How to Install Blinds

Blinds offer extraordinary versatility in their aesthetic and functional values. They can be manufactured to fit almost any shape of a window. Apart from that, they are practical and inexpensive.

However, getting someone to install your blinds for you can add to the expenses. Installing blinds may cost you up to $50 per window. Rather than spending big bucks for someone to install your blinds for you, why not do it yourself?

Most people assume that installing blinds is a daunting task. Fortunately, the reality is far simpler than you may think. Installing bespoke blinds can be as easy as snapping a frame into place and taking a few minutes to screw brackets and snap in a headrail.

Whether you’re looking for advice on mounting vertical blinds or skylight blinds, here is a step-by-step guide to getting the job done quickly and without a ton of hassle.

1. Determine The Mount

Window blinds can be mounted either inside or outside the recess. Inside the recess, mounts fit snugly inside the hollow of your window. This mount offers a clean and sophisticated aesthetic as there is no overlap on the side of the window. In general, an inside-the-recess mount is the most popular choice.

Outside mounts are ideal for windows that have a narrow window sill or those with obstructions such as handles and cranks. For this type of mount, you hang the blinds just above the window opening, and the sides of the blind extend just past the edge of the window recess.

An inside recess mount is better when it comes to visual style. You can choose an outside recess mount if you have narrow window sills or windows that have handles that prevent proper operation by mounting the blinds inside the recess.

2. Measure and Buy

Use a measuring tape to determine the size of the window. You can either mount your blinds on the inside or outside of the casing. If you hang your blinds on the outside, your window will look larger. Hanging the blinds on the inside gives your window a slimmer look. Inside mounts also allow more light to shine around the edges of the blinds.

Go on and purchase your blinds according to the measurements you made. You can choose from the various types of blinds. Make your choice based on personal preference and the room you are installing them.

3. Make The Mounting Marks

Unpack your blinds and make sure that no parts are missing. If the blinds come with instructions, follow them alongside this guide. You will need to make some pencil marks to know where to place your brackets.

For an outside mount, hold the blind up so that the top part of the blind is leveled with the two vertical slats that form the frame of the window. Make a pencil mark right below the headrail on each side of the casing. Also, make another mark a quarter of an inch past the end of each headrail.

For an inside mount, place the headrail inside the casing. It should be level, even if your window is not. Make pencil marks below the headrail on each end.

4. Attach The Brackets

Open the bracket door and hold the end brackets in place. Place them inside the pencil marks you made. There are two open sides to the bracket. The open bracket door should face out towards you, while the other should face in towards the center of the window.

Using your pencil, mark two spots where you will drill your pilot holes. Using two screws makes your brackets sturdier. Take the brackets away and hold up a level so the two holes are even. Each bracket comes with two screws. If you are drilling into wood, use the suitable size of a drill bit to make a hole that is slightly smaller than the screw that you will use to secure your bracket. Then replace the bracket and drill your screws into place.

5. Fix the Valance Clips

The first step when installing the valance is to snap the valance clips in place. You can use the provided valance clips to attach the headrail to the valance. The valance covers the headrail and makes it look a bit more decorative. Snap the valance clips over the front lip of the headrail before you insert it into the bracket.

Some blinds are made up of ladders of blinds. If this is the case, snap each valance clip into place next to the top of each ladder, and not directly on top of it. If they are put directly over the ladder, the valance clips might get caught in the cords of the blinds.

6. Attach the Head Rail and Valance

Once you're done drilling the brackets into place, open the bracket doors wide and then insert the headrail into the brackets. Once you have situated the headrail, snap the bracket doors closed. The doors should produce an audible snapping noise to confirm that the headrail is secured.

Place the valance along the headrail in your preferred position. Rest it on top of the valance clips. When you have positioned it as you would like, press gently downwards so that the valance clips snap into the valance, holding it in place

7. Secure the Wand

If your blinds came with a wand for opening and closing them, and it did not come pre-attached, you can attach it after you're done. Remove the plastic cap from the tip of the new wand and slide the plastic cap onto the stem of the tilt mechanism. Then insert the wire hook on the top of the wand through the eyelet of the stem. Slide the plastic cap down over the tip of the wand to secure it in place.

With these simple steps, you are done installing your blinds. Test the blinds to make sure that they open up and close seamlessly before you repeat the same process for the other windows.

How Smart Blinds Can Help

For a no-obligation chat about an awning, or any other blind related queries, contact our friendly team on 01635 866600 or 01189 509449. Alternatively, email us at info@smartblinds.org, and we will be happy to help.