Forget Pricey Blinds: Walmart's $7 Find Is A Smarter Buy

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Think window coverings are all overpriced and out of your budget? Walmart may have a surprisingly affordable option. All it takes is a trip to the store's window covering section, where you'll find the Mainstays Cordless Vinyl Window Blinds for under $7. Now, this vinyl window covering won't win any awards for chic style or interior decorating prowess, but it does the job of covering your windows when you're on a tight budget.

This window treatment measures 23 inches wide by 64 inches long, which is a common size for window blinds used on smaller windows and door glass inserts. It's made of vinyl and resists moisture, so you can use it in the bathroom or kitchen, where humidity is often high. Moreover, the white color offers a neutral option that pairs well with other window treatments and furnishings.

Your expectations might not be high for this cheap of a window covering, but it actually has a 4.4-star rating from over 1,100 reviews. While 75% of the ratings were five stars, there were still over 100 one-star reviews to consider. Positive remarks include easy installation, the lift mechanism, and the value of the product. Many of the one-star reviews said that the slats break easily, with people noting that while they didn't expect much, they did expect the blinds to last a little longer.

While there are plenty of unique window treatment ideas out there, the biggest selling point of these Mainstays mini blinds is obviously their low price. Other blinds in the same size typically cost around $10 to $20, with some even hitting the $50 mark. This could be a good option if you have rambunctious kids and pets, so you're not constantly stressed about damage to expensive blinds. Since you're only paying $7 per window, it's not a huge loss if the slats get broken or pulled out of the blinds. You can easily (and inexpensively) replace them if they get ruined, as several reviewers have done themselves.

The cordless design is another feature worth noting. As one customer pointed out, "I like the fact that you just pull them down, then push them up. Better than having that ugly cord hanging down." But this feature doesn't just give the blinds a sleek, clean look — it also makes them safer for children. Eliminating cords from window treatments can reduce strangulation hazards.

One thing to consider is that these blinds are light-filtering and not blackout window coverings. They might work well in spaces where you want to reduce glare and add privacy while maintaining a brighter environment. That includes living rooms, kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms (although you may want more secure treatments on bathroom windows that face neighbors or the street). If you use them in bedrooms, adding blackout curtains over the blinds can help create a more suitable sleep environment.