Window blinds may hang in the background but don't forget to add blinds to the list when outfitting your office space with furniture and equipment. To keep your office space private and lighted correctly, window blinds and shades are a must.

You can get much more than traditional mini blinds for your office space. Your options include custom blinds, bamboo window blinds, enclosed window blinds and the old standard, the Venetian blind.

1. Estimate your needs as far as window blinds. Count the number of windows that require shades in your office space and then measure the size of each window.
2. Provide a window blinds and shades supplier with your figures. Your supplier can then give you a quote on how much the blinds plus installation will cost you.
3. Buy window blinds and set up an installation date. If you have ordered custom blinds, your supplier will have to make the cuts prior to installation. Ready-to-hang mini blind and Venetian blind styles will take less time to come in.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick the material for your office window blinds

Window blinds come in a wide range of materials. Most offices decide to install either vinyl window blinds or wooden window blinds. If you are looking to save money on your window treatment purchase, then order vinyl window blinds. Wooden blinds will likely cost you double the price.

I recommend: With Select Blinds, you can pick out vinyl, wooden or faux wood blinds for your office space. Although they don’t install the blinds for you, they do give you tips on how to measure your windows and install the blinds on your own. Go online to request samples of vertical blinds, wood blinds, or mini blinds.

Set up an appointment to order and install window blinds

Not every business owner has the time to install their office's window blinds themselves. If this is the case, you should sit down with a window treatment specialist to order your custom blinds and have the company install them.

I recommend: You can schedule an appointment online with one of the window treatment specialists from Costco. One of their designers will come out to your office to measure all of your windows, give a quote on window blinds and shades and set up installation.

Order window blinds and shades with lifetime warranty coverage

Getting window blinds for your entire office will likely cost you a lot of money, depending on the quantity and type that you decide on. Protect your purchase with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

I recommend: Read about the quality of the blinds found on Blinds Chalet to help you pick out the blinds that will last you the longest. Also, the majority of their window blinds carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You'll want to test out the amount of light that gets through the window blinds you are interested in buying. You want blinds that significantly reduce the glare on computer monitors by blocking out the light.