Cheap Window Shades and Blinds
You probably had to look very hard to find this article. Why? Because very few web sites offer unbiased information intended to help consumers looking for window blinds and shades.
Bamboo Blinds does not sell window coverings; we provide this site simply to help you decide what kind of window treatment is best for you and how to select, purchase and install your new blinds or window shades, saving time and money.
If you searched on Google or another search engine you found 100s of window fashion retailers, all advertising “cheap window blinds” or “discount window shades”, but they don’t want you to know more about how to actually find a fair price for window coverings suited to your needs.
If you are a student or anyone just starting out in new rental apartment, flat or home you need window coverings just like anybody else, but you probably don’t have a lot of money to shell out in order to cover windows! Even people who can afford quality window treatments may not want to invest a small fortune just to control light and privacy in their home. Read on to learn about some window covering options that won’t break the bank.
Paper Window Shades
Did you say paper? That’s right. Many home improvement centers and discount retailers sell cheap window shades made of paper. Now these aren’t going to make your home a designer showcase, but you might be surprised how good these paper window coverings look.
And, like much more expensive pleated fabric blinds, they will create a soft glow in your room when you lower them to keep direct sunlight from overheating the room on a hot day! One of the best known brands of cheap paper window shades is Redi Shade.
The Redi Shade original pleated shades are made of high quality recyclable white paper, which allows light to filter through them. They come in 36" and 48" widths, with a 72" drop. They are easy to trim to fit your windows and cost about £5. If you need something really cheap or temporary these are a great alternative.
Pleated Shades Made with Fabric
Stepping up from the Redi Shades, you can also find a wide variety of pleated shades made with fabric or linen. These will last longer, look far more stylish than the temporary paper shades and can still be purchased for about £40 to £80 in the more common ready made sizes.
One disadvantage of the paper and fabric pleated window shades is that they aren’t completely opaque. This means that if you have lights turned on inside your room at night, they don’t provide complete privacy from prying eyes looking in. Some fabrics are more opaque than others so if you are buying pleated textile shades for a bedroom or other room that requires complete privacy be sure to look for a pleated shade made with a heavier, opaque fabric.
Roller Blinds
Roll up blinds are another option if you need a cheap solution to cover your windows. And with cordless operation roller blinds are simple to operate as a practical window blind. You can choose from a wide range of materials, including blackout roller blinds if you work at night and need to sleep during the day. Look for woodweave or bamboo roller blinds if you want something a bit more stylish. For smaller standard window, you can find roller blinds starting at about £20.
If you need complete privacy, another cheap window covering option is the mini blind. These are usually horizontal blinds with narrow louvres (typically less than 2” wide) that stack easily with pull cords. Mini blinds are typically made with aluminum or faux wood material.
The style isn’t always quite as nice as a wider Venetian blind, but a mini blind is lightweight, easy to operate and provides flexible control over light and privacy since you are able to lower and raise it partly or entirely and you can also tilt the louvres to let in more or less light as desired.
Mini blinds are available in a variety of colours to match your décor taste and ready made sizes fit most standard windows; if you need a non-standard size mini blind, look for made to measure models. Most online retailers give you instructions on how to measure your window correctly for inside or outside mount blinds and all you really need to install them yourself is a cordless drill; you can probably borrow one from a friend or neighbor if you don’t have your own.
Mini blinds are quite affordable, with prices starting as low as £25 in ready made sizes.
Single Cell Honeycomb Shades
Now, if you are willing to pay just a little more, then cellular (also called honeycomb) shades may be the right option. Cellular honeycomb shades look very similar to pleated shades but the single cell honeycombs trap air inside, which gives them great insulating value to keep the room cooler on hot days and warmer during the winter.
The extra money you pay for cellular shades may actually save you money in the long run since your heating and cooling costs will be lower and you’ll be more comfortable too! The honeycomb shades start at around £60 for a 36 inch width.
Hopefully you will find these ideas and tips valuable as you shop for the right window blinds or shades. Look around our web site and you’ll find we give you literally thousands of ideas and tips on window coverings, curtains, shutters and other window fashions products. Happy shopping!
Popularity: 6% [?]
