Mini blinds are one of the best window treatment options for homeowners that are on a tight budget. These window treatments offer many advantages including insulation, privacy, and filtering light effectively, all without breaking the bank! If you’re looking to purchase a window treatment that is easy to install by yourself, mini blinds New York may be the perfect solution for you. Even if you need to install your new treatments all over the house, you should be able to do it over the weekend. The brackets, valance, and other components are carefully designed to make the installation process easy. Here’s how to install mini blinds on your own:
Measure Your Windows
Before purchasing your mini blinds New York, it’s important that you measure your windows first. This will ensure that you buy the right length for your window treatments. Don’t be afraid to double-check your window measurements. Write down your measurements and refer back to them when ordering your blinds. Before measuring your window, you’ll need to decide whether you want to mount your mini blinds inside or outside the window frame.
Where Should I Mount My Mini Blinds?
If you have attractive windows or moldings and want to show them off, mount your mini blinds inside the window frame. However, if you want more privacy or have unattractive windows and want to hide them, mount your window treatments outside of your window frame instead. Keep in mind that inside-mounting needs to fit snugly inside of your window frame so the measurements should be exact. Outside-mounting is more flexible but allows more light into the room through the gap between the blinds and the window frame.
Order Your Mini Blinds
The next step is to order your mini blinds using the correct measurements. When choosing your mini blinds New York, find a reliable window treatment dealer near you or online. If you live in the New York City area, you can stop by Urban Window Treatments. We are located in Manhattan and would be happy to help you pick the perfect mini blinds for your home! Don’t want to go anywhere? We can help you from the comfort of your home. We have a large selection of mini blinds in an array of colors, textures, and finishes and would be more than willing to bring our samples to you! We also offer cordless options, which is something you should consider if you have young children or pets. Give us a call today!
Gather Your Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to install your mini blinds:
- Electric drill. Both a cordless and corded drill will get the job done, but a cordless drill will be easier to use.
- Drill bits. The drill bit size that you need should be specified in the instructions provided with the mini blinds. Standard sizes include ¼ and 5/16 inches. If you’re planning on drilling into concrete or brick, you’ll need a special masonry bit.
- Philips head screwdriver
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Pliers
Additional tools that you may need:
- Screws. You may need to supply your own screws if you’re mounting your brackets into aluminum or concrete.
- Level. You can use a level if you’re having trouble measuring and positioning the mounts evenly on both sides.
After receiving your mini blinds, check to see that they contain all the parts that are listed. If something is missing, you may need to order additional parts.
Installing the Brackets
Begin by determining the proper placement for the brackets. Take out the brackets from the box and press on the bottom of them. This will disengage the locking tab and lift the front bracket gate, revealing the screw holes. Next, hold the first bracket in place and use the pencil to mark the screw holes, then repeat with the other bracket on the other side.
Drill the designated holes, then loosely screw in the first bracket using two of the provided screws. If needed, adjust the position of the bracket. Repeat on the other side and check to see if the blinds slide into place properly. Once you’re certain that everything is placed correctly, you can tighten the screws.
Support Brackets
Support brackets are U-shaped supports that are placed in the center of the headrail to prevent the end brackets from bearing too much weight. For blinds that are 60-70 inches, you’ll need to place one support bracket in the center of the headrail. For blinds that are over 70 inches, you may need two or more support brackets. When installing support brackets, make sure that there is no more than 30 inches between each bracket. Insufficient support brackets or poor placement could cause the remaining brackets to become loose quickly or damage the window frame.
Insert the Blinds
Insert the blind headrail between the two brackets. When installing your mini blinds New York, make sure that they are placed correctly, with the proper side up and facing outward. If you encounter extreme resistance when inserting the blinds, check the brackets for misalignment.
If your mini blinds contain brackets with gates that swing down over the headrail, flip these gates down and push firmly until you hear them click into place. Make sure the headrail is secure before moving on to the next step.
Valance Installation
While a valance is not required, it does improve the aesthetics of the blind. And if you mounted your mini blinds New York outside of your window frame, it’s something that you’ll want to consider since your headrail will be visible.
Attach the valance with the included valance clips. Blinds that are under 36 inches will only need two valance clips, one at each end of the headrail; however, bigger blinds will need more.
If you’re mounting your blinds outside of your window, your valance will be specially designed to be bent to cover the ends of the headrail. Attach the pieces to the headrail, then carefully bend them into place.
Need Help With Installation? Call Urban Window Treatments
Although mini blinds are fairly easy to install by yourself, if you need help installing your mini blinds New York, don’t hesitate to call Urban Window Treatments. We’ll be with you every step of the process, from selecting mini blinds to installing them!
