Even the simplest of home improvement jobs can be much more difficult than it seems on paper, particularly if you’re tackling them on your own.
Hanging up blinds is one of the most common home improvement projects, but anyone who has tried to do it knows that it can get complicated if you don’t have the right tools and know what you’re doing.
That’s why we put together this simple guide to help homeowners hang blinds as easily as possible in their own homes.
Step 1: Measure your window
We want your blinds hanging at just the right length so that they don’t block views, but also don’t show too much of your wall.
When you hang your blinds, they should be at least 1 inch below your windowsill. Use a ruler to measure how far down each side of your window will hang from its sills and then add another 1 inch in both directions for seam allowance.
For example, if your window is 60 inches wide and it sits on top of a 30-inch sill, you need to order blinds 62 inches long.
If your window is 35 inches wide with an 8-inch sill, order 36-inch-long blinds (35 + 2). This way when we take into account our seam allowances, later on, we won’t have any problems.
Once you know how long your new blinds need to be cut out to be based on where your windows sit in relation to their sills, write down those numbers—you’ll need them later!
Step 2: Work out the Best Option for Your Window
The first thing you need to do is work out whether your window will be best suited for horizontal or vertical blinds.
If you’re fitting a large, tall window that won’t be obscured by curtains and so on, you may want to consider fitting vertical blinds.
Alternatively, if your window isn’t particularly big, but will still feature prominently in your living space, horizontal blinds could make more sense. You can also opt for both types of blinds; many homes have both types fitted in different rooms.
Step 3: Preparing The Railings
The first thing you will want to do is make sure that your railings are completely clean. You may need a soft brush in order to get everything spotless, but don’t just rely on water or soap.
There might be dust and dirt particles left behind, and those could really mess up your project later on.
Once you’re satisfied with how clean they are, you can start mounting your brackets. You’ll want four total; two for each side of your window.
If you don’t have specific instructions with your brackets then it’s best to simply use them as an outline for where you should drill holes.
Step 4: Hanging The Blinds (Tools Required)
The first step is to choose which of your blind slats will be installed on top, which ones go in the middle, and which go at the bottom. Take note of how wide each slat is – you’ll need that information later.
Next, add up all 3 of those measurements (the top, middle, and bottom slats). You’ll need about 1 inch extra for each side as a buffer.
For example: If you have three 9-inch slats you want on top of your window (bottom), make sure your tape measure says 18 inches so that when it’s time to cut off that extra inch at either end there won’t be a seam in between any two of them.
This may sound complicated but don’t worry! It’s actually quite simple once you start doing it. So now that you know how long your blind should be, let’s move on to cutting them down to size!
Step 5: Finishing The Job Properly
There’s a reason why movies like Hangover and Swingers have scenes at hardware stores. If you hang your blinds yourself, all you have to do is screw in a few hooks, right? Wrong!
The important thing here is to read your directions (yes, even if they come with illustrations) and ensure that all of your hardware is screwed into place before hanging up your blinds. This will save you from potential headaches later on.
You don’t want to discover you’ve put too many screws in one side or that your hook is too long for its hole after it’s already hanging up there. It may sound silly but taking care of these things now can save you from hours of frustration later.
Also, make sure not to tighten any screws until everything is hung correctly; otherwise, some parts may be crooked or fall off completely when you start tightening them down.
You’re done! Now take a step back and admire your handiwork—you did it!
Where should blind brackets be placed?
Unlike curtains, which don’t need brackets on both sides of a window, blinds usually require brackets on both sides.
This is because there’s often quite a bit of weight in a set of heavy blinds and these are typically hung right next to each other.
Because it’s so important that they remain level, they should be installed in pairs. There are exceptions – especially if your window is deep – but for most cases, you’ll want a bracket on each side of the window frame.
Do blinds go on the inside or outside of the frame?
Before you can hang blinds, you’ll need to figure out how you want them positioned. Keep in mind that all windows are different and that many curtains, drapes, and window treatments are available in a variety of sizes.
Your best bet is to measure your windows, divide by 2 (for inside mount) or 3 (for outside mount), then round down to get an idea of how long your brackets will be.
What is the difference between inside and outside mount blinds?
Inside mount blinds hang from two brackets that are installed inside your window frame. Outside mount blinds attach directly to your window’s exterior with self-tapping screws.
Both types work great, but if you’re dealing with a particularly thick window frame, outside mount blinds may be easier to install.
How far from the window should the blinds be?
You’ll want your blinds to fall within 1 inch of a window. This keeps light from seeping in, but provides enough room for you to view outside. Once you know how far away you want your blinds, use a measuring tape and follow these steps
Conclusion
There you have it! Now that you know everything about hanging blinds, it’s time to apply what you learned to practical knowledge. Let us know if you have any further questions in the comments.
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