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How to Choose the Best Budget-Friendly Blinds (Includes Our Top 10!)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Things to Consider While Shopping
- Our Top 10 Budget-Friendly Window Blinds
- Ways To Save Even More
- Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our Custom Window Shades Buying Guide here!
Things to Consider While Shopping
There are a number of factors to take into account when shopping for blinds. To start with, trends go in and out of fashion quickly – so what style will you choose that remains timeless? There's also quality to think about, and functionality. But it can be difficult to tick all of the boxes when you're on a budget.
Trends Are Not Immortal
It's no secret that blinds are an investment, just as much as any other piece of furniture in your home. Treating your windows adds up quickly. Once you've dressed every window, it'll be a long time before you want to make such a purchase again.
As with any other investment, it's important to remember that trends come and go. The height of fashion now might look dated in just a few years (for example, adding a valance to curtains). So, rather than being swayed by current trends, choose a style that will always look elegant and classic in your home.
Don’t Skimp On Quality
As blinds are such a weighty investment, you may be tempted to compromise on the quality of your blinds. There is a vast difference between a cheap set of blinds and a high-quality set; poor-quality wood can inflate in moisture, warp and twist in the sun, and eventually look shabby. Weak plastic can grow brittle. Untreated metal will rust.
Cheap blinds may be tempting, but they won't last, and you'll end up replacing them much sooner than you would a high-quality set. It's worth spending that little bit more for something that will look great and last for years.
Don’t Sacrifice Safety Or Functionality
Safety and functionality are crucial factors to consider when choosing blinds – after all, you'll be using them every day. Blind cords can be a safety hazard for young children and pets, so look for cordless blinds if this is a concern.
Functionality is key, too. Make sure the blinds you choose can be easily cleaned, and that their mechanisms are not flimsy. There's nothing worse than a set of blinds that only opens on one side, or that keeps falling down.
Our Top 10 Budget-Friendly Window Blinds
At Factory Direct Blinds, we are fully aware that finding budget-friendly blinds can be a challenge. To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of our top 10 budget-friendly window blinds.
Keep in mind that it's always best to consult with a professional to ensure you are getting the right type of blinds for your specific windows. With that said, let's take a look at our top 10 budget-friendly window blinds!
1) Any Interior – Contemporary Fabric Light Filtering Roller Shades
These are one of our five-start roller shades. They come in a range of nine beautifully contemporary colors on 100% polyester and acrylic thermal flock foam. With light control and privacy at your fingertips, you'll love these sleek rollers at a low price point of just $38.00 – and their timeless design will keep your home fresh.
2) High-End Look – Hardwood Blinds
Coming soon, our custom wood blinds are made from 100% high-quality hardwood for a classically natural look. These blinds provide plenty of privacy when you want it, and a decorative cloth tape allows you to further control your privacy and lighting in each room.
Each slat is easily removable for cleaning; your home will maintain its contemporary appeal for years to come with our hardwood blinds.
3) High-End Look On a Budget – Premier Faux Wood Blinds
Unfortunately, real wood blinds don't fare too well in damp environments, but we've got the perfect solution. Premier faux wood blinds are a great, budget-friendly option that gives you the high-end look of wooden blinds without any of the drawbacks.
These cordless faux wood blinds are made without lead or toxins, and they offer excellent light control – perfect for those who want to keep their home well-lit while maintaining some privacy. This range starts at just $29.00.
4) Next Level Light Filtration – Budget Double Cell Light Filtering Cordless
A common pain point for blinds owners is tangled cords, but our cordless double cell light filtering blinds solve that problem. These blinds are perfect for those who want to keep their home energy efficient, as they offer excellent insulation and light control. They also have a seamless appearance to keep your home office or living room sleek and timeless.
These blinds are just $55.00. You can get blackout cellular shades for added privacy, or cordless cellular shades – or cordless blackout shades for a convenient combination. The possibilities are endless!
5) Sliding Door Soul Mate – Classic Curved PVC Smooth Vertical Blinds
If you prefer the style of vertical blinds over horizontal blinds, these PVC blinds are perfect for sliding doors. They come in a range of neutral colors to suit any taste and are easy to operate, making them a perfect choice for busy families.
Choose between cord or wand operation, and relax in the knowledge that these blinds are also easy to clean – simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. Prices start at $57.00 (down from $88.00!)
6) Rustic Charm – Cordless Woven Wood Shades
White and neutral-toned blinds are classic, but what options are there for those who want a touch of rustic charm in their home? Our cordless woven wood shades are the perfect solution.
These shades are made from natural materials, giving each room a warm and inviting feel. They're also designed with safety in mind, as they are cordless and easy to operate. Prices start at $55.00.
7) Bedroom Privacy – Classic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades
For the sleek and moody home dwellers, our blackout shades provide all of the privacy you could ever want. Three-ply vinyl blocks out 99% of light; you'll never have to worry about being disturbed by the sun again.
These window shades come in a range browns, greens, and neutrals, so you can find the perfect shade to match your bedroom or living room décor. These are some of our most cost-effective treatments at just $38.00.
8) Full Personalization – Single Cell Light Filtering Cordless
Cell blinds have a way of making any room look sophisticated, and our light filtering blinds are no exception. These cordless light control blinds give you complete control over light and privacy while adding a touch of luxury. The single-cell construction offers complete personalization, so you can adjust the light to your exact specifications.
You'll love the convenience of our cordless lift design, and the child safety they offer – there's no need to worry about tangled cords or dangerous cords around children and pets. These blinds will keep your rooms timeless and stylish while saving you money at just $49.00 a set.
9) Outdoors Spruce – Signature Faux Wood Blinds
Have you got French doors in your home? These blinds are the perfect treatment to accompany them.
The natural color and texture of the faux wood will help to bring the outdoors in, and the faux wood material means that you’ll get all of the benefits of wooden blinds for just $73.00 – without having to worry about them warping or rotting in extreme weather conditions.
10) Go For a Classic – Economy Cordless Aluminum Mini Blinds
Many homeowners avoid aluminum blinds for their tendency to sag over time. This isn't an issue with our final budget-friendly pick, the Economy Cordless Aluminum Mini Blind.
Constructed with quality materials and a simple design, these blinds are a great way to cover your windows on a budget. They also maintain the contemporary aesthetic without breaking your bank – you can purchase these non-toxic blinds for just $25.00.
Ways To Save Even More
When treating your windows on a budget, there are plenty of options to choose between, from your classic honeycomb shade to blackout blinds and beyond. The challenge is knowing what to look for. Some budget blinds skimp out on quality, resulting in a short-lived window covering. Others are outright unsafe due to their poor designs or flimsy materials.
To sidestep these weak options, look for materials that will stand the test of time – like our faux wood options – and make sure the blinds are made with safety in mind. With the right research, you can find quality blinds that fit your budget. Factory Direct Blinds is proud to offer some of the best budget-friendly blinds on the market.
There are a couple of extra money-saving solutions you can equip when looking for budget-friendly blinds:
DIY Installation
Often, one of the most expensive parts of your blinds purchase is the installation process. Some installers charge as much as the blinds themselves, if not more. To avoid this added cost, consider installing the blinds yourself. Not only will this save you some cash, but it can also be a fun project to do with a friend or family member.
While it's true that some blinds cannot be installed without professional help, such as remote control blinds, many blinds can be installed quite easily with a simple outside or inside mount. If this is a method you're interested in, check out our guide to self-installation here.
Custom Blinds
Custom purchases tend to come with a heftier price tag than generic, off-the-shelf products. However, when it comes to window coverings, custom can be a great way to save money – but not in the way you might think.
Since custom blinds are made specifically for your windows, you can avoid the hassle and expense of buying the wrong size blinds. This is especially important if you have unusual window shapes or sizes. Additionally, custom blinds can often be made from higher-quality materials than their budget counterparts, making them a longer-lasting investment.
Remember that a higher cost upfront does not necessarily mean a higher cost overall. You need to think about your blinds as a long-term investment; will you need to replace them in a year or two? Or will they last for 5, 10, or even 20 years? Take a look at our buying guide if you're interested in ordering custom.
Whether you use these methods or not, our range of quality, affordable blinds is sure to help you cut costs and get the perfect budget-friendly window treatment for your home. Get in touch with us to make incredible savings on your next purchase – free samples included!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the least expensive type of blinds?
The least expensive type of blinds are roller blinds. They typically cost between $10 and $50 per window, depending on the size and style. Other close contenders include Roman shades and light filtering cellular shades, which typically cost between $50 and $100 per window.
What window coverings are most affordable?
The most affordable window coverings are typically fabric blinds, such as roller blinds, Roman shades, and cellular shades. However, some faux wood blinds can also be affordable, depending on the style and size.
Is it cheaper to have curtains or blinds?
Curtains are typically cheaper than blinds & shades, because they require less hardware and installation. However, it also depends on the type and size of window coverings you choose, and the fabrics you select.
Do vertical blinds look cheap?
Vertical blinds can look cheap if they are not well-maintained. However, with a little TLC, vertical blinds can look just as stylish as any other type of window covering. They also tend to maintain their shape and color better than other types of blinds.
