How to install blinds in your home

As the days grow warmer and sunnier, we all enjoy welcoming more natural light into our homes. While sunlight can illuminate your living space and give new life to your houseplants, it can also bring unwanted glare and in the hot summer days, excessive heat.

Installing blinds to your windows is a great solution to still get lots of light into the room while also maintaining more privacy in your home. In today’s article, we’ll introduce the most common types of blinds used at home and walk you through all the essential steps when installing them.

Jump to:

• Introduction to blinds
• Choosing the right type of blinds
• How to install vertical blinds
• How to install roller blinds
• Additional tips and troubleshooting

Introduction to blinds

Let’s start with a quick introduction to blinds. Blinds are multipurpose window coverings, serving as an addition to curtains to protect your room from direct sunlight and enhance privacy. With various styles, materials and mechanisms, blinds are a popular solution for homeowners and tenants to prepare their homes for hot summer days and early morning rays.

The main types of blinds include:

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds are one of the most popular types in the UK, consisting of a headrail stretching along the length of the window and vertical strips of fabric hanging down, known as louvres. Used for windows as well as glass doors, vertical blinds have a range of functionality to adjust the angle, coverage and control the light.

Roller blinds

Another common way to restrict too much sunlight from entering your home is the use of roller blinds. In the form of a single sheet of fabric, these blinds sit neatly at the top of your window, rolling up and down depending on your light preferences. They come in a range of materials, colours and opacities, allowing you to match the style of your blinds with the rest of your interior. Blackout versions or roller blinds are very popular for bedrooms.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are a timeless classic among window shades, popular for their styling and practical features. They consist of horizontal slats, usually made of wood or metal, allowing you to tilt or adjust them to change the amount of natural light that can come into your room.

Pleated blinds

If you’re looking for a more seamless type of window covering, pleated blinds might be the right choice for you. Also known as plisse blinds, these shades are made of lightweight fabric, folded to create an accordion effect. Like roller blinds, they can be rolled up and down to provide the shade you prefer to be comfortable in your home.

Roman blinds

Finally, roman blinds are soft fabric panels gradually folding up at the top of your window, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes in your interior. When pulled down, roman blinds create a consistent layer, effectively filtering the light entering the room. 

Choosing the right type of blinds

There are a few factors to consider when choosing blinds for your home. From the size of your window to decor preferences, space limitations and room functionality, each of these factors plays a crucial role in the decision-making process.

The factors to consider include:

Window size and shape

When choosing the right type of blinds for your home, start with measuring your window to determine the appropriate size of the covering. While vertical blinds might be more suitable for larger windows and sliding doors, smaller windows can often lend themselves better to horizontal systems, such as venetian or roller blinds.

Room functionality

Consider the function of the room where the blinds will be installed. Bedrooms may require blinds that offer complete darkness for better sleep, while living rooms may benefit from blinds that provide adjustable light control so that they can be altered for different times of the day.

Operation mechanism

There are also various mechanisms controlling the operation of blinds. While cords or chains are the most common solutions, cordless blinds might be a good option for enhanced safety, especially when living with children and/or pets.

Humidity levels in your home

Based on the humidity levels in your home, you might want to avoid certain materials for your blinds. For instance, a more humid environment might not be suitable for using wooden blinds, as the moisture could eventually bend the slats and cause damage. Similarly, heavier, less breathable blinds might limit the airflow in your home around your windows, increasing the indoor humidity levels and the chances of developing damp or mould.

You can help reduce condensation and improve ventilation in your home to combat this too.

Durability and maintenance

In the decision-making process, try to opt for blinds that are durable and built to last, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. Reading independent product reviews and doing your research when buying can help you make the right decision for your home.

Sound absorption

If you’re living in a busy and noisy area, the right type of blinds can sometimes help to minimise external noise and improve the acoustics within a room. Sound absorption blinds are constructed using thicker materials compared to standard blinds. This added thickness helps in absorbing sound waves and reducing noise transmission from outside.

How to install vertical blinds

Installing blinds is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps using just basic DIY tools . However, before proceeding with the installation, make sure to first seek permission from your housing provider to avoid any inconveniences.

Let’s start with the tools you should prepare before getting into the installation process:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drill with both a masonry and screwdriver bit (or a separate screwdriver)
• Screws
• Wall plugs
• Wall plugs, if you’re screwing directly into the wall
• Step stool or ladder (if needed)
• Safety glasses to wear when using the drill

Once you’ve gathered all your tools and have the blinds kit ready, you can get straight into the installation by following the checklist below:

• Clear the area around your window and remove any plants, decorations and window coverings to make the installation process as easy as possible.
• Measure and mark the mounting locations for the vertical blind brackets on the wall using a pencil.
• Once marked, carefully drill holes into the wall and before attaching the brackets, insert wall plugs into the holes. This additional step will allow the brackets to grip onto the wall. 
• Then, screw the brackets into the wall plugs using screws and a screwdriver.
• Repeat the same process for the remaining brackets, making sure they are spaced in the right place along the window or door frame.
• Slide the headrail of the vertical blinds into the installed mounting brackets, making sure it’s securely seated in each bracket to support the weight of the blinds.
• Once the headrail is secured, start inserting the fabric strips into the carrier hooks on the headrail.
• After hanging the last strip, pull the control chain to test the movement and alignment of the blinds.

How to install roller blinds

The process of putting up roller blinds is similar to vertical blinds, using the same DIY tool kit to complete the installation.

• After clearing out the window area, take a pencil and measuring tape to determine the exact dimensions and mark the mounting locations.
• Then, repeat the same process of drilling two holes into the wall to secure the wall plugs and screw in the brackets.  
• Once you have the mounting brackets in place, insert the roller tube into the brackets and make sure it’s properly seated.
• Finally, test the mechanism by pulling the cord down, checking if the fabric sheet moves smoothly and with no issues. 

Additional tips and troubleshooting

While installing blinds will often be an easy, straightforward process, it’s always good to have a few tips ready to hand, helping you avoid the common pitfalls and ensure the optimal performance of your chosen blinds.

So, if you’re preparing to upgrade your home with a new set of blinds, here are some top tips to help you get it right first time:

• Always refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions included with your blinds kit, making sure you’re aware of all the features of the product and understand the installation instructions.
• When installing the brackets, it’s best to use a spirit level, as it will help you determine whether the brackets are straight before you secure them permanently in place. Otherwise, you might realise the headrail or roller tube was secured slightly off-centre or at an angle, affecting the final look and performance of the blinds.
• If you have children or pets at home, make sure the mechanism cord is fastened up and secured at an appropriate height to minimise the risk of accident or injury.
• And finally, there’s a whole range of companies offering installation when buying a set of blinds. So, if you’re not confident enough to install the blinds by yourself, or don’t have the essential tool kit, you can seek assistance from a professional for both safety and peace of mind.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to protect from sunlight and keep cool in summer, you can also read our article on Tips to keep your home cool during summer.