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reds6428

need help with blinds

14 years ago
I have off white walls, dark chestnut large woodwork, 16 windows and the landlord will not paint the woodwork. Light hardwood floors and my style is modern electic with a lot a colorful pop art & fazino 3-d art. Because of the amount of windows cost is important to me. I am about to order off white 2" wood blinds instead of chestnut with costs about 30% more. Any suggestions?

Comments (10)

  • 14 years ago
    I don't think you can get Chestnut any more. Will the landlord go half with you for wood blinds? It isn't like you'd be taking them with you when you leave and it would be an asset for the next renter. Wood blinds in a similar tone would look great, other wise white of off white. I wonder what dark green would look like. Retro?

    If not wood, how about dark brown, like this:
    Boston Townhouse Study · More Info


    Or Bamboo Roman blinds:
    Jenkins Baer Associates · More Info
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    If cost is a concern a faux wood blind in a color similar to the wall color is my recommendation. If cost is not an issue the woven woods would complement the wood beatifully.
  • 14 years ago
    You can redo roller blinds to custom looks, this would add pattern and color!. All you need is laminated fabric--which you can do yourself ( http://www.thepurplepea.net/2009/04/you-can-do-it-custom-roller-shades.html) and not have big bucks into it. Good luck.
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    The roller shade idea a good one - try just one and see how it looks with your style - might work - the custom idea might also be effective if you like a project - you sound kinda artsy - but after first is tried - you'll know if you want to tackle15 windows more!
  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    Hi Reds. Go to WM, look at the 2 inch vinyl blinds. They look exactly like wood, this is the lowest price, and trust me it's still pretty high. Not the sizes you need? Go to any big box home fix it store and have them cut for you right there. The vinyl ones are far more stable, (the wood ones warp) and you can't tell white 2" vinyl from white 2'' wood unless you are right on top of it.

    I am a landlord and I have window coverings on all my units, even the houses I rent out. Are you saying there were no window coverings at all?

    Previous posters are correct, roller shades might be cheapest in your area, but I haven't seen them in a store in my area, ever. Roller blinds for me would be custom order, and would be more costly than mini blinds.The very cheapest solution is the vinyl mini blinds a WM. On the windows on the front of the house you could price out the 2" ones and see if the price suits your budget.

    Good luck.
  • 14 years ago
    i like the idea of bamboo roll-up blinds myself
  • 14 years ago
    Oops! Just opened up your second photo and I can see you have window coverings, (mini-blinds). My apologies for misinterpreting your question.
    Best wishes.
  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    Yes, I have one important suggestion before you order the wood blinds. Check your moisture level at the window first (in different seasons if possible). I had a friend who spent thousands of dollars on all new wood blinds to go with her beautiful new home, from a well known major supplier. What she didn't realize is that even the barest 1st window covering affects the air/elements/and other factors that is a mix between inside AND outside temperatures and/or amount of sunlight exposure. Less than a year later, her blinds had pealing paint, warped, mold and other non desirable results. She was further devastated when the manufacturer stated correctly that they weren't responsible for the condensation that built up causing the damage. A home inspector and her builder both agreed there were no issues with the structure/windows/flashing/siding that caused her problem. Over the years I've see more homes with damage to window sills as water has collected there. This is why the newer blinds not made of solid wood can actually work better if condensation might be an issue. Of course breathable woven shades work equally as well.
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Roman blinds in bamboo. They go with every look and I especially like them with modern eclectic. If you're on a budget, no need to get custom if you're handy. I get mine from Home Depot and cut them to size myself. Just roll it up, put some tape around it to keep it rolled tightly and saw away. I've used hand and power saws. Cut from both sides if you need to take a lot off so you don't cut off your hardware. If you need privacy, buy some muslin and line them while they're hanging with the inside to the outside, if that makes sense.