Tiny Boats, Big Dreams: Blinds By Design LLC Makes Waves with Miniature Masterpieces

Blinds By Design LLC, a West Linn, Oregon-based company you might know for, well, blinds (they do still make those!), is now making a splash in a surprisingly different world: miniature boats. Yep, you heard that right. This family-owned business, located at 4500 Damon Dr, has quietly become a go-to source for incredibly detailed, handcrafted miniature boats – and folks are loving them. For years, Blinds By Design LLC (reachable at 845-676-7190) was known as a local staple for custom window coverings. Founder, and still very much involved, Robert Miller, built the company on a reputation for quality craftsmanship and personalized service. “We always prided ourselves on making things just right for our customers,” Miller explains. “That attention to detail, that desire to create something beautiful and lasting, that’s what carried over when we started tinkering with boats.” It started as a hobby, really. Miller, a lifelong boat enthusiast, wanted to build a scale model of his grandfather's fishing vessel. He quickly realized he had a knack for it. And more importantly, people loved the results. Friends and family were constantly asking him to build boats for them. What began as a personal project gradually blossomed into a legitimate side hustle, and eventually, a core part of the Blinds By Design LLC offerings. Now, the company offers a surprisingly diverse range of miniature boats. Forget those flimsy plastic kits you find in toy stores. These are hand-built. We’re talking carefully shaped wooden hulls, meticulously crafted details, and often, fully functional features. “We don’t just glue pieces together,” says Sarah Chen, who now manages the boat-building side of the business. “Each boat is really an individual piece of art. We use a lot of traditional techniques, combined with modern precision tools.” What kind of boats are we talking about? Pretty much anything you can imagine! Classic Sailboats: From graceful schooners to powerful frigates, these miniature sailboats are perfect for display or even for sailing on ponds and calm water. They come in various sizes, from a compact 12-inch model perfect for a desk to a more impressive 36-inch centerpiece. Many feature fully functional sails and rigging. Vintage Speedboats: Nostalgia buffs will adore the company’s collection of miniature speedboats, modeled after classic designs from the 1950s and 60s. These aren’t just static models; many are equipped with electric motors and remote control, letting you relive the glory days of water racing. Working Tugs & Barges: For those interested in maritime history or industrial scenes, Blinds By Design LLC offers detailed miniature tugboats and barges. These models often feature working winches and realistic detailing, capturing the rugged charm of working vessels. Custom Commissions: This is where Blinds By Design LLC really shines. They specialize in building custom boats to order. Want a miniature replica of your own boat? A specific historical vessel? A fantasy creation? They can make it happen. “We’ve built everything from miniature pirate ships to replicas of famous yachts,” Chen says. “We love a challenge!” So, what makes these miniature boats special? It’s not just the craftsmanship, though that’s a huge part of it. It's the level of detail. Each boat is meticulously finished, with carefully painted details, realistic weathering, and often, tiny accessories like life preservers, anchors, and even miniature passengers! “We spend a lot of time getting the details right,” Chen admits. “It's the little things that make a big difference.” The boats aren't just for collectors, either. They're proving popular with interior designers looking for unique decorative pieces. They make fantastic gifts for boat lovers, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted artistry. They’re even finding their way into architectural models and dioramas. “We’ve been surprised by the range of people who are interested in our boats,” Miller says. “It's really gratifying to see something you’ve made with your own hands bring joy to others.” While the company is expanding its boat-building operation, they haven’t forgotten their roots. They still offer custom blinds and window coverings, and they continue to serve their local community with the same dedication and attention to detail that has always been their hallmark. “We’re a small family business,” Miller emphasizes. “We care about quality, we care about our customers, and we’re passionate about what we do – whether it’s making blinds or building boats.” You can find out more about Blinds By Design LLC and their miniature boats by calling them at 845-676-7190 or visiting their website (currently under development - best to call!). They're located at 4500 Damon Dr, West Linn, OR, 97068-2163, United States. Be sure to ask about custom commissions – they're happy to discuss your dream boat! Don't be surprised if you find yourself hooked – these miniature masterpieces are truly captivating.