The Secret To Purchasing Budget-Friendly Blinds That Still Look High End

Blinds are important for providing privacy and controlling the amount of natural light you let into your home. But their design can also have a major impact on the overall look of your home's interior. Unfortunately, purchasing new blinds can be quite pricey. Between window measurements, choosing the blinds, and having them installed, the costs add up. In fact, depending on the style and material you choose, a custom blind installation can start around $250 to $300 per window — and goes up from there.

Now, if you're interested in swapping outdated and flimsy blinds with one of 2025's biggest window treatment trends, you can rest assured knowing there are ways to get the look of high end blinds without going over your budget. After all, the look of custom blinds can be achieved by carefully and accurately measuring your windows, then choosing the proper sized blinds to match.

The main things to focus on when choosing and installing blinds yourself are the measurements, materials, and style. Once you know the size you should purchase, you can look at different materials and designs. Choosing durable materials that'll last for a long time can save you money and keep your home looking fresh. As for designs and which material to choose, ensuring the blinds match the rest of your home decor, while remaining trendy and timeless, is an impactful way to make your blinds look more luxurious.

If you want the flawless look of custom-made blinds without the price, you'll need to know how to accurately measure your windows, and how to use those measurements when shopping. First, decide if you want your blinds to be mounted inside or outside the window frame. Blinds mounted inside the frame have a seamless look that pairs well with other window treatments, like curtains, while looking clean and modern on their own. Conversely, blinds mounted outside the frame are great for a statement and require less precise measurements.

For outside mounts, measure the space you want the blinds to cover, and include a couple of inches above the frame for the mounting brackets. To measure the inside of the window frame, start with the width. Measure the distance from one side of the frame to the other at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame, then measure from the top of the frame to the windowsill along the left, middle, and right side of the frame. Measuring different areas of the frame is important because most houses are imperfect, and you want the blinds to fit everywhere.

Additionally, use the largest measurements for each individual window, and carefully check the actual width measurement of products when shopping for blinds. The actual width should be smaller than the measurements you took to account for the hardware of the blinds, as blinds with a width measurement equal to what you measured won't fit. For length, look for blinds no longer than 1 ½ times the length you measured.

There are many options for materials and colors. Wood and faux wood blinds are a popular and durable choice that look very stylish, but aluminum is also popular and versatile. And while white blinds blend in with white frames, white walls, and bright outdoor light, they can frequently look dusty or dirty. Plus, they'll noticeably yellow over time and look dated. Conversely, darker colors create an interesting contrast and look clean longer, though they're still prone to sun damage over the years. For more inspiration, check out these 10 affordable blinds on Amazon that are actually worth buying.

For a timeless look, focus on blinds that match your decor. The result will be cohesive and make visual sense, no matter how trends change over time. For example, narrow blind slats look more traditional, and wide slats look more contemporary. You should also match blinds within a room, but don't be afraid to choose different blinds for other rooms throughout your home. Mismatching blinds ensures each room has the window treatments required for the space, while curated choices will make the rooms feel more like a genuine design.

Now that you have some ideas for new blinds to install, learn about smart ways to repurpose those old or broken window blinds in your home and garden. Then, make sure you keep your new blinds clean so you can enjoy a luxurious look for many years, and continue to avoid the expenses of new custom blinds.