Plastic Mini Blinds: An Easy Window Treatment Idea

Using plastic mini blinds can be an easy and economical option when looking for window treatments. Also called PVC or vinyl mini blinds, they come in a variety of prefabricated sizes and colors. If your windows are irregular sizes and fall between the standard widths available, many brands can be custom cut to fit the frame. While their ability to fit any size window is an asset, they are also easy to install, clean and maintain. Even for beginners measuring, choosing and installing blinds is easy. In fact, the whole process can be completed in an afternoon - even if custom cutting is required. With all these advantages, these can become the perfect window treatment for any home or apartment.

While windows can insulate a home, without any window treatment they can act as a site for energy loss. Those without curtains or blinds will loose more heat in the winter and increase cooling costs in the summer. While curtains or an option, plastic mini blinds offer a thicker and greater level of protection. Also, compared to curtain panels and other window treatment options such as interior shutters, they are significantly less expensive. Also, unlike interior window shutters, installation is easy and should only take 30 minutes per blind – even for those who are inexperienced at home improvement.

While plastic window treatments can look beautiful when properly sized and installed, they are also extremely affordable. Cheap plastic blinds are available everywhere, from generalized stores such as WalMart and Target to specialty stores. Prices for smaller windows can be as low as $10 per blind while larger windows and custom cut blinds can cost $100 or more for individual mini blinds. Keep in mind basic white window blinds are going to be less expensive than custom cut colored blinds. If you are on a budget shop online and compare store prices, chances are you will be able to find plastic blinds in an affordable price range.

For the novice, measuring for and installing mini blinds is easy and only requires a few basic tools. Before you head out to the store or look online, you need to accurately measure the window. These measurements are determined by the method of installation – either as an inside mount or wall mount. All you have to do is measure the frame or chosen area outside the frame at the top, middle and bottom. Then choose the widest measurement as your blind width size to obtain the best fit. Also, measure the length of the window. Blinds that are too long can be shortened by removing slats, but there is nothing you can do if you accidentally purchase blinds that are too short.

Choosing to mount your plastic mini blinds on the inside or outside of the frame is a personal decision. Inside mounts can be used on any window, and is an ideal method of installation if you choose to add curtains or other decorative window treatments. Outside mounting may be needed in older homes, where the windows have settled and are irregular in shape. This way you can hide the window frame imperfections with the perfectly cut blind edges.

If you are looking for a window treatment option that is affordable, easily customizable, simple to install and requires minimal effort for cleaning – this is the perfect choice for you! Because plastic mini blinds are the most popular treatment on the marketplace there is a wide selection available, and they can be customized to fit any window frame usually at no additional cost. So consider using them as a way to save energy and add a decorative touch to your home.