How To Mount Blinds On Metal Window Frame

How to Install Blinds on Windows

Installing window blinds is a simple project most DIYers can do in an hour or so. Before getting started, however, learn how to select the right blinds and measure for the correct fit.

Photograph: istockphoto.com

To filter the low-cal that enters your dwelling house and command your level of privacy, blinds are often a upkeep-friendly and style-friendly option. Like shooting fish in a barrel to accommodate, these slatted window treatments tin be pulled out of the style for an unobstructed view, partially closed to filter light, or closed completely to ensconce you lot.

Since blinds are available in a host of sizes, materials, and price points, it'due south helpful to know how to make up one's mind the all-time option for your home—and how to install vertical blinds or horizontal blinds on just nigh whatever type of window.

What to Consider Before Hanging Blinds

While hanging blinds is a DIY project that can be completed fairly quickly, there are crucial considerations to ensure you buy the right size and style then installation goes smoothly. Information technology's important that measurements are taken accurately and the blazon of blinds selected piece of work with the window. Continue reading to observe out more than about the different types of blinds.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Blinds

There are many styles of blinds available, but there are just two main types: horizontal blinds and vertical blinds. A few factors can help you decide between the two kinds.

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Horizontal blinds piece of work well on small, narrow windows to add visual entreatment while decision-making light and providing privacy. These blinds look best on small- to average-size windows, because wider spans can sag in the middle. Horizontal blinds have individual slats that overlap when the blind is fully closed. By twisting the attached wand that controls a series of connected cords, you tin can adapt the slats to permit in as much or equally petty light as yous choose. Horizontal blinds can likewise exist raised or lowered as desired.

These blinds tin be purchased in a multifariousness of materials, sizes, and thicknesses. Mini blinds slats are approximately ½-inch broad, while retro-style slats can be up to 3 inches wide. Personal preference dictates the installed width for outside-mounted blinds. Blinds installed inside the window frame can exist as wide as the space allows without protruding by the opening. Basic horizontal blinds cost equally lilliputian as $15 for a small set. Custom blinds or those sized for large windows can run $200 or more, depending on the quality of the production and the materials used.

Photograph: istockphoto.com

Vertical blinds feature a top track from which private vanes (or slats) hang, and while they won't sag, they do tend to sway with air movement. They're frequently used on sliding glass patio doors and wide windows. Many vertical blinds tin can exist slid bated using a wand; the wand can also be twisted to rotate the individual vanes, adjusting the corporeality of light allowed into the room. Some vertical blinds operate by pull cords located on one side of the window. Like horizontal blinds, vertical versions come in a wide range of material choices and prices. A no-frills set of blinds might run almost $50, just you lot could spend $400 or so on custom blinds made with higher-quality materials.

Safety alert: Long pull cords pose a known risk of strangulation to pets and small children. Many bullheaded manufacturers have voluntarily done away with cords, but some pull-cord models remain on the market and in older homes. Families with young children should opt for cordless blinds that operate via an culling method, such every bit a push-push button lift mechanism in the bottom rails.

Window Bullheaded Materials

Blinds are available in a host of materials to conform a diversity of tastes, needs, and budgets.

• Vinyl is one of the most popular materials considering it's inexpensive and easy to clean, and there is a choice of a diversity of colors and sizes. Vinyl blinds are the most economical, ranging from $15 for light-gauge vinyl for a small window to more than $100 for larger sizes or heavier-gauge vinyl.
• Wood blinds add a warm, natural expect to a room and come in many popular finishes, including oak, walnut, cherry, and mahogany to lucifer existing trim or piece of furniture. Prices range from $35 to more than than $200, depending on window size and wood blazon.
• Faux wood blinds, made from PVC or a blended material, closely mimic the real matter, but they resist humidity better than woods, making them a smart choice for steamy bathrooms. Prices range from $15 to $100 and up.
• Sleek aluminum blinds requite windows a contemporary look. Expect to pay between $20 to $100 and upward, depending on size.
• Specialty blinds offer optional material features, such every bit fabric-wrapped slats or increased light-blocking ability. Prices start at $20 but vary widely and can cost upward of $400 for fabric-covered custom slats or vanes to match curtains or upholstery.

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How to Mount Blinds

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Installing new blinds is a chore that can be completed in an afternoon. The following steps outline how to mount most types of blinds to windows.

SUPPLIES
– Window blinds (blinds come up packaged with the necessary hardware, including mounting brackets and screws)
– Tape measure
– Stud finder
– Drill

STEP i: Select the desired manner of blinds.

When selecting new window blinds, consider which material, thickness, and mounting style would work best to complement and coordinate with the existing features in the room, similar the window frame material, wall paneling, lighting style, and furniture.

Blinds are made from "hard" materials, such as vinyl or woods, as opposed to roller shades, which are constructed from fabric. As discussed in the to a higher place section, horizontal blinds feature individual slats, while vertical blinds have "vanes," which are slats that hang vertically. Both horizontal and vertical blinds can be stand-solitary window treatments for a minimalist modern wait, or paired with defunction for a softer, more traditional effect.

Later on deciding on the type and material of your blinds, the terminal stylistic decision to make is whether to mount them inside the window frame, or on the wall around the window. (You'll need to know your window frame's depth when y'all order inside-mount window blinds for them to fit correctly.)

When layering window treatments, an inside mountain can make for a cleaner look. It is possible to layer window treatments on the wall, withal, every bit long as the window blinds and drapery brackets are spaced farther from the window with each boosted layer.

STEP 2: Measure out the window frame to decide the size of blinds you need.

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Precise measuring is crucial if your blinds are to operate smoothly and block sunlight effectively. Non only will you demand to know the width and length of the window or doorframe, but y'all'll also need to adjust your figures as directed below for proper fit and function. Rounding up will give you a size that's too large and will create a big problem if you're installing within-mount blinds.

Employ a tape measure out to determine the depth of your inside window frame, and cheque the bullheaded's minimum depth requirement (listed on the product specifications) to ensure a proper fit.

If you're ordering custom blinds, the manufacturer can cut them to your specs; DIY stores volition besides often cut blinds to fit your window'southward measurements.

Measuring for Inside-Mount Blinds

• Measure the within width of the window frame at three different spots: the top, the bottom, and in the eye. It's of import to measure all iii areas because window framing tin easily be out of square, even if you tin't see it with the naked centre. Record the shortest measurement to ensure that you won't end up with a bullheaded that's as well broad to fit in the tightest spot of the window frame.
• Measure the summit of the inside window frame in the same manner, from top to bottom on the left, then on the correct, and over again in the eye. This time, record the longest measurement to make sure that the bottom rail on your new blind will be long enough to reach the windowsill fifty-fifty if there is a discrepancy in the window framing. If you're choosing horizontal blinds and there is a big deviation in the lengths, consider choosing a thinner blind that volition make the deviation less obvious than thicker blinds.
• Round both measurements down to the nearest ⅛-inch increment. Rounding down the width measurements allows for a pocket-size space on both sides of the installed blind—just enough to pull information technology up without rubbing the window frame while withal offer maximum privacy and low-cal control. The precise length measurement will ensure that the bottom rails volition rest a pilus higher up the windowsill, without laying on the sill itself, when lowered to its lowest position. Examples:
  • If the width measurement is xviii 15/xvi inches, round it down to xviii ⅞ inches.
  • If the length is 30 three/16 inches, circular it down to 30 ⅛ inches.

RELATED: The Best Digital Record Measures for Your Tool Kit

Measuring for Outside-Mount Horizontal Blinds

1. Measure the hanging width at the top, from outside edge to exterior edge. Then add together 3 inches.
2. Measure the hanging length of the blinds from the center of the window. And so add some other iii inches to ensure sufficient sunlight blockage and privacy around the edges of the blinds.

Measuring for Outside-Mount Vertical Blinds

1. Decide the length by measuring from the top of the window or doorframe to the floor. If installing the track at a standard 4 inches to a higher place the top of the doorframe, add 3½ inches to the measurement. This 3½ inches allows sufficient room while keeping the bottom of the vanes ½ inch higher up the flooring, and then they won't elevate when y'all slide the blinds. Many vertical blinds require 4 inches above the doorframe to accommodate the track.
2. Measure the width of the door from outside edge to outside edge and add together four inches. The extra width will help block unwanted light from the sides of the blinds.

STEP three: Attach the brackets.

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Before you brainstorm installation, read your model'southward specialized set of instructions on how to put blinds up and bank check that the hardware is included.

Blinds can either be installed within the window frame (for within-mount blinds) or on the wall on either side of the window (for exterior-mount blinds). Horizontal blinds that are longer than a unmarried standard-size window will often come with an boosted center support bracket to proceed the eye of the blinds from sagging.

Measure and marker with a pencil where the back up bracket will go. For heavy exterior-mount blinds, use a stud finder to make sure the brackets will be attached to a stud backside the drywall. Use the included fasteners and a drill to secure the brackets to the wall.

STEP 4: Install the upper rail or vanes.

One time brackets are in place, fit the upper runway of the blind into the brackets (for horizontal blinds) or hang the vanes on the upper track (for vertical blinds). Typically, blinds will just clip into place with a little fleck of pressure level.

The method for how to clip brackets into identify depends on the product, and then be certain to review the product's installation information for specifics. Tools are not usually required for this footstep.

STEP 5: Snap the finishing valance into identify.

Both horizontal and vertical blinds usually come with a finished front piece, called a valance, that snaps in place over the top rail to cover the brackets and give the blind a finished await. This piece ordinarily complements the wait of the blinds, and no tools are required for this stride.

RELATED: The Best Window Films for Privacy

Tips for Keeping Blinds Clean

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Blinds do collect dust, so care for them regularly to keep them looking new.

• Swipe all blinds periodically with a microfiber duster or a bullheaded-dusting tool designed with "fingers" that fit between private slats.
• For occasional deeper cleaning of vinyl, composite, or PVC blinds, lift them from their brackets and have them outdoors. Spray with all-purpose household cleaner and wipe the slats with a clammy cloth. Rinse with a fine spray from your garden hose, and permit them to dry completely before rehanging.
• For woods blinds, lightly mist with piece of furniture shine and wipe each slat or vane clean with a soft dusting textile.
• Vacuum fabric-covered blinds with the brush attachment to banish grit, just get out spot removal and deep cleaning to a professional cleaner.

Final Thoughts

Installing blinds can exist an easy DIY project that requires but a few tools. While in that location are seemingly countless choices of textile, size, and style, choosing the right size blinds is essential for stress-free quick installation. Acquire how to measure for horizontal and vertical blinds before selecting blinds for a window or patio door, and then learn how to hang window blinds with this easy step-past-step guide.

FAQs About How to Mount Window Blinds

At present that you are familiar with how to mount blinds, you lot may have a few lingering questions nearly your specific situation. Below are answers to some of the nigh mutual questions nigh how to mount window blinds.

Q. Can you install blinds without a drill?

Yeah, you can mount blinds without a drill. Information technology volition take a lilliputian longer, but you can use a smash with a slimmer bore to create a pilot hole. Then, use a screwdriver to fasten the screws through the brackets and the pilot hole.

Q. How do you hang blinds without brackets?

If yous are wondering how to hang blinds without brackets, it'south possible to use adhesive hooks or blinds with adhesive congenital in to hang blinds. While these might work temporarily, using brackets is recommended for long-term utilise.

Q. Is it easy to install blinds yourself?

Depending on the mounting height, bullheaded size, and weight of the blind, it is easy to install blinds without help. If mounting blinds requires the use of a ladder or the blinds are difficult to maneuver, it is recommended to work with a helper.

Q. How long does it accept to install window blinds?

It takes less than an hour to install a set of window blinds on a standard-size window.

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Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-install-blinds/

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