20 Feb 2019
We will take you through how to measure and hang blinds in our guide but there are some things you will need first. Take a look at our list of things you will need before you get started.
To measure and hang blinds you will need a tape measure to find the right size so that you can look for blinds that will fit your space. You can cut blinds to size if there isn’t a size that fits but this is difficult, especially for things like Venetian blinds.
What Will I Need to Hang Blinds?
You will need some things to make the process of hanging blinds simple. You will, of course, need a step ladder so that you can easily reach the area and a pencil or something to mark the walls for drilling. Along with this, you will also need;
Where Should I Hang a Window Blind?
Before you even start to measure out your window, you will need to know where you should hang your blind first of all. You will need to decide whether your blind will fit inside or outside of the recess and which you would prefer. Fitting a blind inside the recess can look more flush fitting and highlight the full size of the window as the surrounds will still be visible. But fitting outside the recess can sometimes be easier and allows you a wider choice as you don’t need to find a blind that fits the space perfectly. We discuss how to measure your space.
Top Tip: Measure the width and height of your window in three different places in order to allow for variations in the size of the window.
How to Measure Inside the Recess
If you are planning on fitting blinds inside the recess of your window, it will need to be at least 75mm deep in order to have enough room for the blind mechanism. Make sure that there are also no obstructions, such as protruding window handles, as this will prevent the blind from working properly. Once you have measured the window accurately, you should take the shortest measurement and you should have the height and length of your window to look for the right blind.
How to Measure Outside the Recess
You don’t want to buy a blind that is too short for your window or is just the right length, as this will let light seep in through the sides. In order to measure outside of the recess, you will want to add an extra 5cm to each measurement, as this will give you an extra 2.5cm (1”) either side for overlap. Once you have measured outside the recess you should have the right dimensions to find the perfect blind for your space.
How to Fit Blinds
Fitting the blinds is easier than you might think but you will need to drill holes in order to fix the blind to the wall. If you are fitting a blind in the recess then the brackets will need to go on the underside of the top of the window, the adjacent walls or the window frame, depending on what kind of blind you have opted for. If it’s outside the recess then it should be more straightforward to fit the brackets. To fix a blind to the wall follow these steps;
Top Tip: make sure that you never fit a window blind directly into a PVC window frame, as this can cause irreparable damage.
Cutting Your Blind to Size
As a final step, you might need to cut your blind to size if you have an irregular shaped window. This is not too difficult for roller blinds but can get complicated when it comes to Venetian or slated blinds. For a roller blind, you will need a hacksaw to cut through the support rod of the blind and ideally a Stanley knife to cut through the fabric. This can be done with scissors but take note if not done accurately can leave you without a straight blind or frayed edges. You can cut through Venetian blinds with a hacksaw too, but make sure that the slats are aligned. Use a rubber band to hold them together but beware of splintering.
