Not sure if there's a better channel for this -- I am looking to get window blinds for our home. I don't need anything fancy, and I'm happy to install them myself, but right now we have the paper stick-on blinds, which sometimes fall off (and sometimes on Shabbos when we aren't putting them back up), so it's time to get real blinds. I have no idea where to start. Do I need to get custom blinds and measure for each window? What's the economical way to do this?

Most economical is Home Depot (or other hardware store) vinyl mini blinds. When I got them about 9 years ago, they were about $4 per window. Measure your window width (and height), go to the store, and buy the one that's closest to the size. I go smaller so they can be mounted inside the molding, but it's possible to go larger and do an outside mount too

Wow, didn't realize they were that cheap. That's a great price, although I'm sure it's a bit higher now.

My first perusal revealed they're MUCH higher at $13 each, which is still muuuuch cheaper than the custom things I've seen people do. For a little nicer you can get cordless cellular at about $40 each, which is still cheaper than the "normally $300 but I got it cheap at $100" zebra shades I've seen neighbors do.

Check out blinds.com they have super-helpful reps and are very reasonable

Thanks all!

Is hiring a "blinds guy" a complete waste of money over doing it yourself?

If you want it to look very nice, and get professional opinions as to what blind types are best for each room, each window type and location, and you don't know anything about it, I'd say go with a blinds guy. If you just want a good enough window covering and know how to use a tape measure and drill, do it yourself.

Is a "blinds guy" a specific specialty, or just a handyman?

Specific specialty, you'll usually buy your blinds through them. If you're getting custom from a hardware place like Home Depot, they'll send someone. There are also people who sell blinds as their job and can do this for you

How do I find a blinds guy lol

Do you want me to find out if my local guy travels?

Yes, please!