not want them to dominate, but simply to add a tang of unexpected flavour"

Patterns can add vigour and excitement to a room, and can be mixed with other patterns for effect. Just don't have equal amounts of each one, and don't sit them on top of each other.

Plain colours don't date as fast as patterns; neutral colours can "neutralise" strong colours (obviously) and are very calming and restful. Deep and/ or strong colours can give a small room real impact.

If you are having curtains, make sure your pole/ track is suitable in terms of proportion and useability. Floor-to-ceiling interlined curtains will not work on a plastic curtain track. If your window is wide and deep, don't go for a thin pole, it will look out-of-place and lost.

Using blinds on their own takes up a lot less space that curtains and can give a small room a better feeling of space.

Alternatively, blinds can work with curtains to create a layered, opulent look. They can also provide your privacy without having to touch the curtains, allowing the drapes to keep their dressed look, and avoid damage through handling.

If you have a chair/ settee near a window, consider insulation; a pleated blind or roman blind will stop the cold air creeping into the area, and make relaxing in said chair more comfortable.

Consider your family; if you have small children using the room a lot, go for window treatments that are safe, and will withstand heavyhanded use. We can offer advice and control options on all our prducts, and supply safety devices as standard with all looped cord operation.

If the window is hard to reach, consider cleaning aspects. Venetian blinds in kitchen windows over sinks are extremely popular, but if you have to climb on to the counter to clean it, it may not be best option for you. Again, we can show you alternate blinds that offer the flexibility of venetians but are easier to maintain.

If you have run out of room inside, can you utilise any space outside? Awnings can have lighting and heating units to make a patio more of an all-year-round option. Terraced walkways will allow you to take a party onto your garden, without the elements affecting it.

Whatever your style, idea, vision- we will have a solution for it. Our customers bring in magazines, photos, their neighbours (!), and pencil drawings: anything that helps them describe to us what they are looking for. that's what we're here for, and we love unravelling puzzles!

People in Glass Houses......

2010-10-25T01:31:00.000-07:00

I spent an enjoyable afternoon reading the Sunday Times yesterday. It's a real treat for me to sit and trawl through all the pages, magazines, inserts etc, and never takes me less than four hours! Which is why it's a rare treat!

In the Home section, there was an article on extending homes and making use of a house's dead space down the side of the house, and into a garden.

Read it here: www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/home

The current trend for homes and extensions is to maximise natural light with large swathes of glass. Whole walls are being replaced with bifold doors, sliding glass doors, and every picture in the article showed wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass.

At this time of year, as the nights arrive earlier and faster, all that glass turns into a black mirror; and that can create a feeling of insecurity in your own home.

The best way to deal with it is to cover your window. Not only does it remove those feelings, it improves heat retention, and genuinely improves security in your home. Just ask any member of a police force. The majority of burglaries are carried out by "opportunists" (I have a different, more crude name for them, but......) who can see into a home with very little effort. A blind removes that opportunity.

The range of blinds available to suit your style is enormous; and the range of blinds available in large sizes has increased tenfold over the years. Unlike ready-made blinds, you can get roller blinds over 3m (10ft) wide, pleated blinds over 4m(13ft) wide, vertical blinds over 5m(16ft) wide. The list goes on.

You can totally transform a home, and your experience of living there, by simply dressing a window; and in a lot of cases, the right furnishings can add genuine value to a home. In the same pull-out section, the value of a house in Twickenham increased by 20% between 2008 and 2010 (during a supposed recession)by improving the interior presentation.

So, when you are looking to improve the space in your home, consider how you will dress that space; do your homework, come and talk to us; and add style, value, security and peace of mind to your home.

VAMP up your verticals for Hallowe'en.......

2010-10-15T03:20:00.000-07:00

.....From now until October 31st 2010, Bespoke Blinds & Poles are offering customers a free upgrade to the slimline Vogue headrail when ordering selected vertical blinds.

The Vogue headrail is the sleek and stylish newer model to the traditional box/ribbed white headrail. Available in five colours:

white, brown, brushed silver, black and champagne gold*

Normally retailing as an option at £12.00 per metre, it is available as a free upgrade throughout October.

Both showrooms have a working model showcasing the headrail, and samples of all five colours.

"Caress the detail, the divine detail."
Vladimir Nabokov

It's not unusual........

2010-10-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

......... sorry. I am a fan of Mr Jones', but I'm no singer.

It's a reference to the comments we get from customers on a very regular basis:

Do you do curtain poles for bay windows?
My window sizes are not standard?
I've been told that you can't put blinds on arched windows?
These are just an example of the types of enquiries we receive. In all cases our reply is "don't worry, it's not unusual.....".

South Yorkshire is a rich mix of housing: old, new, houses, apartments, huge glass expanses, tiny cottage windows.
With new housing, an architect's dream design can quickly become an owner's nightmare, if they don't know how to cover their complete wall of glass; and owning an ancient, 16th or 17th century cottage is all well and good, but blinds weren't around then, and there's nowhere to fix a track or pole!

I'd like to think that we've come across every shape possible in a window, but I'm guessing that's not true; but we have dressed a lot of windows, and have many years experience.

The main thing to remember is that there is a solutions for pretty much everything; but you need to keep an open mind. Magazines are really bad (or good) at encouraging people to set their hearts on the "must have" product, but only ever show said product on a flat window around 4ft square. Ready made products meet budgets by being available in set sizes: if your window is 7ft wide, or 7ft long, you are not buying a ready made blind!

The best solution is to bring a picture of your "problem" and rough sizes. That allows us to narrow down options and show you what you can have.

With a nod to Playschool (circa 70's!)- if you look through the round window, the square window or the arched window, we can help :-)

www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk

ps the pictures are all windows we have installed products on :-)

Hitting middle-age with a broad middle and some boots

2010-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love hiking. There is nothing finer (in my opinion) for clearing the mind, and giving you some perspective on things than hiking to the top of a hill.

Now, I am not your standard "athletic" build, it's fair to say. My middle is currently undergoing uncontrollable expansion plans, and my fitness regime consists of reading diet plans whilst drinking wine and nibbling snacks.

But there's something about hiking that I love- it's something that both Neil and I enjoy, it's very social, we get to see the best countryside in the world (the UK), from points that are inaccessible to traffic, and we get to relive our youth through our picnic choices!
And since last year, when Baxter the Border Terror (not a spelling mistake) joined our family, we have pushed ourselves further than we used to, taking ourselves back to long hikes like we did in our "courtin'" days.

So, this year, on our first holiday in three years, we are revisiting one of the best walks we have ever done- the Coast to Coast. 192 miles over 14 days and some beautiful scenery.

And as Neil is a long-standing member of the Edale Mountain Rescue Team, Baxter has decided to help raise funds for the team by being sponsored for the walk. You can support his endeavours here at www.justgiving.com/Baxter-Hfuhruhurr

Not be outdone, I shall be taking part in the Nine Edges Endurance Challenge on Saturday 25th September, and am looking to raise £500 for the Edale Mountain Rescue Team.
Again, if you look here; www.justgiving.com/ Maxs-Hiking-Adventure, you will find out why the team is a vital emergency service for the area, and how to sponsor my endeavours.

So, if you think the idea of a middle-aged, expanding Northern lass hiking 20 miles alongside 300 of the fittest young sportmen in the area is fairly amusing, then show your support with a donation. Every little bit, quite literally, helps :-)

Indian Summer, anyone?

2010-08-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

There is a very strong rumour that we are in for a scorcher of a late summer.
(Fingers, eyes and toes all crossed).

The BIG plus for everyone with a garden is the opportunity to use it to it's fullest far later into the year. The one stumbling point is our unique temperate climate with the ability to shower us with fine rain on a short, and regular basis (usually right around the time that you announce that "the BBQ's ready")

One answer is to install an awning.It can't cover the BBQ (before you ask), but it can cover the area immediately outside your home. Ideal to shelter under for those pesky 5 minutes gentle showers!

For the more permanent outdoor entertainers amongst you, a covered terrace is your solution. These are all-weather products, rather than short, light shower solutions.

Other things to consider:

Operation
I'm really not a fan of manual operation for awnings. *Throws hands in air* Before you all assume this is a sales pitch........: fixing an awning to the side of your house is like bolting a sail to it. If the wind gets underneath it, the potential is there to pull it- and half your outside wall- away.

The trouble with manual operation is that you can't/ won't be there when it's extended all the time. And that could be the time that the wind picks up, and......

With electric operation, you have the option to install a wind sensor (we've got one on the front of our Beauchief showroom). It can be set to suit the position of your wall, and means that the awning will automatically wind itself away whenever the wind gets a little too strong. For even more automation, install a sun/ wind sensor: not onyl will it wind itself in when it's windy, it will extend when it's sunny! Ultimate outdoors living comfort!

Fabric
Think a carrot versus a radish. Cut both in half- the carrot is the same colour throughout, the radish is only coloured on the outside.
All our fabrics are solution dyed; ie carrots!. The dye is added during the fabric manufacturing process, and not dyed on afterwards. This means they keep their colour longer over the years.

Shading doesn't only help create a comfortable temperature; it can reduce glare and the strength of UV rays. Make sure you know what you want from your awning in terms of shade, and make sure your fabric matches your requirements.

Colour
I know I mention colour a lot, but they really do have an effect on your moods and emotions.
Think about the mood you want to create when you are entertaining: there is a reason why greens and soft warm blues are so prevalent on awnings. There is such a vast array of colours available these days, there will be something to suit your mood, your garden and your home.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you understand how and where your awning will be installed on your home. Ready made awnings may look like an attractive proposition, but you need extremely strong fixings to install an awning, and you need to consider your guttering, the pitch of your roof (if close to where you want to fit), and a host of other things.
If you are getting a company in, ask them questions, don't be fobbed off with the infamous phrase "don't worry about it"! We often go to sites where customers have a scrap of paper with a figure on it, and the visit lasted around 5 minutes. We won't arrange an initial site visit, unless the person making the decision is there. We are often told how much they learn from us on these visits! I take it as a compliment...........
We deal with 4 suppliers: Luxaflex, Caribbean, SP UK and Markilux. Between all four, we have a solution for you; whether it be a covered terrace to use throughout the year, or an awning for those sunny days.

All this pre-work may seem over the top; but consider this: you want an awning to last for years, to work first time every time you use it(even if it's six months since it's last outing), to keep it's colour and to enhance your garden for many years. All the pre-work you put in before you buy, will allow all this to happen.

Enjoy your BBQ's everyone :-)

Colour me young, safe and sleepy

2010-07-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Continuing the colour theme, it's all important that young children get their sleep.

There are three things to consider with children's blinds. In order of importance to you- the parent, they are:

Safety

Blackout ability

Colour

(note: this is directly opposite to your child's preferences. Important if you have told them that they can choose their blind.......)

Taking these points in order:

SAFETY
There have been huge changes in the industry over the last few years; all with one aim in mind- how to remove/ secure the looped cord operating system on blinds.
All reputable blind suppliers offer fixing arrangments for looped cords, so they no longer hang freely at the side of a blind.

There is further information here

Other alternates are choosing blinds that don't need looped cords- rollers, pleated and venetian blinds all offer several different operating options which remove the looped cord ( and are often little or no extra cost)

The new "must-have" is motorised blinds. The obvious benefit is no cord operation at all. The other big plus is that you can put them into awkward-to-reach spaces, and operate them easily from a remote control or wall switch.

In all cases, call in and ask us about your options- it may be as simple as us supplying you with a free safety device for you to install on your current blind.

BLACKOUT ABILITY

It's not only at night that you may want your kiddies to settle down.As parents, you may often want young children to take day time naps. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a young child off to sleep if they can still see the sun shining outside. Blackout blinds solve this problem by blocking the light out. As with all things, there are several choices.
Pleated blinds offer the best blackout option, as the operating controls come out of the front of the headrail, meaning that the majority of the window is covered with fabric; and factor in the insulating properties if the room is south-facing, and you could well have discovered the perfect children's blind- total blackout and temperature control.

Roller blind are still oh-so-popular as they have the widest choice of colours and designs available on the market; and, should you be completely at a loss the find the right colour/ design, you can choose a curtain fabric and have it stiffened and backed in blackout fabric to match your child's room. Wipe-clean fabrics are also popular to counteract sticky hand prints!

COLOUR
Like adults, your child's mood can be affected by their surroundings.Gone are the days when pink= girl and blue=boy. Vivid colours promote fun and happiness, and are really popular with children themselves. Acid greens, bold yellows, cerise and cobalt- you can find them all in blackout options, and your children love picking out and trying out their options. It helps them to see their bedroom as their space.

AS with all things, this is only a broad overview of what is on the market for your son or daughter; but hopefully it's given you some creative ideas on how to help your children- and you- sleep soundly and safely.

Moody Blues, Green Day, Deep Purple,White Stripes?

2010-07-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's not only music that can affect your mood. Colours have been proven time and time again to influence a person's mood and thoughts. Our visual sense is one of the strongest that we use, and one of the fastest to affect our reactions (smell is slightly faster as it hits your olfactory nerve immediately!)

Interior Designers even create "mood boards"- covered hardboards with pictures and samples stuck on to help you visualise their concept, using the colours you may have discussed with them.

Our mood boards are our showrooms. Not only do you get to see colours and designs grouped together to help you track down/ narrow down your scheme, but you get to physically try out all the products, thus utilising another of your strongest senses- touch.

This is a great article on colours and effects:

http://www.mecca.com/modules/lifestyle/article.php?lang=english&id=748

The main things to remember is how colours work together, how accents can lift a room, and that neutral does not have to be beige!

As the artist Hans Hoffman once said : The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color.

So get creative, and create a home that lifts, enhances and enriches the lives of you and your family :-)

“Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.”

2010-06-29T02:37:00.001-07:00

The title is a quote from Mitchell Kapor

Apparently, online retail is set to grow by 36% over the next eighteen months

https://www.paypal-press.co.uk/Latest-News/Online-drives-recovery-for-British-Retail-Sector-d4.aspx

So the best thing for us would be to sell our products over the internet.

Except.......

The big sticking point with selling made-to-measure products is that the internet is 2-D. You see a picture, not a real thing. How many times have you ordered clothes, shoes, etc off the web, and had to send them back?

We hear some horror stories about people buying "kit forms" for plantation shutters, for several hundreds of pounds, and throwing them away when they don't fit/ don't do what the customer expected.
We spend our days fielding calls from people asking if we will install the products that they have bought off the Net; the answer is always "no". We cannot take responsibility for something that we have not supplied- if it is not what the customer expects after we fit it, who's is responsible? It's one of the main reasons that we keep all our service in-house; sub-contracting specialised installation rarely works well.

We have set our showrooms out to show you the products that you can't/ shouldn't buy online. For example:

Motorised products- how loud is a motorised awning, track or blind? What do the control options look and feel like?

Conservatory roof blinds- what will they look like when installed? How do they work on a slope? how do you open and close them?

Even basic blind and poles- when was the last time you saw a picture of these products working in a bay window? What's the difference between satin silver and brushed silver? A scallop and a turret? Is one fabric better against sun or heat than another?

If you visit one of our showrooms, at least 3 out of 4 things will happen:

1/ We'll talk to you about your requirements
2/ We'll demonstrate to you how blinds and poles work, what their characteristics are
3/ We'll give you leaflets, prices, order colour samples
4/ We'll come out to your house and look at your window/ door/ roof and talk to you about what you can do to dress them

And...... as has happened a few times...... if we don't get an answer at your door when we turn up to measure, or fit your purchase...... our LAST option is to post a card through your door, with the time we arrived, on it. We will try every number and email address we have listed for you beforehand!

Please don't think we are against the web- here I am blogging some thoughts! We have a website, a FaceBook page, we Tweet, and we research via the web. the web is a virtual treasure trove of information, and we would all be slightly worse off without it.

BUT.......... as with all things, there are limitations to it's ability, and offering the tactile experience that most people need to make decisions is not there. The Internet can only show you what you ask to look at; it cannot interpret the meaning behind it, and show you what you need. As Douglas Adams once said ""The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair."

So, I raise a glass to online sales, and hope that the growth continues- sales are vital to the growth of the economy; and also recognise that as a more specialised company, we shall probably continue to play to our strengths- face-to-face service, and personalised solutions

It's a funny old game......

2010-06-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

The World Cup has kicked off today- literally!

There are so many colours, football shirt designs, noise (vuvuzelas are the sport's marmite!) For the next four weeks all talk will be about who did what well/ not so well, who's got who in the sweepstake (I got Cameroon- love the team colours, don't think I will be retiring on any winnings....)

The winning teams will be parading around crowing about how they never had any doubt about winning, the losing team played well etc. The losing team will be shifting uncomfortably in chairs during interviews and explaining where it all went so horribly wrong, and probably wishing they could hide in a dark room until it's all over (maybe they should get in touch about some blinds)

As a lass from the city which invented football (FACT), with two teams in one city- I am woefully poor at football, and football knowledge. I know the team colours, and that's m'lot really. I ask questions rather than lead discussions on "the beautiful game", and always aim to learn a little more about it by the end of a conversation.

And that's why people come to us. You don't have to know all there is to know about blinds, plantation shutters, bay window curtain poles, etc. You just want to know that there is someone who can answer your questions, and talk you through the possibilities.

I have spent a lot of the last two weeks talking people through the best options for cutting down on glare on the TV- can't think why! And, if you have suddenly realised that you won't be able to see your TV without squinting for 90 minutes minimum- never fear. Our good friends at Sunway blinds are offering 20% discount off their roller blinds until the end of July. Made in the UK, it means you can have a blind in less than a week (self-installed), to keep any disruption to a minimum.

So, enjoy the games, eats loads, shout at the TV, review the games with your mates- and leave your windows to us. You know we'll look after them for you

Right- when are Cameroon up?.......

Looking for Inspiration

2010-05-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a customer yesterday in our Hillsborough showroom, who asked why it mattered that we were Inspiration Dealers (they had read it on our website)

I often mention the fact that we are the only Inspiration Dealers for Luxaflex Blinds in South Yorkshire- both showrooms hold this status.

It was one of those questions that stopped me for a second (and for those of you who know me, that's quite a challenge!). Why DOES it matter about a status? So what if you buy something from someone who DOESN'T have such a status? Is it just a marketing ploy?

To Neil and I, it matters because of the criteria laid down by Luxaflex Blinds. As a company, it is fair to say that they lead the field in quality domestic blinds, and sensible solutions to difficult problems. They are also the company who "invent" blinds- honeycomb pleated blinds were invented by Luxaflex. They have several blinds that are exclusive to them because they invest time and research in finding out what is missing from their customers' markets.

This is what they tell visitors to their website:
Luxaflex® Inspiration Dealers feature a total overview of the different Luxaflex® window coverings. Inspiration dealers are very knowledgeable about the complete range of Luxaflex® products and can assist you with your selection. Measure and fit services are available.

Neil and I pride ourselves on our knowledge of our products. If there is something new on the market, we know about it. We understand the mechanism of blinds, plantation shutters, awnings- and we pass all this info on to you (if you want it). Why choose a roller blind? What are the benefits of pleated blinds? Why are vertical blinds so.... boring? We can answer all these questions (<---- and disprove some urban home furnishing myths (see last question))

Inspiration status ensures that we get all new launches 6 months before anyone else- and they are exclusive to us for that time. New book range launches? we get them first. Need to clarify or check on some industry information? Direct line to the company.

So, in terms of product knowledge, product displays, up-to-date information, specialist advice- yes, our status matters.

Did I tell the customer all this? No.
I said "Ask me anything about Luxaflex blinds- if I can't answer it, I don't deserve the status".

10 minutes later...... the customer admitted defeat, and said he'd learnt more about blinds in 10 minutes than in the previous month of shopping around.

That's why we are specialists. That's why we have our showrooms. We hope it matters to you, too :-)

Election Day- Decision Time

2010-05-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

Have you voted? No, don't answer that, it really is none of my business!

Neil and I were talking about the year so far the other day- it really has been one of the most thought-provoking 4 months that we can remember for a long time- locally, nationally and internationally.

At my age, I can remember more than a few elections, and- although I won't be swayed by media bias and hype- it is true to say that this is one of the most interesting and exciting elections for a good number of years.

Closer to home, it has been a roller coaster ride for the last 3 months for our business. We have doubled our presence in Sheffield by opening another showroom, at Hillsborough. It's interesting to see both the contrast in enquiries from North to South Sheffield.

We have been trading for over 2 1/2 years at Beauchief, although Neil and I have nearly 30 years market experience between us. This experience has allowed us to work very closely with our suppliers, to ensure that we only offer value-for money. You don't have to spend a lot, but we will alwasy ensure that a product will give you a life expectancy for in advance of the price you paid. This is why many of a product carry 3-, 5- or even 25-year guarantees.

Our experience has also allowed us to work closely with suppliers regarding offers. One of the main suppliers in the UK- Sunway window blinds- has just partnered up with us for an exclusive 20% discount off their venetian blinds- both wood and metal. It's a limited timeframe- 29th May is the end date- but well worth considering if you are looking to upgrade, renew or add to your home.
An added incentive is that Sunway are a UK company still manufacturing in the UK- Stockport and Birmingham. So you are supporting a local UK business (us!) and a national UK business (them), as well as UK manufacturing. Wins all round :-)

So, if you want to support British Business, call in and see us. As for the election-that's entirely up to you. Whether you are red, blue, yellow, green or sky-blue pink-we have a product to match your colour.
Enjoy :-)

Maxine

www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk

Insulating your home

2010-04-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

I know...... You are all currently sat in the sunshine thinking "Max's finally lost it. Why do I want to insulate my home in this weather?"

the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines the word "Insulation" thus:

When you cover something to stop heat, sound or electricity from escaping or entering, or when something is covered in this way.

As the sun rises higher in the sky, and days are longer, the words in bold type become more important.

Over the years, homes have been built with more and more glass. People are maximising space with conservatories and loft conversions. Glass magnifies the suns rays- think about a greenhouse.

I could tell you some horror stories about what has happened to people's homes before they have become our customers (new oak wood furniture splitting within 6 months of been placed in a conservatory, people coming home to find candle wax melted all over their furnishings and flooring), but instead, I would say, consider the following:

If installing conservatory roof blinds can reduce the temperature within by 10 degrees, how much heat could you save througout the winter?

If you have curtains or fabric blinds at your windows, have a look at the edges: have they faded?

Is the heat in your loft conversion or conservatory unbearable when you walk in after it being closed up for a few hours?

Can you sit in your conservatory- the reason you have it in the first place- on sunny days?

When you move your furniture, have you noticed faded spots on the fabric and carpets?

You don't have to pay the earth for better/ any insulated products. Pleated blinds are one of the best insulating products on the market, and starting prices compare to good quality rollers, vertical and venetians. Roller blind fabrics often have solar protective nacking on the fabric to refelct heat and light.

And, because it's us, several of our suppliers supply information allowing you to compare their products across their ranges, so you can see what will match your needs and your budget.

So, don't spend your money on replacing candles on a regular basis, or lock up your conservatory for the next 5 months other than the evenings when the sun has set. Come along to either showroom and have a look at what's out there. Control your heat, and enjoy your home.

Until next time :-)

Put Some Colour Back in Your Life

2010-04-02T22:08:00.001-07:00

In The Times yesterday there was a small piece on gardeners, and the fact that people were veering away from the TV pundits advice of white and magnolia and going bold, bold, bold

Read it here:

http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/gardens/article7085281.ece

The same can be said about homes. People are becoming a little fed up of magnolia walls, cream settees etc. They are wanting vibrant, warm and exciting colours that give a room a "wow" factor.

We are noticing it with our sample books, and with our customer requests. People are asking for purples, reds, acid yellows. They are talking about "something with a little oomph"!

Our latest displays of poles offer just that- jewelled finials and mirror mosaic finials offer impact and light definition (one customer described her walls in a morning as a "kaleidoscope")

Blinds are adding to their accessory ranges with faceted pulls and jewelled trims, more colour choices. Even curtain tracks no longer come in "only white"- bronze, gold, chrome, tiger stripe- the choice is yours if you want it.

So, if you want to defy the weather and bring some spring in to your home- get wrapped up in your waterproofs and come along to one of our showrooms. We are on Hutcliffe Wood Road, Beauchief, AND Middlewood Road, Hillsborough. Check out our website for further details and opening times

http://www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk/

Spring is here! Don't Forget.......

2010-03-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

..... to put your clocks forward by one hour tonight. Neil always forgets which way around it is, but I remember it by an old adage that my mama used to use: Spring forward, fall back.

We may be losing an hour but with extra daylight in the evening and the build up to our summer beginning now, we have plenty to look forward to.

I have had a rare thing this week- a "blah" morning; a morning when everything I did lacked pzazz or enthusiasm. They are very rare, which is why they stick out in my mind when they happen. My way out of this brief "fug" was, as always, to change my scenery. A long walk over hill and dale with Baxter, followed by a deep down clear-out of "the cupboard". I think every home has one..... somewhere that is a dump-site for everything you don't want or need, but can't.....quite..... throw out or recycle..... just.... yet. Then a blitz on every room to create my "change" wish list.

With the extra daylight as of tomorrow, this is an ideal time to have a look at your home both inside and out and note (written or mentally) what your ideas are for each room. You don't have to spend a lot to spring clean a room- a splash of colour with a new roller blind, swap a curtain track for a curtain pole for added interest. An awning outside gives you extra useable space on balmy evenings.

REMEMBER: great decisions often take no more than a minute in the making. (Hugh Lofting, the Voyages of Dr Dolittle)

We are a chain!

2010-03-08T05:51:00.001-08:00

As of Friday 5th march, we now have two showrooms- our original one on Hutcliffe Wood Road, Beauchief, S8; and our new one on Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, S6 4HD (opposite the park library)

To celebrate this, several of our suppliers are offering discounts across their ranges. These are all on until (at least) the end of March, and are available at BOTH showrooms (because our suppliers think we are fab :-))

Cassidy Sunblinds- between 10%- 25% off across their entire ranges

If you are looking for quality blinds at a price to suit the majority of pockets, this is a great company to use; and they are manufactured in Hull. So a good Yorkshire company.

Sunway Blinds- 20% off across their ranges (excludes MultiShade)

Another British manufacturer, Sunway blinds have really boosted their range over the last 12 months. Great designs and great quality products, including the brand new vertical blind range that was launched today at prices lower than last year.

NV Blinds- 20% off across their Nova Tec ranges (excludes all wood products)

NV Blinds also offer great quality products, as well as more unusual designs and blind styles. Our Hillsborough showroom features their 250mm vertical blind and their Strings vertical blind

So, as the sun shines, and you consider your spring-cleaning options, come and visit either showroom, and have a look at just what's out there in terms of blinds, curtain poles and curtain tracks. You will be pleasantly surprised, and will be supporting British manufacturing :-)

1 Great Business- 2 Great Locations

2010-03-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's finally here! As of Friday 5th March, we are a 2-showroom business.

The original- 6 Hutcliffe Wood Road, Sheffield S8 0EX- is still going strong, serving the Central and South of Sheffield, Hope Valley and North East Derbyshire.

Our aim is now to bring the same attention to detail, customer service and product selection to the north of Sheffield and beyond.

Our new showroom is at 187-191 Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 4HD (opposite the park library).

We are opening in larger premises with a mix of the the same products, different designs and new products.

Features: a uPVC conservatory so you can see how blinds can fit without being screwed in to the frames; one of the largest and most comprehensive ranges of curtain pole displays in Sheffield;

PLUS

to celebrate our new venture, several of our suppliers are offering exclusive savings on their products throughout March.

So, what have you got to lose? Visit either showroom from 5th March, and discover the Bespoke Difference!

Please Read

2010-02-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

If you have children, or children visit your home or workplace regularly, you will have been shocked and saddened to hear about the recent tragedies involving children with blind cords.

Where children are involved, even basic household products can turn into a potential hazard. Blinds are no exception.
Over the last few years, several accidents involving blinds and young children have prompted the development of a new European Standard: EN 13120- Internal Blinds Performance Requirements Including Safety.

All blinds supplied by Bespoke Blinds & Poles Ltd conform to this standard. However, if you have older blinds and are not sure what to do, here are some general guidelines to follow:

Position furniture a safe distance away from blinds and windows to prevent children from being able to reach them

Do not allow cord controls or chains to hang close to cots or beds, or to gather on the floor.

Do not allow control cords or chains to hang free. They should always be secured out of reach, or a cordless control should be used.

Never leave a child unsupervised in an area where there are potential safety hazards-even if safety devices have been installed.

Always make sure that you purchase your blinds from a reputable company who can talk you through the best options for your home.

As always, we are here to help. If you have any questions regarding child safety and blinds, or want advice on how to improve a current blind, please do not hesitate to contact the showroom. We can talk to you about cord tidies, cord controls and alternate operating mechanisms.

New Showroom Competition

2010-01-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

If you are not already aware, we are opening a second showroom in March. It is at Hillsborough, on Middlewood Road, opposite the park. Very exciting times.

To celebrate we are running a short competition:

Between the signs above the showroom windows, there will be enough space to have a a short phrase that will represent our business to passers-by.

The phrase should be able to represent the following:

The one- stop showroom for all window dressing and soft furnishing requirements

High quality and excellent value.

Expert, friendly and honest advice

If you have a suggestion for a phrase that will represent all of the above, send it, along with your contact details to info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk, or post it to our Blog, or onto our FaceBook page.

The closing date is 31st January 2010, and the winner will be notified after that date.

The prize:

your phrase being used forever above our showroom,
an invite to our opening party for you and your family/ friends
a bottle of Champagne

So, get your thinking caps on, and your creative juices flowing..............

Kelly Hoppen: Shutters are the way forward

2010-01-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

"Over the years I've used many different window treatments, but I always come back to my old favourite- the plantation shutter. "

So says Kelly Hoppen, one of Britain's favourite-and top- interior designers. Awarded the MBE in 2008 for her services to the industry, Kelly was asked on some tips on how to decorate like an expert by the website allaboutyou.com.

Kelly continues " Shutters don't age or date and are acutally a modern way of dressing your windows- they give privacy as well as being stylish".

Shutters are becoming more and more popular, and also offer the deeling of more security, and are a great way to reduce heat loss through windows.

If you are wondering about cost, just contact the showroom with your approx widow sizes and we can give you some comparison figures over the phone.

And until 12.02.10, we are offering a 30% discount of S:Craft plantation shutters. S:Craft are one of the longest established suppliers in the UK, with a reputation for high quality and breadth of choice. We are the only stockists for S:Craft shutters in Sheffield.

New Year- new showroom

2010-01-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

We have been to measure up our new, second showroom today. Opening early March, it will showcase our range to the North of Sheffield, and we are sharing the showroom with a Soft Furnishing company- Park View.
For our customers it represents a complete window treatment showroom- the same great service and product knowledge (we are allowed to boast, our current customers and suppliers tell us this all the time!) in the North of Sheffield combined with a curtain-making company that have been established as a high quality stand alone for over 10 years.

For us it means a lot of hard work over the next few weeks ( and beyond when it gets busy!) and 2 members of staff to cover both showrooms part-time.
So if you, or someone you know, is looking for a career- either to supplement an existing job or education, or as a new direction in their life- we are offering 20+ hours at both showrooms. Interested partied should apply in writing, with a CV and covering letter, to our Hutcliffe Wood Road address. Interviews will be held in early February.

2010-01-08T08:13:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Neil and I hope you all had a great festive break, and have not been too badly inconvenienced by ALL THIS SNOW!

It's January, which means Special Offers. Here are some of the deasl that are currently available:

S:Craft Plantation Shutters are offering a whopping 30% off their Shutter ranges, as part of their LOVE SHUTTERS promotion

Luxaflex are offering an FREE energy saving ENERGENIE standby shutdown device with all Luxaflex Duetter orders over £150.00

Faber Blinds are continuing their 40% discount across many of their blind fabric ranges

Caribbean Blinds are offering a FREE motorisation upgrade with remote control on several of their awning fabrics

Luxaflex are also offering a FREE heater/ lighting unit with all motorised awnings

So, start your year off with a bargain and pop along and see us.

Happy 2010, Maxine

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2009-12-23T02:33:00.001-08:00

Well, it's almost upon us. It takes us by surprise every year, even though it's on the same day every year, but we all get through it and start the new year with "Never Again!"

Neil and I aren't ones for reminiscing (unless it's a funny story at the expense of ourselves!) but we would both like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone- customers and suppliers and friends- for their support this year, and we look forward to exciting, busy times in 2010. New showroom, new products, new staff- 2010 is the year to watch in terms of Sheffield Window Dressings.

We are closing the showroom at 2pm on Thursday 24th December, and will re-open at 9am on Monday 4th January 2010.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year x

Maxine and Neil

Christmas Countdown Continues.......

2009-11-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

As another week draws to a close, here our our updated cut-off dates for all the last minute shoppers out there.

These dates are not a guarantee, as, as companies get busier they may bring these forward or run out of fabric/ components due to demand, but they may help with your decision making. These dates do not include our measure-&-installation service:

26.10.09- Shutters

23.11.09- Luxaflex Roman/ Sunway MultiShade

28.11.09- Customers' Own Fabric blinds

30.11.09- Luxaflex Expressions Rollers, Luxaflex Verticals (PVC, 250mm), Facette, Silhouette, Japanese Collection, 64mm Duette, Skylight, Luxaflex Metal Venetians (Ondulette, MegaView, 70mm), Sunway Roman blinds, Sunway Woven Wood

01.12.09-Eclipse Roman blinds

04.12.09- Luxaflex metal (50mm standard, Mono/ Electric control), Luxaflex verticals, SimpleFit venetians

07.12.09- Luxaflex Duette and Plisse all styles, except standard free-hanging, but including SimpleFit, Vitesse wood venetian blinds

08.12.09- Canopies, Silent Gliss MetroPole and Track systems (bay windows)

09.12.09- Luxaflex and Sunway rollers (own fabric, electric operation)

10.12.09- Luxaflex and Sunway wood venetians, Sunway verticals, SimpleFit rollers, Faber Roman and Pleated Blinds, Luxaflex Duette and Plisse (standard free-hanging)

11.12.09- All Luxaflex and Sunway Metal Venetians (except 25mm), All Louvolite, Eclipse and Faber Blinds

14.12.09- All Luxaflex and Sunway rollers and 25mm metal venetians, all Louvolite and Eclipse blinds

15.12.09- Sunway Rapide wood, awnings, Faber roller, venetian, vertical blinds, ready made track and pole systems

18.12.09- Express range wood venetian blinds

Blinds & Child Safety

2009-11-05T05:42:00.000-08:00

Where children are involved, even basic household products can turn into a potential hazard. Blinds are no exception.
Over the last few years, several accidents involving blinds and young children have prompted the development of a new European Standard: EN 13120- Internal Blinds Performance Requirements Including Safety.

All blinds now supplied by Bespoke Blinds & Poles Ltd conform to this standard. However, if you have older blinds and are not sure what to do, here are some general guidelines to follow:

Position furniture a safe distance away from blinds and windows to prevent children from being able to reach them
Do not allow cord controls or chains to hang close to cots or beds, or to gather on the floor.
Do not allow control cords or chains to hang free. They should always be secured out of reach, or a cordless control should be used.
Never leave a child unsupervised in an area where there are potential safety hazards- even if safety devices have been installed. The CEN Standard states that "persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer".

As always, we are here to help. If you have any questions regarding child safety and blinds, or want some advice on how to improve a current blind, please do not hesitate to contact the showroom

Commercial Projects

2009-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

More and more we are being asked to take on commercial work. We offer a comprehensive range of products suitable for public buildings: roller blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds panel blinds, awnings, canopies, covered walkways, curtain tracks and poles.

All these products meet public building flame retardant specifications, and others (such as wooden products) can be treated to meet them.

Whatever the height, the width, the shape, we will have a solution.

Popular requests at the moment are branding: on roller blinds and awnings in particular we can add wording, your logo or even a photograph.

And, from an energy efficiency point of view, we can offer solutions that will have a real and positive impact on your energy bills.

How easy is it to keep in touch?

2009-09-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

We have been away for a few days with friends (very nice, lots of laughter, food and drink)

It's gotten me thinking about how easy it is to stay in touch these days. In my youth (ahem), if I needed to telephone someone, I had to run up the road to the telephone box! It didn't happen often, as everyone was in the same boat. I think the advert that used to say "It's Good to Talk" now needs to be updated to say "It's Good to Talk/ Tweet/ Type/ Tap into a Keyboard"

So, how can you keep in touch with us? Well, if you are reading this, you've found one way! Other ways are:

Traditional: telephone (0114 236 3100), postal or visit our showroom (6 Hutcliffe Wood Road, Sheffield S8 0EX), newsletter (telephone, or email to sign up for news and updates 4 times a year)

Modern: email (info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk),
FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheffield-United-Kingdom/Bespoke-Blinds-Poles-Ltd/8609326219?ref=ts ,
Twitter http://twitter.com/BBandPLtd

New: website Guest Book http://www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk/ and follow the link,
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinehayter

If you can think of any other ways to help us all keep in touch, let me know by any of the methods above!

Meanwhile, as always, have a great day :-)

Autumn is here

2009-09-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

Well, that was Summer. Here comes Autumn!

Autumn for the Romantics out there means golden colours, falling leaves, extra layers and pink cheeks, enjoying the shorter sunny days and the longer cooler nights in front of a roaring fire........

For the rest of us it means arguing over how high the thermostat should be (think of the bills!), whilst getting out your jumpers and boots and thinking that you've only just put them away!

If insulation is an issue, always remember that there are blinds on the market that are specifically designed to improve insulation at windows (making significant savings on energy bills). If you want something more contemporary, wood has it's own natural insulating properties; so shutters and wood venetian blinds are always a great choice

If your track or pole is hanging on for dear life, replace it so that you get better coverage of your window.

If you want to warm your room with colour, consider warm reds, golds and aubergines as options- it really makes you feel warmer when you look at warm colours.

We are pleased to announce that we are offering exclusive discounts on certain ranges of Sunway Blinds; and with the 10% off S:Craft shutters still an ongoing offer ( we are the only distributors of this company's products in Sheffield)- now is the time to buy.

Meanwhile, wrap up warm and enjoy September

Company Mascot

2009-08-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

As we approach our second birthday (14th September), Neil and I would like to introduce our new Company Mascot: Baxter.

Here you can see Baxter practising his powers of persuasion :-)

We'll keep you up to speed with Baxter's progress, and you can follow his antics on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=100000110683561&ref=ts

Summer Specials- July Update

2009-07-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Nearly everyone is offering something at the moment! Here are the updates for July:

S:Craft: 10% discount on all orders for plantation shutters and wood venetian blinds

Luxaflex Silhouette: Free upgrade to the unique UltraLift control

Sunway: *Free decorative trims on all roller blinds.

Sunway: *Free decorative tapes on all wood and metal venetian blinds

Styleline: 10% discount on all Express range wood venetian blinds

Faber: 50% off all roller blind decorative trims, plus free upgrade to mono control on metal venetian blinds

PLUS the 10-20% offer still applies to certain blind ranges.

So, if you you are wavering about whether to upgrade or replace your window treatments, this is a great time to have a look around.

Terms and Conditions apply- see in store for details. These offers supercede all previous offers, and can be withdrawn at any time.

2009-07-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, summer is upon us, and the suppliers are rolling out their special offers by the bucketload!

The majority of our suppliers like to offer something to us, as they know that we will pass it straight on to our customers- good news for you all :-)

So, as a taster for what is on offer at the moment:

Silent Gliss Poles and Tracks:

Spend £250.00 in a single purchase, and receive 50% discount

Luxaflex Awnings:

Receive a heater/ light unit (RRp £250.00) with every motorised awning

Styleline Wood Venetian Blinds:

Receive 10% discount on their Express range

Plus receive upto 20% discount on selected other blind ranges throught July & August

It's going to be a great summer :-)

Another First for Sheffield

2009-06-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Neil and Maxine are pleased to announce that they are the only stockists of S:craft Shutters in Sheffield.

S:craft Shutters are the market leaders for plantation shutters in terms of quality, choice of wood and choice of colours. Their specialisation in this field means that bay windows, shapes and remote control options are no longer a concern. Combining their product with our expertise and experience of shutters, and Sheffield has gained yet another winning combination in the Home Furnishing market.

Visit our showroom to see samples of these beautifully crafted products. Bring along your window measurements to receive a guide price for the wood and colour of your choice.

Your Challenge is to.......

2009-05-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

..... find a window or door that we cannot dress, or offer up a solution for.

This came about after a meeting last week, where I was asked what project had ever beaten us?

On replying that we had never had one, I was approached by two people with drawings and measurements- one of a penthouse apartment and one for a hexagonal door. Both of the owners had been carrying around these details for months (over 12 months in one case), because all the stores and suppliers in their areas had either shied away from it or told that that they were "impossible" to dress.

So, with more than a passing nod of thanks to Hannibal and the A-Team "If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them on Google, maybe you can hire ........ Bespoke Blinds & Poles Ltd"

2009-04-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

Our latest newsletter is now available for our customers.
If you would like to receive a copy, please email info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk. You will automatically be entered into our email-only prize draw to receive a goody bag of environmentally-friendly products.

Alternatively, you can call the showroom and request a paper copy- 0114 2363100.

New For April

2009-03-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

Spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts etc. As soon as the days get longer people start looking at brightening and refreshing their homes, themselves, their gardens plus much more.

Here in the showroom, our suppliers are feeling the same way. We have a new range of wood venetian blinds; as we are the only Inspriation Dealers for Luxaflex blinds in South Yorkshire we receive their new products exclusively for 6 months, so you can only see the samples through us in this region.

From Sunway there is the new Multishade blind- a roller blind that can be seen through or not, depending on how you position the fabric. Come along and have a look at our display sample.

Sunway have also brought out new roller blind book, which now makes 3 new books in the showroom in less than 4 weeks!

They have also added new shades to their wood venetian collection, plus a completely new wood- Bamboo. Lightweight, durable and sustainable, it gives a new look to an old favourite in blinds. There are also soft colours in painted finishes, and more choice in their FSC range.

On the pole front, wood is making a comeback this year, so come and have a look at our light oak and pianowood black finishes (this year's Interior Design must-haves). And with angular, facetted, jewelled or intricately sculpted finials to choose from you can transform and personalise a window.

And, finally (for now) we are pleased to annouce that one of our suppliers has extended the discount offer on their whole blind range. Check out the "Special offers" section of our website for details.

Happy Springtime :-)

Spring is upon us

2009-03-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the clocks go forward one hour next weekend :-)

So for all you parents of young children, shift workers, light sleepers, and partners of the last two, make sure you are ready for the lighter mornings.

Roller blinds, Roman blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds- they can all be made with blackout backings to help keep away the dark circles under the eyes.

And don't forget, there is a promotional discount on some of them until 28.03.09.

Inspiration takes on a whole new meaning

2009-02-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Bespoke Blinds and Poles are pleased to announce that they are the sole Inspiration dealers for Luxaflex Blinds in South Yorkshire.

Luxaflex® Inspiration Dealers feature a total overview of the different Luxaflex® window coverings. As part of the qualifying criteria for this accreditation, companies must demonstrate an in-depth knowledge about the complete range of Luxaflex® products and offer a complete measure-&- fit service.

What this means to you is that you can visit our showroom and view one of the most comprehensive ranges of blinds in the county, including a small semi-conservatory and a full-size plantation shutter. You can see working models of all the Luxaflex® speciality blinds- Silhouette, Facette, Expressions digitally printed rollers and Ondulette Venetians as well as a diverse range of stunningly beautiful Venetian, Vertical and Roller Blinds plus the best-selling Plissé Shades, Duette® Shades and Roman blinds.

So don't forget Bespoke Blinds & Poles Ltd- the name for Luxaflex® Blinds in South Yorkshire

Belated Happy New Year!

2009-02-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Belated, but well-meant!

It's been an interesting few months here at Bespoke Blinds & Poles Ltd. Christmas came and went in a blur of blinds, tracks and poles...... December is still one of the main times that people want to renew, redecorate, re-organise. We were pleased to complete every project that was promised pre-Christmas on time.

January has been a surprisingly hectic start as well. With the housing market being what it is, people are looking to improve their homes, rather than leave them sitting on the market for months on end. People are doing their homework more and more, and finding our which products add marketable value as well as decorative value to their homes.
Plantation shutters, conservatory blinds, awnings and good quality bay window tracks and poles have all seen an increase in specific enquiries.

So, what's new in home furnishing world- well, several of our suppliers are bringing out new colours and ranges over the few weeks- look out for an exciting addtion to the Luxaflex pleated blind range, new colours in roller blinds from all our suppliers, and some creative finishes and combinations in the curtain pole ranges (one of which has already arrived- think, mother of pearl, diamante, black glass)

We are currently working on our website, to ensure that we get as much information out to you, and- very exciting for us- we have been invited to join thebestofsheffield, a website that is built upon referrals from customers and other businesses. Check us out at http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/sheffield

And, if you have a great testimonial to leave, even better :-)

There are other plans in the pipeline for business as well, but more of those as and when they occur ;-)

The weather has been a small hiccough for our customers, but we stayed open every day, and even managed to get to all our projects- including two days in Eyam at the height of the blizzards - you can see some of the photos that Neil took en route on our facebook page: www.facebook.com, then search for bespoke Blinds & Poles Ltd

So, until then, Neil and I hope that you all had a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, we hope that the weather didn't cause anyone too many problems, and..... watch this space.

Maxine

Hallowe'en, Christmas, Autumn is definitely here!

2008-10-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's October, it's blowing a gale outside, and leaves are whipping up and down the street.

In the bespoke Home Furnishing market, Christmas starts in Autumn due to lead times on products. For anyone wanting to order plantation shutters to be fitted before Christmas- last day for ordering is Friday 17th October!

So what's hot in the furnishing market? Well, for blinds it's definitely the more unusual ranges- the ones with unique features that you know your neighbours won't have! And with the Silhouette blind (Luxaflex), there is currently a 20% discount on the normal price.

For poles, it's Gothic, Medieval, chunky. Lots of choice with finish, finials and brackets allowing you to (almost) create your very own pole style.

Externally, awnings are still a point of interest. Motorised (for the tecchies out there), colourful, and currently available with a free patio light/ heater.

We had a customer travel a 90mile round trip last week, to come and view our showroom. Apparently we were the closest to their home who had a worked display of the panel blind that she was interested in. I don't know how true that is, but it was lovely to hear her comments about everything else on show. However, don't just take my word for it............

Nearly 12 months old!

2008-08-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

I found myself watching the Olympics yesterday, whilst doing the housework. Team GB really seem to be the success story of the Games..... or that could just be my take on it. 4 years of committment, enthusiasm, support from family and friends, and an unswerving belief that they are the best, has seen our teams present a professional and focused performance that is really paying off in the medals league. Even other countries are acknowledging just how much work Team GB have, and are, putting into Beijing.

Bespoke Blinds & Poles ltd is 12 months old on Sunday 14th September. I was updating my database (aka list.... people who know me will know just how bad I am with technology!) and was pleasantly surprised at just how many people have entrusted us with their business..... and just how varied that business has been.

I fervently believe, and hope, that a large part of that trust has come from Neil and mine's unswerving determination to provide the best service and products possible, to suit the majority of people looking for window and conservatory products, with an open and honest approach to prices.

We are always proud when customers comment on our showroom, when we receive a thank you, and ( probably most of all) when we gain a new customer as a result of a referral from a previous customer.

So, on Friday 12th September, we are having a Thank You/ Birthday party :-)

There will be a number of Area Sales Managers (that's Reps to you and me) on hand to answer any enquiries that you may have. We will have one of the emergency vehicles from Edale Mountain Rescue team on hand for people to have the photo taken with (all we ask is a small donation into the tin), and of course, birthday cake and lite refreshments :-)

For anyone booking a measure, there will be a small goody-bag, with a larger bag for anyone purchasing/ placing an order during the party.

We will also be holding a raffle. Top Prize is £250.00 (retail) to spend on any Luxaflex product

(not including measure-&-fit service, prize cannot be used across more than one order. Free entry)

So, if you are free, and would like to attend a party, please let Max & Neil know on
0114 236 3100, or info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk. We would LOVE to see you x

Even More New Stuff!

2008-07-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

It seems never ending, but we have already increased our offer and added to our displays!

First of all, for all you apartment dwellers out there, we have installed a Panel Blind for you to play with, and consider. One of the main advantages of panel blinds is the width that they can span: upto 6m. This makes them an ideal choice for separating room space or covering large expanses of glass. Also (as one of our customers commented) they are ideal for "hiding" space (in this case it was a teenagers room!)

The model that we have on show is from the Luxaflex Japanese range. We also have a fabric sample book, should you want a different look or colour spectrum.

Secondly, we are pleased to announce that Faber Blinds have joined our happy band :-)
A well-established company, Faber are reknowned for their unique colour and design choice across their ranges, as well as their customer service back-up.

As a "welcome" to the showroom, Faber are offering a 20% discount on wooden venetian blinds ordered before Saturday 2nd August. So, if you have been considering a change in decor...... now may be the time to pop in to see us.

Also, mainly due to customer enquiries, we have installed a woodweave roman blind. So you can enjoy the soft look offered by a Roman blind, with the beauty of wood to enhance your room.

And finally (for now), we have added three new pole samples to our display range. Ranging between 30mm and 50mm in diameter, these wooden poles offer a choice of finials to suit all curtain weights, colours and decor styles. All three ranges are available with matching holdbacks.

So, if you know that you want something different, but are not quite sure what that "different" is, call in for a coffee and a chat, and a play with our displays!

New Stuff

2008-06-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

Well, the re-vamp is all but finished, and we have some lovely new displays for you all to play with.

As well as the Silent Giss Wave Vertical blind, we have our electric awning with remote control (that is safely tucked out of the way of manly hands- remotes are like a magnet to them!) and a panel blind. This is also proving to be a winner for all the people who have studio apartments and are wanting to separate space.

But, I think the winner of our WOW Factor has got to be our full size wooden plantation shutter. The number of customers who have come in and touched it is astounding- I think it is definitely a focal point.

Have a look for yourself (apologies for the quality of some pictures.......... a professional photographer I am not!)

Take care, cheers, Max

Tuesday 3rd June

2008-05-28T02:09:00.000-07:00

The showroom will be closed on Tuesday 3rd June. Don't worry, you can email us (info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk), leave a message (0114 2363100) or post a message on here (via our website: www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk/ blog), and I will pick it up on Wednesday.

If you haven't visit our new-look showroom yet, it's well worth a trip....honestly. We have recently installed a working example of the new Silent Gliss Wave vertical blind. With a choice of 14 colours, and 3 slat shape options, it has quickly become a focal point for our customers.

2008-04-30T03:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the morning after the night before syndrome. We had our official "refit" party last night. It "officially" started at 5.30pm...... first people arrived at 5.15pm, and by 6pm there were over 20 people in the showroom, and no-one left before 7pm!

It took Neil and I over an hour to clear up afterwards. I feel that a good time was had by all. Thanks to everyone who attended, for the flowers and wine brought by so many of you, and for the flowere sent from two guests who could not make it. So generous of you all x

If you want to see what all the fuss is about (and if I say so myself, the showroom looks FAB) come and visit us at 6 Hutcliffe Wood Road. Alternatively, give me a couple of days and I shall get a few photos on our website: www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk

Or, you can wait until the June issue of Activ8, or the July issue of Dronfield Eye, as our friends from Heron Publishing came along last night, and a feature will follow from there.

More chat soon x

Next step continued.....

2008-04-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

......... So, the next, and major part of the refurbishment starts on Sunday.

We are open on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd April, with a reduced size showroom. Closed Wednesday 23rd, Thursday 24th and Friday 25th April, and we re-open with all/ most of it completed on Saturday 26th April.

On Tuesday 29th April, we are holding an "official" re-opening party between 5.30pm and 7.00pm. If you would like to come along, please register your interest with contact details either here, or direct to the store at info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk.

We will be providing light refreshments for confirmed numbers, so please wait for an ackowledgement before arriving.

Take care, cheers, Max

The next step.....

2008-04-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

....... of our expansion plan!
We are cementing our place as the "Captains of Industry" of the Blind World by extending both our showroom and range!
It does mean that we will have to close for a few days (from 12 pm Wednesday 23rd until 9am Saturday 26th April), but it will be worth it when we re-open.

Ranges showcasing modern approaches to window dressings (such as plantation shutters & panel blinds), more options for bay windows and a more definitive "Pole Bar" at the rear of the showroom will really help our customers identify their needs.

It's all very exciting. Watch out for photos.......

2008-04-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Right...I've come back to say that we are extending our showroom. Which is quite exciting for us.

However, the down side is that we have to close a couple of times for "essential work" to take place.

So, from tomorrow 12pm, we are closed until Monday morning. Thats 14th April.

I hope this doesn't cause too many problems for people. It will be worth it at the end of April when everything is finished (we are open before then, though!)

In The Beginning......

2008-04-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

....... there was the showroom. Then came the website. And now a blog.

The times, they are a'changing.

Welcome to the Bespoke Blinds & Poles blog. My idea is to chat about window and conservatory blinds, curtain poles, curtain tracks, awnings, shutters and anything else that you may find interesting.

You can still email the showroom: info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk

Either way, you will get an answer.

My thinking is that there are people out there (like myself) that have relevant questions pop into their head at the most inopportune moments. Hopefully this will allow you to ask whilst it's at the forefront of your mind.

Also, I may run ideas past people on here, to gain a feel for what you want from Bespoke Blinds & Poles.

.....and, of course, if you have any suggestions for our showroom, website, this blog, whatever, just let me know.

It's an evolving thing............

Take care, cheers, Max