Do it yourself: how to install roman blinds

To begin installation of Roman blinds, the installer will need several tools. These include safety eyeglasses, a tape measure, pencil, screwdriver, drill, level, scissors, drill bits in sizes 1/16' and 7/64'. The roman blind package should also include all the hardware needed; installation brackets, mounting screws and additional mounting brackets that could be needed for extra support. Be sure to check to see if all the hardware has been included before disposing of the shipping containers.

Different mounting surfaces require different mounting techniques. Use the screws included in the blind package for mounting the blinds to a wood surface only. For wallboard or plastic, pre-drill holes for suitable hollow wall anchors or toggle bolts. For installing on metal surfaces, pre-drill holes and use short metal screws and for concrete, stone, brick or tile, use a carbide drill and appropriate plugs or anchor with screws.

There are three common installation types, inside mount, outside mount and ceiling mount. With inside mounted roman blinds, the blind is designed to fit inside the window casement. To begin the installation, keep the headrail level against the top of the casement. Now lower the blind to make sure that the blind is the correct height and that the blind will clear any obstructions. After checking the blind, hold the headrail level against the casement and drill 1/16' pilot holes into the casement through the small holes, not the slots, in the headrail. Use a shim to level the headrail if one is needed. Attach the blind to the wooden casement, using 2' wood screws.

Ceiling mounted roman shade installation allows the blind to overlap the window opening. With this type mount, the installation brackets are attached to the ceiling. In order to achieve this, hold the headrail against the ceiling and once again, lower the shade to check for correct length and to ensure that the blind will clear any obstacles. While holding the headrail against the ceiling, lightly mark the position of the headrail slots. Now hold an installation bracket against the ceiling and mark it for two diagonal screw holes. Position these brackets so they align with the centers of the slots in the headrail. After the alignment, drill pilot holes and use the appropriate fastener screws, wall anchors or toggle bolts to mount the brackets. After drilling the holes, push the headrail onto the brackets so the threaded posts on the brackets fit through the slots in the headrail. Tighten wing nuts to secure the headrail to the installation brackets.

When hanging roman blinds outside the window frame, keep in mind that the roman blind is designed to extend beyond the window opening. To mount roman blinds with this type of mount, mount the installation brackets to the window frame or to the wall. With the headrail level, lower the blind and check the length of the blind as well as any obstructions that may be in the way of the blind working properly. With the headrail held level in position on the window frame or wall, mark the position of the slots with a pencil. After marking the position of the headrail, mark the position of the screws in the installation bracket by holding them in place. These brackets should line up with the centers of the slots in the headrail. Now drill pilot holes and install the fastener screws, wall anchors or toggle bolts in the pilot holes. Position the headrail into the brackets so the threaded posts on the brackets fit through the slots in the headrail. To complete the installation, attach the headrail to the installation brackets by tightening the wing nuts.

With installation complete, setting the blind at the desired location is the next step. Raise or lower the blind by pulling the lift cords at an angle inward toward the center of the shade until the reaching the desired height. Lock the blind into place by angling the lift cord outward sideways to engage the cord lock. If the blind binds when raising or lowering it, ensure the proper alignment of lift cords on the pulley located under the valance has occurred.

For safety sake, keeping all cords out of the reach of children and pets to prevent strangulation is necessary. Devices such as clamps or clothespins, cleats, or a tie-down are available to prevent strangulation. If none of these devices is readily available, simply tie the cord to itself at a high location on the cord.