There are a lot of benefits to using blinds instead of curtains to cover your windows. They're versatile, are easy to adjust and create an entirely different look that's made them increasingly popular. But windows aren't the only things blinds are good for.

It might sound strange, but there's actually a number of different ways you can use blinds around the home, especially roller blinds. Take a look at these alternative uses for roller blinds, and you might just see something that could significantly transform an aspect of your home.

Increase bathroom privacy

Some bathroom doors have glass panes, which are often decorative and attractive. Because of this, you probably don't want to switch the door for a plain one, but it can cause privacy issues, especially if you have guests in the house.

A simple solution is to have a blind fitted over the door, which can be pulled down over the length of the window. This gives bathroom users an extra bit of privacy and lets you and your guests use the room in peace without worrying about someone accidentally seeing in.

Cover up shelving units

Some people like to proudly show off their music and movie collections, and the shelving they're stored on becomes part of a living room's decor. If you're into a more minimalist look, it can spoil the effect, however.

Instead of keeping your CDs and DVDs tucked away somewhere, you can get blinds fitted to the shelving units, which makes them easy to access whenever you need to but keeps them hidden from view the rest of the time.

Protect paintings

Paintings and prints are susceptible to sunlight, with the ultraviolet rays fading the colours fairly quickly if the sun shines directly on them. This normally leaves you with two choices: keep the windows covered when it's sunny or avoid hanging pictures in sunny rooms.

Blinds give you a third option, however. Hanging blinds over the top of your art gives you a convenient way to cover them up and keep them safe when it's sunny. That means you don't have to put paintings out of sight where you can't enjoy them, and you don't need to sit in a dark room all day.

Hide junk cupboards

Lots of houses have a cupboard full of old junk that doesn't have a proper home. With the door closed, it looks like any other cupboard, but some homeowners would prefer it if people couldn't see it at all.

Having a blind over the top means you can cover up the full length of the door and still get access quickly whenever you need to.