Goodbye Curtains - Hello Mini-Blinds

[hjbourge]

Nice job, TM should use some of these ideas.

[campernurse2012]

I've been thinking about taking down the curtains also and wanted blinds for better light control and privacy. My approach would be to take down the curtains but leave the upper track above the window, apply screws to the back of the blind, possibly with washers to avoid the screws from pulling out, and using the screw heads to slide into the inside of the track. Has anyone ever tried this approach or this idea even feasible?

[LoveToCamp]

My guess is that, with only 3 or 4 screws used in the manner you are suggesting, it would cause too much torque on the screws, and they would either pull out of the wood (the blinds installation in the first post had a supplemental strip of wood added to the blinds), or at least split the wood.

I think the z-clip, with its 3 screws per clip, would take the force of raising the blinds much better than individual screws. You may still want to assist in the raising by lifting the bottom of the blind while pulling on the cord.

Just my opinion. It seems like it may work, but I would have reservations.

[Bailey'sMom]

RunninAway I have two questions for you.

1. Did you consider having the blinds under the cornice rather than over it? That way you would still have the decorative look of the cornice, and it would hide then blind header rail.

2. What kind of blind did you use? Plastic ones, aluminum, etc?

[Runnin_away]

Originally Posted by Bailey'sMom

RunninAway I have two questions for you.

1. Did you consider having the blinds under the cornice rather than over it? That way you would still have the decorative look of the cornice, and it would hide then blind header rail.

2. What kind of blind did you use? Plastic ones, aluminum, etc?

If they were mounted under the cornice I don't know how you could take them down when closing up the trailer. As it is now, they just slip on and off - takes no time at all.

They are aluminum - ordered online from blinds.com.

Barbara

Originally Posted by Runnin_away

If they were mounted under the cornice I don't know how you could take them down when closing up the trailer. As it is now, they just slip on and off - takes no time at all.

They are aluminum - ordered online from blinds.com.

Barbara

If they are mounted under the valance they wouldn't need to come down. If the valance doesn't interfere then if you pull the blinds up neither will they. Tie the cords up and go.

[shebantam]

I bought Walmart's cheap blinds, vinyl, could only find French cleats in a surplus store, same idea.

I put 2 25 inch ones on the big window and 25 inch ones on the other 2 windows in the front part of the trailer. I cut a finger on a box cutter so the small window in the back bunk end still has to be done.
The French cleats have 2 screws in each section,
On the blinds, I was afraid the screws would pull out, so I went back and bought a package of 1/2 bolts with the nuts, they went into the screw holes and were short enough that it would not affect the blind operation.

used the 3/8" screws that came with the French cleats in the wall. Used 2 sided tape to hold the French cleat straight on the wall and on the blinds after not being able to keep the cleat from moving when I was drilling (that was where I cut the finger, cutting the tape.

I have more z track, the actual stuff where previous owner had put shelves up in back bed on bathroom wall. Not so practical so I took out the shelves, but left the other half of the z clips. Will remove off shelves I have in shed and the clips on the wall for the last blind next trip out.

I do have to hold the blind to raise and lower.

Thank you for the inspiration and the pictures.

[Farley]

Has anyone tried hanging mini blinds or micro mini blinds under the cornice just as described above? I was curious to know if it does work? Also, would pleated shades work installed the same way, under the cornice?

[campernurse2012]

I removed all the curtains in the living area of our TM and installed mini blinds, love the clean look it presents . The only curtains left are the ones on the front and back windows and they will be removed this spring , I installed reflectix in all the windows and mounted them over the windows with Velcro so they can be easily removed , the bedroom windows do still have the cornices tho, helps a lot with keeping heat and cold out !

[campernurse2012]

Will try to post my pic a second time !