Should You Try This Popular DIY Blinds On A Budget Project?

Unless you have a beautiful house like the oceanfront Malibu home Pink is selling for $14 million, you probably aren't too keen on the idea of uncovered windows. That means there might be several reasons why you'd want to try a popular DIY "blinds on a budget" project that was featured in a short YouTube video. The reasons could be that you have limited funds, so your budget is the driving motivation, or it might be that you want to be super creative and find just the right look, in which case wallpaper is your new best friend because the possibilities are endless. 

Perhaps you're thinking about trying the DIY project because you have windows of an unusual size or because you are renting and can't drill holes in the wall to put up anything permanent. Those are all valid reasons to give this do-it-yourself window covering option a test run to see if it's the right choice for you.

Window blinds aren't known for being stylish (they're one of those window treatments that date your home). Making blinds by folding wallpaper and running string through it is a perfect way to cover your windows in a fresh, new way. According to the Office of Energy Saver within the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 30% of a home's energy escapes via the windows, so as a bonus, any covering on a window can help keep in heat in the winter or air-conditioned air in the warmer months.

Some do-it-yourself projects can be daunting, but the DIY blinds on a budget wallpaper shown on YouTube are pretty straightforward. Measure the width of your window, accordion-fold heavy wallpaper, drill a hole through the folds, thread a string through the hole and tie the ends, add some double-sided tape, and stick it to your window. However, some details will make the project go more smoothly, work better in your space, or add greater overall value.

Begin by selecting a heavyweight wallpaper. It will be a little harder to fold, but it will last longer and insulate your window better. It also checks off some boxes like privacy and light-filtering as mentioned by N.C. Cooperative Extension. Check stores for remnants for the best deals. Be sure you have measured your width accurately, and when estimating the length, remember that the accordion folds will be approximately double the length of your window since they zigzag, overlapping horizontally against each fold.

A YouTube commenter suggested gluing a yardstick into the last pleat so it doesn't drape on either side of the drilled hole (you would need to drill a hole through the stick). Another person commented that two holes would work better than one. Finally, one way to create stylish window treatment ideas for your space is to layer your new wallpaper blinds with curtains or sheers, creating your custom look.