How to Install Blinds in 5 Easy Steps

By
Timothy Dale
Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

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Published on 05/06/23
Installing wooden blinds

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Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $100 to $200

When you want a little privacy, blinds can be an effective solution. Blinds can also be used to prevent sunlight from pouring through the bedroom window when you want a few more minutes of sleep, and they can be selected to match the current decor or even improve the aesthetic appeal of the home.

Blinds are relatively easy to install, so even beginner DIYers with the right tools and enough patience should be able to tackle this project. Keep reading to find out how to hang or install blinds.

Before You Begin

One of the most important steps to take before purchasing blinds for the window or mounting brackets is to measure the width, length, and depth of the window frame. How to measure the window depends on whether the blinds will be mounted inside the frame or outside the frame.

Inside Frame Measurements: Use a tape measure to take three measurements of the window width at the top, bottom, and middle of the window. Measure from the inside edge of the window frame to the opposite inside edge and record the shortest measurement to ensure that you don't purchase blinds that are too wide to fit inside the window frame. Next, measure the height of the window frame from the inside edge at the top to the inside edge at the bottom. Similar to the width, take measurements at the far right, far left, and center, then record the longest measurement to ensure the bottom rail will be long enough to reach the windowsill. To give the blinds a little extra room, round each measurement down to the nearest ⅛-inch increment.

Outside Frame Measurements: Use a level and tape measure to take width measurements at the top of the window frame from outside edge to outside edge. Add three inches to this measurement and record the number. Next, take length measurements from the top center of the window frame to the windowsill. If you are installing horizontal blinds, add three inches to the length to ensure sufficient coverage.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Ladder
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver

Materials

  • Window blinds

Instructions

How to Install Blinds

  1. Measure the Window Frame

    Use a tape measure and a level to take measurements of the window frame. Regardless of whether you are installing the blinds inside the frame or outside the frame, these measurements will determine where to place the headrail brackets.

    Measure the width of the window frame and mark the location for the installation of the brackets. Choose the point at the bottom of the window where the blinds will hang. From this point, measure the length of the blinds to the top of the window and mark the location. Also, measure and mark the recommended distance away from the window to allow the vanes on vertical blinds to rotate freely.

  2. Drill Pilot Holes

    Hold the bracket to the marks you made while measuring the window frame to ensure the pilot holes are in the correct position. Typically, about an inch from the edge is a good place for an inside mount, though it can differ depending on the product.

    For an outside mount, the holes for the brackets should be positioned above the window frame. Use a level to make sure the brackets are even. When you are satisfied with the position of the brackets, drill pilot holes for the mounting screws.

  3. Secure the Brackets

    Position the first bracket so that it lines up with the pilot holes and use the drill or a screwdriver to securely fasten the bracket. Most blinds come with two to four screws per bracket. Use as many as possible for the most secure attachment to the wall or window frame.

    Repeat this process with the bracket on the opposite side of the window frame. If you are installing a middle bracket for the blinds, use a level to ensure that the blinds will hang evenly across the entire width of the window. Secure the center bracket to the wall or window frame to help support the blinds.

  4. Attach the Headrail

    With the brackets in place, the headrail is relatively easy to attach, though the exact way it connects depends on the type of headrail. Standard headrails will slide into the opening in the front of the brackets.

    Rounded headrails typically have round brackets with openings that allow you to sit the headrail into the brackets. The headrail is then secured with a screw on each bracket to prevent it from sliding out of position.

    If the headrail has vanes for vertical blinds, you will need to clip the vanes into place. Position each vane at the opening of a clip and apply a little force to connect the vane to the headrail.

  5. Install the Valence and Wand

    Check the directions provided by the manufacturer to verify how to install the valence. Generally, the valence is attached to the head rail with two or three clips. After attaching the valence, you may need to connect the wand. Slide the wand over the small hook at the top of the blinds so that you can rotate the wand to open or close the blinds.

    What Is a Valence?

    The valence is a cover that gets installed over the headrail of the blinds. The purpose of this part is to cover up the brackets so that the blinds appear more attractive.

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