How to Install Blinds
Looking for a practical solution to an exposed window? Blinds will do the trick. They’re relatively inexpensive, insulating, and have tremendous light control. Blinds are long lasting if properly installed and cared for. Use this How-To Guide to cover that bare window sensibly.
- Measure
Measuring your window is one of the most important steps. If you do this part incorrectly, your blinds won’t fit. Talk about frustrating! It is important to note that blinds look best when mounted on the inside of the window frame. Follow these instructions and you should get an accurate measurement:
Width: Do this first (WxHxD). Determine your width by measuring your window from side to side. Measure the width of the window at the top, center, and bottom. Because of moisture, or settling of the house, these measurements might be slightly off. Taking the average of these three measurements works best.
Height: The height should also be measured in three different spots. Measure at the left, center, and right points of the window. Should these measurements differ, use the largest as your final measurement.
Depth: Your depth is determined by the distance between the window and the edge of the window frame. Again, take at least three measurements. Average them should they differ.
- Purchasing
Blinds are hung on the inside of windows. Because of human error in measurements, it is best to be on the safe side by subtracting a half of an inch from your depth. Blinds that are half of an inch too large are harder to work with than blinds that are half of an inch too small. This may sound confusing, but most windows are standard size and the blinds are sold accordingly.
- Installation
Everything you need should be packaged with your blinds. Separating the things you need into small piles often makes the process much less complicated.
The majority of the blinds purchased today are assembled with mounting brackets that should be in the package. These must be screwed into the insides of the window frames on both the left and right hand sides. They should be placed as close to the window as possible. Because the manufacturing of blinds are based on standard sizes, clearance has already been taken into consideration. The open end should face outward, towards you.
Now slide your blinds into the mounting brackets. Tangling is inevitable. Be patient, this is unpreventable. Take your time untangling them so as to not dent or crack any of the slats.
Your package should have also included end caps. These secure your blinds to the mounting brackets. Place these onto your bracket to ensure that they stay in position.
Locate your slat adjuster and secure it in place.
- Give it a Shot
Give them a shot. Don’t be terribly gentle on them—raise them quickly to be sure that they’re locked into place and are securely fastened. Test the adjustment rod to make sure that the slats open and close.
- Enjoy!
You’ve successfully installed your blinds! Wasn’t so bad, was it?
