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Mini blinds might not be the best-looking window treatment around, but the coverings, often composed of 1-inch-thick slats, happen to be the most practical pick of the bunch. In addition to giving you full control over your privacy and the amount of natural light streaming into your space, they’re super-affordable, making them a no-brainer for those who don’t want to shell out on custom shades but also don’t want to stick with the dingy roller ones that came with their place. The issue has always been installing them. Even if you happen to have the right tools on hand, do you have the time and arm strength to spare? Per PR Newswire, a new product from Blindster makes it possible to complete the task without putting a bunch of holes in your walls—ideal for renters.
The company’s just-launched No Tools Blinds and Shades collection features 3M adhesive mounting brackets (you know, the same brand that makes dorm room–friendly hooks). The coverings themselves are ultra-lightweight, so the sticky backing is enough to hold them up for months. The customizable pieces win when it comes to convenience, but if you’re not a fan of the plain faux wood or aluminum look, don’t shy away from making them your own. Amanda Becker of Sincerely Marie Designs crafted her own roman shades out of a basic mini blind with some scissors, glue, and checkered fabric she scored on sale for $9 a yard.
Becker started by cutting the accordion strings along the outside of the main cord and removing some of the slats to make wider gaps (she left around 10 louvers for her 53-inch-high window). Then she snipped the center cord to her window’s length and knotted it. When it came to trimming the fabric, the DIYer left 3 to 4 inches of excess so that it could wrap around the top and bottom of the fixture. With the blind laying back side up on the fabric, she sealed the individual slats to the textile with Liquid Stitch and a foam brush. No one will be able to tell what’s hiding behind there.
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