How do I install blinds on windows?
January 13th, 2010
G asked:
There’s already mounting installed. Do I need to buy a tension rod or just the blinds? How do I install it? What else do I need? This is my first apartment–I don’t know anything. Thanks for your help!
There’s already mounting installed. Do I need to buy a tension rod or just the blinds? How do I install it? What else do I need? This is my first apartment–I don’t know anything. Thanks for your help!
First of all decide on the type of blind.
Do you want a roller blind, a venetian (aluminium or timber), or do you want verticals? – I personally do not like verticals as the chains break easily and they flap when the window is open.
Roller blinds or Aluminium are the cheapest and most economical.
timber venetians are more expensive but give a nice look.
Then decide if you want the blind to be “inset” or “outset”?
Inset is inside the window. Outset is where the blind sits on top of the architrave (bits of wood around the window).
(pros & cons for both. You can’t have inset if you have louvres. Inset is also good cause it makes the blind look more flush with wall, but small con is a very small stream of light comes in on either side (not a lot though)…. outset is good if you want to stop all light coming in and want it completely Blockout)
Take measurements for both.
Inset
Width – Measure inside measurement from side to side.
Length – Measure inside top to bottom.
Outset
Width – Measure from outside arch to outside arch
Length – Measure from top of the Arch to where you want the blind to Finish!!!
Next go to a curtain or blind store and ask them to give you a quotation on the blind on the measurements you have provided.
You can either get a made to measure blind done (which can take about 10-14 days for them to make up) or you can go to one of those cheap department stores and get a ready made one….(they are pretty crap and don’t last as long).
Usually the instructions comes with the blind on how to install aswell as brackets & fittings. (sometimes u have to buy your own screws though)
But if your unsure. Then get a professional to install it for you.
USE A STEEL TAPE when measuring as cloth tape can stretch and be accurate. also provide accurate measurements…as it’s wrong it’s your fault….while if the store measures and it’s wrong it’s their fault
Since the mounting is already installed this will be a pretty easy project. You probably don’t want to spend a great deal of $$ if there are other things you want to fix up your first apartment so I suggest going to a place like Home Depot to get the blinds. Measure the inside width of the window and also the length from top to window sill. You’ll need to buy the correct width and get as close as possible to the length.
Instructions will come with the blinds telling you how to shorten them if they are longer than you need. It easy and no special tools are needed.
Measure between the old mounts, buy blinds at that measurement. Slip the new blind into the old mounts….all the hardware should come with the new blind.