The Installation Guide: How to Install Vertical Blinds

In 2023 alone, revenue in the window treatment segment has reached 53.6 billion CAD, which only proves one thing – more people are investing in window treatments. One of the most popular window treatment options is vertical blinds. Not only do they look stylish, but they can also help you control the amount of sunlight entering your home or office.

Aside from aesthetic appeal, vertical blinds offer ease and cost-effectiveness for installation. Installing vertical blinds is not a complex process, and this article will provide an in-depth overview of the steps you need to take to install both vertical blinds types correctly.

Read on to learn more about vertical blinds, the tools you need for their installation, how to prepare for the process, and even the maintenance required for this type of window treatment.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• What are Vertical Blinds?
• Types of Vertical Blinds
• Tools and Materials Required
• Measuring Your Windows
• Purchasing Your Vertical Blinds
• Understanding Vertical Blind Sizes
• Preparing for Installation
• Installing Inside Mount Vertical Blinds
• Installing Outside Mount Vertical Blinds
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Maintaining Your Vertical Blinds
• Wrapping Up: Enjoy Your New Vertical Blinds!
• FAQs

What Are Vertical Blinds?

Ever seen a window treatment made of long, vertical slats? That's probably what you think of when someone mentions vertical blinds. In learning how to install vertical blinds, it’s helpful to know its three typical components – headrails, vanes (also known as louvres), and brackets. The headrail is the part that attaches to your wall or ceiling and serves as the base for the entire setup. It contains slots where the vanes attach via clips or hooks.

Vanes can be opened or closed depending on how much light you want entering your space. You'll also find brackets attached to both sides of the headrails that support them in place. These come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the size of your window.

Meanwhile, the engineering behind vertical blinds varies depending on the style you choose. Some may use a cord-and-pulley system, while others have a wand for controlling the vanes, making them more convenient to operate. But whichever it may be, its components work together well for both privacy and light control. It can even help you save more than 24% on electricity by utilizing daylight through vertical blinds.

Types of Vertical Blinds

Similar to any type of blinds for windows, vertical blinds come in a range of materials, colours, and styles. You can choose among fabric, vinyl, wooden, and even aluminum blinds, depending on your preference.

Fabric works for both vertical and horizontal blinds as it is lightweight and easy to maintain. This type of window treatment is also available in a variety of colours, so it's easy to find one that complements your space. However, fabric material can be prone to wear and tear due to its delicacy.

For more durability, vinyl blinds are the way to go. The material is known for its waterproof and fire-resistant properties, making it ideal for areas that get a lot of sun or moisture. It is also easy to clean and maintain compared to fabric. Just note vinyl can be too heavy for some windows, so you may need extra support when installing them.

Wooden blinds fit in more traditional or classic settings. These come in various shades, making it easy to match them with your existing décor. Wooden blinds are also more durable compared to fabric and vinyl material, but they require more upkeep due to their sensitivity to moisture.

Overall, vertical blinds are a great way to control the amount of light entering a space while still creating privacy. With their various styles and materials, you can find one that fits both your budget and design preferences.

Tools and Materials Required

With the DIY installation process so simple, you won’t need many materials or tools to install your vertical blinds. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Power drill: Use this to drill holes for the screws and safety brackets. Using another drill bit, you can tighten the screws and brackets.
• Measuring tape: This is a must-have to ensure that your blinds will fit correctly in the window frame.
• Level: This is used to ensure that your blinds are straight and even when installing them.
• Vertical blind components (valance, headrail, slats): These components come with all vertical blind sets so you don’t have to buy them separately.
• Screws and safety brackets: These are used to secure the headrail in place on the window frame.

Be sure to buy screws and brackets that are specifically designed for vertical blinds. To prevent yourself from running back to the store for extra supplies, it is best to buy more than you need.

Browse Our Collection of Custom Vertical Blinds

Measuring Your Windows

Accurate measurements beat guessing all the time time. It ensures the functionality and aesthetics of your blinds.

Start by measuring the inside width and height of the window frame with a measuring tape. For inside-mount vertical blinds, the measurements should be precise for a perfect fit. For outside mounting, you can add an additional 2” on both sides and 6” above the top of your window frame to ensure full coverage.

You should also measure the depth of your frame once you have determined where you want to install your blinds. This measurement will help determine how much space is available for mounting brackets so that they don’t stick out past the window frame or interfere with other objects in front of it.

One example scenario to avoid when measuring for vertical blinds is not accounting for any pilot holes that may already be in the window frame. If you are mounting your blinds over existing pilot holes, you need to make sure they are properly measured and accounted for.

Another mistake would be not using the right bracket clips. The wrong size or type of clip can affect the fit of your blinds and cause them to move around or come loose from the wall.

If you have glass doors, you should also take into account any extra space that may be needed to fit the blinds around the frame.

Purchasing Your Vertical Blinds

Learning how to install vertical blinds is as important as choosing the right ones for your space. Before you buy, measure your window frame and double-check the measurements against the product details.

Once you’ve chosen a blinds style and size, consider additional features such as material options, light filtering or blackout liners.

Online and brick-and-mortar options are available for purchasing your vertical blinds. If you’re buying online, reading reviews and researching the seller will ensure you’re getting a quality product. Check as well the after-sale services for installation, customer support, repair, and warranty – all of which you can enjoy at Factory Direct Blinds.

With us, you can even get free samples of your blinds, shades, and shutters to ensure you get the perfect fit and colour for your windows.

Understanding Vertical Blind Sizes

When you measure for vertical blinds, it's also vital that you know how they are sized. Vertical blinds are usually measured in width by height or WxL. The width measurement is taken from one side of the window to the other, while the length measurement is taken from the top of your window frame to the bottom.

Check the manufacturer’s size chart to determine what size blinds you should get based on your measurements. If your window is wider than the standard width, look for “extra-wide” sizes.

If you want the blinds to cover and extend beyond the window frame, remember to add a few extra inches of length or width when making your selections. This will ensure that you have enough coverage and that there are no gaps between the fabric and edges of your windows.

Preparing for Installation

Now that you've chosen the right size of vertical blinds for your windows, it's time to prepare for installation. Here are a few things you should do before installing your new blinds:

• Make sure that the mounting surface is clean and free of debris or imperfections.
• Gather all necessary tools such as a level, drill, screws, screwdriver, etc., and have them ready to use before beginning installation.
• Read through all instructions carefully so you know what steps need to be taken during installation and have an understanding of the process.
• Have a friend or family member help you install the blinds so that it can be done safely and quickly.

For safety, check your ladder if it's needed for installation and be certain that it is properly secured before attempting to climb up or down. Safety goggles can also be a good idea.

Don't forget to arrange your tools in an easy-to-reach place so that you don't have to keep getting up and down the ladder. Make this easier by having a tool satchel or apron that you can wear.

Installing Inside Mount Vertical Blinds

Perfect for glass doors and larger windows, inside-mount vertical blinds are easy to install. Here’s how:

1. Start by measuring the window opening width and height at both ends of the window, then add 3/4 inch to each measurement for inside mount installations.
2. Using a drill bit slightly larger than the size of your screws, drill pilot holes into the window frame.
3. Place the mounting brackets over the pilot holes and use a screwdriver to tighten them into place with your screws.
4. Use the bracket clip to attach the head rail and valance onto the mounting brackets. The valance clips that come with the product will need to be snapped into place at the top of each slat.
5. Slide each of the vertical blinds into place, making sure that they are securely held in by their clips.
6. Finally, adjust the tilt wand or chain to open and close your new window treatment as desired!

It's also easy with glass doors or any other window openings with vertical blinds. The same steps apply; just make sure to measure the width and height at each end of the opening before you begin the installation.

Installing Outside Mount Vertical Blinds

This is also a relatively simple process, where the only difference is that you’ll do it outside of the window frame. Here’s how:

1. Above the window frame or on the wall, measure the length and width of the window opening.
2. Mount the bracket to the wall or window frame at both ends of the opening using a drill bit slightly larger than the size of your screws.
3. Slide the head rail into the brackets and use a screwdriver to tighten it securely, making sure that they’re properly aligned with each other.
4. Hang each slat on the appropriate hook or rod of the headrail, spacing them out evenly as you go along.
5. Check to make sure all screws are properly tightened, and hang your curtains or drapes onto the vertical blinds for a finished look! You will still need valance clips for this installation.

Always see the product instructions for specific guidelines and measurements. This will also familiarize you with the parts and pieces of your vertical blinds. After installation, you can sit back and enjoy the privacy, light control, and style that these window treatments have to offer!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One of the most common issues that arise during installation is misaligned brackets. If your horizontal blinds or hanging shades are not properly aligned, this can cause difficulty in opening and closing them. To fix this issue, measure twice before drilling into the wall or window frame, and use a level to ensure that the bracket positions are even.

If you have trouble aligning the headrail with the brackets after installation, try loosening both screws and adjusting their position until they're even before tightening them again. This allows an easy fit for the headrail and slats.

Another common issue is difficulty in hanging the slats on the headrail. If you find this to be a problem, use wire cutters or pliers to adjust their shape or size so that they fit snugly onto the rail. This will ensure that your blinds are properly installed and won’t come loose over time.

Can’t Decide Between Vertical vs. Horizontal Blinds? Check Out Our Guide!

Maintaining Your Vertical Blinds

As you want to learn how to install blinds, you also want to know how to make their life span longer. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your vertical blinds:

• Regularly clean the slats with a soft cloth and mild detergent, or use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment when necessary.
• Dust off the headrail and brackets every once in a while using a damp rag or feather duster.
• Be ruthless when checking for frayed cords and replace them immediately to avoid any accidents.
• Tighten screws periodically to ensure that they stay in place for years of use.

The good news is that you can follow a simple maintenance schedule to keep your vertical blinds in good condition. Simply dust them off once a week, wipe them with a damp cloth every month, and check for loose screws or frayed cords once in a while. With these tips, you can be sure that your vertical blinds will last for many years to come.

Wrapping Up: Enjoy Your New Vertical Blinds!

Even if vertical blinds DIY installation is simple and easy, you should always remember that safety and accurate measurement should come first. With the right tools and instructions on how to install vertical blinds, you can successfully create your dream window treatments with no problems.

Look no further than Factory Direct Blinds for all your window treatment needs. We offer a wide selection of stylish and affordable vertical and horizontal blinds and shades that are perfect for any room in the home. Our easy-to-follow installation instructions make it simple to install your new blinds, so you can enjoy them in no time.

If you need custom blinds, we’ve got you covered too. Our experienced team will help you create your perfect window treatments with the highest quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

Reach out to Factory Direct Blinds today via call or email and get started on creating the perfect vertical blinds for your home.

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