Using blinds to cover your windows offers many benefits. One of them is that they are easier to clean. They seem more hygienic as they don't often accumulate as much dust and dirt, unlike curtains. Rather than spending a lot of money to hire a professional to install your window blinds, doing it yourself could be a great way to save costs and increase your skills.
The entire process of blind installation can be done without taking up much of your time. As long as you follow these guidelines and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy having your indoor quality time protected from harsh sun rays and your privacy secure from the prying eyes of passers-by outside your home.
Here are some tips and tricks for installing blinds:
There are many kinds of window blinds available on the market these days. It's all a matter of matching your home's interior design, colors, and comfort style you are after. After making your selection and purchase, be sure to check everything necessary is included first and foremost. Check the entire package to confirm whether everything is inside, including all the small parts and instruction guidelines.
Whether you’re installing roller blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds, or any other blinds, it’s imperative to make sure that no hardware is missing. Installing new window solutions will require you to prepare tools like a drill, screwdriver, anchors, measuring tape, a ladder, and a level. Secure all these tools before starting the installation, so you won’t waste time fetching them back and forth.
Then, read the instruction guidelines and decipher all the steps for installation. If you have any doubts, you can refer to online resources or consult design experts from the shop you bought your blinds from.
Assess now where your blinds will be mounted. Will it be inside the window frame or outside of it? This is the primary decision you have to make before you can start measuring precisely.
The conventional style usually uses inside mounts. They are neat, but they don't work well with some kinds of windows. Having narrow window frames will not accommodate the blinds perfectly. The best way to go is first to check the mounting requirements as they usually provide details about the space needed for it. Without much space inside the window frame, you will then proceed to have an outside mount instead. Having a more complicated set of blinds also needs external support because it will allow your windows to appear more prominent.
Here are the different ways to measure your mounts depending on their places:
If you decide to install your blinds through the inside mount, measure the spaces exactly first. Keep in mind that it’s okay to round the measurements down to the nearest 1/8 inch if the amount seems distorted. Before purchasing blinds, you can always refer to the manufacturer's measurements and ensure that they will fit your windows' size. Be ready to measure the width and height, and use it as your primary reference.
When measuring your window's width, estimate all areas like the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest number. Windows are usually unleveled, and they are not entirely perfect. Hence, it's important to measure up and down so you won't miss any gaps.
Like the way you measured your windows' width, you must measure the left, center, and right from the top down of your windows. Also, use the shortest measurement.
When opting for outside mounts, you can decide how wide your blinds can be. You may go more comprehensive if you're trying to block more sunlight and increase your family's privacy too. Measure the area precisely and add some additional height for consideration of mounting brackets. Another important note is that you have to be sure there are at least two inches of wall space above the window frame.
Another helpful tip is to take your needed time. Don’t let the process stress you out and rush you to get things done instantly. Chances are, it will only result in a bad outcome. And you won't want to have lopsided blinds, as there’s no going back when they’re already drilled and mounted. Also, don't rush when reading instructions because you might skip out on some crucial details that will affect the outcome.
Taking sufficient time for any home improvement project is necessary to have the desired results you want. So, don't rush and take it easy. You'll finish soon, and you'll thank yourself for it.
One easy tip is to place all the brackets toward the front side of your window opening. This will make it easier to install. You can also start creating screw holes before you turn the screws. Doing this will only require you to create tiny holes with a hammer or use a drill. This will all save you time and can make it easier to place the screw in the hole. You can turn it easier and more firmly when the spots have already been prepared. Finish each side, and proceed to the next. And add in some other support brackets afterward.
If you're considering attaching a valance to give some finishing touches to your blinds, now's the time to include the valance clips to the front of the blinds. Doing so will save you energy and time later on, as you will need to take the blinds back down if you need to put valance clips. Be careful when including the pins, and ensure that they don't touch the blinds' mechanisms.
However, a valance is not the only option you can choose to give your blinds a better aesthetic. You may also opt for swags, scarves, or cornices. Learn the difference between them and choose the most suitable option.
Installing new window coverings such as blinds, could be a great way to spruce up your living space. As the helpful tips above suggest you don’t need to hesitate to do the installations yourself. Whether you’re looking for light and heat protection, privacy or just want to improve your homes interior, blind can be just the thing you need. Although it's possible to hire a professional window blind installer to do this task, you can learn a lot as you do this technical task yourself.
The entire process of blind installation can be done without taking up much of your time. As long as you follow these guidelines and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy having your indoor quality time protected from harsh sun rays and your privacy secure from the prying eyes of passers-by outside your home.
Here are some tips and tricks for installing blinds:
1. Properly Prepare
There are many kinds of window blinds available on the market these days. It's all a matter of matching your home's interior design, colors, and comfort style you are after. After making your selection and purchase, be sure to check everything necessary is included first and foremost. Check the entire package to confirm whether everything is inside, including all the small parts and instruction guidelines.
Whether you’re installing roller blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds, or any other blinds, it’s imperative to make sure that no hardware is missing. Installing new window solutions will require you to prepare tools like a drill, screwdriver, anchors, measuring tape, a ladder, and a level. Secure all these tools before starting the installation, so you won’t waste time fetching them back and forth.
Then, read the instruction guidelines and decipher all the steps for installation. If you have any doubts, you can refer to online resources or consult design experts from the shop you bought your blinds from.
2. Assess And Evaluate The Needed Mounts
Assess now where your blinds will be mounted. Will it be inside the window frame or outside of it? This is the primary decision you have to make before you can start measuring precisely.
The conventional style usually uses inside mounts. They are neat, but they don't work well with some kinds of windows. Having narrow window frames will not accommodate the blinds perfectly. The best way to go is first to check the mounting requirements as they usually provide details about the space needed for it. Without much space inside the window frame, you will then proceed to have an outside mount instead. Having a more complicated set of blinds also needs external support because it will allow your windows to appear more prominent.
Here are the different ways to measure your mounts depending on their places:
Inside Mount:
If you decide to install your blinds through the inside mount, measure the spaces exactly first. Keep in mind that it’s okay to round the measurements down to the nearest 1/8 inch if the amount seems distorted. Before purchasing blinds, you can always refer to the manufacturer's measurements and ensure that they will fit your windows' size. Be ready to measure the width and height, and use it as your primary reference.
Width:
When measuring your window's width, estimate all areas like the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest number. Windows are usually unleveled, and they are not entirely perfect. Hence, it's important to measure up and down so you won't miss any gaps.
Height:
Like the way you measured your windows' width, you must measure the left, center, and right from the top down of your windows. Also, use the shortest measurement.
Outside Mount:
When opting for outside mounts, you can decide how wide your blinds can be. You may go more comprehensive if you're trying to block more sunlight and increase your family's privacy too. Measure the area precisely and add some additional height for consideration of mounting brackets. Another important note is that you have to be sure there are at least two inches of wall space above the window frame.
3. Don’t Rush
Another helpful tip is to take your needed time. Don’t let the process stress you out and rush you to get things done instantly. Chances are, it will only result in a bad outcome. And you won't want to have lopsided blinds, as there’s no going back when they’re already drilled and mounted. Also, don't rush when reading instructions because you might skip out on some crucial details that will affect the outcome.
Taking sufficient time for any home improvement project is necessary to have the desired results you want. So, don't rush and take it easy. You'll finish soon, and you'll thank yourself for it.
4. Install The Brackets
One easy tip is to place all the brackets toward the front side of your window opening. This will make it easier to install. You can also start creating screw holes before you turn the screws. Doing this will only require you to create tiny holes with a hammer or use a drill. This will all save you time and can make it easier to place the screw in the hole. You can turn it easier and more firmly when the spots have already been prepared. Finish each side, and proceed to the next. And add in some other support brackets afterward.
5. Added Touches
If you're considering attaching a valance to give some finishing touches to your blinds, now's the time to include the valance clips to the front of the blinds. Doing so will save you energy and time later on, as you will need to take the blinds back down if you need to put valance clips. Be careful when including the pins, and ensure that they don't touch the blinds' mechanisms.
However, a valance is not the only option you can choose to give your blinds a better aesthetic. You may also opt for swags, scarves, or cornices. Learn the difference between them and choose the most suitable option.
Conclusion
Installing new window coverings such as blinds, could be a great way to spruce up your living space. As the helpful tips above suggest you don’t need to hesitate to do the installations yourself. Whether you’re looking for light and heat protection, privacy or just want to improve your homes interior, blind can be just the thing you need. Although it's possible to hire a professional window blind installer to do this task, you can learn a lot as you do this technical task yourself.
