Updating vertical blinds doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re looking to refresh a tired look or improve functionality, there are many budget-friendly ways to breathe new life into your blinds.
From simple cleaning and replacing slats to adding decorative trims or even repainting the headrail, you can achieve a stylish and modern look without a complete replacement.
This guide will share practical tips and cost-effective ideas for updating your vertical blinds while staying within your budget.
1. Clean and Refresh Existing Vertical Blinds
One of the easiest ways to update vertical blinds on a budget is by giving them a thorough clean. Start by gently vacuuming both sides of fabric and plastic slats with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
Check the care instructions for fabric blinds. If they are machine washable, clean them gently with mild detergent. If not, spot-clean with a damp cloth or hand wash in warm water to remove stains.
PVC or plastic slats can be easily cleaned by wiping them down with a wet cloth and mild detergent to tackle grease or sticky residue.
Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the slats. Consider using a steam or fabric-safe cleaning solution for a deeper clean, especially in kitchens or bathrooms. Regular cleaning refreshes your blinds, keeps them looking new, and extends their lifespan, saving you money on replacements.
2. Replace the Slats for a Fresh Look
One of the best ways to give your vertical blinds a fresh, updated look on a budget is to replace the slats. Over time, slats can become worn, faded, or damaged, affecting appearance and functionality.
By simply swapping out the old slats, you can instantly revitalise your blinds without the expense of a complete replacement.
Affordable replacement slats are widely available in various materials, colours, and textures. Options include PVC, fabric, and aluminium slats that allow you to match your current décor or experiment with new styles.
Consider neutral tones for a clean, modern look, while patterned or textured slats can add a bold, personalised touch to your space.
Explore sales at home improvement stores or online to find discounted slat replacements to save even more. Replacing the slats also allows you to consider mixing materials or introducing a two-tone colour scheme for added depth and style.
3. Add Decorative Trims or Tiebacks
Adding decorative trims or tiebacks is a budget-friendly way to update vertical blinds. Decorative trims, such as lace, ribbon, or pom-pom fringe, can elevate the appearance of fabric blinds.
Choose contrasting colours for a bold look or coordinating shades for a subtle upgrade. Use fabric glue, a hot glue gun, or sewing for secure attachment. Tiebacks are another simple touch that adds a tailored, relaxed feel. Made from fabric, rope, or even repurposed curtain tiebacks, they gather the blinds at the sides for a softer look.
Both trims and tiebacks offer a quick, affordable way to personalise your vertical blinds, giving them a custom, stylish finish without needing a complete replacement.
4. Paint or Update the Headrail
One of the best ways to update vertical blinds on a budget is to paint or refresh the headrail. The headrail, which holds the slats in place at the top, can often become scratched, discoloured, or dull over time, impacting the overall look of your blinds. Refreshing it can make a big difference without needing a complete replacement.
Painting the headrail is a straightforward DIY project that can completely transform the appearance of your blinds. Begin by carefully detaching the headrail from the window and cleaning it to remove dust, dirt, or grease—this helps the paint adhere better.
Use spray paint or acrylic paint suitable for metal or plastic surfaces. Opt for a neutral colour like white, grey, or black for a modern look, or go bold for a more distinctive style. Apply thin, even coats and allow each layer to dry thoroughly for a polished finish.
Alternatively, you can update the headrail with decorative accessories. Consider adhesive strips, metallic coverings, or replacing the end caps for a more contemporary look.
5. Update the Control Mechanism
Upgrading the control mechanism is another way to update and modernise vertical blinds on a budget.
Older controls can become stiff and difficult to operate, but replacing them can improve functionality and appearance. Many home improvement stores offer compatible replacement mechanisms, including cordless or wand-controlled options for pets and child safety.
For a more modern touch, consider motorising the control mechanism. This upgrade allows remote or smartphone operation and is incredibly convenient for hard-to-reach windows.
Retrofitting motorised controls to existing blinds is an affordable way to add luxury and enhance ease of use. Updating the control mechanism is a simple, cost-effective way to refresh your vertical blinds without needing a total replacement.
6. Consider DIY Fabric Blinds or Customisation
One of the best ways to update vertical blinds on a budget is to try DIY fabric blinds or customise existing ones. This approach allows you to transform the look of your blinds without the expense of total replacements, adding a fresh, personalised touch to your space.
For a DIY fabric Roman blind style, consider converting your vertical blinds into Roman-style fabric blinds. This simple project requires minimal tools and lets you choose a fabric that complements your décor: bold, colourful, subtle, and neutral. Remove the vertical slats and attach the chosen fabric to the headrail for a cohesive, chic look.
If you want to keep the vertical blinds as they are, you can customise the slats with fabric covers.
Choose cotton, linen, or velvet materials and adhere them with fabric glue or adhesive strips for a quick transformation. This lets you choose patterns or textures that match your room’s aesthetic, from classic neutrals to striking prints.
7. Consider Local Sales and Discounts
Are you looking to update your vertical blinds on a budget? One of the best ways is to take advantage of local sales and discounts. Many home improvement stores offer seasonal promotions and clearances, with 20-50% discounts.
Retailers like Into Blinds, John Lewis, Argos, and B&Q often have great deals during these sales. Discount stores such as Into Blinds have Christmas and holiday offers on their products that provide affordable alternatives, though their selection may be smaller.
Online platforms like Amazon and eBay also feature reduced prices, with some sellers offering free shipping. By keeping an eye on these sales, you can refresh your vertical blinds and enhance your space without breaking the bank.
8. Try a Two-Tone Colour Scheme
To update vertical blinds on a budget, try a two-tone colour scheme to create visual interest. This approach adds depth and style, giving your blinds a modern look without requiring a full replacement.
Selecting two complementary colours for the slats can achieve a striking effect, such as alternating neutral tones like grey and white or bold contrasts like navy and cream.
To create a two-tone look, replace some slats with a second colour or paint alternating slats if your blinds are paintable. Fabric-covered slats allow you to introduce different textures and colours, adding more interest.
This two-tone approach is a cost-effective way to refresh your vertical blinds and personalise your space. It offers a tailored design without a hefty price tag.
conclusion
Updating vertical blinds doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple tweaks—like adding fabric, swapping out slats, or refreshing the hardware—you can give your blinds a whole new look while keeping costs low.
Ready to elevate your space without overspending? Start with these budget-friendly ideas and transform your vertical blinds into a stylish feature today!
