Hello AT LA,
I am subletting an apartment that has awful, dirty plastic blinds. I don’t want to spend any cash because I’m only here for a few months, but the blinds depress me every time I look at them. The plasic blinds have to stay (as per the owner's request). What's a good way to cover the windows without spending too much?
Thanks, Miguel H.
Hey Miguel, We hate those blinds too, and always recommend the very cheap matchstick blinds (we prefer the dark ones). You can usually get them at stores like Home Depot for $12.00 or so. There ARE better quality ones, and if your windows are a standard size you might want to splurge a little and take them to your next home.
We just hang them right over the plastic blinds so that you can still take advantage of the blind's blocking ability (the matchsticks diffuse light beautifully, but won’t hide you if you’re standing in your skivvies. Good luck!
I had the same problem in my living room. I removed the blinds but left the metal hardware up allowing me to quickly replace the blinds when necessary. I then sprayed the outside of the windows with dulling spray, creating a frosted glass effect. I didn't frost all of the panes - only the ones where privacy was an issue. Dulling spray can be purchased at any art supply store (it comes in a spray paint style can) and easily wipes off with windex. So far I haven't had to respray even after the rain showers we had last week.
Also, Bed Bath and Beyond has some nice solar panel shades at a really great price - about $30 a window. I found them at the Beverly Center store and they also carry them on the website.
Thanks for inspiring me to take down my plastic vertical blinds as well. After taking them down to paint my bedroom, I realized how easy they are to remove. Freedom!
You may hate the dirty plastic blinds less if they are sparkling clean. The job really sucks but the end result may change your mind. The process would involve (if like the ones I've cleaned in a rental) thorough dry-dusting, wiping with an almost dry soapy rag, and then a glass cleaner that works on plastic and cuts grease. I've used old socks on my hands to get into the hard parts and to save on paper towels. Like I said, the job sucks...
And personally, knowing dirty blinds were lurking behind something installed in front of them would gross me out.
I have lived in an apartment for two years with terrible white plastic vertical blinds. I hate them, but I understand they are very expensive to replace. How do I safely store them so that they won't break? I don't want to spend $400 replacing them. Thanks!!!
Sarah in Los Angeles
You measure your own windows and fit your own blinds. Buy blinds on-line in minutes. They make and deliver your blinds in five working days. Browse their range and get a quote. Here