Image Credit : Flickr
Alana Southwell is the lead content curator for All Weather Blinds. As a DIY improvements enthusiast, she has written several articles on the home improvements and renovations. In this article, she shares her expertise and knowledge on installing window blinds by yourself.
Aside from the aesthetic value that window blinds can bring to anyone’s home, these home essentials also bring practicality and convenience to home owners. Whether you own a big or small size house, installing window blinds into your rooms can bring you more comfort, privacy and safety in your homes. Aside from this, having window blinds give a modern feel of your place and add more value.
Various Types of Window Blinds
Getting confused which one to choose? Going to a hardware or window blinds supplier can really lead to confusion because of the various style, colours and pattern that you need to choose from when it comes to windows blinds and shades.
Some of the most common kinds of blinds are vertical, mini blinds, Roman and cordless. When it comes to colour and patterns, it is better to choose a set that can complement the interior design and theme of the house in order to make them visually appealing or even improve the aesthetic appeal of your abode.
Cleaning and Maintenance
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As opposed to curtains, window blinds are easier to clean and maintain as they can remain good as new even after months of cleaning.
The first thing that you need to consider when it comes to cleaning preparation is to determine the kind of blinds that your home needs. Most of the blinds offered in the market may only require a quick wipe with a damp cloth in order to remove dust and dirt build up. But for blinds made of materials like wood and aluminium, you might be needing a different kind of polish or cleaner in order to avoid getting damaged.
Installation
Getting down the bottom line, installation is one of the most critical parts that you need to consider when trying out window blinds inside your home. Following the right installation procedure will not only save you time and effort but this will help you make your blinds stand the test of time and provide quality comfort and protection to your family from direct sunlight and harmful pollution from the surroundings.
Measuring Your Windows and Determining the Mount
To be able to get the correct size of the blinds, you must always begin with the correct measurement of the windows where they will be mounted.
There are two options on how to install your blinds- either inside or outside of the casing.
If you will be installing inside of the casing, position your measuring tape on the four inner corners of the window and check the width on the three areas- top, middle and bottom. On this way, you can be sure that the size of the blinds is proportional on the entire area of the window.
If you are measuring for an outside mount, always place your measuring device on the outermost edges of your window where the starting and end-point should always be on the outside edges of the casing.
Mark your Mount
After completing its measurement, it is time to make your mounting marks in order to put them accurately in place.
To mark for an outside mount, hold the window blinds at the top of the casing and make sure it is centered and leveled before marking a spot for its head rail or the top part of the blinds.
When marking, always allot ¼ inch past the head rail on each side of the casing to avoid making it appear cluttered.
For an inside mount, always place the head rail of the blinds inside the window casing before marking.
Install the Brackets
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Once marks are ready, place the brackets inside the marking and make sure that the two sides are facing the right direction- one faces straight out while the other one should face towards the center (window).
Each bracket comes with a pair of screw that you need to secure by drilling a hole into the wall. After securing your brackets, it is time to attach the valance clips to the head rail before inserting them to the bracket.
Head Rail and Valance
Once head rails are ready, it is time to position the valance along the head rail and adjust if necessary. Keep it secured in place by pressing down the clips and carefully snap them on the valance.
For blinds that do not come with pre-attach plastic wand, insert them by pushing the plastic covering up the head rail before inserting its end into the hook.
Lastly, adjust the blinds to the desired length by removing the plastic retaining tabs from the bottom and adjusting its string until the proper length is achieved.
Installing window blinds can be easy if you know what to do. Updating a room or your entire house through these fixtures need not be expensive if you follow.
Alana Southwell
Latest posts by Alana Southwell (see all)
- 3 Quick Simple Steps on How to Install Window Blinds - June 22, 2015
As the article suggests, it can be a daunting task to decide which type of blinds you want once you realize all of the styles that exist. When I was looking for new blinds I found that each time I would find a kind that I thought I liked, I would then quickly find a new type that I liked better. I found it helpful to pay attention to the blinds in others’ houses, as that better helped me to visualize them in my own home.