Nothing screams "rental" like ecru, landlord-issue mini blinds. They're hideous, but you're stuck with them, right? Wrong! Here are 7 stylish upgrades that won't cost you your security deposit.
First, get rid of the offending blinds. Most all of them pop out of their mounts quite easily and can be stored in the basement/crawl space/style jail until it's time to move out. All of the options below are under $30.
OPTION 1: Tie-Up Curtains
The Roman shade's country cousin, these cute fabric shades don't have the pull cord, so it's a good option if there are babies around. Urban Outfitters has some fun colors, or you can DIY with a no-sew tutorial from The Accent Piece.
OPTION 2: Window Film
Films are a great option if you want the light to come in but the view obstructed. Also helpful if you have animals who like to shed and/or chew on window coverings. Films use static to stay on your windows, so installation and removal is super easy. And the options are getting better and better, like this calming blue pattern from Home Depot.
OPTION 3: Roman Shades
Those Romans were on to something. This is a classy shade available at many retailers in a wide range of colors, including these hot pink shades from Wayfair. If you'd rather DIY, here's a no-sew option from Scoutie Girl.
OPTION 4: Grass Shades
If you're looking for something with more visual interest, shades in jute, bamboo, or reed are a great sustainable option. Pearl River has tons of color and material options under $30.
OPTION 5: Wood Blinds
Maybe you like the functionality of blinds, but just want a better-looking option. Wood blinds don't have to cost a lot. IKEA comes to the rescue with 3 colors to choose from.
MORE MINI BLIND ALTERNATIVES ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Roundup: Roman Shades and Matchstick Blinds on the Cheap
• Go Graphic with DIY Roller Blinds
• Lovely Decorative Window Film by Emma Jeffs
(Images: as linked above)
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Thank you for this post! I'm moving in two weeks and with funds being tight, these are great, relatively inexpensive options. And maybe I've been living under a rock, but thanks for introducing me to Wayfair! I'm officially in lust!
I made roman shades out of mini-blinds, like option 1. It really was easy, just time consuming. But totally worth it! I trimmed mine out with some black trim for a greek key look.
http://thenestinggame.com/2011/11/02/greek-key-roman-shades/
Matchsticks can be pretty and reduce incoming sunlight, but don't expect them to provide privacy unless they're lined.
We have the grass/bamboo blinds in our kitchen and on the back porch. We found them at Big Lots last year for $5 for the small one over the sink and $7 for the large ones on the porch.
Matchstick blinds and bamboo can be cool, but remember with any blind, if you can see out, then someone else can see in.
Option 6: roller blinds (also called roller shades, or solar shades) in a fashionable print. We always see the el-cheapo pull-down kind in basic white, and it looks awful. But they have them in all kinds of pretty designs - black and white damask, florals, bold colors, light-filtering, subtle gradations of color, children's designs, etc.
The best online store for patterned roller blinds is The Shade Store (dot com). I love their patterns, they really do the whole range.
@YAKKODOT Thanks I've been looking to change my roller blinds. Do you have any other sites to suggest?
Also regarding roller blinds - Does anyone know where to buy the hardware/kit to make your own. Ikea has one cheap roller blind option that I used last year and replaced with my own fabric. Worked great, but it's a little bit wasteful and only comes in one size. Are there other options?
Hunter Douglas Blinds & Shades At Discounted Prices
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DD Building #1700
Window Fashions For Today's Well Dressed Home!
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www.yourhomestore.com
My new apartment has a HORRIBLE beige roller blind in the kitchen and I was wondering, how would I take it off to temporarily put a roman or a patterned roller blind in? Without damaging it in any way?
I have 2 sets of windows that currently have blinds (one set is broken). I'm considering roman blinds for them, but they are each 78" wide. Will DIY work for this size? If you don't have time to make your own, Shutter Cleaning Orange County will do them for $70/shade. You supply your fabric. Haven't used, but seller rates very high.