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Installing Horizontal Blinds: How To
Horizontal blinds with variable-pitch slats regulate light levels, ranging from gentle filtering to near darkness. Slats are made of aluminum, vinyl, PVC, or wood and come in many widths. Micro blinds average just 1⁄2 inch, minis about 1 inch, and standard-width slats 2 inches. Some blinds fold into compact stacking height—just 3 inches or so for a 6-foot blind. Wood blinds have a handsome, substantial look and provide a warm glow as outdoor light passes through them. But 6-foot wood blinds may have a stacking height of 8 inches or more. The longer the blinds are, the heavier they get and the more difficult to raise and lower. Consider installing several narrower blinds rather than one large one.
Blinds are installed two basic ways: mounted inside or outside the window opening. An outside mount makes the window look large because the stack goes above the window. A valance mounted on the wall can conceal the raised slats. Inside-mount blinds look trim. Because they don’t overlap the window opening, they admit more light around the edges. Careful measurement is important to ensure that they’ll fit the space.
Step One
Measure windows for the blinds.
Decide whether to mount inside or outside the opening.
A. For an inside mount, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest figure. Unless specified by the manufacturer, do not measure for clearance. That will be accounted for when the blinds are cut to size. Measure the height at the left and right sides and center. Use the largest figure.
B. For an outside mount, measure the overall width and add at least 8 inches to allow a generous overlap on each side to block light. Measure the height, adding at the top to account for the mounting brackets and enough at the bottom for a satisfactory overlap.
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Install the brackets.
Note that on some units, the same brackets are used for inside and outside mounting. Hold the end brackets (and central bracket if included) in place and mark for pilot screw holes. Use a level to make sure each set of holes is even with the others. Drill the holes for the screws and install the brackets. In wood or wood framing, drill the hole slightly smaller than the screw you’ll use. If you aren’t going into wood trim or wood framing, use wall anchors, toggle bolts, or other hardware and follow the directions supplied.
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Install the head rail.
Place the head rail into the brackets and lock it in place. If blinds hang long check the directions for removing some of the slats from the bottom.
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Attach the valance.
If the blinds have a decorative valance, attach it as instructed. Also attach the wand for adjusting the vanes.
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