Window Treatments
Fit a Roller Blind

Fit a Roller Blind

Blinds are about the easiest window dressing to fit yourself. There's a huge range of contemporary style blinds to choose from and most are available in the common window widths.

Time to complete job: One hour.
Approximate budget: Blinds costs from about £15 for a small window.

You will need:

  • Drill
  • Masonry or wood bits
  • Screwdriver
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Junior hacksaw
  • Scissors
Tip: For other tips on window projects, see Putting Up Curtains, Making Roman Blinds and Making Pleated Curtains.

For more information please see the British Interior Textiles Association.

Step 1: Fixing the brackets

The two roller support brackets can be fitted to the inside or outside of the window recess - fitting on the inside looks neater.
Use a pencil to make a mark through the screw holes of one bracket, following the maker's instructions.
Drill the holes in the marked positions.
Add wall plugs for a solid or cavity wall fixings and screw the first bracket to the wall.
To make sure the blind is exactly horizontal, use a tape measure to check the distance from the top and sides of the window recess to the first bracket and transfer these to the other side. Fix the second bracket in place with screws.

Tip: Before you drill, make sure there is enough clearance for the blind to unroll smoothly and for the blind to roll up without touching the top of the window recess.

Step 2: Checking the blind

Most roller blind kits have one bracket with a closed end and one with an open slot.
Push the blind into the closed end first and then push the other end into the slot.
Check the blind works smoothly.
If the blind seems to be at an angle to the window, you will need to unscrew one of the brackets and adjust the position.

Step 3: Adjusting and securing

If the spring tension needs adjusting, pull the blind down about halfway, then ease the slotted pin out of its supporting bracket. Now wind the exposed blind back on to the roller, then re-insert the pin into its bracket.
Secure the cord pull by tying a couple of knots in the end of the string.
 
 
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