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How to Measure and Install Blinds like a Pro...
by MB Gournay
How to Measure and Install Blinds
It's easy if you will follow a few general guidelines, take your time, and use a quality 1" wide Tape measure. We build to the nearest 1/8" so the better you measure, the better your blinds will look.
Inside Window Case Mounts (Inside Mount)
1. Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, middle and bottom. The top measurement is critical because the headrail must fit! Record the actual dimension of the shortest width to the nearest one eighth of an inch.
2. Measure the height inside the window opening at left, right and center. Record the actual dimension of the shortest height to the nearest one eighth of an inch. Also measure the window on its diagonals. If the two diagonal dimensions are not exactly the same, it may be necessary to specify an outside mount for optimal fit, light control and privacy.
3. The ordered width should ensure a precise fit for the headrail and allow proper operation of the shade. If widths in the window vary more than 3/8", please email the details so we can determine the best size for your windows. The factory makes standard reductions on inside case mounts to ensure the blind fits inside the brackets, the Valance fits snugly and ensures that the blinds will raise and lower properly.
4. The ordered height should be the longest of your height measurements to ensure the bottom rail sits on the window stool as well as provide maximum privacy and light control.
5. Be sure the window opening is deep enough to install the mounting bracket. Our Brackets are 2-3/8" deep by 2-1/8" tall. If you still want 2" blinds but don't have deep window cases, please email your specifics and we can determine the appropriate method for shallow mounts with partial valance returns.
Support@MybeautifulBlinds.com
Outside Case Mounts (Wall or Door Mounts)
1. Measure the desired width and height. To minimize light leakage, the window blinds should overlap the window opening at least 1" on each side, the top and bottom, except where a window stool is present. We will build the blinds to the exact size you provide. The most custom look is to leave the same reveal on your trim molding all the way around. You will need to allow room on the sides or above the window for mounting the brackets. We will include a wrap around valance on outside case mount blinds. This piece will be wider than the blind since it wraps the brackets.
2. When measuring the height, take into account the requirements for mounting the brackets.
How to Install Horizontal Blinds
Do I Need to Buy Hardware or Screws?
All hardware is provided with the possible exception of screws. This is due to the fact that differing screws are needed in differing applications. In most applications #6 x 1 1/2" screws are appropriate and we include those. However, the exact length and type of screw will vary depending on whether you are mounting your treatments into drywall, wood, concrete or metal. As a rule of thumb you can assume two screws per bracket and 2 or 3 brackets per treatment. Having installed Thousands of blinds, I prefer to use 1 5/8 Course Thread Drywall screws. The sharp screw point allows for easy starting and the course threads allow for faster fastening. Additionally, a sleeved screw holder for your cordless drill will save you much time and prevent considerable frustration from dropped screws…
Before Starting… Do Not use a Razor Blade or Knife to open the blinds… You may cut the support ladders. That's a $20 repair + Shipping fees.
Unwrap the blinds, but leave all cords tied. To determine placement of blind, hold up to the window frame, either an outside mount or an inside mount will be desired. THE HEADRAIL SHOULD BE LEVEL OR THE BLINDS WILL LOOK TERRIBLE! Once it is positioned properly, pencil a reference mark at each end of the headrail. This placement determines where and how the mounting brackets will be attached.
1. Bracket Installation
Right and Left mounting brackets (Fig. 1) are supplied with each blind. These brackets are used for all types of mounting (outside, inside, ceiling) Bracket doors must face inside the room. Depending on blind placement, it may be necessary to use plugs or anchors before using screws. Center support brackets (Fig. 2) may also be included to provide additional support on wider blinds. Center support brackets should be spread evenly along width of the blind. Most 2" blinds with steel headrails should be supported when overall width exceeds 60". For very wide units, brackets should be placed every 30" and secured to the headrail with a ¼" sheet metal screw. Look at the blind first… If there is a support ladder in the exact center, you will need to install the center bracket over to the side 1 ½"…These brackets should not interfere with the cord or ladder. Be sure all brackets are level and secure.
A. Inside Mount
Mount brackets at reference points that are even in dept and level with the window frame, and mark the screw holes with a pencil. When possible, I like to set the brackets about 5/8" deep into the window case. This puts the valance flush to the wall and offers a clean professional look. Before you mark the holes or insert the screws, select diagonal (right top-left bottom) holes to assure a secure installation, and use at least 2 screws per bracket. If center support brackets are needed, place evenly along width of blind. Position each bracket and mark holes with a pencil. Insert and tighten screws through all brackets, making sure all brackets are straight and level.
B. Outside Mount
With blind open, hold up to wall in the position you want it to hang. Make sure the blind is centered and level. Mark with a pencil a small mark below the headrail at each end, also mark 1/4" past the end of each headrail. Place end brackets inside pencil marks and mark screw hole positions in rear of bracket in a diagonal pattern. If center support brackets are used, place evenly along width of area blind is to be mounted and mark screw holes. Insert and tighten screw through all brackets, making sure all brackets are straight and level. Use at least 2 screws in each bracket. My first tip for you… If you are mounting blinds to a door and there is a protruding trim molding around the door glass, you may want to use spacer blocks behind the mounting brackets. These are the little, clear, grid-like rectangular items. If you don't need them, the kids can use them to make tiny Ice Cubes.
2. Valance Clip Installation
All blinds will receive valances and are installed with valance clips. Attach enclosed valance clips to the face of the headrail. (Spread evenly across the headrail, 2 for blinds up to 36" wide. About every 24" for wider blinds.) This is all that is done until headrails is in place. Make sure to put these on prior to installing blind… or you will be taking the blinds down later to install the clips… and you will not be very happy then. Trust me…
3. Mount The Blind
With bracket door latches open on each end, slide headrail into mounting brackets and place on center supports (if center support brackets were used, make sure you didn't line the bracket up with one of the cord ladders… or you may damage it and the blind will not operate properly). Close down bracket door latches until they snap in place. Some times a screw driver is needed to lift the bottom of the bracket while you close the door… other times you may need to bend down the clasp area to make certain the door latches securely.
***Check Point
If the blind has too much free play between the brackets, open the bracket doors, remove the headrail, and bend out the spacer tab on the end. Re-install as before. Once you are happy with the fit, unwind the cords and gently lower the blind by pulling the right side cords over toward the left to release the locking catch. For better operation and extended blind life, Use your free hand to lift the bottom rail while releasing the catch.
4. Install The Valance (Fig. 4 & 5)
Place valance against the clips at the desired position on the headrail. Apply top portion in to the top part of valance clip first, than lightly push down, snapping the Valance into place.
For outside mount installation, valances will be mitered on each end and will include returns. The valance and returns will be slotted and attached at with 1" angle brackets. And My Tip of the Day, for a cleaner look, take a trip to your local Home Center and buy some Heavy Duty self adhesive Velcro. Apply to the valance in several spots then line up the valance evenly and level. Firmly apply to the headrail… Just like that, no plastic valance clips and you can still pull the valance off when you repaint the room…
5. Cord Leveling
If cords on your blinds are not at a desired length. they can be shortened. Slide the tassel up exposing the knot, untie the knot, pull cords to desired level, retie knot.. and make sure it's a good knot… and slide the tassel back down to cover the knot. Cut off excess cord if desired. Also, read the little tags and take a moment to explain to the kids that the cords are not to be tied to anything… Not even G.I. Joe… and especially not to themselves, pets, friends or family.
6. Hold down Brackets (used primarily on doors)
If hold down brackets were requested they can be installed after blind has been hung. These brackets are used to keep the bottom of the blind from swaying when mounted on doors or exposed to the wind. Lower the blind to its full length applying a little downward pressure for a tighter hold. Insert the pins into the brackets, mark the location of the screw holes on the mounting surface. This is the time you will wish you had a third hand growing out of your forehead…If you don't, you may want to get some help from someone else… Ideally someone you don't yell at when you are frustrated… Install the brackets, lower blinds to brackets and snap pins onto brackets. The above advice not only constitutes a tip; it qualifies as marital counseling.
7. Operating Instructions
To tilt the slats, pull the shorter cord on the Left side of the blinds. To raise the blind, pull cord downward and to the right. Blind will lock in desired height. To lower blind, gently pull cord toward left of blind until lock releases. Slowly let cord slip through fingers until blind reaches desired height. Move cord back toward right of blind and release. Blind will lock automatically. Important: Keep slats tilted open while raising and lowering.
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