Considering buying new mini blinds for windows in your home or office? Mini blinds are available in various materials, dimensions (width & height), slat thicknesses, and safety features. With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your home.
We’ve put together this quick guide to mini blinds—a simple but stylish option that’s ideal for any room in your home. Browse our mini blinds buying guide for all the features and upgrades.
Shopping the right mini blind is important. Perfect window treatments can offer a combination of style, comfort, light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.
Mini Blinds
Mini blinds are sleek, modern window coverings that let light in without letting people on the outside see in—so they’re both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
They come in different colors, patterns, and materials so you can choose one that matches your decor style perfectly. They’re also super easy to put up; all you need are a few simple tools!
Mini blinds are also extremely versatile—they can be mounted inside or outside of the window frame depending on what look you’re trying to achieve.
If you have windows that are too high for curtains but don’t want anything blocking out all light from entering into your home, this is an ideal option for those situations.
They offer privacy without blocking out any natural light from entering into the room through them during those times when they aren’t being used as a shutter system (when closed).
Mini blinds come in all kinds of styles—including regular-sized blinds, roller shades, and Roman shades—so it’s easy to find the right look for your space. But no matter what style you choose, mini blinds are easy to install and operate.
How Mini Blinds Work
Mini blinds are a great option for all your window needs. They work by raising, lowering, or tilting the slats, which can be done with a remote control that allows you to operate them from anywhere in the room.
They’re perfect for covering large windows with a single opening, and they come in many different styles and colors to suit any home decor.
Factors to Consider When Buying Mini Blinds
Purpose
Want to add elegance to your interior decor? Need to boost the functionality of your home? Luckily, mini blinds are both a stylish and functional window treatment.
Budget
Price of Essential 1” Cordless Privacy Mini Blinds typically varies from $25 to $100 for sizes ranging from 18” x 24” to 72” x 72” (wide and tall) windows.
Privacy and Light
If you want your window treatments to let in bright sunlight while maintaining privacy, mini blinds are a great option. For total blackout and maximum insulation, select blackout cellular shades or insulating roller blinds.
Safety
Do you have children or pets in your home? If yes, it’s advisable to go for the safest blinds and shades on the market. Cordless mini blinds 100% conform to new federal regulations aimed at increasing safety for custom window coverings. Other safe options include cordless faux wood blinds, cordless cellular shades, and motorized roman blinds.
Material
Aluminum blinds come in a range of materials, from traditional aluminum to wood or vinyl blinds. If you are looking for moisture-resistant blinds for your kitchen, aluminum mini blinds are a great option to consider.
Measurements
Before ordering your new mini blinds, know the correct size of your windows. Accurate size will ensure perfect fit.
Installation and Maintenance
Mini blinds are generally lightweight window treatments, so they are easy to handle when installing. Plus their slats are easy to wipe down.
Motorization
If you want to operate mini blinds at the comfort of your bed or sofa, consider a motorization option.
Proper Way to Measure for Mini Blinds
- Step 1 – Measure height: Start at the top left and measure to the bottom of the window frame in three equi-distant places. Repeat the measurements thrice and use the largest value rounded up to the nearest ⅛”.
- Step 2 – Measure Width: Repeat the same procedure for the measurement of width.
- Step 3 – Measure Depth: If you want to mount the blinds inside the frame, also measure depth and make deductions for smooth operation.
- Step 4 – Make Deductions: Subtract 1/2″ from each measurement (for a 1/2″ reveal). Select that size from our size chart.
How to Install Mini Blinds to Ensure Perfect Fit
- Materials and Tools You’ll Need
- New mini blinds (preferably made of 1” aluminum slats for better light control)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill (optional)
- Screwdriver or drill bit set.
- Screws or hooks (If you’re installing on an existing window frame, you’ll also need screws or hooks, depending on your hardware.)
Once you have all the necessary materials and tools, follow this easy, step-by-step guide to install your new mini blinds.
Upgrades Available for Mini Blinds
Upgrading your mini blinds is a great way to add personality and style to your home. Here are some of our favorite upgrades:
Cordless Lift
Cordless lift is both child-safe and easy to operate.
Valances and Cornices
Valances and cornices are great for adding style and elegance to your windows! They’re made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, vinyl, and fabric. They come in many different styles, including traditional and contemporary.
Hold Down Brackets
These brackets help hold down your mini blinds, so they don’t move around when you open or close them.
Motorization
Motorization allows you to operate everything from one remote control device instead of having multiple remotes for each individual window.
Motorization is the easiest and most affordable way to upgrade your mini blinds. Whether you want to save energy, open and close them with remote control, or just make them more convenient, motorization is the best option.
Mini Blinds FAQs
What is a mini blind?
Mini blinds are a type of affordable window covering that is typically made out of aluminum, plastic, or wood. They are usually attached to a track on the side of the window and have ½” to 1” slats that can be adjusted up or down to adjust the amount of light while maintaining privacy in your room.
How do mini blinds compare to other types of window treatments?
Mini blinds are very similar to vertical pleated shades, which also allow you to adjust how much light comes into a room by tilting the slats up or down.
The big difference between mini blinds and vertical pleated shades is that vertical pleated shades are made out of fabric, while mini blinds use slats made out of metal, plastic, or wood (the latter option will obviously be more expensive).
Do mini blinds block light?
Yes! Mini blinds are known for their ability to block out 100% light, which means they’re great for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your space.
How do I clean my mini blinds?
Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. You can also get them professionally cleaned at most dry cleaners!
How do I know what blinds to buy?
Here are the factors to consider when buying new blinds:
- Lighting needs: Consider how much natural light you’d like to peek through your window blinds. Select blackout blinds for a bedroom or a nursery bedroom where your little ones are trying to sleep. A sheer light filtering shade would be a fantastic option for the kitchen to create a bright, sunny space.
- Insulation needs: Window blinds come in a range of materials that vary in suitability depending on your space. If your home is exposed to temperature fluctuations, select blinds with a white or reflective backing that will help insulate your area.
- Window size: Select blinds that fit edge to edge and are easy to open and close based on the size and layout of your window or sliding glass door.
- Humidity levels: If your home is located in a high humidity area, choose blinds, like faux wood or metal, that can stand up to high moisture. These blinds would be suited for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other places where moisture naturally occurs.
What is the difference between mini blinds and micro blinds?
Mini blinds have 1” wide slats, while micro mini blinds are even smaller versions of mini blinds with slats measuring ½” in width. Micro blinds are half the size of mini blinds, and they’re also called aluminum blinds.
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