Installing Horizontal Blinds

Horizontal blinds with variable-pitch slats regulate light levels, ranging from gentle filtering to near darkness. Slats are made of aluminum, vinyl, PVC or wood and come in many widths. Blinds are installed two basic ways: mounted inside or outside the window opening. An outside mount makes the window look large because the stack goes above the window. Inside-mounted blinds look trim. Because they don’t overlap the window opening, they admit more light around the edges. Careful measurement is important to ensure that they’ll fit the space.

Tools:

Tape Measure

Level

Drill

Tools (cont):

Bit Sets

Screwdriver

Materials:

Blinds

Brackets

Steps

Steps 1 - 4 of 4

Step One

A. For an inside mount, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest figure. Unless specified by the manufacturer, do not measure for clearance. That will be accounted for when the blinds are cut to size. Measure the height at the left and right sides and center. Use the largest figure.

B. For an outside mount, measure to the outside edges of the moulding. Measure the exact height of the window from top edge of moulding to bottom edge or to top of sill if there is one. If blind or shade extends to the floor, deduct at least 1/2" for clearance. You may adjust the length to your preference.

Step Two

Install the brackets.

Note that on some units, the same brackets are used for inside and outside mounting. Hold the end brackets (and central bracket if included) in place and mark for pilot screw holes. Use a level to make sure each set of holes is even with the others. Drill the holes for the screws and install the brackets. In wood or wood framing, drill the hole slightly smaller than the screw you’ll use. If you aren't going into wood trim or wood framing, use wall anchors, toggle bolts, or other hardware and follow the directions supplied.

Step Three