DIY Network

All About Windows Fed up with drafty windows, boring treatments and torn screens? From choosing the right replacement windows to installing a rip-proof screen to making it all look pretty, here's the 411 on windows. From "Today Show Tips" episode DTST-122

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Woven wood blinds often come with valances that gives them a finished look.

Window Blinds

Many of the latest options in window blinds aren't just about looking good; they're also made with a family's needs in mind. Learn about what’s available, and you’ll find the right kind for your house.

• Cellular shades are very popular. They’re available with no cords, which is a great feature if you have small kids or pets in the house. It eliminates the danger of accidental strangling. If you choose blinds that have cords, never tie the cords together.

• Faux wood blinds are good for areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms. It's almost impossible to tell them from the real thing without scratching them to see if the color goes all the way through.

• Woven blinds are a big trend, too. They look like bamboo, and they provide texture to the window treatment. They’re also available in cordless models. They’re easy to install, too.
  

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  Plantation shutters are the most expensive option for blinds, but they need no additional treatment, such as drapes.

• Plantation shutters are a great look for traditional homes. They really change the look of a room, but they’re also the most expensive option for blinds.

• To save money on blinds, you can measure the windows yourself and provide those measurements when you place your order. Be very careful about the measurements, though; if you make a mistake, you’re stuck with the blinds.

• Use a laser level when you’re installing your blinds so they’ll all be even.

• If you have metal or vinyl blinds, you can clean them easily by dunking them in a bathtub of warm water with a mild detergent added. Rinse them will, then hang them on a clothesline to dry. Or you can lay them on the driveway, squirt them with cleaner and rinse them off with the hose.

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