Creative Ways to Update Old Vertical Blinds Without Replacing Them

Let’s face it – those once-trendy vertical blinds might be starting to feel a little dated in your home. While they once reigned supreme in offices and living rooms across the GTA, their stark, utilitarian look can leave a room feeling cold and uninspired.

But before you resign yourself to the expense and hassle of a complete window treatment overhaul, consider this: Your old vertical blinds might hold more potential than you think! At Blinds Toronto, we believe in finding creative and budget-friendly solutions to refresh your space.

This blog post will unveil a treasure trove of innovative ideas to breathe new life into your old vertical blinds. From simple cosmetic upgrades to clever repurposing techniques, you’ll discover how to transform your space without emptying your wallet. 

Get ready to reimagine your window treatments and give your home a fresh look!

Refreshing the Look: Cosmetic Upgrades

Sometimes, all your vertical blinds need is a little TLC to look brand new. Simple cosmetic upgrades can revitalize their appearance and give your space a fresh feel.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Years of dust, grime, and everyday wear and tear can dull the appearance of even the most well-made blinds. A deep clean can often dramatically improve their look, revealing their original colours and textures.

Cleaning Fabric Blinds

1. Dusting: Begin by gently dusting each slat with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This removes loose dust and debris.
2. Spot Cleaning: Mix a mild solution of warm water and a gentle detergent for any stains or marks. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the affected areas. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing, as this can damage the fabric.
3. Soak and Rinse (if necessary): If the blinds are heavily soiled, remove them from the track and soak them in a bathtub filled with warm water and a mild detergent. Gently agitate the blinds and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
4. Drying: Hang the blinds back on the track or lay them flat on a clean towel to air dry completely before rehanging them.

Cleaning Vinyl Blinds

1. Dusting: Like fabric blinds, start by dusting each slat with a microfibre cloth or vacuum cleaner.
2. Washing: Fill a bathtub or sink with warm water and a mild detergent. Remove the blinds from the track and submerge them in the soapy water. Gently wipe each slat with a sponge or cloth.
3. Rinsing: Rinse the blinds thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
4. Drying: Wipe each slat dry with a clean cloth or towel. Alternatively, you can hang them back on the track to air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before closing them to prevent mildew.

Related Article: How to Clean Zebra Blinds

Painting or Dyeing

If your fabric blinds look faded or outdated, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint or dye. This allows you to customize the colour to match your current décor or add a vibrant pop of colour to your space.

1. Choose the Right Paint or Dye: Select a fabric paint or dye specifically designed for the type of fabric your blinds are made from. Test the colour on a hidden area first to ensure it adheres well and doesn’t bleed.
2. Apply Evenly: Remove the blinds from the track and lay them flat on a protected surface. Apply the paint or dye evenly with a brush or sponge, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow ample drying time before rehanging the blinds.

Decorative Touches

Adding decorative elements to your vertical blinds can instantly elevate their style and personalize your space.

1. Fabric Appliqués or Stencils: Use fabric appliqués or stencils to create patterns or designs on your blinds. Choose colours and motifs that complement your room’s décor.
2. Decorative Tapes or Ribbons: Add a touch of elegance by weaving decorative tapes or ribbons through the slats of your blinds. This is a simple yet effective way to add a pop of colour or pattern.
3. Beads or Charms: Attach beads or charms to the bottom chains of your blinds for a playful and whimsical touch. Choose beads that coordinate with your décor or reflect your style.

Enhancing Functionality: Making Your Blinds Work Smarter

Your window treatments should serve a functional purpose beyond just looking good. Let’s explore ways to enhance your existing vertical blinds’ light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.

Light Control

• Layering with Sheer Curtains or Drapes: Adding a layer of sheer curtains or drapes over your vertical blinds provides an additional light diffusion layer. This softens the light entering your room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance while allowing natural light to filter through.
• Adding a Valance or Cornice Board: A valance or cornice board adds a decorative touch and helps block light from the top of your blinds. This is particularly useful for reducing glare and creating a more controlled lighting environment.
• Installing Blackout Liners: Consider installing blackout liners behind your vertical blinds if you need complete darkness. These liners block out all light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theatres, or any space where light control is essential.

Related Article: How Window Blinds Help in Natural Lighting

Privacy

• Installing Privacy Film on Windows: Privacy film is an easy and affordable way to increase privacy without sacrificing natural light. It adheres directly to your windows, obscuring the view from the outside while still allowing light to pass through.
• Layering with Blinds or Shades: For enhanced privacy, layer your vertical blinds with another type of window treatment, such as roller shades or honeycomb blinds, that offer more excellent opacity. This allows you to control the level of privacy depending on your needs.

Energy Efficiency

• Installing Insulating Liners or Backing: Insulating liners or backing to your vertical blinds can significantly improve energy efficiency. These liners create a barrier between your room and the outside, reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
• Sealing Gaps or Cracks Around the Blinds: Inspect the area around your blinds for gaps or cracks that might allow air to escape or enter. Filling in these gaps using weatherstripping or caulk will stop drafts and enhance the overall insulation of your windows.

Related Article: The Role of Blinds in Energy Efficiency at Home

Repurposing and Upcycling

If you’re ready for a complete change but want your old vertical blinds to be used, consider repurposing or upcycling them into something new and valuable. Get creative and give those old slats a second chance with these inspiring ideas:

Wall Art or Decorative Panels

With imagination and some paint or fabric, vertical blind slats can be transformed into unique wall art or decorative panels. Arrange them in geometric patterns, paint them in vibrant colours, or decoupage them with your favourite images to create a stunning focal point for any room.

Room Dividers or Privacy Screens

Vertical blinds’ inherent structure makes them ideal for creating room dividers or privacy screens. Simply connect the slats with hinges or string and decorate them to match your décor. This is a fantastic way to add flexibility and visual interest to your space.

Plant Markers or Garden Stakes

Repurpose individual slats as plant markers or garden stakes. Paint them with chalkboard paint for easy labelling, or decorate them with colourful designs. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to add personality to your garden.

Craft Projects

The possibilities for craft projects with vertical blind slats are endless. Cut them into smaller pieces to create coasters, picture frames, or jewelry. With a bit of creativity, you can transform these discarded materials into unique and personalized treasures.

Repurposing your old vertical blinds is a sustainable choice. It is a chance to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your home. Giving these materials a new life reduces waste and contributes to a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

Revitalize Your Space with Reimagined Blinds

As we’ve explored, updating your old vertical blinds doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. With some creativity and effort, you can breathe new life into these window treatments and transform your space without breaking the bank. The possibilities are endless, from deep cleaning and cosmetic upgrades to functional enhancements and repurposing ideas.

We encourage you to embrace these creative solutions and reimagine your vertical blinds. Give them a fresh coat of paint, add decorative touches, or repurpose them into something entirely new. The results will not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also add a unique personal touch.

If you’re ready for a complete window treatment upgrade, Blinds Toronto offers a wide selection of stylish and functional options to suit any space. From modern roller shades to classic wood blinds, we have the perfect solution to elevate your home’s décor and create your desired ambiance.

Ready to transform your space? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experts help you choose the ideal window treatments for your needs. 

Canadian Blinds Pros

Just another writer from downtown Toronto. I have worked as a window salesman and a blinds installer so I have a great amount of knowledge in this industry.

Favourite Downtown Restaurant: Lee’s

Blinds of choice: Zebra Blinds

Feel free to share my blogs if you find them useful.