How Can I Install My Own Blinds DIY Style?

If you’re looking for the cheapest solution to updating your windows, doing it yourself is the usual path you’d follow. As with any journey, don’t start without a plan and gathering the right supplies. Getting started only to miss a critical step or to realize you’re missing important parts is one fast way to sour a weekend warrior project! Here are a few tips to keep in mind before installing blinds yourself…

• Measure Twice…

  Using a tape measure is a fading skill, one that fewer people everyday know how to do. With a little practice, you can get the hang of it! Most American tape measures use the Customary Measurement System using inches as the standard for measurement.

  For this project, you want to get the width of your windows from the INSIDE edges of your window frames. when you pull your tape measure from one side to the other, you want to make note of the numbers that show on the tape measure for that width. Do this for the top and bottom of the window, as not all windows are completely straight and “square.” You want to write down the narrowest number to make sure the blinds will fit all the way from top to bottom. Taking note of how many inches and partial inch of the full width of the window, you do the same for height.

  (If you still have questions, many sellers will have specific measuring instructions on their website for their specific blinds)

• Ordering

  Ordinarily, when ordering blinds, the seller will have you subtract a quarter inch off each side to allow the blinds to fit properly when installing, as well as to allow you to easily raise and lower your blinds without scraping the sides of your window frame. When it comes to selecting the height, you won’t find exact lengths as the exact height does not matter so much. As long as your blinds are long enough to lower down and cover the whole window, it’s perfectly fine and normal if they’re an extra few inches longer.

• Type of Blinds

  As you’re ordering the blinds, be aware that different blinds and styles will have their own slightly unique installation methods. While each will be basically the same, there are variations that could throw you for a learning curve if you’re expecting a traditional blind installation. For example, venetian blinds and some motorized blinds can have a lot more steps and angles to work through than a set of traditional slat blinds. Just be aware of what you’re getting yourself into before you set yourself up with a harder project than expected!

• Hardware and Fasteners

  TYPICALLY, the blinds you purchase will come with everything they need to be installed correctly. Typically. We suggest having some extra screws on hand in case you lose any during the unboxing process. You can find wood screw kits at any hardware store that will come in handy for many other projects around the home. This is all assuming that you have a wooden window framed window. You might have a deeper inset window with drywall instead of wood where you’re installing your blinds. In this case, you definitely want to have some drywall anchors on hand as the anchors that come with the blinds are usually too small to hold up to the long term use of your blinds. Use some heavier duty drywall anchors, and use the anchors from the blinds kit for some lighter projects around your home.

• Tools

  There’s not too many tools you need for this, which contributes itself to being more DIY friendly. You’ll want to have the basic kit of tools available such as a pencil, tape measure, extra fasteners and potentially anchors, a drill, the right bits for the fasteners/or a screwdriver, and drill bits. While there are other tools that make this easier, these are your basic must-haves to install your blinds.

• Safety

  As you’re installing your blinds, keep in mind that you’re working with tools above your head. As you’re in an awkward angle trying to drill and screw your blinds in, drywall dust and sawdust can get in your eyes, a drill bit could break and snap off or you could drop a screw, or you could even mishandle the blinds and drop them on yourself if they’re longer and heavier than normal. Wear the appropriate eye protection for what' you’re doing and be safe on a ladder. If you don’t feel comfortable or keep struggling, don’t keep working. You either need to take a step back and reevaluate a better installation method or you need to call a professional. Your eyes, your face, your safety, is more important than you forcing the blinds into place.

Blinds are an amazing addition to your home and help to create a more refined space. They bring loads of benefits to your life! Installing them yourself is one way to save money on this oftentimes pricey addition. Review these tips and the manufacturer installation instructions well before taking this project on, as being unprepared is a recipe for costly mistakes that can more than counter-balance the cost of getting a professional to install them in the first place. When in doubt, talk your way through the installation process with your spouse or a friend. The verbalization can help you hear steps you missed, as well as assist your listener to ask clarifying questions to help you smooth out the process.