How to Install Shades and Blinds — And Get it Right the First Time

Blinds and shades are two of the most popular window treatments because they are versatile, relatively inexpensive, and can be combined with curtains and drapery for extra design panache. Blinds differ from shades in that they have individual slats or vanes made of wood, vinyl, or some other rigid material, whereas shades consist of a continuous expanse of fabric or something similarly flexible. Although they are different, you install blinds and shades in essentially the same way.

If you're ready to install your window coverings, you've already made measurements and purchased ones that fit. If you had them custom made, they are already the right width, but window treatments you purchased off the shelf may have to be cut to size. While this is something you can do at home, it's a better idea to have it done at the store to ensure an accurate width and a smooth, straight cut.

You've no doubt also decided whether to mount the blinds or shades inside the window frame or outside it. If you're mounting them inside, it's crucial for them to fit exactly, so it's a good idea to check before you begin mounting them. When mounting outside the frame, you have more leeway, so this pre-check probably isn't necessary. Either way, mounting blinds and shades is a fairly simple DIY home improvement project that shouldn't take more than 20 minutes per window — if you do it correctly.

If you're a seasoned DIYer, mounting window coverings looks like one of the easiest jobs you can do — and you aren't wrong — but take a minute to read the manufacturer's installation instructions anyway. Products differ, and the few minutes you spend matching parts to the materials list in the instructions and noting the specifics of the product you're installing could save you a do-over (and holes in the wall)

If you're planning an inside-mount installation, double check the depth of the window frame to make sure you have enough room, particularly if you're hanging wood or faux wood blinds. You need enough space for the slats to be able to rotate without touching the window, so the frame depth should be at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch wider than the width of the slats. If it turns out you don't have the room you need, all is not lost because you can still do an outside-mount installation. If that turns out to be necessary, it's good to know before you start so you don't drill unnecessary holes in the window frame.

Sometimes, the top of the window frame isn't level, and an important consideration when doing an outside-mount installation is whether the headrail should follow the line of the top of the frame or be objectively level.

Generally, it should follow the line of the frame if you're mounting window blinds or window shades on the trim or in such a way that the top trim is visible. But if the trim isn't visible, the headrail should be objectively level. When installing full-length vertical blinds, the level of the floor also matters, and you may want to set the headrail off-level to match the line formed by the bottom of the slats to the floor.

Even though they're different, you install blinds and shades in basically the same way. Most products come with mounting brackets to hold the headrail, and the bulk of the installation procedure involves securing these brackets to the inside of the window frame, the surface of the window trim, or the drywall. Positioning the brackets is easy if you're doing an inside-mount installation or you're installing the brackets on the window trim, but some measurements will be needed for installation on drywall.

Most of what you need for installation comes with the product you're installing, including brackets, fasteners, and drywall anchors, which can range from simple plastic conical anchors to heavy-duty hangers, like toggle bolts. You'll need a few basic tools, and don't forget the step ladder. Your chances of mounting window treatments accurately the first time around decrease significantly when you're trying to maintain your balance on a sofa or chair.