Installing a Blackout Blind is a really easy job and can make a huge difference to your home.
We’ve created this easy to follow step by step guide, to help you through.
Tools required:
- Screwdriver
- Metal Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Hacksaw
- Scissors
- Small Step Ladder
- Ruler or Spirit Level
- Hand Drill (optional)
- Rawlplugs (optional)
Before you start:
Check the area where you are fitting the blind, is it a suitable surface or are there any electrical cabling nearby.
Check there are no obstructions, to opening/closing the blind.
Remember Ball chain device can be dangerous to pets and children.
Duration:
Around 1 Hour.
Step 1 – Measure The Windows
When you’re measuring your window for blackout blinds, you need to decide whether you prefer to fit the blind inside the window recess or outside the window recess.
Each position has some benefits and drawbacks, so ultimately it’s up to you to decide which you prefer.
Measuring For Blackout Blinds – Inside The Recess
Using a metal tape measure, measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Take the tape out to the inner edge of the recess, not to the outside wall. The shortest measurement will be your width measurement.
Measure the height of the recess at the left- hand side, middle and right-hand side. The longest measurement will be your height measurement. Note this down.
These two measurements are all you need!
Measuring For Blackout Blinds – Outside The Recess
Decide where the blind will be placed. Usually around 1.5 – 3” above the window.
Measure from where the blind will sit to the bottom of the window.
Take your tape measure to about 3” below the window (this is to allow an overlap) – this is your height measurement.
Note this down.
Measure the width of the window at the top, middle and bottom and allow yourself an additional 3” on either side, as well as the top and bottom (this is to allow an overlap). This will be your width measurement. Note this down.
Hold the blind in position, and using a pencil, mark where the blind will be fitted.
Step 2 – Choose The Placement Of The Roller Chain
The general rule of thumb is that if you are right-handed the chain goes on the right-hand side, and vice-versa, but in some instances for easy access due to obstructions a left-hand side chain is the better option.
You should also consider whether the blind will be easy to operate up and down clearing any windows handles, or windowsill ornaments.
Evaluate your space to determine the best position.
Step 3 – Choose The Direction Of The Roller
The best option is to roll the roller blind under the roller. You do have the option of over the roller, which is ideal if you have objects that protrude from the window, the blind will not be impeded when it is pulled down over the window.
This applies to all Roller Blinds, whether a Blackout product or non Blackout product.
Assess the area to decide the best option for you.
Step 4 – Install The Brackets
Following the instructions in the assembly and fitting guide supplied with the blind.
For fitting inside the recess, the brackets should be screwed to the top of the recess.
For outside the recess, the brackets should be screwed to the wall.
Before you fix them to the wall, put them in position first, to make sure that the blind is going to be in the right place, and that you have allowed the correct distance between each bracket so that the blind fits correctly. Mark these positions using a pencil.
Fix the brackets with either a drill or screwdriver. You can start with either the left or right bracket first.
If you are using a drill, you will probably need some rawlplugs (not supplied with the blind), the drill bit and rawlplugs should be the same size.
The brackets should be screwed tightly to prevent the blind from falling.
Check that the brackets are level using either a ruler or spirit level, otherwise, if the brackets are fitted at an angle, the blind may not hang or operate correctly.
Step 5. Trim The Blind (Optional)
If you have purchased a blind that is too large for the window, you will need to cut it to fit the space before you can install the blind.
On a flat smooth surface unroll the blind and slide the fabric out of the tube, far enough to trim the required amount of fabric.
Remove the bottom bar from its pocket, mark out the measurement less 25mm than the gap between the brackets and draw a line (using a ruler to get that straight line) all the way down the length of the blind fabric with a pencil.
Cut the fabric vertically using sharp scissors.
Now cut the tube using a fine tooth hacksaw so that it is 5mm wider at each end of the fabric.
Finally cut the bottom bar to suit the width of the fabric and re-insert into the pocket.
When securing the fabric back on the roller, it is important to make sure that the fabric is secured perfectly horizontally. If not, the fabric will not roll correctly on the roller.
Step 6. Fit The Blind
Place the corded wheel into the desired end of the roller blind tube, and place the pin plunger into the other end.
Fit the corded wheel end of the roller blind into the wheel bracket. Next, fit the pin plunger end of the roller blind into the wheel bracket.
A tension device is included with our Roller Blinds, and it must be installed to avoid any possible hazards to children.
Always make sure that you are following the instructions that are provided with your roller blind to ensure proper installation.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you an insight into how to fit Blackout Blinds in your home.
It is important that you allow yourself enough time for the job, 2 heads are better than one.
Before you start to check that you have the correct parts and tools required, read through the instructions, and hold the brackets/blinds in place, before making any holes, to prevent positioning in the wrong place.
