Home Makeover Diva

Home Design Makeover Ideas

1 Inch Blinds vs 2 Inch Blinds

09.10.2019 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Thomas asks:

I’m getting ready to put new blinds in my condo and I’m not sure what I want. What is the difference between 1″ blinds vs 2″ blinds?

Well Thomas, that is a very good question.  It’s very difficult to decide what type of window blinds to purchase, especially if you don’t know much about window treatments.  So I’ve narrowed it down to the four most important differences between 1″ blinds and 2″ blinds:

one-vs-two-inch-blinds#1 Light control – When you have the blinds all the way down and the slats tilted open, you can see out easier with a 2″ blind then you can with a 1″ blind. Thus, you maintain more of your view and you get more light coming into a room with a 2″ blind tilted open than a 1″ blind.

#2 Clean-ability – Generally speaking 2″ blinds are easier to clean as well.  Especially if you are comparing a wood or faux wood blind to an aluminum mini blind.

#3 Weight – The 1″ mini blind weighs less than faux or wood blinds.  This is especially important for windows over 6′ long.  The slats of a window blind that large may bow with the weight.

#4 Price – When comparing price 1″ mini blinds can be less than half the cost of 2″ blinds.  This price gap grows the larger the blind gets.

As you can see, these four differences are substantial. What it comes down to for most people is price and functionality.  If you are still having trouble deciding between the two choices, pick the feature that is most important to you!  This will help you be happier with your choice in the long run!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Categories // Featured, Window Blinds Tags // 1" blinds, 2" blinds, aluminum mini blind, faux wood blinds, faux wood shades, min blinds, wood blinds

How To Measure And Install Window Blinds Yourself

02.23.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Janet writes:

Could you walk me through the process of measuring and installing new window treatments myself? I’ve done several other projects around the house and I think I’m finally ready to tackle this one! Thank you so much for your help!

Janet, your first step will be to measure your windows for the new blinds. Make sure you have a metal tape measure, pen and paper, and a step-ladder or folding ladder to stand on depending on how tall your windows are. It is very important that you use a metal tape measure and not a seamstresses measuring tape. The reason being that unlike a metal tape measure, a seamstresses measuring tape can be inaccurate based on how tight you hold its ends. This is why it is important to always use a metal tape measure for any home improvement project, as it will give you a true unbiased measurement. Once you’ve got all the needed tools assembled, decide where the blinds will be hung from. Are you going to hang them inside the window frame or mount them on the wall around the window?

For inside the window frame, place the end of your tape measure inside the window frame itself, then measure from inside edge to inside edge. Do this in three spots for the width, and three spots for the height. This way, you’ll know whether you need to compensate for your windows being out of square. Do this regardless of how old the house is, older homes are usually the worst at being out of square, but newer homes aren’t perfect either. If your window is out of square, you’ll want to take the largest of all three measurements. This could potentially let in more light around the window blind, but it is better than the alternative – which is your window treatment not fitting inside the window frame!

Where to measure for an inside mount.

For outside the window frame mounts, measure from at least 1-1/2 inches outside the window frame on either side. You may need to make adjustments to this number based on any obstacles or molding. A few tips to keep in mind: Try to avoid mounting your blinds into the moulding or trim work, because this will be noticeable if the blinds are taken down and not replaced. Be extra careful to check the area you are going to mount the blinds for electrical wires and adequate space. If your window butts up next to a cabinet, make sure you are checking your measurements next to that cabinet or another obstacle.

Where to measure for an outside mount.

Once you’ve written down the measurements for both the width and the height of your window, it’s time to purchase your new blinds.  Make sure you write down the dimensions in width x height format (side to side, then top to bottom), and make sure the number is in inches, not feet.  Once you’ve got this important number, you can go pick out your new window treatments!

One of the biggest mistakes novices make when purchasing new window treatments, is not being ultimately clear with the salesperson on how the window treatments were measured. This is why it is important to stress to the salesperson that your measurements are your actual window dimensions and to make sure they know whether you are planning on installing them as an inside mount or an outside mount.  The reason being that an inside mount typically has a 1/2 inch taken off the total width measurement, so that the blind will fit inside the window frame. While an outside mount is made to the exact measurements requested. It might seem redundant, but I always have the salesperson read back my measurements and the type of mount so that I can make sure we are communicating effectively and so my blinds will be made correctly.

Once you bring your new blinds home, you are then ready to hang them. Make sure you’ve got a power drill and it’s charged, your measuring tape, a pencil and step ladder. You’ll want to remove the old blind and it’s hardware first. (Unless you purchased the exact same kind of blind and the hardware is in good condition.)

Make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions when installing the new hardware. Most instructions will tell you how many inches in from the edge of the window the hardware needs to be installed. Then using your tape measure and pencil mark where the new hardware will go. Hold the hardware in that place and make a mark where each screw will be placed. This way, you can start the hole of the screw without having to hold the bracket firmly in place. Giving you two hands to hold the drill and keep it steady. Don’t tighten the first screw firmly in place, you want to wait to tighten it completely until the final screw is in as well. No matter what project you are working on, it’s always a good idea to slowly tighten the screws as this will help you avoid stripping them. Repeat this for the remainder of the brackets.

For an inside mount, you’ll also want to make sure that the hardware is spaced evenly in the depth of the window sill as well. Otherwise your blind will sit crookedly in the window and potentially scrape against the window frame as it’s opened and closed.

Now that the brackets are installed, you are ready to hang the blind. Remember to read the instructions prior to hanging so you understand how the blind fits into the brackets. Some brackets are flimsier than others and could be damaged if you try to put the blind in the wrong way.  If your blind is over 60 inches, you may need another set of hands to hang it. The wider the blind the harder it is to hold by yourself. Plus some brackets are tricky, and require you to hold the blind just so to connect the two. Additionally, the wider the blind the heavier it can be become. This is especially true for wood and faux wood blinds. They can get downright heavy and it’ll be nice to have someone else to share the weight with.

Jiggle the blind around slightly to make sure you’ve got it firmly in the brackets. Otherwise it might fall down on you. Some brackets make a definite snap noise when the blind is securely in place. Once the blind is successfully in the window you are done! Open and close the blind, making sure all parts work smoothly. If  you have a problem, alert the company immediately so it can be fixed. You have a limited amount of time, before any problems are your sole responsibility.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Categories // Window Blinds

Levolor French Door Blinds

02.12.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Carol writes:

I’m at a loss here, hopefully you can help. I have french doors in dire need of some sun blocking and for the life of me, I cannot figure out what type of window treatment is going to give us the best result. My husband and I figure that it’s going to likely need to be blinds, so we can make adjustments throughout the day. Unfortunately we’re stumped as to what the best choice in blinds would be for french doors in a room with traditional accents? Please help!

Levolor French Door Blinds

Well, Carol there is no need to be stumped. I can help you find the best window treatments for your french doors! Even though choosing window treatments can be overwhelming, it’s easier if we choose based on the most important duties we want those new window treatments to perform.  In this case, it appears that your two biggest concerns are finding a window treatment with optimal light control and traditional styling.

Because light control is a major factor here, and your goal is to make adjustments to the amount of light that is let in throughout the day, I would definitely recommend choosing a blind over a shade. This way you have the ability to tilt the louvers, as well as, lower and raise the entire blind itself. This will give you the ultimate amount of light control, over a shade that only raises or lowers.

Next, because you mentioned needing a window treatment that went with traditional accents, I’d recommend a wood blind. Because of the size and material, wood blinds are much better suited for traditional styled rooms than vinyl or aluminum mini blinds. Yet you don’t lose any of the functionality. Because you said you were stumped I’d consider checking out Levolor French Door Blinds. I’m recommending the Levolor brand specifically because I think their traditional style valance will help blend these blinds into the rest of your decor.  Other companies will also have traditional valances to help dress the blinds up, but Levolor also has a pretty good selection of wood types, stains and paints.

Since you are putting these blinds on your french doors you will want to consider the 1″ size wood blinds. They are half the size of the larger 2″ wood blinds so they will won’t compete for space with your door handles. This a great time to mention that when you are measuring for your window treatments, make sure you are taking into account the depth of the blind and the amount of space you have to work with around the door handle area. Otherwise you could have a major issue.

Another important feature for blinds on french doors is hold down brackets. These brackets are made to be screwed into your door at the bottom of the blind. They have little nubs that insert into the bottom rail of the blind and keep the shade from banging as the door is open and closed. While these brackets are made to keep the noise down as the door opens and closes, they are not recommended if you plan on raising and lowering the shade daily. Because they could break or bend with constant use. And if that happens you will either have to order replacement hold down brackets and hope the screw holes haven’t been stripped. Otherwise you’ll have to go without and fix the exposed screw holes in your door.

These tips will help you choose the right blinds no matter brand you choose. As long as you remember what features are important to you and what type of blind will physically work in your space and you’ll be set. Start out by looking at 1″ wood Levolor French Door Blinds and go from there!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!


Categories // Window Blinds Tags // french doors, Levolor French Door Blinds, louvers, window treatment, wood blinds

Types Of Skylight Window Blinds

02.08.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Tamari writes:

Dear Diva, we just installed a beautiful new skylight and I love the amount of natural light it brings in, but during the day it gets way too hot in the room, what types of skylight window blinds are available?

Tamari, way to go on bringing more natural light into your home!  The skylight addition will add more value to your home and could potentially save you on lighting costs. As you’ve also already found out, having a skylight can make the temperature in the room significantly increase. This is why I think it should be mandatory for window salespeople to inform customers of their window treatment options before finishing the sale.  This is obviously just my opinion however, and probably won’t ever happen! But that’s okay, because that’s what I’m here for! That said, you’ve got two choices when it comes to skylight window blinds: cellular shades or 1″ aluminum mini blinds.  Each will allow you to have control over the amount of light being let in, which in turn will help keep the temperature down.

1) Cellular Shades – Let’s start with cellular shades first. Most operate on some sort of track, so that the blind stays secure and straight in the window frame. When it comes to control options, you can either order a standard shade and purchase an additional skylight pole to open and close the shade, or there are remote control options.  Which one you order depends on your budget, preference and where the skylight is positioned.

Types Of Skylight Window Blinds2) Skylight Shade Poles – The poles you can order to operate skylight shades come in either 6 ft or 9 ft long and usually cost $30 or less. They basically just have a hook on the end that connects to a little plastic ledge on the bottom rail of the shade. You then manually use the pole to raise or lower the shade.  While the remote option raises and lowers with the touch of a button, but will be much more expensive.  The remote option is usually your best bet if the shade cannot be reached with a skylight pole.

3) Shade Style – In addition to choosing the control type, you can also choose your cell size, style of fabric and how much light/heat you want to block.  If you are looking to control the maximum amount of heat, look to cellular shades with more than one cell or a larger size single cell because it traps more air.  A double cell shade is a better insulator than single cell and may help you reduce the unwanted heat.  You can also choose a fabric type  that blocks more light coming in.  This will reduce the amount of heat and will also block most of the incoming light.  This option is more popular in bedrooms, because of how much light it blocks.

4) Blocking Light – If you want to block the heat but not the light, this is also possible. This would be done with a double cell in a lighter colored fabric. Or you could choose Levolor Cellular shades and get the Energy Shield option. This options, eliminates air flowing through the shade. So in a skylight window, it would keep most of the heat coming through the window from passing into the room, which would then keep your room cooler.

5) Aluminum Mini Blinds For Control – Cellular shades have a lot more options than my next suggestion. However, if you want more control over how much light is let in at any one time consider 1″ aluminum mini blinds. Unlike cellular blinds which only go up or down, you will be able to tilt the shades opened or closed. One thing to keep in mind about aluminum mini blinds is that you won’t be able to raise or lower them. This is because the headrail and the bottom rail of the blind are fixed, which is how the blind stays flush with the window and doesn’t bell out towards the room.

Aluminum blinds are available with two control types, either a ring tilt or a remote control option.  As with cellular shades, you control the ring tilt with a skylight pole.  Or depending on preference and budget, you can add the remote control option. Regardless of which options you choose, aluminum blinds are available in a wide range of colors and are also only available by special or custom order.

6) Understanding Blind Custom Orders – No matter which style of skylight window blinds you select, make sure to order them soon.  The reason being is that if they’re special or custom order, they’ll take anywhere between two and eight weeks to come in. And even more time should be allowed if you are having them professionally measured and installed or have a specialty shape.  In the meantime, you can purchase inexpensive temporary paper shades to put up to help reduce your heat. To reduce the most amount of heat, choose a temporary shade that is blackout or privacy rated.

Typically speaking these shades will run under $10 and should help the room become livable again.  Just standard window temporary shades will work, you don’t need anything special. To save yourself some time when the permanent shades come in, apply them straight to the window frame with easy release masking tape. That way, when you are ready to take them down, you won’t have any extra work, trying to get difficult adhesive off.  This is also the same reason I am not recommending tacking a towel or sheet up in the window sill. If you spend a few extra dollars on the temp shade, you won’t have to fill in any nail holes later. Sometimes thinking ahead, will make your job easier in the long run!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Categories // Window Blinds Tags // aluminum mini blinds, Cellular shades, Energy Shield, Levolor Cellular shades, mini blinds, shades, skylight, skylight blinds, Skylight Window Blinds

How To Find Cheap Window Blinds

02.01.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Rhea writes:

Dear Diva, I need to replace all the window blinds in my house but I don’t want to spend a small fortune. Where can I find cheap window blinds, and how do I know if what I’m getting is going to last.

Rhea, unfortunately when it comes to home improvement items the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ applies to window treatments. Fortunately for you however, I’ve learned a few tips that will help your window blind budget stretch a little further. I’m positive that not all of these tips will apply to every situation, but I’m confident that at least one of these tips will help you lower the price of new blinds for your home. First thing you need to do before shopping for window blinds is to measure your windows. This way you’ll know what size blinds you’re shopping for before you begin. If you are unsure how to measure for new blinds, then check out this how-to article on measuring and installing window blinds. Once you’ve taken and written down your window measurements, you’re ready to shop around for the best deal!

1- Check what’s in-stock. Big box home improvement stores usually a keep a variety of different blind types in stock. Often times these in-stock blinds are also available to be custom cut to fit your window opening. While these blinds aren’t top quality, I’d say they are worth what you pay for them. Typically speaking you’ll find 2″ faux wood and real wood blinds, as well as 1″ aluminum and/or vinyl mini blinds in stock and ready to customized to fit your windows.

2- Think outside the window frame. If you’ve found a blind type that isn’t customizable and your window sizes aren’t standard, consider mounting them as an outside mount. Meaning that you hang them outside the window frame instead of inside it. This can actually save you big bucks. Keep in mind before going this route that you will need to measure differently for outside mount blinds than you do for those that go inside the window frame. This is because you’ll have to make sure you don’t have any extra obstacles, such as cabinets, walls, switches, and more. You’ll need a minimum of 3″ extra on either side to maintain optimal privacy. So if your window is 48″ wide, you’d want a blind that was 54″ wide. The image below shows how an inside mount looks inside the window frame, as well as how an outside mount would look on the same window.

Window Blind Mount Types

3- Look for sales. Most of the big window treatment companies (Hunter Douglas, Bali, & Levolor) offer specials monthly or bi-monthly. Check with big box, as well as any local window treatment retailers to see what’s currently on sale. If the blind type you are looking for isn’t on sale now, give it a few months and see if that changes. Some companies alternate sales between a specific blind type being on sale and offering their entire line at a discount. If you are patient odds are, that what you want will go on sale with in a few months time. Not only will you find that custom window blind companies run specials almost monthly, but every once in a while in-stock blinds also go on sale at the local big box stores. And it never hurts to ask, if they have any group pricing if you purchase all of your window blinds at once. The worst that could happen is they say no!

4- Compare prices. As with any other major purchase, shopping around will help you find the best price for cheap window blinds. If you are looking at a custom option, don’t just expect that you will be getting the best price based on percentage off. Get a quote from each place you are considering instead. The base price of a blind could be more expensive at one place over another. So even though they are offering a higher percentage, the price could be the same or even more expensive. I encountered this a few years ago with Home Depot and JCPenney. Home Depot’s sale of Bali blinds was 20% off, while JC Penney was a whopping 70%! When I got a price quote from both places, I realized that they were almost identical in price. JCPenney wasn’t pulling a fast one, it’s because Home Depot, Costco and Lowe’s have what is commonly thought of as ‘wholesale prices’ on custom window treatments because of their volume. JCPenney, as well as local blind companies have retail prices. Now, this doesn’t mean that the prices can’t be similar. It just means you should shop both to find the best deal!

Three window blinds mounted In One Window

5- More for less. If you have some very long windows, consider multiple blinds instead of ordering one large custom one. The longer the window the more expensive the blind could be. Depending on the size of your window, you may want to break it down into 2 or 3 individual blinds instead of 1 large one. Visually, I would base this decision on what type of window you have you. If your large window consists of a bigger center section and 2 smaller sliders on either end, then I would install 3 window blinds. And, I would measure for the blinds so that the gap between them lines up with the sections of the window. That way you could still maintain privacy, despite separating the window into 3 blinds. See the above image for an example of what this looks like. Additionally, if the window was solid glass or separated into 2 sections, I would instead opt for only 2 blinds. Because visually 2 is less ‘busy’ than 3, when the window is in 1 solid or 2 separated sections.

As you can see, there’s no real secret to finding the cheapest prices on window blinds. But if you’re prepared, spend the time doing a little leg work and have patience, you’ll be sure to find a great deal on new window blinds for your entire home. It just comes down to how much work you are willing to do and whether or not you are willing to compromise. If you don’t mind shopping around and thinking outside the box, then you are sure to find the cheapest options in your area!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Categories // Window Blinds

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