Stop!!! Don’t replace the entire back door just so you have enclosed blinds! Instead, let me show you how to install add on blinds for doors. It is a quick and simple project that will elevate your back doors without the expensive price tag. So let’s get started!
Why you’ll love this project
- Easy for Beginners: All you need is a screwdriver.
- User Friendly: You can raise them all the way up during the day and then lower at night.
- Cheaper than hiring out: Hiring someone to install new doors with enclosed blinds is crazy expensive! I know…I researched it!
- Elevate the look of your home: These add on blinds are made of glass and create a simple, clean look for your home.
Do you love doing home projects? Then you may love more of my projects like: Easy DIY Planter Box with House Numbers for Front Porch, How to Upholster a Bench DIY {Easy And Beginner Friendly!}
Why I’m doing this project
If you’re anything like me, you love the look of open windows & patio doors during the day. At night, not so much lol.
When we moved into our home, the previous owners had curtain sheers hanging on the patio doors. I never loved the look of them so I started looking for replacements. I came across a number of options but wasn’t in love with any of them.
I even started researching buying new patio doors, specifically the ones that have the blinds enclosed. I figured we may just have to go that route UNTIL I came across the perfect solution!
The ODL Add On Blinds are a game changer. They are pretty much a glass add-on option that makes your patio doors look like they have blinds enclosed.
The instructions that come with the kit were pretty clear to understand but I found this video on their site helpful as well.
The only issue I had initially was figuring out how to pop out the door frame plugs. First of all, I didn’t even know door frame plugs were a thing prior to this lol. Once I realized what they were, it made sense.
They are usually plastic or wood covers for the screw holes in your door frame.
These back door blinds made such a difference and they are a great, relatively inexpensive upgrade (compared to buying new doors).
PRO TIP:
To use these, you do need to ensure your patio door has a raised glass frame first. That’s how the add on piece will attach to your patio door.
Materials Needed
- ODL Add-On Blinds Kit (Comes with Add-On Blinds purchase)
- Glass Cleaner
Tools Needed
- Philips Screwdriver
- Tape Measure
How to Install Add On Blinds for Doors
- Remove the screw plugs using something sharp (Image 1).
- Loosen screws and pry the frame away from the door slightly so you can insert the spacers in the DIY add on blinds kit (Image 2).
3. Re-tighten the screws with the spacers between the door and the frame and then place the new add on blinds frame on top of the current window frame (Image 3).
4. Secure the ODL add on blinds by turning the clips on the sides and tops of the add on blinds so they clip into the spacers you added to the door frame in step 2 they are hard to see in the picture, but I added arrows where they should be (Image 4).
Do you love building crafty party props as much as I do? Then you will love these: How to make a DIY Champagne Wall For Your Next Party, Easy DIY Sephora Themed Photo Backdrop Prop for Party
That’s it! This ODL blinds installation was by far one of the EASIEST DIY projects I have ever done! Here is the before and after:
From ugly curtains to sleek enclosed blinds! I have no doubt in my mind that you can do this super simple at home installation as well! (Our next project is to change out that door knob so it goes with my clean look!)
Do you learn better by watching? Then you can see the entire installation process we did in this Instagram Video!
My Conclusion about Add On door Blinds
Overall, I think this was a super easy and simple way to elevate the look of my patio doors in an elegant and clean way. Plus it was super inexpensive compared to adding new backdoors! I think any beginner DIYer will find this to be a simple but transformative project for their homes!
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