Architecture Festival

Installing Roman blinds is one of those tasks, which make for the perfect DIY adventure. All it requires is a few tools, a set of blinds, and some windows. Some mounting surfaces require different equipment, but nothing that should be too difficult to accomplish.

Making sure you have the tools in advance, should be a given, and will also make the project run much more smoothly. These tools will include the hardware that came with your blinds, a drill, drill bits, screwdriver, spirit level, tape measure, and most important of all, safety glasses. Any information regarding the drill bits required will be on the packaging for your blinds as the screw size.

If the surface your blinds are to be mounted on is wooden

If the blinds are being mounted to a wooden surface, use the screws that came with the blind hardware. If you need to mount onto concrete, use a carbide drill and anchors meant for this material. If the surface is metal, use short metal screws. When mounting into wallboard or plastic, choose toggle bolts or wall anchors.

What to do next depends on how you intend to mount the blinds. Inside, outside and ceiling mounts are the most common. Inside mounting fits into the window frame. For this type of installation, first put the head rail into position at the top inside of the window casement and make sure it’s level. If the head rail would be uneven within the bare casement, use shims to provide a level surface to attach it to. Then pull the blind down to make sure it doesn’t hit any obstructions. Make corrections as necessary. Once you’re satisfied with the placement, drill pilot holes though the small holes in the head rail. Make sure to drill through the holes instead of the slots. Once this is done, attach the head rail to the window casement with the appropriate fasteners.

For installation outside the window casement, you’ll need to attach the mounting brackets to the wall or the outside of the window frame. Make sure they are level as you attach them. Once this is done, hold the head rail where you intend to mount it. Use a pencil to mark the position of the slots. Then hold the mounting screws in position in the brackets and mark their locations. They should line up with the marks you made for the head rail slots. Make adjustments as necessary. Drill pilot holes and install the screws. Position the head rail so the bracket posts fit through the slots. Finally, tighten the wing nuts on the head rail to secure it in place.

Mounting the Roman blinds to the ceiling is almost exactly like mounting them on the wall. You simply need to attach the brackets and head rail to the ceiling. With a ceiling mount, the blinds should overlap the window.

Once you have your blinds installed, adjust their length by pulling the cords in towards the centre to lift or lower them. When they’re the length you want, simply pull the cords outwards to lock the blinds in place. If the blinds don’t lift evenly, check the alignment of the cords on the pulley. You’ll find this pulley hidden behind the valence.

You’re sure to love your Roman blinds once you have them installed. Since you can adjust their height by simply pulling on the strings, you’ll always have the exact amount of light you want coming through your windows. Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum to give them an occasional cleaning and keep them looking fresh. With proper care, your blinds should last for years and give you plenty of enjoyment.