Twiddling your thumbs wondering how to install window blinds? Well, you could spend a pretty penny to have someone come out and install your blinds for you. Or, you could arm yourself with some simple yet effective tips to do it yourself. Though you might’ve gasped at that, it’s actually easier than it seems.
When it comes to better controlling light and privacy, DIY blinds are an excellent choice. Not only are they budget-friendly, they also come in a variety of styles. Depending on the type of blind, you can open them up for uninterrupted views or partly close to filter light. You can also close them completely for total blockout abilities.
One of the first steps to learning how to install window blinds is to know how to choose the right ones. Since DIY blinds can come in a range of sizes, materials and costs, it helps to identify the best option for your needs. You’ll then be able to learn how to efficiently update your blinds yourself from measuring to installation. It’s no good getting the best DIY blinds if you aren’t able to display them in their full glory.
1. Choosing the Right Window Blinds
You may or may not already know that there are many different types of blinds available. Roller blinds, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, vertical and panel glide blinds are some of the key ones to know about. However all these blinds and their counterparts fall into main categories: Horizontal and vertical blinds. There are a few things to consider when deciding which of these you should opt for:
Type of opening: Window shapes and sizes are as wide and varied as the blinds themselves. So for instance, horizontal blinds complement smaller, narrow windows, enhancing visual appeal and precisely controlling light and privacy.
Vertical blinds are typically better suited for larger spaces, such as sliding doors for instance or French windows.
Light and privacy control: Different parts of your house have different light and privacy needs. Some spaces need more sunlight than others, and other like bedrooms need more privacy. How precisely you want to control both of these aspects will help you decide on the type of blind you want. Some blinds like Venetian blinds for instance, include slats that give you exceptional control. Double-roller blinds help you switch from day to night with their blockout and light filtering functionalities. Roller blinds only go either up or down. So assess your requirements, then start narrowing down.
2. What Tools Do You Need?
No need to panic, you don’t need to rush out and buy a bunch of tools you won’t need. Save your money, because it’s likely that you may already have what you need in your toolbox.
We made a list of things you’ll need to do your best DIY work:
Pencil
Tape measure
Drill
Level
Screwdriver
If you don’t have these, you can easily find them at your local hardware store. Whether you opt for DIY motorised blinds or manual, you’ll still need these tools.
3. Measure the Window
When you’re buying custom blinds online, you want to make sure your blinds fit well. That means no light gaps, or extending too far beyond the frame. This is where you’ll need your measuring tape, and bear in mind that you should have an idea on mounting preference at this point. Just to give you an idea, mounting your blinds outside the window frame will give it a larger look. Blinds fitted on the inside of a window frame will have the opposite effect.
When measuring for outside mount fits, typically you measure along the outer edges of the frame. For inside mounts you measure only within the insides of the frame. In order to avoid confusion however, we recommend referring to our measuring guides. We’ve written these ourselves, and they’re accompanied with video tutorials too. These guides cover both how to measure and install.
4. Mark the Locations of Your Brackets
Before you start drilling and installing, you want to be sure that it’s all perfectly straight and even. Though you might be excited to get straight to work after unpacking, it’s a good idea to be patient for just a little longer! Else, you’ll end up with crooked blinds and extra holes in the wall, which nobody wants.
Grab your pencil, you’ll need to make some marks to know exactly where to place your brackets. Once again, whether you’re mounting outside or inside the window frame comes into play. Let’s take a look:
- Outside mount: When holding the blind up, ensure the top part of the blind (also known as the head rail), is centred and level with either edge of the window frame. That’s to say, the vertical parts of the frame. Place a pencil mark on either side of the frame, right below the head rail. Then also make sure to measure ¼ of an inch past the head rail on each side. Make another pencil mark on both sides.
- Inside mount: This one is quite straightforward, as all you need to do is place the head rail inside the frame. Ensure the blind is level at all times. Then make your marks below the head rail.
5. Installing the Mounting Brackets
Now that you’ve marked exactly where your blinds should go, it’s time to also mark where your brackets are installed. You can hold the bracket in place to mark where the holes go. Typically, about an inch or so from the edge is a safe bet for an inside mount; however, what you need to check is that the bracket doesn’t get in the way of any internal mechanisms. Once you’ve done this, drilling pilot holes to make it easier for the screws to be installed is a good idea as well.
We highly recommend using a drill, especially when dealing with metal or hardwood surfaces.
Conclusion
And there you have it, how to choose the right blinds and install them as simply as possible. Even if you’ve never done DIY before, our straightforward system is designed to help any newbie. If you’re opting for custom motorised blinds like our rollers, double-rollers or Romans, there’s a little more involved. But if that’s what you have your eye on, no stress, just let us know. We will let you know how to proceed accordingly. Typically, the installation of these products is the exact same. The difference is that at the end of it all, you need to pair the blinds with the remote control provided.
If at any point you run into any issues or have any concerns, we’re just a call/ e-mail away. Be sure to send us your queries, we’re here to help!
