Some 350 exhibitors on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
Marjorie Currie and Andrew Osgood, owners of Shades on Wheels in Agawam.
One commonly overlooked upgrade to a home is window treatments.
Marjorie Currie and Andrew Osgood are the owners of Shades on Wheels in Agawam, custom window treatment specialists with a mobile service for on-site service to the customer, as the name suggests.
"We grew out of the need for window shades to be cut perfectly on the spot," said Currie.
"My cousin started the business when she had a wallpaper store because everyone who measured their own shades would bring them back because they didn't fit. Her husband threw a shade cutting machine in the van and, voila, Shades on Wheels was born."
This year, the business will celebrate its 30th anniversary and eight franchise locations now open in Boston area and Connecticut. Currie and Osgood take care of the Pioneer Valley corridor.
Shades on Wheels offers a complete line of window coverings including blinds, draperies and top treatments, shades and shadings, sheers and shutters. The company is an authorized dealer of major brands including Hunter Douglas, Comfortex, Levolor and Robert Allen Fabrics.
"We're seeing the trend of a softer look with sheers now. Wood blinds and wovens are also very popular. It just depends on the personality of the home and what the homeowner is trying to achieve, whether that's a casual or formal look," Currie said.
Window treatments tend to stay up for years because they are purchased for functionality. Treatments can work together with a window to better insulate a room, darken or filter light and, most important for customers, provide privacy.
Agawam Shades on Wheels in-home consultations are on a flexible schedule to work with the schedules of customers. Estimates are free and so is installation.
"We go when our customers need us. Not everyone is available during the day, so we do evening and Saturday appointments. Everything is done by appointment to accommodate our working customers," Currie said.
There are different tiers of quality in the products offered by the manufacturers. Currie said that spring is a good time for rebates and sales.
"There is something for every budget and you don't have to do the whole house at once. Many customers do one room at a time or make a budget after getting an estimate and save up for a year," Currie said of the cost of custom window treatments.
Agawam Shades on Wheels will be at the Western Mass Home & Garden Show at the Eastern States Exposition from March 21 through 24. Its booths will be in the Better Living Center.
For more information, visit shadesonwheels.com or call (413) 786-9411.
For more information on the show, visit http://www.westernmasshomeshow.com/