How to Buy Mini Blinds

Few window coverings simultaneously offer privacy, light control, glare and sun control and easy operation. Mini blinds do. Less effective in the winter because they do not insulate, mini blinds provide an affordable window treatment option for your home and office. You can buy them at home improvement stores and online.

Things You'll Need

• Window
• Metal measuring tape

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to mount your mini blinds inside or outside the window frame.

2. Record the measurements of your window. For inside-mounted blinds, measure three dimensions of width and length (top, bottom and middle; left, center and right). Always choose the narrowest of the three widths (so the blinds don't snag) and the longest of the 3 lengths (so the blinds reach the sill). Many windows aren't perfectly square, especially in old houses.

   For outside-mounted mini blinds, measure the width of the area you wish to cover, keeping in mind that your measurement must overlap your window by at least 1-1/2 inches on each side and extend beyond the top of the window by at least 3 inches. For more information about measuring for blinds, see Resources.

3. Choose what type of mini blind you wish to buy: wood, vinyl or aluminum. Wood mini blinds can be the most expensive type and can be made to order by some retailers; they are available in different grains and colors. Vinyl blinds, the least expensive type, come in standard sizes only. Aluminum mini blinds come in many different colors and, like wood blinds, can be made to order.

4. Visit a home improvement store (such as Home Depot or Lowes) in your area, or visit its website to order your mini blinds. Be sure to have your measurements handy and ask about return and exchange policies before you commit to a purchase.

References

• Aluminum Mini Blinds
• Installing Mini Blinds
• What You Need To Know When Buying Mini Blinds

Resources

• Lowes Blinds
• Home Depot Blinds
• Blinds Galore
• Measuring Blinds