That bare window needs something; mini-blinds are a practical option. They provide privacy as well as keep out the heat and/or cold. So, how do you go about installing them on your windows?
Measure the Window
First, you measure the window. This is the most important part, if you get it wrong, the blinds won’t fit.
Since mini-blinds look best mounted on the inside of the window frame, you will measure the inside of the window. This will help in purchasing the correct size blinds.
Width
You will measure width first, take three of these, top, middle and bottom. The three should be the same, but due to moisture and other circumstances, they may not be. Write down the smallest.
Height
Then you will measure the height. Again take three of these, left, middle and right. Write down the largest.
Depth
Last measure the depth from the window itself to the front of the frame. Take at least three of these, left side, top and right side. They should be the same, but it’s best to check anyway.
Now go back and measure the window again, so you are sure of your measurements. MEASURE TWICE, SHOP ONCE.
Be sure you write down your measurements in the order given above, (width x height x depth) because that is the way blinds are sold. A 34x60x1.5 mini-blind is way different than a 60x34x1.5. In the first case the window it is going into is 34 inches wide and 60 inches long. In the second instance the window is 60 inches wide and only 34 inches long. If you get the numbers confused, mini-blinds don’t work sideways.
Purchasing Mini-Blinds
When you purchase mini-blinds there are a few things to remember. The first one is that since you are installing them on the inside of the window frame, you do not need to make any adjustments to your measurements for clearance on the top or bottom. Most manufactures have already taken this into account. Add subtract a half an inch from your depth measurement for the proper fit. So, if your window is 34x60x1.5 you will need to get a blind that is 34x60x1. If you have a 1.75 inch depth, then the 2 inch blinds will not fit and 1 inch blinds will be your best bet.
Windows should be standard sizes, and mini-blinds available for most of the popular sizes. However, if your windows are not of a standard size, you may have to have your mini-blinds custom made.
Installing the Blind
In the box you will find all of the hardware necessary to install your blinds.
Most come with mounting brackets. You will need to place these in the very top corner on the left and right hand sides of the inside of the window frame. Place them as close to the window as you can, all of the necessary clearance has been accounted for by the manufacturer. Make sure you are placing these properly, with the open end out and if they are so labeled the right side on the right side.
Then, slide the blinds into their brackets and untangle the cords. They are always tangled; there is no way to prevent this. Now the blinds should be free to open up and cover the entire window. Now, place the end caps on the brackets to keep the blinds in place when you roll them up. Without the end caps, the blinds will fly out of the bracket the first time you open them.
Attach the adjusting rod. Hook it in the space provided.
Testing your work
Lastly, test the blinds. Raise them as quickly as possible, this will verify that you have connected them securely and that you have the end caps on properly. Then lower them to the bottom. Next using the adjusting rod, open and close the blinds.
If your testing does not show any issues; you are done. Now you may enjoy your new mini-blinds.
