How to Install Horizontal Blinds Easily

With the right tools and instructions, installing horizontal blinds by yourself is easy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install both inside mount and outside mount horizontal blinds. (Learn more about the difference between horizontal vs. vertical blinds here.)

How to Install Inside Mount Horizontal Blinds

1. First, remove all the blind hardware from the package and make sure you have all the pieces you are supposed to. Lay everything out where you will not step on it.

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2. Grab the headrail of the blinds and center it in the window trim, using a leveler to ensure everything is straight. Lightly mark the edges of the blinds with a pencil. Set the headrail aside.

3. Grab a bracket and line it up with the pencil marks you made in the previous step. Mark the screw lightly with the pencil. Repeat this for the bracket on the other end and the center bracket if the blinds are large enough to require one. Remember, the center bracket will need to be positioned slightly off-center to avoid hitting the mechanisms in the headrail.

4. Now it’s time to create pilot holes. If you have a power drill, make the pilot holes using the drill and a drill bit smaller than the screws. If you don’t have a power drill, then you can DIY pilot holes by tapping a small nail partway into the wall using a hammer, and then pull the nail out of the wall.

5. Attach the first bracket to the wall by screwing it into the pilot holes you just made, using either your power drill or an appropriate screwdriver. Repeat this step for the remaining brackets.

6. If the blind came with a valance, go ahead and place the valance clips on the headrail. Secure the headrails of the blinds into the brackets following the manufacturer’s instructions. It will vary a bit, depending on the exact type of blinds you bought. Ensure everything has clicked into place before letting go of the headrail. Attach the valance to the clips.

7. Test the blinds by raising and lowering them and by tilting the slats open and closed if applicable.

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Source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com

How to Install Outside Mount Horizontal Blinds

1. First, remove all the hardware for the blinds from the package and make sure you have all the pieces you are supposed to. Lay everything out where you will not step on it.

2. Grab the headrail of the blinds and center it on the wall above the window, using a leveler to ensure everything is straight. Lightly mark the edges of the blinds with a pencil. Set the headrail aside and double check all your measurements are level.

3. Grab a bracket and line it up with the pencil marks you made in the previous step. Mark the screw lightly with the pencil. Repeat this for the bracket on the other end and the center bracket if the blinds are large enough to require one. Remember, the center bracket will need to be positioned slightly off-center to avoid hitting the mechanisms in the headrail. Once again, check your measurements with the leveler.

4. Now it’s time to create pilot holes. If you have a power drill, make the pilot holes using the drill and a drill bit smaller than the screws. If you don’t have a power drill, then you can DIY pilot holes by tapping a small nail partway into the wall using a hammer, and then pull the nail out of the wall.

5. Attach the first bracket to the wall by screwing it into the pilot holes you just made, using either your power drill or an appropriate screwdriver. Repeat this step for the remaining brackets. You may need to use drywall anchors or wood screws to hold the brackets in place, depending on what type of wall you have. Check the brackets a final time using a leveler and make any corrections necessary.

6. If the blinds came with a valance, go ahead and place the valance clips on the headrail. Secure the headrails of the blinds into the brackets following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will vary a bit, depending on the exact type of blinds you bought. Ensure everything has clicked into place before letting go of the headrail. Attach the valance to the clips.

7. Test the blinds by raising and lowering them and by tilting the slats open and closed if applicable.

Source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com

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