What to do with Old and Unwanted Blinds

Posted on 12th February 2014 by Gemini Blinds

If you’re thinking of refreshing the appearance of your home, you might be looking to invest in some new window dressings. However, you may be wondering how best to dispose of your old ones. With green practices becoming increasingly common, recycling is probably your first thought. But can your old window treatments actually be recycled or is there another way to dispose of them sustainably? Here at Gemini Blinds, we’ve compiled some suggestions on how best to get rid of your unwanted blinds, curtains and shutters.

Donate to a new home

As the old adage goes, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’; there may well be people who will see your unwanted window dressings in a different light, particularly those looking to furnish their home on a budget.

Charity shops and other businesses that deal in furnishings will typically take on second-hand curtains, blinds and shutters, provided they’re still in good condition. Donating your old window treatments to a new home can be the perfect way to prevent landfill waste and conserve natural resources, reducing the need for new goods to be manufactured.

Upcycling

Upcycling is a fun way of reducing waste by taking items that would otherwise be discarded and repurposing them. It is a movement that is booming; if you search social media, you’ll find plenty of accounts dedicated to sharing creative upcycling ideas. Unused blinds and shutters lend themselves to a whole host of DIY projects – the only limit is your imagination. Wooden venetian blinds are ideal for reuse in your garden and the slats can make the perfect support for any growing plants. Aluminium blinds can also be creatively re-moulded to create new pieces of jewellery or ornaments; there are plenty of options if you’re willing to get a bit creative. 

Most shutters are incredibly sturdy and durable, making them an ideal base for many DIY projects. Some popular items that can be built using shutters include:

• Headboards
• Bookcases
• Garden fencing
• Privacy screens
• Benches

If you have unwanted fabric blinds and curtains, the possibilities for upcycling are endless. As long as your fabric is in good condition, it can be reused in a variety of textile projects. Perhaps the most obvious way to repurpose these old fabrics is by making new clothes. However, if you’re not very handy with a needle and thread, you can attempt to make some simple fabric furnishings, including placemats, pillowcases and throws. The fabric could also be used as a drop-cloth for painting; this is a perfect solution if you’re also planning on redecorating when you purchase your new window dressings.

Recycling

If you’re hoping to reduce your ecological footprint, recycling is a sustainable choice that should be encouraged whenever possible. However, when it comes to your old curtains, blinds and shutters, the process isn’t just as simple as taking them to your nearest recycling centre. It’s important to consider the material of what you’re trying to recycle; some substances can not be broken or melted down.

Although wood can be recycled, most wooden blinds are chemically treated which makes them unsafe for regular recycling. The same rule also applies to faux-wooden blinds; these are made from a mixture of recycled wood and uPVC, meaning that the material can not be reused for a second time. By contrast, if your blinds are made from 100% aluminium, most recycling centres will be happy to take them. However, you may be required to dismantle them first to remove any non-recyclable components. This can be easily achieved by simply cutting all cords to free each individual slat. Curtains can typically be recycled at a dedicated textiles bank to ensure the fabric avoids landfill and is reused sustainably.

Here at Gemini Blinds, we stock a wide variety of blinds, curtains and shutters for customers across the North West region – including Liverpool, Chester and Manchester. Our friendly team offers a free home visit and measuring service, so you can be sure that your window treatment of choice will be perfectly fitted to your space.

To book your free consultation, get in touch with us today.