We are proud to share that Made in the Shade Little Rock has been named “Best of the Best 2026” in the Fabrics, Draperies & Window Treatments category by AY About You magazine.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Central Arkansas readers have selected our company for this recognition. Because the award is determined entirely by public voting, it means more to us than we can fully express.
An Award Chosen by Our Community
The AY About You “Best Of” designation is not a paid placement. It can only be earned through votes submitted by readers during the magazine’s annual poll.
“Our ‘Best Of’ designation goes to only the very top percentage of each category,” said Heather Baker, President and Publisher of AY Media Group. “The eventual winners are the very, very best at what they do, voted on by the most important audience there is: their customers and the general buying public.”
Every vote came from someone who chose to support our business. For our team, that makes this recognition especially meaningful.
“Being voted ‘Best of the Best’ by the people of Central Arkansas for five years running is the highest honor we could receive,” said Mike Kirby, co-owner of Made in the Shade Little Rock. “Every vote represents a customer who trusted us with their home, and we don’t take that lightly.”
Five Years of Continued Support
We founded Made in the Shade Little Rock in 2017 with a commitment to thoughtful design guidance, dependable service, and professional installation.
Nine years later, that commitment continues to guide every consultation and installation we complete.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, from our design consultants who work one-on-one with clients in their homes to our installation professionals who bring those designs to life,” Kirby said.
Reaching this milestone for the fifth consecutive year reflects the trust our customers have placed in us. It also reinforces the importance of delivering consistent service from the first consultation through the final installation.
A Milestone in a Strong Year
The “Best of the Best 2026” award follows several other achievements for our Little Rock team.
Earlier this year, we were named a Top 5 Made in the Shade franchise location for the eighth consecutive year. We ranked fourth among 152 locations across the international Made in the Shade network.
We also reported:
- 21% year-over-year sales growth
- A 130% increase in outdoor patio shade installations
- Continued growth in motorized window treatment projects
- Rising demand for custom exterior shading solutions
These results reflect the changing needs of Central Arkansas homeowners. More customers are choosing window treatments that help control sunlight, reduce glare, improve privacy, and create more comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces.
Our Service Starts at Home
As a family-owned company, we believe the best window treatment decisions begin with personal guidance.
Each project starts with an in-home consultation. One of our design professionals helps the customer compare colors, materials, styles, and operating options inside the space where the treatments will be installed.
Professional measuring and installation help ensure every finished product fits properly and operates as intended.
“Ron and I founded this company with a commitment to exceptional service and design expertise,” Kirby said. “Having our community vote us the best in Arkansas year after year validates everything we’ve worked to build.”
Thank You, Central Arkansas
We are grateful to every customer and community member who voted for Made in the Shade Little Rock in the 2026 AY About You reader poll.
This fifth consecutive “Best of the Best” award belongs to our customers and our team. Your continued trust allows us to keep serving Central Arkansas with custom window treatments designed around real homes and everyday needs.
We look forward to continuing the work that earned your support.
