Window Blind Center » Tips

Change Mini Blinds into Shades

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:20:35 +0000

Here is a great tip on transforming your mini blinds into shades from Little Green Notebook. Sometimes shades can cost more than you are willing to spend but you don't want to hang the cheap mini blinds in your house either. This is a great do-it-yourself (DIY) project to make you window coverings more appealing.

When my cheap white IKEA shades were safety-recalled, I decided to figure out a way to repurpose the old {ugly} mini blinds that had previously hung in our bedroom windows. The result was better and easier than expected, not to mention even cheaper than the cost of new IKEA shades.

There are detailed instructions to help you safely and cheaply make your own.

Some of the supplies that you will need are:

Tape measure
Scissors
Fabritac (or comparable fabric glue - NOT HOT GLUE!)
Mini blinds (like the $3 Target mini blinds)
Fabric (yardage depends on the size of your window)
Trim (optional)

Alternative to Blinds

admin — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:22:05 +0000

Window Etching

While eating dinner with some good friends of ours, we noticed that they didn’t have any blinds on the windows on both sides of their front door. They recently moved into their home and are still in the decorating, setting-up mode. I made a comment that I loved her “paper” blinds. Teasing of course, although she was creative and had crinkled the paper to look like according blinds from the street. Her response was, they have decided not to spend the $75 for each blind and are going to stencil/etch a design in the windows instead. I was surprised to hear her say that each window would cost approximately $75 dollars each as each window was only 8 inches wide by 8 feet tall. She said that the salesman had said that you basically pay for the cost of a regular sized blind (there is a minimum size) and then they have to cut it down to fit the window, but you are going to pay for the minimum sized blind regardless! So, my friends have decided to go with a cheaper alternative and stencil the window.

Easy Window Coverings

admin — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:22:00 +0000

Being a first time homeowner, there was of course, much budgeting to be done. The home had so many windows to cover I quickly had to think of a efficient way to implement the project. The solution: Find a universal inexpensive yet sophisticated window covering such as a mini-mind or faux wood blinds in a color that will complement or contrast beautifully and simply with your existing decor and layer it with pre-made treatments with a custom twist. Since shopping online is easier than ever these days I purchased pre-made plain colored or even double sided panels in different fabrics and finishes. Then added a few personal flares to each of them and hung them on the sides of the windows. For example on one pair of windows that were side by side I purchased a plain colored sateen finish panel and cut it in half then hemmed the edges. Tied satin ribbons to the top and added some bead fringe for under $30. Two wrough iron key hangers were also purchased to hook the window panels to, creating an elegant designer look. Look for more ideas and browse for new furniture at www.myaffordablefurniture.com. Where we make every experience an unforgettable one.

Finding a Contractor to Replace Windows

admin — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:22:00 +0000

Installing new windows can do wonders for your home. It will make your home more energy efficient and add new style. Window installation is a
major project, so here are a few tips to make the process easier.

Figure out exactly what you want, including the style, materials and any fixtures you'll need. The more specific you are, the more accurate the estimates will be.
Set a budget. By shopping and educating yourself thoroughly about what you want and what's available, your budget will cover the project and the estimate will be on target with the project's actual cost.
Get at least three quotes. Using online referral sites may be a good solution. Give each potential contractor the same specifications. This will help you compare the bids they submit.
Compare prices, quality of materials and timeline from each bidder. Don't hesitate to ask questions on anything that seems unclear. Make sure all your questions are answered from each contractor before you make a final decision.
Get a contract. Decide on a contractor and get a written contract that describes everything in detail. Once it's down on paper and signed by both parties there's no disputing what the original agreement contained.

Log on to www.ReliableRemodeler.com to get your remodeling project started today.

Read the full article.

Article by ARA