In what year did the mini blind first become popular?

Answer 1

In the 1970's according to Wikipedia.
In the 1980's according to Abby's guide.

Answer 2

The use of blinds is not a modern invention.

The early Egyptians strung together reeds from the Nile for their version and the ancient Chinese cultures used bamboo. During the eighteenth century blinds were used as a modernization over bulky wooden shutters. Today those metal blinds of the 50's were replaced in the 80's by one inch vinyl or cloth mini blinds you can still use to decorate your windows, plus a wide variety of applications.