| |
Project Difficulty:
Easy
Estimated
Project Time: 20 minutes per blind
|
|
| |
| Tools and Materials: |
|
Mini blinds
Metal measuring tape or wooden folding ruler
Awl
Screwdriver (Phillips or slotted, depending on screws supplied)
Small spirit level
Stepladder
Power drill/driver and appropriate-sized drill bit (if needed)
Wall anchors (if needed for an outside mount)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mini blinds effectively block (or filter) the sun and the outdoors in general when they are closed; when in the open position however, their narrow (usually 1-inch-wide) slats become almost invisible, providing a relatively clear view of what's outside. They are made of metal, vinyl, or wood, and are available in a wide variety of colors to match almost any décor. Some blinds are covered in fabric or painted. Sold in standard sizes to fit most windows, mini blinds can also be custom made to fit the measurements you need. You can also equip your blinds so that you can operate them using a remote control.
Each mini blind comes with mounting brackets and hardware (usually screws) for installing the brackets. The two end brackets, which may have two or three sides, hold the headrail of the blind in place; each bracket may be marked left or right and you should install it in that position. Attach support brackets, if supplied, along the width of the blind.
Note: Looped lift cords can be a hazard to small children and pets. Follow manufacturer's instructions on how to childproof your blinds. As an alternative, cordless blinds are available.
Measuring for Your Blinds
Before buying or ordering the blinds, decide where each will be mounted--on the outside of the window frame or the inside--and then, using a metal measuring tape or wooden folding ruler, measure the area of each window that will be covered by the blinds. Do not assume that similar windows have the same measurements, especially if you intend to mount them inside the frame. If hung on the outside of the window frame, the blind can cover as much of the frame as you want; it can even extend beyond the window and be hung from the wall. Depending on your wall, however, you might need to buy and install wall anchors to secure the brackets sufficiently. (If ordering custom-made blinds, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific measuring directions.)
When measuring for an outside mount, first measure the width of the area you'd like to cover; to block light efficiently, this measurement should exceed the width of the window opening by at least 1-1/2 inches. Next, measure from where you'd like the top of the headrail to be located down to where you want the bottom of the blind, say the sill or equivalent.
For an inside mount (installing inside the window frame), first make sure the window is deep enough to hold the brackets for the mini blind. Then measure the width of the window (from one inner side of the frame to the other) and the length of the window (from the inside top of the window frame to the sill or equivalent). As windows may not be perfectly square, take these measurements at three points along the width and along the length of the window (Fig. 1). Choose the narrowest width and the longest length measurements, to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.
Installing a Mini Blind with Two-Sided Brackets to a Window
As products will vary, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the blinds that you purchase. Following are general guidelines for a typical installation using 2-sided brackets.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
1.
Mark Position of End Brackets
|
For an inside mount:
With the blind closed, temporarily clip the end brackets onto the headrail at the position recommended by the manufacturer. Then place the headrail along the inside top of the window frame. Set the headrail deep enough so that it will not extend beyond the front edge of the window frame. Using a pencil, mark where the upper back corners of each bracket meet the window frame. (You might need a helper, especially if working with a long, heavy blind.) Remove the headrail, and unattach the brackets. (Fig. 2)
To make sure the brackets will be aligned correctly, measure from the front edge of the inside top window frame to each mark; the distances should be the same. Adjust as necessary.
For an outside mount:
With the blind closed, temporarily clip the end brackets onto the headrail at the location recommended by the manufacturer. Then position the headrail across the window at the point where it is to sit. Holding a small spirit level along the blind, adjust the position of the blind until it is level. Using a pencil, mark where each upper corner of the brackets meets the window frame or wall. (You might need a helper, especially if working with a long, heavy blind.)
|
|
2.
Install End Brackets
Position each end bracket so that its back edge aligns with the two corresponding marks on the window. (Be sure to use the appropriate bracket for each side.) Insert an awl through two of the prepunched holes at the top (for an inside mount) or back (for an outside mount) of each bracket, making a slight indent into the window frame. Using the awl marks as starter holes, screw the brackets to the window frame or wall; but do not tighten them down yet (Fig. 3). (For an outside mount, if you need wall anchors, install them first, and then screw the bracket to wall.)
Before tightening the brackets down, put the blind into place in the brackets, making sure it fits and is centered, and adjust accordingly. (Only minute adjustments, if any, can be made at this time; if more adjustment is needed, you might have to reinstall at least one bracket, making new holes.) Then remove the blind and tighten down the brackets.
|
|
3.
Install Support Brackets
If there is one support bracket, center it along the width of the blind; if there are more than one, space them evenly. Place them so that they will not interfere with the working of the blind. Also, make sure these brackets align with the end brackets. As in Step 2, when the support brackets are in position, insert an awl through the appropriate prepunched holes in the bracket to mark starter holes in the window frame or wall; screw the brackets in place. Check and adjust placement of each as necessary before tightening them down.
|
|
4.
Set Headrail into Brackets
Following the manufacturer's instructions, insert the blind into the support and end brackets. Finally, install additional parts (such as valance and control wand) as needed.
|
|
|
|
