Picking out new blinds may seem like a daunting task. However, there is a business right in Albert Lea that is more than happy to help with the process of deciding on new window treatments from start to finish.

Budget Blinds, 310 S. First Ave., is one of about 1,200 Budget Blinds retailers across the nation, according to owner Bob Cotton. However, the Albert Lea Budget Blinds has an extensive showroom that Cotton calls a “hidden gem.”

Budget Blinds carries most major brands of blinds such as HunterDouglas, but also has some private labels like Enlightened Style and Signature Series.

Cotton said all of his representatives are trained to ask and answer questions about blinds, as there are variables to picking out the right blinds.

“It’s all in the questions,” Cotton said.

In its showroom, Budget Blinds carries window treatments that can control temperatures and light, among other things. There are wood blinds, roller shades and even draperies.

For people who work night shifts, they may be interested in getting a blackout shade so they can sleep during the day, Cotton said. For a sunroom, getting blinds that keep heat out of the room while still letting in light would be ideal. And in the kitchen, blinds that are water-resistant are a must, he said.

For sliding glass doors or a wall of windows, Cotton suggests getting a sliding panel track. This track can be installed over the desired window and the panels can be pushed to the side to let in light.

The sliding track panels can be covered in fabrics. Cotton said there are some fabric lines that are exclusive to Budget Blinds retailers, and large books of swatches are featured in the showroom.

For a combination of letting light in and blocking it, Budget Blinds sells roller shades that have two sides. These two shades feature stripes of opaque fabric and can be adjusted to either block all light or let stripes of brightness in.

For those who want the flexibility of letting light in while still retaining privacy and are concerned about child safety, Budget Blinds sells cordless Roman shades. These shades can be adjusted from the top by pulling down on the shade instead of using a cord to pull the shade up. By removing the cord, the blinds are safe for young children who might be otherwise inclined to play with the cord.

A vertislide, or vertical honeycomb shade, is a good choice for both fashion and insulation, Cotton said. Like all of Budget Blinds’ other shades, this window treatment comes in many fabric choices.

“Blinds can be a fashion statement,” Cotton said.

While vertical honeycomb shades are good for insulation, the best insulating shade is a cellular shade. Budget Blinds sells the HunterDouglas Alustra Duette Architella shade, which has qualified for energy rebates for the past three years.

This shade has a cell within a cell design, which helps to keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

After the window coverings are shipped, Budget Blinds installs them for free and can also fix and restring blinds as needed.

“We try to make it an easy, good process,” Cotton said.