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Are your blinds, shades, curtains, or shutters discolored, not serving your needs, unsafe for kids, or just outdated?

If you say ‘yes’ to one (or more!) of those warning signs, you need to replace them for better functionality, safety, and home decor.

Most window coverings need to be replaced after every 6 or 7 years. Others last for up to 11 years without needing any replacement or upgrade.

Fall is considered the perfect time to invest in new window treatments to keep your room cozy all winter long.

Inspect your blinds, shades, or curtains and look for these 13 warning signs for when to look for new – and better! – ones.

1. Your Blinds or Shades Aren’t Serving Your Needs

Take a look at your window treatments. 

Are they providing the amount of privacy, light filtration, insulation, glare reduction, and UV protection you need?

Your window dressings might be in great shape. That’s not enough. 

They are installed to serve a purpose, from keeping sun out to improving the energy efficiency of your home.

If they aren’t helping you to make most of your living space and saving you big bucks on your power bills, switch to a more functional set of window treatments right away.

Here are a few options for replacement: 

• We recommend cellular blinds for insulation in all weathers.
• Go with single piece fabric shades rather than blinds with horizontal or vertical slats for privacy. 
• Choose solar roller shades for UV rejection and glare control.
• Try blackout shades for a room darkening effect.
• Invest in pleated shades for light filtration.

2. Misshapen or Twisted Slats

If the slats or vanes of your faux wood blinds are bent or twisted out of shape, it can be a sign of heat damage.

Similarly, excessive exposure to humidity can cause the slats of wood blinds to twist. Blinds with warped slats won’t close tightly.

If a slat or two are deformed, simply replace them with new ones. 

In case of damage to more slats, replace the whole unit with a more durable one.

Here is what to consider:

Homeowners living in extreme weather conditions are recommended to try fabric or sun-blocking shades instead of those made of synthetic wood.

If you have kids or pets around, they can wreak havoc on aluminum mini blinds, bending their slats out of shape. Go with a more durable option, like hardwood blinds.

3. Hard to Raise or Lower

Do your window treatments require a lot of force to open or close? 

If your window treatments are hard to raise or lower or they don’t move at all, it could be a sign of a dangerous issue with the lift mechanism.

With a damaged control system, the blinds are on the brink of falling out of the window frame with brute force. 

Install a new functional set of window coverings ASAP to keep your family safe and avoid frustration! 

Consider buying a unit with a 2-on-1 headrail option for more stability.

4. Damaged Lift Cords

Have your window covering cords frayed or worn down on edges?

If so, it’s a sign of wear and tear of your blinds.

Lift cords may get damaged due to some fault with the internal mechanisms or overuse in high traffic areas, like living rooms and kitchens.

Weakened cords give a clear indication that your blinds are in imminent danger of falling. You shouldn’t delay replacing them for the safety of your family.

5. Your Window Treatments Aren’t Safe for Kids

Do your blinds have dangling cords?

According to CPSC’s New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings, lift cords pose a strangulation hazard for kids. 

If you have young children or pets in your home, replace your corded window coverings with safer and more kid-friendly options, like cordless one touch mini blinds, soft Roman shades, or top-down/bottom-up cellular shades. 

Learn more about window treatments that are safer for small children and pets.

6. Fading From the Sun

All types of window treatments may fade or discolor due to continued exposure to the sun. It could be a sign of material deterioration. 

White shades are especially susceptible to yellowing or discoloration. 

When your window dressings start looking a little dingy, consider replacing them with new ones to restore the decorative appeal of your home’s interior.

To prevent discoloration of your blinds in future, select shades with high-quality, fade-resistant fabrics. 

When shopping for new blinds, select solar shades with UV inhibitors and darker colors. They are less prone to fading or yellowing.

7. Tattered Edges on Fabric Window Coverings

If your fabric window treatments, such as Roman shades, sheer shades, or roller blinds are frayed or ragged around the edges, it could be a sign of scraping of the fabric along the sides of the window frame. 

It usually happens due to tight fit or when the blinds are too wide for the window opening.

Try shortening your blinds or loosening the fit to prevent further fraying. 

If it doesn’t work due to greater damage to the edges, it is time to consider switching out blinds for new ones. 

To avoid such an issue in future, learn how to accurately measure your window treatments for a perfect fit.

8. Your Interior Decor Needs an Update

Do you want to refresh the look of your interior decor? 

You need to switch out existing window treatments for new ones that match with your new furniture, paintings, flooring, color of walls.

When updating your window treatments for better style, some options to consider include plain classic fold, European relaxed fold, and textured front slat Roman shades.

9. You’re Redesigning Your Room/s

Want to change your guest room into a home office or vice versa? 

Want to change the function of your home office into a study room? 

Want to transform your spare room into a nursery or playroom for new little ones? 

If so, hanging new purpose-oriented window treatments is a must. 

Here are some window treatment ideas for newly designated rooms:

1. We recommend privacy mini blinds for your home office. 
2. Choose light filtering sheer shades to update the window coverings of your newly-designated study room.
3.  Blackout roller shades and room darkening shades are a better option for a kid’s room to completely block out light for a better sleep.

10. You’ve Just Replaced Your Room’s Windows

Have you just got new windows for a better style and functionality upgrade? 

It could be the time to consider window covering replacement. 

Your new window frame could be having low depth. Old shades might not give a perfect fit for an inside mount.

We recommend following options for replacement:

• Affordable custom Roman shades are an option with a lower depth requirement – just 2 ½”. 
• For a modern look, choose high-quality fabric shades. 
• For ease of operation, go with top-down/bottom-up or motorized shade styles.

11. You Want to Make Your Window Look Bigger

Have you got a small window in your spacious room or hall?

 Adding more fabric to your window treatment will make it look bigger. 

Sewing additional fabric to existing sheets without disrupting patterns isn’t a cup of tea for everybody. Also it could be time consuming.

A better option is to replace your blinds with larger ones, adding several inches to width and height.

12. Your Old Shades Are Difficult to Clean

Do your Roman fabric shades or traditional horizontal blinds regularly collect dust and you find it difficult to clean them?

Just do away with them. Get new ones with a dust-repelling design, such as roller shades and vertical blinds.

These affordable window treatments don’t have a surface to catch dust, so they are virtually maintenance free!

13. Your Blinds Need to be Integrated into Your Smart Home

Are you running a smart home automation system?

Want to raise and lower your window coverings with your voice commands or an app?

It’s time to consider replacing your manually-operated custom window blinds with those supporting motorization and smart lift mechanism.

Choose budget-friendly motorized cellular, light filtering, woven wood, plain classic pleated romans, or other options that support smart home integration.

If your window treatments with any of the above issues are covered by a lifetime warranty, ask for a repair rather than going with a replacement.

What should be considered when selecting window treatments?

When selecting window treatments, consider light control, privacy, room function (sleeping or working on screens), home decor, energy savings, ease of opening/closing, and finishing touches (mounting style and orientation).

What is the life expectancy of window blinds?

The average life expectancy of window blinds is 6 to 8 years, with faux wood blinds lasting 3 to 5 years and draperies 9 to 11 years.

How do I update my window treatments?

To update your window treatments, choose durable material, align patterns, beautify stitching, do layering, and add blackout lining, valance (to hide open-close mechanism), and trim.

Do window treatments increase home value?

The right window treatments add value to your home, elevating it above the competition in terms of function, style, and safety.

Need Help?

If you need expert advice about when and how to replace your window treatments, contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Yes, they do! When completely lowered (with tightly closed slats) on a sunny window, highly reflective mini blinds can reduce heat gain up to 77%, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

What are mini blinds? They are affordable blinds made of horizontal slats that are less than half the width of standard (2-inch) faux wood blinds. They boost your modern decor style and are available with a cordless option, making them safe for home with kids and pets.

These 1-inch-slat beauties can beat summer heat to keep you cool and cut your air conditioning costs.

Mini-slat shades have dual thermal regulation functionality – they keep heat out during the summer and prevent heat loss during the winter.

Plus you can stack their slats at the top to let the sun warm your room during the winter.

If your windows are south-facing, the solar heat gain will be reduced by 65%. On the other hand, the ‘minis’ on west-facing windows beat the summer heat by 77%.

For maximum heat prevention, use horizontal slats in light colors that reflect more sunlight. Research has shown that medium-colored shades with white plastic backings can reduce heat build-up by 33%. Switching to pure white color will further prevent harmful UV rays from entering your room, helping you cut down your air conditioning bills.

Also, you can adjust their slats to control light and privacy, and to insulate. When you adjust the tilt of slats to reflect sunlight onto a light-colored ceiling, this phenomenon will diffuse light without much heat or glare. So, they would be a good choice for home theaters.

Factors Affecting Ability of Mini Blinds to Reduce Temperature

If properly installed, your high-end mini blinds can reduce the amount of heat that gets into your house from the environment, creating a more comfortable living space.

Following are the major factors affecting the energy efficiency of small-slat window coverings.

• Tight Fitting Slats/Vanes: If small horizontal slats tightly fit into each other, they will block both heat and cold from penetrating into your living space. If there are any gaps between the slats, replace them with new ones. In the case of gaps along the edges between the blind and the window frame, use an insulation liner.

• Closed or Open Weave: If your mini blinds are made of fabric vanes, the type of fabric will greatly affect their insulation potential. If you choose closed or tightly woven fabric, you’ll get better protection from harsh sunlight. The opposite is true for open weave fabric vanes.

• Reflective Power of Color: Lighter colors have better reflective power than darker ones. Darker hues are good at absorbing heat and transferring it into your home. In other words, dark-colored blinds will actually trap heat in rather than keeping it out. There are also dual reversible shades with white and dark sides, which can be switched with the changing seasons. Homeowners can switch to white (sun-reflecting) side in summer and dark (heat-absorbing) side in winter.

• Material Choice: The materials like aluminum, vinyl, and PVC have inherent insulating potential, helping reduce temperature in hot summer. On the contrary, the thermal resistance of wood and fabric materials is lower.

• Proximity to Windows: The closer the blinds are hung to windows (almost touching the window panes), the better they will block solar heat from entering your room. For maximum energy savings, install them as close to the glass within the frame as possible.

• Use of Cornice and Seal: If you install a cornice at the top of your mini blinds and seal them at the sides, it will minimize the transfer of solar heat into your room, keeping your cooling bill in check.

• Interior or Exterior Installation: Installing sun-blocking mini blinds inside or outside the window will have a great effect on their cooling effect. When placed on the outside, they create a double layer of insulation. First, they filter the majority of the sunlight even before it reaches the glass. Second, they create an insulation barrier between the blind and the window pane. This second barrier will effectively prevent heat from entering your room, maintaining its coolness during the hottest summer months. When the winter months arrive, you can easily remove the mini blinds.

• Layering or Adding a Liner: You have two choices to double the insulation power of mini blinds. First, install an insulation liner. Second, hang another window coverings, such as a blackout roller, a light filtering sheer curtain, or a heavy fabric Roman shade, in front of your mini-slat blind.

• Preventing Dust Build-up: Accumulation of dust, dirt, or debris on the slats of mini blinds will affect their tight fit, creating the chances of small gaps when closed. On the other hand, well-cleaned and maintained slats will give optimal performance in reducing heat.

Alternatives to Mini Blinds to Reduce Heat Gain

Cellular or honeycomb shades are a better alternative to mini blinds for keeping heat out and maintaining a cooler interior during hotter months of the year. They are available with single-cell, double-cell, and triple-cell designs with increasing degree of thermal regulation.

Do mini blinds keep heat out?

Outside mounted mini blinds deflect the sun’s UV rays (and heat) before it gets into your home, reducing solar gain and keeping your room cooler in hot weather.

Do mini blinds help with temperature control?

Yes! Mini 1” slat blinds employ a double-layered insulation mechanism for temperature control, preventing both heat and cold from escaping or coming in during different seasons. Some other window treatments, like solars, offer better thermal and light regulation.

Do mini blinds keep cold out?

High-end mini blinds with tight-fitting slats can keep heat in and cold out during colder months, with their insulation potential being closer to that of cellulars.

How much heat loss do blinds prevent?

Blinds (especially cellular ones) can prevent heat from escaping through windows by up to 80%, preserving warmth and coziness of your home in winter and cutting down your heating bills.

Need More Help?

Need expert advice on improving the heat reducing ability of mini blinds and how to measure for them? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Want to figure out how cordless mini blinds go up and down? Answered!

Mini 1” slat window coverings use a tension system, top-down/bottom-up push/pull, or a motorized control system to open or close without pulling cords.

Some cord-free styles can also be lifted or lowered with a single touch, requiring only one hand. This is where great style meets modernity, child-safety, and ease of operation.

The cordless lift/lower mechanism is in either the headrail or bottom rail. 

In some products, there is a wand that you need to twist or rotate to tilt the slats for the required level of privacy, light regulation, insulation, blackout, and ventilation. 

If you have (cord-free) panel track blinds, they work by simply sliding left or right to adjust or readjust light exposure.

A high-quality cordless control system is durable and reliable, allowing you to evenly raise, lower, or adjust their slats.

When it comes to visual interest, the blinds without dangling cords give your window treatment a sleeker, clutter-free look.

So, home improvement professionals recommend them to homeowners to enhance the interior decor, and improve the quality of life (with convenience and security).

What Are Cordless Mini Blinds?

Cordless mini blinds are truly easier-to-operate and child-safe window coverings, made of 1” vinyl, PVC, or aluminum slats. They are one of the most popular window covers today for their function, style, and safety options.

Cordless window covers are not totally cord-free but have hidden strings going through the slats, behind the shade, or within the shade, to operate them. Modern “minis” are one of the most affordable blinds on the market today.

You can get an Essential 1 Inch Privacy Mini Blinds set for less than $20 for a 24 x 24” window! Similarly, an Elite 1 Inch Cordless One Touch Mini Blind is priced under $40! The latter are equipped with state-of-the-art cordless technology. You can watch a video to see how exactly they work.

How to Operate Classic Cordless Minis

• Classic cordless mini-slat shades come with a top-down/bottom-up control style, which can be raised from the bottom up or lowered from the top down. 
• To raise the blinds, just push up on the bottom rail. To lower them, simply pull down on the bottom rail. 
• To fully or partially open or close slats, tilt the bottom rail back or forth. Tilting the headrail forward or backward only takes a couple of seconds.
• Top bottom style is excellent for letting light in from the top, while still providing privacy in your room by blocking the lower part of the window opening. 
• You can also partially open the blind from both top and bottom for two-way light exposure and ventilation.

How to Operate Modern Automatic Cordless Mini Blinds

• Modern automated cord-free blinds can be operated without standard strings. 
• Cords may be used only to keep the slats hanging together. 
• Motorized shades can be raised or lowered using a remote, your voice, and an app or smart device.
• You can also program them for automatic raising or lowering based on the time of the day, and temperature or light requirements.

Are Cordless Blinds Safer to Operate in Homes with Kids?

Definitely, they are! According to CPSC’s (Consumer Product Safety Commission) New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings, cordless blinds reduce the risk of strangulation for kids and pets.

Young children and pets are curious to play with hanging cords or strings, occasionally getting caught in them.

As cordless shades do not pose any such hazards, they are perfect for new parents.

They work with different cord-free options like a one-touch operation and use of a remote or a smartphone app. Safer blinds provide peace of mind by preventing any serious injuries.

When Cordless Mini Blinds Won’t Go Up or Down?

• Manufacturer’s Error: A manufacturer’s error with the control system of the blinds may cause them to stop operating. If your shade comes with a (free lifetime) warranty, you can immediately order a replacement.
• Getting Stuck: Cordless mini shades may get stuck in the up or down position. This happens due to bent or warped slats. You can fix this issue by straightening or replacing the damaged or twisted slats.
• Inactive Spring Mechanism: Check if the spring mechanism of your cord-free mini blinds is active. If it isn’t in proper working condition, contact the customer care department of your seller to get the issue fixed.
• Dead or Low Battery: If you have battery-operated cordless mini covers, check if the battery is fully charged. If it is dead or low, recharge it and your mini blinds will restart going up or down with the push of a button.
• Effect of Heat and Humidity: The effect of heat and humidity on the blind fabric or slats may cause them to swell or damage. It may prevent them from opening or closing altogether, requiring the installation of a fresh piece. Make sure to exactly measure your window for a perfect fit that, in turn, will ensure a smooth operation.
• Non-Functional Friction Clips: Friction clips help your blinds recoil in the headrail. If they aren’t operating, your mini blinds won’t go up or down. Remove non-functional clips and install new ones in their place to get your window covers moving again.

How to Keep Cordless Mini Blinds in Healthy Working Condition?

Here are some practical tips to ensure optimal performance of your cordless mini covers.

• Regular Cleaning: Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the slats of your window treatments over time, causing them to malfunction. Keep them clean using a feather duster, soft cloth, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
• Avoid Excessive Force: If your minis come with a panel track system or a top down option, you’ll operate them with your hand. Avoid exerting excessive force when raising, lowering, or adjusting them. A gentle and even pull or push will ensure smooth working and prevent any damage to the operating mechanism of blinds.

What is the mechanism inside cordless blinds?

• Tension Mechanism: There is a tension mechanism inside the headrail or bottom rail of cordless blinds that holds them in place and allows you to open or close them. To easily lower or raise them to the desired height, you can pull or push the thick and sturdy base slat.
• Spring-Loaded System: It allows you to operate your blinds without the use of cords.
• Continuous Loop: A tension device holds tight a loop of chain or cloth. Pull one side to open the covering and pull the other side to close it.

Do cordless mini shades cost more?

No, not at all! Surprisingly, cordless mini blinds are much cheaper than traditional window coverings, like Romans or rollers. For example, while a classic Roman shade would cost around $100, you can get a cordless mini for as low as $18!

Is there a trick to cordless blinds?

Yes! Here’s the trick to operate cordless blinds, when they don’t work:

• Try to reactivate springs by lowering the blind down as far as it will go.
• Try lifting the bottom rail of the blind up while gently rocking it from side to side.
• Again pull it down to see if the function is restored.
• Use the twist wand (if there is one) to tilt the slats.
• Repeat this process a couple of times to reset the control mechanism.

Need More Help?

Need expert advice on improving the working of your cordless mini blinds? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Exploring Different Systems, Steps to Operate, & Safety Measures

Knowing about different lift mechanisms to raise cordless mini blinds is essential for achieving optimal light control, privacy, blackout effect, and aesthetic appeal in your home, office, or other building.

Understanding the operation of cordless blinds and their benefits is crucial in achieving a functional and visually pleasing window covering solution.

This article comprehensively guides about different options to raise cordless mini blinds while emphasizing the importance of safety precautions during the process.

Cordless mini blinds are not only pet and child-safe window treatments, they offer multiple convenient lift options to raise, lower, or adjust them.

One common cordless operation for mini blinds consists of a top-down/bottom-up lift system. Other mechanisms for raising them include motorized and smart lifts.

Features of Cordless Mini Blinds

Cordless mini blinds eliminate the need for cord lifts, offering a safer and more streamlined operation. Let’s explore their key features:

1. Operating Mechanism: There are different operation mechanisms. Among them, the top-down/bottom-up method allows you to raise, lower, or adjust your blinds by simply pushing or pulling on the bottom rail or the headrail. The slats can be adjusted manually for light control and privacy.

2. Safety

Cordless window blinds are a safer option, particularly for households with young children or pets. They eliminate the risk of strangulation, choking, and potential accidents associated with corded window coverings.

3. Ease of Use: Raising your cordless blinds requires minimum effort and can be done with one hand. The absence of cords simplifies the operation mechanism and provides a clean and uncluttered appearance.

4. Design Considerations

Cordless shades offer a sleek and modern look due to the absence of cords. They provide a clean look and are an excellent choice for contemporary interior decor styles.

5. Limitations: While cordless shades offer safety and convenience, they may have some limitations. For example, if they are based on a motorized mechanism, they will not work in the absence of battery or electricity.

Different Lift Mechanisms and How to Use Them

Below are popular lift systems to choose from when buying cordless, along with a brief explanation of how they work.

• One Touch Wand Control: They use a one-touch wand control mechanism. You need to push, pull, and rotate the wand to open or close the blinds and adjust the orientation of their slats.
• Top-down/Bottom-up Styles: Top-down/bottom-up mini blind styles allow you to raise, lower, or adjust them by pushing or pulling with your hand.
• Motorized Blinds

Motorized lift systems, powered by batteries or electricity, offer a convenient solution with remote or automated control. These alternatives offer enhanced safety features while delivering the same functionality and style as traditional mini blinds.

• Smart Lifts: Smart lift systems can be integrated into your existing smart home automation system. You can operate them with your voice commands or a tap on your smartphone app.

Examples of Mini Blinds with Cordless Lift System

Below are some examples of mini blinds with a cordless lift mechanism.

• 1-Inch Cordless Privacy Mini Blinds
• Elite One Touch Cordless Mini Blinds

Other types of blinds that support a child-safe list system include top-down/bottom-up cellular shades, 2-inch cordless faux wood blinds, and plain classic top-down/bottom-up Roman shades.

Easy Steps to Raise Manual Cordless Mini Blinds

1. Locate the Lift Mechanism: Familiarize yourself with the position of the lift system, which is usually located on the bottom rail of the blinds. This mechanism allows you to open, close, or adjust the height of the blinds.
2. Grasp the Bottom Rail Securely with One Hand: Ensure you have a firm grip on the bottom rail of your blinds with one hand to provide control and stability during the lifting process.
3. Apply Gentle Force: Apply gentle pressure to the lift mechanism, either pushing or pulling it upward, depending on the design of your blinds. This action will raise the blinds to the desired height.
4. Lift the Blinds to the Desired Height: Gradually lift your blinds while maintaining a level position. Check for any crookedness or misalignment and adjust as necessary to achieve a visually pleasing look.
5. Release the Lift System to lock the Blinds in Place: Once your blinds have reached the desired height, you can release the lift mechanism. It will automatically lock your blinds in position, securing them at the chosen height.

Safety Precautions when Raising Cordless Mini Blinds

Here are some key precautions to keep in mind when raising your window coverings.

1. Avoid using excessive force when lifting your blinds to prevent damage.
2. Double-check that there are no obstructions in the way of your blinds.

Conclusion

Raising your cordless mini blinds with different lift mechanisms is a straightforward process that allows you to control light, privacy, and the overall ambiance of your living space. However, you should follow some DIY tips and observe safety precautions when operating your cordless window treatments.