Things You'll Need
Metal tape measure
Paper
Pen or pencil
Screwdriver bit
Drill with 1/16-inch bit
Flat screwdriver
Vertical blinds can be a good choice for sliding glass windows or longer windows in a kitchen. They come in a variety of styles and materials such as vinyl, fabric, faux wood and mylar. Measuring and hanging vertical blinds can be relatively simple as long as you stick to a few guidelines. Follow simple directions for inside or outside mount vertical blinds and how to install them.
Measuring for Inside Mount Vertical Blinds
Step 1
Select either an inside or outside mount for your blinds before you measure, because measuring methods differ.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Measure the width inside the window at the top, middle and bottom for inside mount vertical blinds. Use the shortest width.
Step 3
Calculate the height inside the window at the right side, middle and left side. Use the shortest height.
Step 4
Determine the measurements for the window frame depth or recess to ensure there is enough room to install mounting brackets. Vertical blinds usually need at least a 2 1/2-inch depth for brackets. Re-check the measurements for accuracy.
Measuring for Outside Mount Vertical Blinds
Step 1
Measure the width with the measuring tape across the window where the blinds will go.
Step 2
Add 4 inches on each side of the window measurements to prevent gaps for light to seep in.
Step 3
Leave at least 1/2 inch clearance from the floor so the blinds can operate correctly if they hang down to the floor.
Step 4
Determine the height of the window by measuring in the center of the window from the top to bottom. Add 6 inches to the height for the mounting brackets and headrail. Check the measurements to ensure accuracy.
Installing Vertical Blinds
Step 1
Assess the parts and make sure they are all there. If some parts are missing or damaged, contact the manufacturer.
Step 2
Mark the bracket positions on the bottom of the headrail with a pencil. They should be spaced evenly apart and 4 inches from the end. The bottom rail should be at least 2 1/4 inches from the floor and 1 7/8 inches from the window sill. Place a mark on the wall where the headrail should go.
Step 3
Place the headrail above the window just over height marks. Place a mark where the brackets should go. Use the drill to make holes.
Step 4
Connect mounting clips to the brackets with nuts and bolts. Tighten bolts with a screwdriver bit and make sure the center clip is 2 inches from the wall. You may need to use extension brackets if molding protrudes out.
Step 5
Push the headrail in place by inserting the front edge in the mounting clips and rotating back. Release the headrail by placing a screwdriver between the headrail and release tab. Pry open the cord weight in the headrail with a flat screwdriver. Wind the control cord around the cord guides and push the pieces of the weight back together.
Step 6
Rotate the stems to open position so that you can see through the slots. Shove the louvers up into the stems. Pull down on the louver so it connects to the stem hook.
Step 7
Place the valance ends into the corners and attach to the valance. Push the valance clip onto the end of the headrail, about 2 inches from the end and space the other clips evenly apart. Set the valance into the clips.
Tip
Write measurements down on a piece of paper noting widthfirst, then height.
Measure width and height to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Only measure the windows the blinds are going on and do not use measurements from existing blinds.
Video of the Day