Unfortunately, new builds do come with a lot of extra expenses that you may not have come prepared for. One of these expenses, window blinds, is a must have for privacy, keeping a moderate temperature in your home, and the overall adornment of your windows. When starting out with several windows in your home that need blinds, the choices are many and depend on your own personal style.

Mini-blinds are generally made of thin plastic or aluminum, and come in slats ranging in size from thick to very thin. Mini-blinds are generally the blind of choice if you are seeking an economical solution for many windows. Often you will see mini-blinds in the windows of bedrooms or recreation rooms.

For windows that will be front and center in your home, you may wish to choose faux wood blinds. Faux wood is less expensive than wood blinds, but they are just as stylish. Faux wood blinds tend to come in thicker slats of 2 to 3 inches, and are easy to adjust for any window height. To customize, simply remove the extra slats that rest on your windowsill. Faux wood comes not just in white or brown, you can also choose from a variety of colors to suit your home.

If you are a fan of old country homes, you may wish to purchase shutters for your windows. Often when one thinks of shutters, the mind wanders to the outside of your home. In actuality, shutters inside your home look beautiful and provide privacy and light adjustment easily. Simply open or close your shutters, or adjust the slats for direct or indirect sunlight.

Bedroom windows are a place where you will generally want to be able to really darken the room. Roman blinds are an excellent choice for bedrooms if they come in a darker fabric, and they can be coordinated with your bedding for a very stylish look in your bedroom. Choose a fabric that coordinates with your duvet and area rug. For example, if you have a chocolate brown and blue bedroom, you could choose a dark brown roman blind to pair with a light blue duvet cover. Pair that with a brown shag or cotton area rug, and your bedroom will be instantly chic and trendy.

As most people think of a window covering as not just blinds, but curtains as well, you may be interested in acquiring both for your windows. Curtains, when paired with blinds, provide both the style and coverage you may be seeking for your new windows. With unlimited options in type, material, and colors, curtains are a nice finishing touch for any window.

If you are among the lucky few whom get to the experience the thrill of owning a brand new home, be sure to budget accordingly for window blinds. With so many different styles to choose from, you will run out of windows before you run out of options.

Getting a designer/installer and letting them manage the whole job. Sounds like a good plan … if you can afford it.

But if you want the look and quality of custom window blinds, there are still ways to save money while getting blinds that are custom fit, of quality construction and with a solid warranty.

In this article we will give you ideas and tips on buying and installing custom Venetian window blinds for an elegant look and easy operation.

Do I Need Ready Made or Custom Blinds?

Windows are made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes; if you have generic, standard sized windows you’ll be fine going with ready-made blinds, but if you have odd shaped, custom size windows, plan to go with custom blinds, meaning they are made to fit your window specifically.

Custom venetian blinds will give you years of use, stack neatly out of site when not in use and come in many styles and materials.

Another thing to consider when buying blinds of course is quality; how good are the materials used, lift cords and hardware, the paint or finish, etc. Custom blinds should be made of the best materials, with chip-resistant blinds, sturdy hardware and lift mechanisms built for durability and longevity.

Types of Custom Window Blinds

Custom window blinds should generally have wider slats than less expensive blinds such as mini blinds. Slat width is a pretty subjective matter, although designers will choose wider or narrower slats to match the theme, patterns and forms used throughout an interior.

Another choice is whether to go with pull cords or wands. Wands seem to hold up better and are easy to use for tilt controls, while cords can be less obtrusive and can be easier to reach, especially if you have a taller window. Wands and cords should be of the highest quality and incorporate safety tassels to prevent a choking hazard for small children in the house.

Custom Window Blinds Materials

Custom window blinds can be made of real wood, stained or naturally finished or with enamel painted finish. Faux wood can look almost as good these days, while being lighter and less expensive.

Take a look at some of the faux wood blinds before you decide which way to go and remember that real wood can warp or crack in time.

Bamboo or woven wood blinds are another stylish option to consider when purchasing your custom window blinds. Custom window blinds are less likely to be made of metal, but if you are looking for a specific metallic finish to match your modern or retro décor then a custom metallic finish could make sense as well.

One other type of custom window blind to consider is the type where the slats are each made of two vanes wrapped in material, giving them a very soft appearance and quiet operation. I have these in a couple rooms in my home and we really like them; they almost look like cellular shades, but operate like Venetian blinds, with stacking slats rather than being a single, pleated shade.

How to Measure for Custom Window Blinds

Now, many people are uncertain when it comes to how exactly you measure for window blinds. The answer, of course, is that it depends. The type of blind being installed, how it operates and whether it is an inside or outside mount can all affect the way you correctly measure window dimensions and window blind width and drop.

The best thing to do is determine the brand and type of blind you want to buy first. Then check the FAQs or Installation Instructions before measuring to see how the manufacturer wants you to take measurements.

In most cases, if you are buying an inside mount window blind, you will measure the distance between the sill and top of the window opening for drop and the distance between the left and right inside edges of the window opening to obtain the width, but again it can vary so check measurements multiple times before you order online.

Choosing a Window Blind Brand

There are a number of top window fashions manufacturers; most of them sell products under multiple brands. Thus, if you learn which manufacturer’s products you like, you can check each of their lines for the style, features and price point that fit you best. We’ve provided a review of all the major Window Blinds Brands as well.

Finding a Good Installer

Now, you don’t need a designer unless you absolutely don’t trust yourself to pick the right style, materials and configuration of your window blinds. We give you hundreds of tips and ideas here on Window Blinds Tips, so we’ll trust you can figure out what you like, but if not, try visiting a couple of local custom blinds shops and ask them for advice.

If you don’t plan to install your own custom blinds, then buying locally is probably the best thing to do. You’ll get end to end service and if anything goes wrong with fitting you’ll have a much easier time than trying to save a few bucks buying online.

Save Money By Buying Blinds Online

If you’re like a lot of Window Blinds Tips readers though, you’ll probably opt to save money and install your own blinds. In this case, it really pays to decide what you want (Bali, Hunter Douglas, etc.) and shop online for the best bargains.

There are MANY online blinds and window fashions resellers these days, so look around for special offers, put your name on our newsletter subscriptions list and wait until you find the blinds you want at the right price. You can save 30%, 40% or even 50% if you shop around versus what you might have paid at the most expensive retailer.

Buy from a reputable reseller who is authorized to sell the brand you are buying and check the return policy and warranty details carefully before checking out.

Unless the blinds are properly measured, they just cannot display their fullest glory in the room.

Mis-fit blinds are worse than having none on the windows. Therefore, it becomes vital to properly measure for your window blinds.

This is a simple and diligent task, and there’s absolutely no need to entrust it to an expert.

All you need to do is follow simple instructions, and you are done with an indispensable process in made to measure blinds.

The most important part in ordering your window blinds online is knowing how to measure correctly. Follow these steps or watch our instructional videos on how to measure your windows for blinds.

Here’s a quick lowdown on all you require to do to measure for your window blinds:

1. Decide beforehand if you want your blinds installed within the window opening, i.e., Inside Mount, or on your wall or trim, i.e., Outside Mount. Inside Mount is the preferred mode as it gives out a tidier feel to the whole blinds arrangement. However, if the opening is too shallow or the window is out of square, Outside Mount will give out a better picture.
2. Always use a steel measuring tape instead of the soft one. This is due to the ease with which steel-measuring tape can help you in measuring the dimensions.
3. Remember to measure down to the nearest 1/8”. Rounding off the measurements can be extremely detrimental to the overall looks of the final product.
4. Use a big and tidy paper to note down all your measurements. The Height and Width columns should be clearly demarcated with the measurements for width preceding that of height. And never, for a second, believe that height and width of your windows will be the same, because even if the windows look square, there is definitely some difference in their dimensions.
5. For Inside Mount, you just need to measure the height and width in three different places, i.e., top, middle and bottom. As mentioned earlier, measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. For width, use the narrowest measurement, and for height, use the tallest measurement. Take no deductions.
6. For Outside Mount, you just need to measure the height and width in three different places, i.e., top, middle and bottom. As mentioned earlier, measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. For horizonal blinds, add 3 inches to the height and width measurements, and for vtertical blinds, 3 inches to the height measurements and 4 inches to the width. Take no deductions.

Finally, remember that measurement of blinds may be the first, but, certainly, the most important step in made to measure blinds for your house windows.

Instructional Video – How to Measure, Inside Mount Aluminum Blinds

These time-tested and trusted blinds offer perfect hassle-free window covering solution for every room.

The ease of purchasing, installing, and maintaining Venetian blinds is unparalleled.

Moreover, if you are always on the move, Venetian blinds are just about ideal for your purposes due to ease of handling.

Easy to operate and inexpensive, classic Venetian blinds remain one of the most popular window covering choices today!

Discovered by Venetian merchants who were traveling in Far East countries, Venetian Blinds were an instant hit among the interior decorators. The aficionados of home décor quickly lapped up different styles and designs offered by the Venetian Blinds manufacturers.

The blinds simply consist of slats of horizontal and overlapping material. This flexibility, in particular, was the main reason the immediate popularity of Venetian Blinds. You can easily and quickly adjust the Blinds to receive just the amount of sunlight you want. The Venetian Blinds can block all or some of the sunlight with ease.

In earlier times, Venetian Blinds, with dangling cord and difficult to clean slatted strips of plastic, sometimes looked clumsy in a room. However, soon enough the problem was rectified by the manufacturers who introduced easy-to-clean and easy-to-manage stylishly new-look Venetian Blinds in different materials.

The most popular among different varieties of Venetian Blinds is the one with wooden strips. The natural looking Wooden Venetian Blinds offer a contemporarily modern look to your room that resonates the unique aura of your personality. Aluminum Venetian Blinds are also quite popular in homes and commercial establishments.

For the budget conscious, we have PVC Venetian Blinds that are inexpensively durable. If you really want a darker room, then perhaps, Mini Venetian Blinds with narrow slats are just about ideal for your purposes.

Available in all colors, designs, styles, and materials, Venetian Blinds are one of the inexpensive window covering solutions for your home. Due to the unique material, Venetians are quite durable and easy to maintain Blinds.

Installing Venetian Blinds is not the job of a rocket scientist. It is extremely easy to manage their installation. You just have to learn few basic steps that are non-technical in nature.

Venetian Blinds offer covering solutions for every kind of windows. With so much versatility and convenience, why wouldn’t you want to have personalized Venetian Blinds ideally suited for your room?

Available in a wide variety of materials, styles, window sizes, slat sizes and colors, Venetian Blinds can easily be matched to your windows and room decor, adding a cohesive designer look to your window treatments.

Popular materials include metal (usually aluminum), wood, vinyl or fabric, with prices determined by the materials used and the style; the better the material and the larger the slats, the higher the price.

Available in many materials, colors, styles and slat sizes, Venetian Blinds provide a stylish and affordable window covering option.

Metal Venetians offer style and light control at great low prices. They are attractive, practical and available in a variety of colors like white, red, blue, chrome, green, black and many different color shades as well. Tapes will typically come in colors to match the slats.

Typical Venetian Blind metal slat widths include 15, 25, 35 and 50 millimeters. The wider slats are more expensive, but offer a nice look to your windows. Wooden Venetians or custom fabric materials are also available if you wish to give your window treatment a more luxurious look.

Since Venetian Blinds are usually made to measure, you will have to measure properly and specify whether the blind will be inside mount or outside mount, relative to your window alcove.

If your home has fine architectural features you do not want to hide, then inside mount Venetian Shades will be perfect, since they are mounted within the window alcove, allowing your ornate window and ceiling moldings show nicely.

You can purchase Venetian blinds in a wide variety of colors. These shades have custom tapes with a lovely pattern for a decorator touch!

You can install Venetian Blinds without any additional window covering or add a pelmet top or fascia for an even more fashionable, complete window treatment.

Versatile, minimal and sleek, Venetians offer a modern, uncluttered window treatment option. Controls are simple to operate and flexible to open wide, filter out some natural light or completely shut out the window light and create total privacy in your home.

And while you should get years of use from your quality Venetian blinds, eventually the rigors of daily use take a toll.

Most commonly, the lift cords fray, become knotted and tangled or break altogether, rendering the blind useless.

Another common problem is that slats may become bent over time, needing replacement.

Many people, finding the blind no longer operable, pay a lot of money to replace their Venetian blinds once the lift cords no longer work properly.

But, you can quite easily replace the lift cords yourself by following our step by step guide, extending the life of your window blind and saving the expense of replacement!

What you’ll need to fix your Venetian window blind:

• Replacement lift cord, slats (if needed), ladder tape and ladders; you can purchase these from your blind manufacture and it is good to plan ahead and buy these when you buy new Venetian blinds.
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors and utility knife
• Large, flat work surface

Step by step instructions to fix Venetian blinds:

1. Fist, lower your Venetian blind all the way down. Adjust the slats open position with the wand or tilt cord.
2. Remove the blind from your window by unclipping it from the brackets. Place the blind flat on your work surface, using care to keep the slats and cords neat and untangled.
3. Next, if your Venetian blind has end caps on the bottom rail, remove them. Remove the bottom rail cover to provide access to the clips or knots at the end or the lift cord, as well as the string or ladder tape ladders.
4. If you need to replace the ladders, disconnect these from the bottom rail. If you are only replacing the lift cord, disconnect both of the lift cord ends that you should find tied or clipped to the bottom rail.
5. Pull the two lift cords up through the holes in the slats to remove bent or damaged slats and feed your replacement slats onto the blind’s ladders.
6. Next, you want to thread the cords back down through the holes in the slats, re-securing them to the bottom rail. Install the bottom rail cover and end caps.
7. To replace your window blind’s lift cords or ladders, simply pull the replacement cords through the holes in the slats up to your blind’s head box.
8. To replace your window blind’s ladders, first disconnect them from the tilt tube, which is in the head box. Then slide the old ladders off the sides of your slats. Slide the slats into the replacement ladders and attach them to the tilt tube and the bottom rail. Pull the lift cords through the holes in the slats, alternating the cords between the ladder rungs back and forth until the cord is threaded through all the rungs. Then secure the lift cords to your bind’s bottom rail.
9. To replace your window blind’s lift cords, pull the two ends up and into the head box. Pull the cords over the pulleys at the top, and back down and out. Unless you have an identical unit to use for reference, you might want to take a photo or sketch out a diagram before you disassemble things; each blind model may have a somewhat different configuration.
10. Next, feed both ends of your replacement lift cord into the head box and run them over the first pulley. Feed one end over the next pulley and the other end across the head box and over to the far pulley. Feed the two lift cords down through the holes in the slats and secure them to the bottom rail. Install the bottom rail cover and end caps.
11. Replace your window blind it its brackets.
12. If you have replaced the lift cords, be sure to re-level the bottom rail properly. This procedure varies depending on the manufacturer and model. You will need to either adjust the equalizing lift-cord buckle or else knot both lift cords together above the tassel once you have the bottom bar leveled. If needed, cut the cords to remove excess length.

By following these simple instructions you can give your Venetian blinds or mini blinds extra life and avoid the expense of replacing window blinds every few years!

You want a window treatment that provides privacy, is easy to maintain, and looks nice too.

One easy-to-install possibility is mini blinds.

They are a great choice if you like the look and function of blinds but have smaller windows that would be overwhelmed by larger slats.

Follow these tips on selecting and installing miniblinds for your home.

Mini blinds are an inexpensive, flexible window covering available in many sizes, styles and colors.

Mini blinds have narrow horizontal slats that fit neatly within the window casing when hung in what’s called an inside mount. This makes for a very streamlined look that works well with a valance or sheer curtains if you’re looking for more of a design statement.

If you have a lot of traffic outside your windows or you’re working with a room where privacy is essential, layering with curtains might be a good idea.

Depending on the blind style you choose, it may be possible to see through the slats, even when closed. Be certain to check them from the outside to avoid the embarrassment later!

Why select mini blinds? In comparison to many other window blinds, mini blinds are very easy to maintain; some versions even come with an anti-static finish to repel dust. They are also one of the most cost-effective window treatments available.

However, mini blinds also have their disadvantages as shown in the list of pros and cons below.

Mini Blind Pros

• Cost-effective
• Easy to maintain
• Easy to install
• Lightweight
• Available in a wide range of colors

Mini Blind Cons

• Can look inexpensive
• Gaps between slats can let light in and compromise privacy
• Cords can present a safety hazard for children or pets
• Plain aluminium or vinyl mini blinds don’t make much of a design statement   

Selecting Your Mini Blinds

One of the major benefits of mini blinds is the number of customization choices offered. Depending on your décor, you might select metallic finishes or vinyl mini blinds styles, or possibly wood and faux wood window blind options.

You can further customise the look by selecting slat size and embellishing with decorative tapes and header options. And they come in hundreds of colors to match your color scheme and decorative style.

Simple Steps to Install Your Mini Blinds

To install mini blinds in an inside mount, follow these simple instructions:

1. Remove the existing window treatments, if any. Fill any visible holes with spackling or joint compound and touch up the paint if necessary.
2. Determine if there is enough space inside the casing to hang a header and blinds. If the window is flush with the wall, you may need an outside mount.
3. Measure the size of the windows. To insure that the blinds will fit inside the casing, make your measurements at three different points vertically, and three points horizontally. Use the narrowest of the three measurements. Be certain to take time to measure as accurately as possible, as a mistake could result in over-large blinds.
4. Install the header brackets on the jambs inside the casing by screwing them into the walls. Use a level to insure that the brackets are straight.
5. Untangle any knots in the cords or tape and insure that the slats hang straight.
6. Some valances will need to be installed at this point. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if the valance should be installed before or after the header rail. The valance should simply attach to the valance clips.
7. Install the header rail by snapping it into place between the brackets. Close the bracket covers if provided with your unit.

While they may not have the prestige of wood blinds, aluminum blinds offer a great combination of advantages, including hundreds of color choices, horizontal and vertical blind styles and they are easier to maintain and keep clean than wood or fabric treatments!

Some people may think of cheap mini blinds when considering aluminum blinds, but the fact is that you can purchase them in a variety of slat widths and gauges; the thicker the slat gauge, the more durable your aluminum blind will be.

Advantages of Aluminum Blinds

Made using curved slats, you will find many advantages with aluminum blinds from the major blinds manufacturers:

• Moisture resistance makes them a good choice for bathroom or kitchen window treatments.
• You have a wide range of color choices available in aluminum blinds.
• While they can be susceptible to bending or crimping, with care aluminum blinds are quite durable and should last for years.
• Finishes include brushed, smooth, baked on enamel and many others. Most aluminum blind finishes are anti-static to help keep dust away.
• Low cost with good overall value and clean, contemporary style comprise the most important benefits of selecting aluminum blinds!

Types of Aluminum Blinds

• Aluminum Mini Blinds – typically available with 1/2 inch or 1 inch slats made with 6 or 8 gauge aluminum, these will generally be the most affordable aluminum blinds available and provide a contemporary look, with advanced finishes that resists scratching and helps repel dust.
• Venetian Aluminum Blinds – for a little more money, you can purchase aluminum blinds with 2 inch, heavier 8 or 9 gauge aluminum slats, giving you a more durable and stylish blind.
• Vertical Aluminum Blinds – perfect for windows that open and close horizontally, the vertical blinds help add height to your window’s appearance and are typically made with the heavier gauge, wider slats.
• Duotone Aluminum Blinds – select the color to match your room decor on the interior-facing side with a neutral color on the exterior side to avoid undesirable color mismatches with your home’s exterior color scheme.
• Dual Headrail Aluminum Blinds – made with 6 or 8 gauge aluminum slats, these are perfect for skylights, roof or loft windows.

Purchasing Aluminum Blinds

Since many aluminum blinds are available in ready made and made to measure sizes, you can save considerably if you purchase them online in most cases, with special pricing discounts and free shipping offered by many major online blinds retailers.

You can easily compare price, features, colors and other options among the major retailers online and even compare with your local blinds retailer before making your buying decision.

The ease of selecting aluminum blinds online at whatever time is best for you from the comfort of your own home makes buying online a great convenience these days.

How to Clean Aluminum Blinds

What you’ll need:

• A Bucket of hot water and mild soap
• Cleaning Rags

Simple instructions for cleaning your aluminum blinds:

1. Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing soap like Joy, Ivory or your favorite brand with a bucket of hot water that is about half full so as not to spill the suds.
2. Wet your rag thoroughly in the bucket, and then wring it out a bit.
3. Close your aluminum blind, and then wipe each slat, either horizontally or vertically depending on which type of blind you have. Be sure to rinse the rag often or you will just smear the dust and grime.
4. Reverse the direction of the slats and repeat the process to clean the opposite side of your aluminum blind.
5. If you do this once a week or at least twice monthly, you will find that cleaning aluminum blinds goes quickly and keeps them looking like new!