It typically takes between 2-3 hours to install vertical blinds, though the exact length of time may vary depending on the complexity of the job and the dimensions of the window. It is important to make sure you have the right tools and measurements before attempting to install vertical blinds.
If you are unfamiliar with the installation process, you may find it helpful to enlist the help of a professional blind installer to ensure it is done properly. The installation process usually involves mounting a metal track or headrail across the top of the window, hanging the individual vertical blinds, and adjusting the tilt mechanism.
What are the easiest blinds to install?
The easiest blinds to install depend on the type of blinds you are trying to install and the area you are installing them in. If you are installing basic corded blinds, the easiest types to install are usually cordless blinds.
Cordless blinds utilize hidden mechanisms, so all installation requires is for you to mount the brackets to the window or door frame, and then click the headrail into the brackets. If you are installing traditional corded blinds, the roller and Roman shades typically offer an easier installation than the faux wood, mini-blinds, or vertical blinds.
Roller shades only require securing the brackets to the wall, and then you simply slide the roll into the bracket. Other types of corded blinds may require additional mechanisms to ensure secure and even mounting, so installation is often called more difficult.
Finally, if you are installing blinds inside of a recess, the easiest type is usually the pleated blind. This is because the blind fits snugly against the recess and is held in place by the conforming shape along with some simple fixings.
Can you fit vertical blinds yourself?
Yes, you can fit vertical blinds yourself. All you need is the blinds, the appropriate hardware, some basic tools, and a little bit of patience. Start by determining the size and width of the window where you plan to hang the blinds.
Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window to ensure the blinds will fit. Once you have the correct measurements, you can purchase the vertical blinds and all the necessary hardware, such as screws, drill bits, and anchors.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the blinds to ensure you are installing them in the correct order. Attach the support bracket at the top of the window and secure it with the mounting screws.
Next, assemble the components of the blinds, connecting the headrail and the end control mechanisms. Ensure everything is secure and snap the dust cover over the end control mechanisms. Now, you can hang the blinds in the brackets and attach the chains to the cord connectors.
Once all of the vertical blinds are in place, rotate the louvers to the desired setting, and you’re done.
How do you put up vertical blinds?
Installing vertical blinds is a fairly straightforward DIY project that can be completed in three steps.
1. Preparing the Refitting: Before you start your refitting, make sure that the track and components of your vertical blinds have been clearly identified and all parts are present. Get a soft cloth or paper towel and clean any debris from the mounting area.
Use a spirit level or a ruler to make sure it is level before you attach it to the wall.
2. Securing the Track: When you’re attaching the track to the wall, make sure it is tightly secured. Use support brackets at the ends of the track and use the screws provided to firmly secure them to the wall.
When putting the brackets into the wall use a drill with masonry drill bits depending on which kind of wall you are hanging the verticals onto.
3. Installing the Fabric Vanes: Start by stringing the spray tape through all the eyelet holes of each vane and notches in the vanes. Start in the centre and work your way to the sides adding the vanes on the strings until all the vanes are connected to the tape.
You can unclip the cover of the track and insert the last vane onto the top track as that is usually where it gets clipped into place, pushing it in firmly until it is secure.
After this, make sure all the wands are connected. Once all the wands are connected, slowly start opening the blinds so that the weight of the blinds helps it fall into shape. Tidy up any loose strings around the blinds and voila, you now have made your very own vertical blinds.
How do you hang vertical blinds without recess?
Hanging vertical blinds without recess is a fairly straightforward process. You will first need to purchase a vertical blind mounting system that comes with a bracket that can be mounted to the wall and a rail system, along with the blinds.
Start by measuring the width of the window and cut the vertical blinds to size. Most vertical blinds come with either a string or bead cord for raising and lowering. Secure the cord by affixing it to the wall with nails.
Mount the bracket to the wall, then carefully slide the rail system into the top of the bracket and secure the bottom with screws. Next, attach the lower bracket on the right side of the window and the left side if necessary, then place the blinds into the rail system.
Finally, attach the curb bar to the bottom of the rail and secure it with screws. At this point, the blinds should be fully installed. To reduce the amount of light coming into the room, you can add light filters or blind stop clips if desired.
How do vertical blinds open and close?
Vertical blinds can be opened and closed using either a wand or a cord. If wand control is chosen, a long wand that is typically between 25-30 inches is attached to the right side of the headrail. This wand can be used to rotate the louvers and adjust the angle of the slats.
With the cord control option, a cord looped and attached to the headrail or on the base of the louvers is pulled to move the louvers. The slats can be adjusted to an open or close position, or anywhere in between.
Regardless of the control option chosen, when the louvers are positioned in an open position, the slats are allowed to rest in a flat position that helps to allow more light into the room.
Can you hang blinds outside window frame?
Yes, you can hang blinds outside window frame. Depending on the type of blinds you have, you may need to consider several things. Wooden blinds may be too heavy and exposed to damage from the weather.
Faux wood blinds are sturdier and designed to be used outdoors, but may not be able to withstand extremely high temperatures or dampness. Aluminum blinds are the sturdiest option and won’t be damaged by the elements.
When hanging blinds outside of the window frame, it is important to ensure they are secured properly. Installing brackets on either side of the window and securing the blinds to them will help keep the blinds in place and provide added stability.
If possible, it is beneficial to install the brackets on a sturdier surface such as the wall beside the window. This will ensure the blinds are able to withstand strong winds and provide longer lasting performance.
Can vertical blinds go inside of the window?
Yes, vertical blinds can go inside of the window. This is one of some of the most common places to install vertical blinds, particularly if you want the blinds recessed, as this makes the window look neater and more modern.
To install the vertical blinds inside of the window, you’ll need to frame the window, as this will provide a space for the blinds and all of the necessary components. This framing also needs to be strong enough to support the weight of all of the blinds.
Once the frame is complete, the brackets and track can be attached to either side of the opening. The vertical blind slats can then be easily hung and adjusted. The blinds can then be attached to a cord or chain control, which is usually wall mounted and runs the slats up and down.
How do you install vertical blinds inside a window frame?
Installing vertical blinds inside a window frame is a straightforward process that only requires a few tools. First, measure the frame width and height with a tape measure and write down the dimensions – this will help you when you purchase the vertical blinds.
Next, cut the vertical blinds to the desired size so that it fits snug within the window frame. Once you have the blinds cut, you will need to install a header rail across the top of the window frame to attach the blinds to.
This header rail will have several small holes to fit screws and you will need to use a power drill to secure the screws.
Next, attach the hanging brackets for the blinds to the window frame or the header rail if using one. The brackets should be placed at the desired location on the window frame. Secure the mounting brackets to the window frame or header rail by using the included screws.
Once the brackets are secured, you can attach the blinds by placing the control end of the blinds into the hanging bracket and the other side should attach to the header rail. Depending on the type of blinds you are installing, it may need to be attached using specially designed clips or the blinds may be able to slide into a hidden groove.
Finally, attach the pull cords to the lower part of the vertical blinds, ensuring that the tension is set correctly. Be sure to tie any excess cord into a knot for safety. Once everything is installed, all you have left to do is enjoy your custom look!.
Is it better to put blinds inside or outside of the window?
It really depends on what your preference is and the look you’re after. If you’re looking to darken a room and have more control over the light coming in, then putting the blinds outside the window is a better option.
This will allow you to block more of the light coming through, so it’s ideal for bedrooms. Additionally, placing the blinds outside the window frame can give a room a more finished and polished look.
However, if you’re looking for a more subtle design that still allows natural light to filter through then it may be best to put the blinds inside the window. This will give the room a softer, airier feel and you won’t have to worry about the blinds blocking the view from the window.
Furthermore, installing blinds inside the window can make it easier to clean them and they won’t take away from the overall look of the room.
What’s the difference between inside and outside mount blinds?
Inside mount blinds are installed within the frame of the window, meaning the blinds will fit within the window opening and cover only the glass area. Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window frame and will be wider than the window opening to cover more of the wall area around the window.
Inside mount blinds provide better light control when they are fully closed, while outside mount blinds help reduce glare and UV rays from entering the room. Inside mount blinds give a more streamlined, flush look, as the fabric is mounted within the window frame, whereas outside mount blinds hang outside of the window frame, making them more noticeable.
Finally, inside mount blinds are better for narrower windows, as it may not be possible to install an outside mount blind due to available space. Conversely, for windows with larger frames, outside mount blinds are a good option, as they have the flexibility of being wider than the opening.
Where do you put window blinds?
Window blinds can be mounted either inside or outside of the window frame. When mounting inside the window frame, the blind headrail should be mounted at the top of the window frame in the center, so the blinds hang straight down.
If mounting outside the window frame, the blinds should be installed slightly higher than the window frame in the center so when the blinds are lowered, they will not interfere with the window trim. Considerations should be made when installing the blinds, such as wall space and how the blinds will impact the view from the window and the amount of light that comes into the room.
Where should blinds be fitted?
Blinds should generally be fitted inside window frames so that the shutter is not damaged by any external elements. This is beneficial for two reasons: Firstly, it prevents outside elements from gaining access to the inner side of the blinds and damaging the shutter, meaning they will last longer and you won’t have to replace them as often.
Secondly, it ensures that the blinds fit properly as they will be in line with the window frame, giving a neat, professional look to the area. This is especially important in highly visible areas and in places where the window is the focal point of the room, such as a living room or bedroom.
Is inside mount or outside mount better for blackout shades?
The answer to this question ultimately comes down to personal preference. Inside mount shades are mounted inside the window frame, while outside mount shades are mounted outside the window frame.
Outside mount shades are often considered preferable for blackout shades, as they can block more of the outside light coming in through the window. This is especially important if the window sits deep in the frame, as an inside mount shade won’t be able to cover the whole window opening.
Additionally, outside mount shades provide a more aesthetically pleasing look than inside mount shades, as they provide a neat border around the window.
On the other hand, inside mount shades provide a neater and more streamlined look, as they fit snuggly inside the window frame. Additionally, some people like the symmetry of an inside mount shade and the way it ties in with the window frame.
Ultimately, it is up to individual preference and the dimensions of the window frame as to which is better for blackout shades.
Do vertical blinds have chains on the bottom?
Yes, many types of vertical blinds do have a chain on the bottom. Some styles, such as motorized or cordless vertical blinds, don’t typically have chains as they open and close using a different type of mechanism.
However, the majority of blinds come with a chain that hangs at the bottom, allowing you to control the tilt of the blinds and adjust the amount of sunlight that enters the room. The chain is typically made of a strong material such as metal, and some styles also have a weighted bar at the bottom of the window to help keep the blinds in place.
What are the different parts of a vertical blind?
Vertical blinds are made up of several parts that work together to provide an efficient and stylish window covering. The main components are the headrail, the vanes, and the wand or cord control. The headrail sits at the top of the window, aligning with the top edge of the window.
It typically consists of a metal or plastic track that houses the slats or vanes, which are lowered and raised via wand or cord control. The vanes are the slim strips of fabric or plastic that hang down from the headrail.
This is the part that you can adjust to let in light and obstruct the view. The wand or cord control is attached to the headrail, and it allows you to open and close each individual vane, as well as rotate them to any direction.
Additional components include mounting brackets, which attach the blinds to the window frame. Some blinds may also have weights, which are used to counter-balance the blinds, making them easier to operate.
Why are my vertical blinds hard to open?
It could be a result of the size of the slats, how the blinds were originally installed, or if the blinds have become warped over time. If the slats are very small or the blinds are otherwise tightly designed, they may be difficult to open.
Additionally, vertical blinds must be installed with durable hardware, such as brackets and clips, to ensure they open and close properly. If the blinds were not installed correctly, they may be hard to open.
Finally, if the blinds have been subjected to a lot of sun or moisture, they may become warped and difficult to open. If this is the case, it may be wise to replace them.
Can you wash vertical blinds in the bath?
Yes, you can wash vertical blinds in the bath. Start by removing the blinds from their track and laying them on a flat surface. Using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, clean each slat thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
Fill the bathtub with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap. Place the blinds into the bathtub and swish them around in the sudsy water. Rinse the blinds with clean water and then blot them dry with a clean towel.
Hang them up so they air dry completely and re-assemble them in their track.