If you’re installing horizontal window blinds in your home or office, basically the same process can be used for a variety of types of horizontal blinds. This posting will go over blind installation so you can do it at home without getting ‘tangled up” in the process.
When you purchase horizontal blinds, each one will come with two hinged cover installation brackets (one for the left, and one for the right). The blinds will also come with the appropriate number of support brackets for the head rail width. For widths under 94”, one support bracket is needed. For widths over 95”, two are needed.
As far as supplies go, you won’t need that much to be able to successfully install your blinds. Most blinds come with sheet metal screws for the brackets, and these are often the only fasteners you will need for installation. However, wall anchors are recommended for non-solid surfaces, such as drywall or plaster. Concrete, brick, and tile surfaces will require special carbide drill bits and the appropriate screws, anchors, and plugs.
Photo by Saurabh R. Patil Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
You’ll need a few tools for installation. A steel measuring tape, power drill, bits, a level, and Phillips screwdriver are recommended.
Now for the installation:
Step 1 (Measuring):
- For inside mounts, you should measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. Use the smallest of these figures. Unless otherwise is specified by the manufacturer, do not measure for clearance because it will be accounted for when the blinds are cut to size. Just measure the height at the right and left sides, as well as the center. Use the largest figure.
- For outside mounts, measure to the outside edges of the moulding. Be sure to measure the exact height of the window from the top edge of the moulding to the bottom edge or top sill of the window if there is one. If your blinds extend to the floor, you will need to deduct at least a half inch for clearance. The length can be adjusted according to your preference.
Step 2 (Installing the brackets):
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Photo by Greg Hume Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License
It should be noted that for some units, the same brackets are used for inside and outside mounting. First, hold the end and central (if included) brackets in place and mark where your pilot screw holes will go. A level should be used to make sure each set of holes is even with the others.
- After the spots are marked, drill the holes for screws and install the brackets. If installing in wood or wood framing, you should drill the holes slightly smaller than the screw you will be using. If you are drilling into surfaces such as drywall or plaster, use appropriate anchors and follow the directions the blind manufacturer has supplied you with.
Step 3 (Installing the head rail):
- Place the head rail into the brackets and be sure to lock it into place. If your blinds hang too long, check the directions for removing some slats from the bottom.
Step 4 (Attaching the valance):
- If the blinds came with decorative valances, attach it as instructed. Your final small step will be attaching the wand used for adjusting the vanes.
Finished and Looking Good
If your blinds look like they’re supposed to, congratulations, you’ve completed the installation! On the other hand, if something looks out of place, you might want revisit the instructions and see if there was a step you may have missed.
The process itself is fairly easy if you have the time and are somewhat carpentry savvy, but if this seems to be something you would rather not undertake, consider calling in a professional to do the work for you.
