Want to repurpose your extra faux wood blinds slats? Or do you think your old blinds are broken, outdated, or you just want a new look by replacing them with different window covers? Before you toss the extra slats or old blinds in the trash, consider these creative ideas to upcycle your unused blinds slats or old window blinds.
You can use the slats for crafting projects or DIY home decor. Just make sure to thoroughly clean them before repurposing.
Extra or unused blind slats are perfect for making awesome, inexpensive gifts. Just cut the slats to size, decorate with paint or markers, and add a ribbon or string.
Or you can reuse the leftover blind slats to make perfect trays for organizing spices, crafts, nail polish, office supplies, and pretty much anything else.
Plus you can renovate or update your old blinds for a new look and functionality.
Key Points
- Get crafty: Cut faux wood slats into smaller pieces for decorative boxes, labels, or even play road signs for kids’ playtime.
- Repurpose old blinds for home decor: Make trays, picture frame backing, or upcycle the slats into furniture like placemats or headboards.
- Renovate your existing blinds: Deep clean blinds, replace damaged parts, repaint for a fresh look, or upgrade to motorized operation.
- Recycle responsibly: Check local facilities or contact the manufacturer for recycling options. In some cases, they can be repurposed as fuel pellets.
- Dispose properly: Remove non-recyclable components like cords or Cordless lift system and follow local guidelines for responsible disposal. Consider professional blind disposal services if unsure.
What are Faux Wood Blinds?
Made from PVC, faux wood blinds are durable, hard-wearing, and affordable window treatments. They consist of horizontal slats that are moisture-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean. You can even dip them in water for a quick deep clean. Faux wood blinds are perfect for humid spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and sink areas.
Faux wood blinds are popular window treatments due to their durability, affordability, decorative appeal, and resemblance to real wood.
However, over time, they may become worn out, faded, warped, cracked, damaged, or simply outdated. Instead of throwing them away, discover creative ways to give them a new life or ensure they are properly disposed of.
7 Quick, Practical Tips to Repurpose Extra Slats or Old Blinds
- Decorate a lampshade.
- Make placemats and furniture out of unused slats or old blinds.
- Paint the slats to use them on boxes and bins.
- Weave your old linen or vinyl blind slats over a headboard and staple in place to give your hearboard an updated look.
- Take your damaged faux wood blinds down and repurpose them to make a basket. You’ll only need scissors, a stapler, ribbon, and a double-sided tape.
- Trim the edges of your old blind slats, hot-glue them to the back of your old mirror to turn it into a work of art.
- Take some old blind slats, hold them in place with bright orange tape to create play road barriers and other road signs for fun truck and car playtime for your kids.
Exploring Creative and Sustainable Solutions to Deal with Your Unused or Old Blinds
Want to replace your faux wood blinds with new ones or advanced upgrades, like blackout cordless cellular shades and unsure how to deal with the old window coverings?
If your old faux wood blinds aren’t providing privacy, security, and light control, instead of simply discarding them, consider exploring creative and practical solutions to give them new life, reduce waste, and contribute to a greener environment.
Scroll on to explore various options for repurposing, recycling, and upcycling old faux wood blinds, as well as provide tips for their proper disposal.
1. Consider Renovating Your Old Faux Wood Blinds
Are you really fed up with your old imitation wood shades? If not, you can consider renovating them to restore their functionality and decorative appeal. You can breathe new life into your worn out window treatments.
To start, thoroughly clean the slats and other components of the blinds by dusting or using a damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or grime.
If your window shades are heavily soiled, you can use a mild soap solution. Next, inspect the window coverings for any damaged slats or hardware and replace them if necessary.
If you want to update the color or finish of your old blinds, you can consider painting or staining them with a suitable product.
Lastly, check the cord lifts and mechanisms for smooth operation, lubricating them if needed.
2. Upgrade them with Motorized Smart Lift Systems
If you are looking for a child-safe cordless, motorized, or smart window covering, you can renovate and upgrade your old faux wood shades for the same functionality. If you install a smart lift, it can be integrated into your existing smart home automation system.
3. Repurposing Ideas for Your Old Faux Wood Blinds
Crafting Projects
Don’t underestimate the potential of your old faux wood window treatments in crafting projects. Cut them into smaller pieces to create unique decorative boxes, coasters, or trivets.
The sturdy nature of these blinds makes them ideal for these types of crafting projects. With a little creativity, some basic skills, and crafting supplies, you can transform your blinds into functional and visually appealing products.
Garden Markers or Plant Labels
Another ingenious way to repurpose your old synthetic wood blinds is by using them as plant labels or garden markers.
Cut your blinds into strips or small squares, write or paint the names of your herbs, vegetables, or flowers, and insert them into the soil.
These DIY garden markers are not only a practical option but also add a touch of rustic appeal to your garden.
Picture Frame Backing or Matting
Consider repurposing your old faux wood blinds as backing or matting for picture frames.
By cutting them to size, you can create a textured background that seamlessly complements your photographs or artwork. This will add an interesting visual element while also making use of an old material that would otherwise go to waste.
4. Recycling Options for Old Faux Wood Blinds
Are faux wood blinds recyclable? Yes! If your old faux wood blinds are no longer providing sun protection, insulation, light control, and other benefits, consider recycling them.
Local Recycling Centers or Facilities
Many communities have recycling centers or facilities that accept window blinds for recycling.
Contact your local waste management facility or recycling center to inquire about their policies and procedures for disposing of your old faux wood shades.
They may have specific guidelines on how to prepare and drop off the old blinds for recycling.
Contacting Your Blind Manufacturer
Some blind manufacturers offer recycling programs for their window treatment products. Reach out to them and inquire about any recycling practices/options they have in place.
They may provide instructions on how to return the old blinds or direct you to authorized collection points.
Repurposing as Fuel Pellets or Biomass
In certain cases, old faux wood shades can be repurposed as biomass or fuel pellets. Check with local biomass facilities or energy production centers to see if they accept old blinds for this purpose.
This option offers an alternative use for the blinds and contributes to renewable energy generation.
5. Tips for Proper Disposal of Old Faux Wood Blinds
Check Local Recycling Guidelines & Regulations
Before disposing of your old faux wood blinds or shades, familiarize yourself with the local recycling guidelines and regulations.
Different regions may have specific rules regarding the disposal of blinds and other household items. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that you dispose of the blinds in an environmentally responsible manner.
Remove Non-Recyclable Components
Before recycling or disposing of the blinds, remove any non-recyclable components, such as cords or metal hardware.
Separating these materials allows for more efficient recycling and ensures that only the appropriate parts are processed.
6. Consider Professional Blind Disposal Services
If you’re unsure about the best way to dispose of your old faux wood blinds, consider hiring the services of professional blind disposal experts.
These service providers specialize in the proper handling and disposal of old window treatments, ensuring they are processed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a crafty enthusiast or simply looking for a fresh update for your faux wood blinds, you can repurpose them into useful objects. Give them a new life with a modern makeover, or recycle them for a sustainable solution. Give your blinds a second life and keep them out of landfills. Just grab your tools and do something creative with your old window covers.
Through repurposing, recycling, upcycling, and responsible disposal, you can minimize waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Need More Help?
Still unsure what you can do with your unused or old faux wood blinds? Get in touch for further help now! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our experts for DIY solutions.