Installing blinds is an easy window treatment that will allow you to control light and privacy in a room. Depending on how you install them, there are several options to dress them up. If blinds are installed within the window casement, curtains and other treatments can be used as though the blinds are not even there. When installed above the casement, swag's can be used to hide the mechanism if you wish. If you decide to add curtains later to above the casement blinds, special rods are available to do this. The steps involved to install blinds are fairly simple and only require a few common tools.
- You will need to do some measuring and planning before purchasing your blinds. First, you will need to measure the window for width and length. If you will be installing the blinds within the casement, your measurements must be accurate, otherwise the blinds will not fit. If you are installing outside the casement, accuracy is not as important but you must decide how far beyond the window you wish them to extend.
- There should be at least two mounting brackets included with the blinds. Carefully measure and mark with a pencil where these brackets will be mounted. Accuracy is important, otherwise you may have to remove them and start over. Make your marks within the window frame for inside casement installation and over the frame for outside installation. When installing above the window, you will want to make sure the overlap is the same distance on either side of the frame.
- The blinds you purchase should come with an installation kit that also includes the mounting screws. This will include brackets and screws. You will need an electric screw driver or a drill with the proper bit for the screws included in the kit. Using the screws, mount your brackets where you made your pencil marks. For inside the casement installations the brackets must fit within the corners of the window frame.
- Now insert the top part of the blind into the brackets. If the strings are not tied up you may want to do so before installation in order to avoid damaging the blinds. After the blinds are inside the brackets, you can place the end caps on. Finish by lowering the blinds and screwing on the wand.
Now that your blinds are installed, you can add any other desired window treatments or leave them as is. Either way, you now have an attractive window covering for minimal time and cost.
