How to Install a Vertical Blind

Vertical blinds are a fantastic feature for your home, not only do they look great and come in a range of colours, patterns and materials, but functionally they provide the privacy and shade you require within your home.

Typically, vertical blinds are made using either slats or louvres which are hung from clips that slide back and forth along the top of the blind. The slats or louvres can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic or fabric. A vertical blind is opened and closed as well as tilted and turned from either one or two control chains.

Vertical blinds are versatile in that they can be fitted to virtually any width or height of window. For example, you may have double patio doors which are difficult to find fitted curtains for due to their size, or, you may have a wide curved window, that changes in height. Whether you have an awkward shape or size to accommodate, or simply, you like the primary functions of a vertical blind, each one can be customised to fit even the most difficult of shaped windows.

Vertical blinds have an array of benefits in comparison to the alternatives, such as fabric curtains. Firstly, when installed correctly, they can hugely improve the aesthetics of a room as they come in a wide variety of fabrics, of which, can be in a broad range of colours or patterns. Some vertical blinds are also waterproof making them easy to clean and maintain, while others are often moisture-resistant, flame retardant or blackout. Some combine all of these desirable features, while others include one or two.

How to Install Your Vertical Blind

Step 1

Gather the tools and materials you are likely to need during the task, this ensures you can remain fully concentrated on the project with all of the equipment you may require at arm’s length.

Tools Required:

  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Safety glasses
  • Spirit level
  • Power drill
  • Impact driver
  • Ladder

Materials

  • Vertical blind
  • Fixtures and fittings (most blinds will come with these)

Step 2

Take measurements of the window, door or area within your home you have chosen you would like the vertical blind, record the length and width somewhere that is easily and clearly accessible. You should also, in pencil, mark the desired length onto your wall.

When taking your measurements, ensure that you allow at least 3cm either side or where you would like to place the blind. This is to ensure light cannot get through either side of the blind, as well as give the user enough space to fully draw the blinds and cover the space behind.

Step 3

Usually, above your window, there is a frame. This is frequently referred to as the architrave. The architrave is an ideal place to attach the brackets of the blind. It is important that the brackets are fitted in line with one another, as it can be difficult to judge the level of the brackets with your naked eye. You should either draw a line in pencil and test that, or test whether or not your architrave is level as, if it is, you can use the top of it as a level edge.

When you either have a level pencil line, or you have a level architrave, you can then mount your brackets. To do this, you will need to drill the recommended number of holes, equal to the number of screws required and then, screw them securely into position.

It is vital that you are 100% sure that there are no electrical wires or plumbing behind the wall or architrave where you are screwing.

Step 4

When your brackets have been fitted and are level, you can then move on to installing the track. Within your vertical blind pack, there will be a cleat, or something similar. This is a piece of wood or metal in the shape of a T, usually, for blinds, they have screws which can be tightened. Attach the cleat onto each bracket, then clip the cleats and track together. When you are happy that the cleat is level, you can then tighten all cleats into their final position.

Step 5

Cut each blade to the size you desire. When you have measured the length you would like, make a fold and attach the rod and hanger to secure it. You can then trim off the excess material to permanently make the blind the desired height.

Step 6

When you have cut your blade to length, you can then hang each one by attaching them to the track.

We hope you found our guide easy to follow and that your vertical blind was easy to install. You can now look forward to privacy, shade and style within your home!