Aluminum Mini Blinds – A Versatile Choice
Mini blinds are a type of horizontal blinds that are perfect for covering smaller windows or other household features such as French doors. Aluminum mini blinds have multiple horizontally positioned metal slats that are held close together, one on top of the other, by cords that are generally shaped like a ladder. Like vinyl mini blinds, they are durable and can withstand the pressures and strains of busy household.
There are three levels of metal slat thickness or gauges: 6, 8 and 9. 6 gauge slats are a better choice for less frequently used rooms, while 8 and 9 gauge slats are preferable for rooms with higher traffic. Standard slat sizes are 1/2-inch, 1-inch, 1 3/8-inch and 2-inch. The half-inch sized slats are better for the smaller sized windows or French doors, while one-inch slats are the most common. Two-inch slats are better for large windows. Mount options include inside (within the window casing) and outside (on the wall above the window, covering the entire window).
In general, aluminum mini blinds are a suitable choice for any room as they come in a wide variety of colors as well as brushed and polished textures and specialty metallic finishes such as silver or copper, making it almost effortless to match your desired decor. You can upgrade your blinds with options such as routeless slats which provide better privacy and room darkening and cloth tapes which provide a more decorative look. Cordless operation and motorization options are available for Levolor and Hunter Douglas mini blinds.
If you are comfortable with tools, installation is a great DIY project. Learn how to install inside mount blinds in this video:
Aluminum mini blinds are sold locally or online at The Home Depot, Blindsgalore.com, BlindsChalet.com, SelectBlinds.com, AmericanBlinds.com and other stores. While it is easy to find cheap or discounted mini blinds, keep in mind that the price you will pay will depend on the quality of materials and the options you choose. Take the time to do comparison shopping online to ensure you get the type of blinds you want at a price you can afford.
