Many people think of their window blinds as just coverings for their windows. But a nice set of window blinds can make an otherwise dull room come alive. There are many options when it comes to picking blinds for your windows. Window blinds are extremely easy to change by yourself, as well as cost effective if you decide you want something different with them.

Before you get started you will need to check your walls for holes that might be exposed by the new blinds. You can easily fill these holes with joint compound and a putty knife. Both of these are available at your local hardware store. Joint compound comes in different colors, so you will be able to find one that matches the wood that you have in your home. If the hole is on a painted surface, simply paint over the compound.

Shutters (outside)

If you are working with a hard surface like brick (when installing shutters outside of the home) make sure you have a concrete masonry bit, and a hammer drill. The shutters will come with the anchors, and everything else you will need to complete the job.

Depending on the size of the shutters you will need to measure 3-5 inches wider then the window is. This is to allow enough space for the mounting brackets that come with the shutters.

Now it is time to attach the brackets to the casing. You can always test the shutters, and adjust your measurements accordingly depending on what kind/type of shutters you have. If you are going to test the shutters, do so before you make any holes in your home. Remember- measure twice, and drill once!

For blinds inside your home

For these blinds, you will need to measure the width of the window at three places. The top, the bottom, and the middle. If you get three different measurements that’s okay. (it’s perfectly normal for this to happen) You will take the smallest measurement and use that to get the width of the blinds you need. You then need to repeat the process by measuring the height in the same fashion. Once again, use the smallest measurement to get the height of the blinds that you need to purchase.

Once you have the measurements of your blinds, and you have them purchased it’s time to attach them to the wall. The blinds will come with the needed hardware to attach the blinds. You need to have a drill handy, and attach the brackets to the wall above the window jamb. After you do that, simply slide the casing into the brackets.

Points to remember

  • Always check your brackets with a level
  • Before you drill any holes, mark your holes with a marker, and check them with a level as well
  • Make sure you close all your bracket covers
  • Measure twice, check the level twice, and drill once