How to install window blinds at home?

Blinds are popular window treatment methods, which can be customised as per the window size. Moreover, there are different types of window blinds and one can choose the option that suits his/her personality and home décor preferences. Installation of window blinds and shades is a simple DIY technique, as explained in this article.

Table of Contents

Inside mount vs outside mount

You can mount the blinds on the inside of a window frame, or outside, or above the window frame. There are mounting brackets in both these designs. Inside-mounted blinds are widely preferred. On the other hand, outside-mounted blinds cover a section of the frame. The mounting bracket holes are visible if the brackets are removed afterwards. If the window frame is too shallow for the mounting brackets, you can choose outside-mounted blinds.

Measurement

For inside-mounted blinds, start by measuring the window’s width. The blind should fit within the space. In case of the outside mount, measure the width you want to cover up and choose a blind of this width. Blinds can be custom designed to suit window sizes.

How to install vertical window blinds?

Outside mount installation

Outside mount installation with vertical blinds is convenient as it let you control light better.
Identify the point at the bottom of a window where the blinds should be hung. Measure the length of the blind up to the top of the window. Install the headrail on the marked location.
Place two more marks four inch in from each end of the headrail.
Position the top of the first bracket with the first four-inch mark. Secure it to the wall with screws. Complete this process with the other bracket.
Secure the front of the headrail to the brackets.
Evenly space the plastic stems along the headrail using a cord and rotate them until the inside parts can be seen.
Position each vane by sliding them up into each stem.
Secure the cord by placing a safety bracket or tension pulley onto the window frame.
Install the valance onto the valance clips after the vanes are attached.

Inside mount installation

Identify where you need to place the handrail brackets. Mark the suggested distance away from the window to enable free rotation of vanes.
Drill pilot holes where the marks meet and place screws through each bracket with the attached valance clips. Place the headrail in front of the brackets and secure it by rotating it down.
Evenly position the plastic stems along the headrail with the support of a wand or cord. Rotate the stems till the inside parts are visible.
Secure each vane by putting them in each stem.
Secure the cord by setting the safety bracket or tension pulley on the window frame.
Install the valance onto the valance clips once the vanes are attached.
Check if the blinds function by pulling the cord to open and close.

How to install wooden blinds?

Faux wood blinds are widely popular as they are eco-friendly and add elegance to any space.

For outside mount installation, place the blinds on the chosen wall surface. Mark the left and right outside edges of the window blinds along the bottom and sides.
Position the brackets in line with the markings. Drill pilot holes and fix screws to secure the brackets.
If required, mount the centre support bracket slightly off centre of the headrail so that it does hinder the cord operation.
Before mounting the blind, secure the valance clips on the front portion of the headrail.
Fix the headrail in the brackets and close the covers.

In case of inside mount installation, place two brackets on the window frame in a way they are flush with the wall surface. The two bracket locations should be even. Drill pilot holes and secure with screws. Now, install the window blinds by sliding the headrail in these brackets. Position the headrail by closing the brackets. Hook the wand to the metal clip at the top. This will help rotate the blinds.

How to install cellular shades?

For outside mount installation, place the shade on the desired wall surface. Identify and measure the distance between the bracket installation points along the top of the headrail.
Position the brackets with markings. Drill pilot holes and secure the screws.
Go for a centre support bracket if it is provided.
Position the headrail by hooking it in front of the brackets.

In case of inside mount installation, measure the distance from the top corners of the window and secure the brackets by drilling the holes and fixing screws. Fix the shades on the headrail into the front of the brackets and secure it.

FAQs

Can I install window blinds myself?

Choose window blinds that match the size of your windows. You will require drill and measuring tape and pencil. Window blinds can be installed using DIY techniques.

Can I window blinds without drilling?

Typically, all window blinds require drilling holes into the wall for their proper installation.

Is it cheaper to install your own blinds?

By choosing to install the window blinds yourself, you can significantly lower your home renovation cost.

Can you stick blinds to tiles?

You can look for blinds with roller brackets that do not require drilling.

Are window blinds worth it?

Window blinds are widely popular window treatment options as they are available in different styles and sizes.

Which blinds are better for home?

Some of the popular window blinds are Roller blinds, Venetian blinds, and Roman blinds. Roller blinds are an ideal choice as they are easy to install.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

Was this article useful?