How to Turn Inexpensive Blinds into Attractive Window Treatments?

Answer 1

Window coverings are among the most expensive cosmetic updates in a home, easily costing hundreds for even the smallest windows. For a fraction of that cost there are alternatives to add privacy to a room without sacrificing appearance. Following are the steps to use inexpensive “temporary” blinds as a long-term window covering solution in a bedroom.

1)Purchase inexpensive “temporary” blinds. Home improvement stores usually care three types of temporary blinds; all are pleated blinds, where the fabric is folded in an Accordion type manner and attached to the inside of the window with preinstalled sticky-tape. The least expensive versions are made of paper or vinyl. These blinds are pre-folded and clipped with a plastic clip. To close these blinds, the homeowner simply unclips them and lets them hang down; to open them, the homeowner folds them back up along the pre-folded lines then clips them open. The best type is similar and made of vinyl, but they have holes punched in them with a string run through. This way the homeowner pulls the string to open the blinds and releases the plastic catch to close them.

2)Hang the blinds. Cut the blinds to length with scissors or a razor. They can be cut to simulate split headers of expensive blinds by putting two sets side by side over larger windows. Adhere the blinds with the built-in sticky tape. To make them last longer, use a few short screws with a washer over the head to better secure the blind.

3)Trim the window in fabric for a custom look. Adding a little fabric around the window will finish it off nicely and soften the edges of the inexpensive blinds. This can be done by hanging sheer curtains to either side of the window, or creating a simple fabric valence by using a staple gun to attach fabric above the window. Staple the fabric from underneath, then let it hang down, hiding the staples and the very top of the blinds and the window will have a finished, beautiful, expensive look for just a fraction of the cost of custom blinds.