How to Install Window Blinds and Shades

You will Require the Following Tools for most Installations:

•  Drill bits
  
  

•  Level
  
  

•  Steel tape measure
  
  

•  1/4" wrench or nut driver
  
  

•  Flat head screwdriver
  
  

•  Philips head screwdriver
  
  

•  Scissors
  
  

•  Pencil
  

If you are installing several blinds or shades, to help save you time, and make installation easier, consider using two drills.  When using two drills, you will want to fit one drill with a drill bit and the other with a screwdriver bit.  By using two drills, you can save time by not having to constantly switch between drill bits.

Once you have collected all the necessary tools, your next step is to remove the existing window treatments, so that they won’t be in the way as you install your new blinds or shades.  

The next step is to make sure that you have the correct blind for each window.  To do this, simple hold the blind up to the window, and ensure that it will fit correctly for how you plan to install the blind or window shade.  Also verify that you have the manufacturer's instructions to ensure all of the necessary mounting hardware has been included with each blind or shade.  Included with each blind or shade, there should be mounting brackets, screws, and faceplates.  Several companies also include valances and/or hold-down brackets.  If the blinds or window shades you have purchased or special ordered are extra long, then there should also be included in your package center support brackets.  If you discover that you are missing any hardware, contact the vender or manufacture.

The screws manufactures include are usually wood screws, therefore if you are mounting your blinds on another type of surface, such as fiberglass, composite or metal you will need to purchase special screws, fasteners, or anchors.  If you are mounting your blinds or shade in metal framed windows, you will need to predrill your holes and use special metal screws.  If you are mounting your blinds or shades in brick, concrete, stone, and tile, then we suggest you use a carbide drill and the appropriate plugs, anchors, or screws.  For installing blinds or shades in drywall, wallboard, or plasterboard, you will need to make sure that you predrill the holes large enough to accommodate suitable anchors, or plugs.  

For Mounting Blinds or Window Shades on the Inside the Window Frame:

Mount the brackets in their correct place on the jambs (the vertical inside area of a door, window frame, or fireplace.) Ensure that they are placed to accommodate the headrail.

Use a level to make sure that the headrail is level, if necessary, use shims to level the headrail.

For Mounting Blinds or Window Shades on the Outside of the Window Frame:

Hold your blind or shade over the window opening at the desired height, also make sure that the blind or shade is centered on the window opening.  Lightly pencil-mark the window frame or wall or have someone else pencil-make at each end of the blind or shade horizontally at the bottom of the headrail as well as vertically along each end of the headrail.

Use a level to make sure that you correctly position the installation brackets.  Refer to the manufacture’s instructions to make sure you are installing the brackets correctly.  

Installing the Optional Extension Brackets:

Optional extension brackets are used when the blinds must clear an obstruction, such as a window crank.  Install extension brackets first, by using the same positioning marks. 

When mounting extension brackets, make sure that you mount them sideways.  This will help prevent them from bending.  Also, use two screws placed diagonally from each other to secure them in place.

Use the enclosed nuts and bolts to attach the hinged-cover brackets to the extension brackets.

It is important to understand that these are generic instructions as all manufactures and brands of blinds each have slightly different brackets.  For this reason, please refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.

Support Brackets:

Support brackets are used for all window blinds and shades, which are wider than 60 inches.  If you are installing blinds or shades that are wider than 60 inches, the support brackets should be included with the hardware.  Make sure that you refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

Correctly Inserting the Blind Headrail:

After all the necessary brackets have been properly installed, the next step is to install the blind headrail.

1. If the end brackets are hinged-cover, they need to be open.
   
   

2. Make sure that all the cords and tape ladders operate freely, and that they are not tangled.  If they cords or tape ladders are tangled, they need to be untangled.
   
   

3. Install the valance by snapping it into the clips onto the headrail.
   
   

4. Insert the headrail into the support brackets and end brackets.  This can be accomplished easily if you use a rolling motion, then push the headrail into place.
   
   

5. When using end brackets, you want to ensure that the headrail is centered and fitted snuggly into the brackets.  However, if the headrail does not fit snuggly into place, you have to remove the headrail, then carefully use a screwdriver and expand the end taps.
   
   

6. If your blinds have hinged covers, close them. Make sure that the tabs lock securely in place.
   
   
   

The Next Steps are for Blinds that have either a Rod Tilter or a Cord Tilter: 

Most window blind manufactures will supply a wand tilter, which can be either a metal hook inside a plastic sleeve or two plastic prongs.

If the window blinds have the tilters which are the plastic prongs, you want to snap them into the small hole at the end of the protruding metal shaft located on the headrail.  If however you have the metal hook type of tilters, then remove the plastic sleeve from the wand, slip it over the protruding metal shaft, and then reinsert the hook through the hole in the metal shaft until the wand sets in the bend of the hook.  Once this is done, slide the plastic sleeve down on the edge of the wand.  Test your tilter by rotating the wand, opening, and closing the window blind slats in both directions approximately to make sure that you have attached every thing correctly.

How to Install the Hold down Brackets:

1. Most horizontal blinds come equated with hold down brackets, which secure the bottom rail in place.  However, it is important to remember that when using hold down brackets, the blind must remain lowered and can not be raised.  Hold down brackets keep the blinds in a stationary position
   
   

2. Once you have properly installed your vertical window blinds, lower the blinds to the desired position and pushed the pin of each hold down bracket into the center of the bottom rail. 
   
   

3. Using a pencil, lightly mark the area through the screw holes on the hold down brackets to indicate where the brackets will be mounted.
   
   

4. Drill pilot holes where you have marked, then attach the brackets with screws.

How to Cut Blinds:

Chances are you’ll never have to cut your blinds.  However, if for some chance you do have to cut your blinds in order to make them fit properly, then these easy instructions should help you do so.  The first thing you want to do is to carefully measure the width from one edge of the bracket to the other. Remember, not every window will be the same;  therefore it is important to measure every window separately and cut each blind accordingly.  You will need to deduct the size of the winding mechanism before cutting the plank, tube, and fabric.

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