Inexpensive Blinds for College

Q: My daughter's off to college next month and I want to make sure she is safe with adequate privacy. What blinds would you recommend for college kids (in dorms or off campus) that's cheap but still functional.

A: Most dorms come equipped with miniblinds which also happen to be a great alternative to more expensive shades and blinds for college. As we all know, college environments can cause excessive wear and tear on blinds and you'll want something that's functional yet still inexpensive and easy to replace. Mini blinds also easy to install and come in lots of fun colors to match any style.

Roller shades can also provide great privacy while still saving you money. Durable yet fashionable, roller shades come in all sorts of colors and many come with light diffusing properties as well. Like minblinds, roller shades are easy to clean, easy to install, and cheap to replace. Since they come in a wide variety of colors and textures, it'll be easy to find one that matches her taste.

Low Profile Shades for Drapes

Q: I'm not really looking to change the look of my living room, but I do need a little more control over sunlight. I currently have drapes and don't want to take them down. Is there anything I can use that would work with my existing window treatments?

A: Yes! In fact, cellular shades and roller shades work great with drapes. Both of these shade types are low-profile and, when installed alone, add elegant simplicity to any room. The unique linear design also makes them an ideal choice for pairing with existing window treatments. Their basic look and versatile function make them easy to hide behind valences, but also easy to coordinate with your décor.

When choosing between cellular and roller shades, you may want to consider function. Both come in light filtering and room darkening styles to maximize your control over incoming natural light, but cellular shades offer the benefit of insulation. By trapping cells of air between the window and your room, cellular shades help you save energy by preventing unnecessary heat loss. Roller shades, on the other hand, are very thin and take up minimal space when rolled up.

Both come in lots of colors and textures – perfect for pairing with any decorations!