How to fit window blinds

For more help and advice visit masters.com.au
1
How to fit window blinds
Tools & materials
Installation into
plaster board
Power drill and drill bit
Phillips Head
screwdriver
Pencil
Brackets
Matching fascia
Matching end returns
(if blind is to be fitted
outside the window
recess)
Centre support bracket
(if length requires)
Installation into
masonry or brick:
Hammer drill
Screwdriver or screw
driver bit
Drill bits
For concrete, brick
or plaster, a 5.5mm
diameter masonry drill
bit. For wood, steel or
UPVC, a 3mm diameter
high-speed steel (HSS)
drill bit.
Bradawl
Hacksaw
Craft knife
Spirit level
Round file
Steel rule
Steel tape measure
Pipe and wire detector
Wall plugs
Screws
Blind
Important- Please read: All information and tips
in this publication are of a general nature only
and Masters does not warrant the accuracy or
completeness of the information and tips in this
publication. This publication is not intended to be
a substitute for expert advice. Masters advises
you to always consult an experienced and qualified
person when undertaking jobs of this kind (including
consulting a qualified tradesperson such as an
electrician or plumber where relevant expert
services are required). You should also consider
any safety precautions that may be necessary when
undertaking the work described in this publication
(including wearing any necessary safety equipment
such as safety glasses, goggles or ear protectors
or hard hats). The information and tips in this
publication are provided on the basis that Masters
excludes all liability for any loss or damage which
is suffered or incurred (including, but not limited
to, indirect and consequential loss or damage and
whether or not such loss or damage could have
been foreseen) for any personal injury or damage to
property whatsoever resulting from the use of the
information and tips in this publication. Masters also
notes that there may be laws, regulations or by-laws
with which you must comply when undertaking the
work described in this publication. You should obtain
all necessary permissions and permits from council
and/or any other relevant statutory body or authority
before carrying out any work. Masters Home
Improvement Australia Pty Ltd ABN 21 066 891 307.
New blinds give a room a whole new look. They can change the
shape of a window, helping them seem smaller, or larger. They
can disguise an opening, or make a feature of a wall.
They help you adjust how much light enters the room – helping
the room go from full light to complete dark in moments. Blinds
also help insulate your room. With so many different kinds of
blinds, and fabrics, to choose from, there’s a huge range of
decorating options available .
What blinds work best?
Choosing the right blind for your room is
a matter of personal taste. The different
looks give your walls and windows a different
treatment.
Roller blinds
These are ideal if you want a clean and modern
look, rather than metal or wooden blinds. You
can get them to fit most window sizes.
If you have a particularly narrow window, or the
blind is slightly too wide, it can be easily adjusted
to fit.
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds provide a number of different
light options. You can block the light entirely,
direct the blinds upwards to give the room a
soft, reflected light, direct them downwards for
brighter light or lift them for full sun.
They are available in many widths – and come in
timber, PVC or aluminium.
TIP:
If you’re using valance clips on venetian
blinds, put them before you hang the blind.
Roman blinds
These provide a casual look in softer fabric
options.
Roman blinds create a more classical look within
the home, and are a great option for blocking
out 100% of the light when fitted outside the
window recess.
This makes them great for bedrooms,
entertainment rooms – or wherever total light
control is required.
Vertical blinds
These work best for large windows, sliding doors
and patio doors.
They provide a modern, clean look; and also help
direct the light in the room.
Panel tracks
A new twist on vertical blinds, these large panels
of fabric look great at larger windows and doors
or even as room dividers.
A contemporary look, they give you the
versatility to change fabric designs and colours
whilst still using the same track system. They
have a cut to length feature which can ensures a
perfect fit every time.
For more help and advice visit masters.com.au
2
How to fit window blinds
Measuring up
Refer to “How to measure windows for blinds.”
Installation
Fix the brackets
Your brackets will come pre-drilled – so you can fit them inside
the frame, to a wall, hanging from the top of the frame, from the
ceiling or butted against a wall.
TIP:
When you close the brackets, make sure you hear the snap as
they clip into the hole.
Fitting brackets in a recessed window frame
If you’re fitting roller blinds, venetians or roman blinds hold the
blind up to the top of the frame and mark where the ends of the
roller are. This will let you know where the brackets need to be
fitted.
If you’re fitting vertical blinds or panel tracks, you can simply mark
where you’d like the brackets to fit – usually as wide as the space
will allow. You can screw the brackets directly onto the window
frame, onto the nearest wall or hang them from the underside of
the top of the frame.
Mark the screw positions. Drill a small guide hole, then screw the
brackets in place.
Fitting brackets onto a brick or masonry wall
As before, decide where the brackets will fit. Make sure there’s at
least 50mm between the bracket and the edge of the wall – this
ensures you won’t break off old plaster.
Mark where the screw holes will be. Drill 5.5mm holes and insert
wall plugs. Screw the brackets into the wall.
Fitting brackets above the window
For best results, fit the blinds to the lintel.
(The lintel is the slab of hardwood running along the top of the
frame which supports the wall above the window.)
Measure and mark where the brackets will fit – as outlined above.
Drill holes using a hardwood or masonry drill bit. Screw the
brackets into the lintel.
Fitting a ceiling mounted blind
This should only be considered if you have ceiling joists to screw
into. (Many blinds are too heavy, and used too often, to be
supported by plasterboard alone.)
Measure and mark where the brackets need to be mounted.
Attach the brackets with screws.
TIP:
Don’t go too close to any edges or corners or you may chip a
brick or the plaster.