The time it takes to install window shades vary greatly based on the type of blind or shade you’re using. From start to finish, installing window blinds and shades should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Installation time can be affected by different factors including, the weight of the blind and the surface connect to the blind. The length of time can also vary because of the blind’s material.
What You’ll Need
Installation of window screens and shades is a vital home improvement task. Installing window shutters or shades in homes helps keep them cool and provide privacy. Window blinds will also help to save money on energy during the summer months.
However, some homeowners still find this type of home improvement a little challenging. But that need not be so. With the right tools and careful attention, you can get the job done without any hassle.
To get started, you’ll need the following tools:
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Power drill (with a drill bit that’s of the same size as your mounting screws)
- Mounting brackets
- Wall plugs
- Someone to help you
You can install window blinds and shades by mounting them inside or outside the recess. If your windows have narrow windowsills or your windows are the type with obstructions such as handles; then installing your blinds by mounting them from outside the recess might be the best option for you.
If, however, there are no windowsills or handles, that will disturb regular functioning, then it’s best to install your screens by mounting them from inside the recess. Generally, the inside-the-recess mount type of installation is the best and most common choice because it fits snugly inside the hollow of windows, gives no overlap on the side of windows, and allow for clean and sophisticated aesthetics.
The installation of nearly all categories of window coverings follows the same basic steps and, in this guide, we’ll focus on the installation of:
- Vertical shades
- Faux wood and solid wood shades
- Cellular shades
- Woven wood shade
Installation of Vertical Blinds
The Inside mount
- Place the brackets 3 inches from each end of the valance on a flat surface. (The valance is the L-shaped unit that covers the headrail.)
- Use your pencil to mark the screw holes on each bracket.
- Make the screw holes with the power drill.
- Maintaining a distance of 3 inches from the outside edge and 1 inch from the glass, mark the window frame with the pencil to indicate where the brackets will go.
- Put the bracket in place, put a screw in the hole, and use a hammer to hit it in gently. Mark the position of the other four screws by repeating this step.
- Check that the pre-drilled holes line up with the previously marked areas. (You may want to let the person helping you hold the valance in position for you.)
- Next, attach the second bracket in the same manner as the first.
- Affix the headrail. (You may want to check the product manual for instructions on how to install the type of headrail you’re using.)
- Affix the vanes.
The Outside mount
- Determine the position where the headrail will go, find the suitable distance from the bottom centre of the window to your desired position at the top of the window, and draw the distance line with your pencil.
- Hold the headrail over the pencil line. (You may want your helper to hold the headrail for you.)
- Make a pencil mark 4 inches from the window’s edge above the headrail. Repeat this step on the opposite side.
- Take off the headrail and mount the brackets to the wall. If you want to increase the stability of your installation, drill the holes then insert wall plugs for the screws.
- Affix the headrail and vanes.
Installation of Faux or Solid Wood Blinds
Inside mount
- The first bracket should be positioned in the upper right corner of the window frame. Fix the first bracket in the upper corner of the window frame by making it flush with the wall’s surface. Mark the location of the screws with a pencil. Repeat this step for the other side of the bracket, ensuring the two bracket locations are even.
- Using the power drill, make some pilot holes where the screws would go. Next, drill the screws in to hold the brackets.
- Slide the headrail into place and install the shades
- Close the brackets to hold the brackets into place
- Hook the wand that rotates the screens to the metal clip at the top
- Attach the supplied tips and position them on the headrail (if the blinds come with a valance)
- Lower and test
How to install faux or solid wood blinds—outside mount
- Place the shutters on the wall’s surface
- Using your pencil, mark the left and right outside edges of the shades along the bottom and sides
- Position the brackets along with the markings and drill pilot holes for the screws
- Drill the screws into place to hold the brackets
- If you need a centre support bracket for your screens, mount the support away from the centre of the headrail
- Put the valance clips over the front lip of your headrail (before mounting the blind)
- Evenly space the valance clips to avoid contact with any interior parts of the headrail
- Slide the headrail onto the installed brackets. Next, close the bracket covers over on either side.
- Use the L brackets provided to secure the valance’s side returns. Next, snap your valance into the clips.
- Lower and test
Installation of cellular shades
How to install cellular shades—inside mount
- Measure some distance from each top corner of the window frame (depending on the manufacturer’s specifications)
- Position the brackets above your markings. Drill holes for the screws at the appropriate points.
- Screw the brackets into place
- Get the shade installed by hooking the headrail into the brackets at the front.
- Lower and test the functionality of the shade
How to install cellular shades—outside mount
- Position in the desired place on the wall where you want it mounted
- Using a pencil, mark the bracket points along the top of your headrail (ensure you look at the manufacturer’s precise distance specifications)
- Position the first bracket with the first marking, and drill pilot holes for the screws. Repeat this step for the second bracket
- Screw the brackets into place
- Hook the front of the brackets to the headrail to secure it in position.
- Lower and test the new shade
Installation of woven wood shades
How to install woven wood shades—inside mount
- Measure some distance from each top corner of the window frame (depending on the manufacturer’s specifications)
- Place the brackets above the markings, and drill pilot holes for the screws using the power drill.
- Screw the brackets into the correct position
- Raise the shade into the frame. Next, position the headrail into the brackets
- Rotate the headrail down until it snaps into place
- Lower and test the shade
How to install woven wood shades—outside mount
- Position the shade at the spot where you want it mounted
- Using a pencil, mark the bracket fixture points along the top of your headrail.
- Put the first bracket along the bottom of your first markings. Next, drill pilot holes for the screws. Repeat this step for the other side.
- Drill the screws into place to hold the brackets
- Line the headrail up onto brackets and push it up to secure it into place. (Ensure the threaded post on the bracket fits securely through the slots on the headrail
- Lift the valance and hold the shade with the included wing nuts, ensuring you turn them.
- Use the supplied side flats to cover each end of the headrail.
- Lower and test the rail
A home’s aesthetics are transformed with the installation of screens. However, regardless of whether your blinds and shades are installed from the inside or the outside, it’s critical that you take all of your measurements correctly. In some cases, you may need to take your measurements in a different way depending on the type of shutters or shades you’ve selected.
Using the correct drill bit is also critical if you want to make sturdy wall-mounting fixings for the brackets. Make sure to clean your screens with a damp cloth on a regular basis to keep them in good condition. Finally, if you’re not a fan of DIY projects, you may want to consider hiring a professional installer or tradesperson to assist you.
