How to Install Window Blinds
Window blinds are the simplest way to add privacy to any room and moderate the amount of light that enters. Learn how to measure for and install window blinds in your home.
Jalynn Baker
Materials Needed
- tape measure
- screwdriver
- drill
- drill bits
- 2-foot level
- pencil
Choose Your Blinds
For a similar look to shutters without the high price tag, many renters and homeowners choose window blinds. Blinds cover the window with vertical or horizontal slats, like a shutter’s louvers, and can be fully opened to allow for more light to enter a room. Because blinds are a hard window covering (made from wood, vinyl, fabric or a composite), the slats stack at the top or side of a window when the blinds are opened. The stack may impede some of the view when blinds are opened. Window blinds are still the number one choice for most homeowners and renovators, due to their affordability, versatility and aesthetic.
Depending on your price range, there are a few material options for window blinds. Real wood blinds are more expensive than faux wood and vinyl. Faux wood is more durable than vinyl. Once you’ve picked a material, the next step is choosing how you want your blinds to open. Traditionally, window blinds were opened and closed using a corded pull. Nowadays, for safety and looks, many blinds can be opened and shut without a cord. For an added expense, some blinds can be motorized and operated by remote control.
Measure for Blinds
In order to measure for and purchase your window blinds, you’ll first need to determine where you'd like to install them. Blinds can be installed above the window trim, directly onto the window trim or inside the window casing. We’ll be installing our window blinds inside the window casing.
Window blinds come in a few general widths and can be cut to size at the store. To get the right fit, you’ll want to take several measurements of your window inside the casing. Measure the width of the window at the top, middle and bottom, and use the shortest measurement as your final blind width (Image 1). Next, measure the height of the window at the left, middle and right, and use the longest measurement as your final blind height (Image 2). Give your window height and width measurements to the window blind salesperson and have them custom cut your blinds at no additional cost.
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Install Brackets
Window blinds are attached to the window casing or wall using a few brackets. Generally, the blinds will slide into the brackets once the brackets are attached. Make sure your entire blinds, including the brackets, fit into your window. (If your blinds with brackets are too wide, you may need to return to the store and have your blind width trimmed.)
Locate your bracket locations on the top of the inner window casing and about 1/2 inch away from the windowpane. Hold each bracket in place and mark the screw holes with a sharp pencil (Image 1). Use a drill and drill bit that’s smaller than your screws to drill pilot holes for each bracket. Move your brackets into place and secure them using the screws provided (Image 2). Once all brackets are securely attached to the window casing, you’re ready to place your blinds into the brackets and lock them into place (Image 3).
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Install Trim
The trim piece is typically held in place using small plastic clips that are included in your blinds packaging. Snap the plastic clips onto the top of your blinds at the left and right (Image 1). Finally, snap your trim piece into place using the clips (Image 2).
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
You’ve just transformed the look and functionality of your windows, adding privacy and value to your home.
Jalynn Baker