Window blinds offer a functional and attractive option, whether you are looking for style or privacy. With so many styles, materials and features available, it can be difficult to decide on the right solution.
To minimize light leakage the inside mount should overlap the frame and sill by 1-1/2″. Check the product specifications to determine the exact vertical flat surface area required.
Choose the Right Style
Window blinds are an elegant window treatment for any home. They are an investment, so it’s important to consider your design preferences as well as privacy and light control needs. You can find stylish options that will suit any budget and decor.
The first step is to determine the style of window blinds you want. Do you prefer modern or traditional style blinds? Do you want the sun to be blocked out completely or partially? Answering these questions will narrow down your options and make the rest much easier.
Another important consideration is how wide or narrow you want the slats to be. Generally, the wider the slats are, the more traditional or modern the blinds will look. However, the number of slats can also affect how large or small a window looks. Larger windows usually require more slats to ensure proper coverage and balance.
Once you have determined the general style of the blinds you want, it’s time to choose a color. If you are purchasing blinds to match existing paint or woodwork, it’s best to stick with neutral shades that won’t clash or offend. Neutral colors will go with any decor and won’t date as fast as bolder or brighter colors.
Decide if you want your blinds cheap tilted open or closed, and how much privacy you need. For example, if you have children in the house, you may want to purchase blinds with a blackout lining that blocks all light. This can significantly improve the quality of sleep for everyone in the household.
If you don’t have any particular style in mind or are having trouble deciding, consult with a professional window blind store to get their opinion and recommendations. They may suggest additional options you never even considered and can be a huge help in making the perfect choice for your home. After all, they have a lot of experience helping people just like you find the perfect window treatments.
Measure the Window
You should measure your windows correctly the first time. This will prevent gaps and draughts, which can increase your energy bills and reduce comfort at home. You’ll need a paper, a pencil, and a tape measure to do this. Start by measuring the width of your windows from the inside. Position the tape measure at the top left corner where the horizontal and vertical trim boards meet and extend it to the bottom right corner where the other two trims intersect. Record the measurement on your paper or phone.
Repeat the process for the middle and lower part of your window. When you’re done, add the three measurements together to find your window width. You should also measure the height of your window, including the headjamb, the sills on both sides, and the top of sloped sills on the interior side. To measure the height, you’ll need to open your window sashes. Thread the tape measure between them and close them to get a measurement for each jamb. Use the shortest measurement for your window height.
If you can’t open your window, it’s best to approximate the depth by adding the thickness of a single pane of glass. When you’re done, double check your measurements to ensure they are correct. Then, write down your window sizes and note that they are recorded in the format “width by height” to make it easy for the manufacturer to see that you need standard replacement windows.
The final step is to compare your window measurements to the space available in your rough opening to ensure they are compatible. If the numbers are within one-quarter of an inch of each other, you’ll have a good chance of finding replacement windows that will fit your old frame without too much hassle.
Remember that there is usually some tolerance for window measurements. However, too much can result in a poor fit, which will cost you money and time over the long term. Be sure to double-check your measurements and remove the window casings if needed to get accurate readings.
Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric you select will determine the style of your blinds. This is because the fabric will have a major impact on both their appearance and their functionality.
Before you visit a fabric shop or local home center, take a look at your space and decide what your new window blinds will look like. Your new drapes or curtains should match your existing furniture and decor. If you have a traditional or shabby chic style, for example, modern blinds or a light-colored, airy fabric might look out of place.
When choosing the fabric for your blinds, you should also take into account the climate of your area. If you live in an area that gets hot and humid, for instance, you’ll want to select a thicker fabric that will help to keep the heat inside and your home cool. If your area experiences a harsh winter, on the other hand, you might opt for a lighter-weight fabric that will allow sunlight to filter in while providing some privacy from nosy neighbors.
You’ll also need to consider the fabric’s pattern or solid color. Solid fabrics tend to be more durable than patterned ones, so they may last longer, and they’re also easier to clean. However, a patterned fabric will often require more yardage than a solid one because the pattern has to match up exactly for your new window treatments to look their best.
If you opt for a patterned fabric, be sure to consult with your San Francisco fabric supplier regarding how much yardage is needed to ensure that your window treatments will have enough material. You’ll also need to decide where each motif in the pattern will fall with regard to your chosen window treatment style. Some patterned fabrics, for example, have larger repeats. This can cause your window treatment design to be thrown off.
Finally, don’t forget to check with your window blinds retailer about child safety options for the type of blinds you’re interested in purchasing. Many styles have different operating systems that make it easier for children and pets.
Install Blinds
Blinds make a great addition to any window, providing light control, privacy, and thermal protection. They can also give a modern, stylish look to any room. However, it’s important to select the right style for your home and take accurate measurements before ordering them. This way, the installation process is smooth and easy.
First, determine whether you want to mount the blinds inside or outside the window frame (jamb). In most cases, it’s better to mount the blinds inside as they look more streamlined and are easier to maintain. If you already have holes in the wall from mounting brackets that someone else has used, an outside-mount may be more practical.
Use the tape measure to take three measurements at least twice of the width of your window frame. Then, record the smallest number to ensure that your new blinds will fit properly. Repeat this step to measure the height. Be sure to record the measurement in three different places so that your final height is accurate.
Once you have the measurements, it is time to buy the blinds. Home improvement stores usually have a variety of blinds, but ordering them online is almost always cheaper. Vinyl blinds will cost between $15-30, while real wooden blinds may be a bit more.
Unpack your blinds carefully and locate the mounting brackets. Screw them into the wall in the recommended location using a drill with pilot holes that are slightly smaller than the screws that came with your blinds. Mark the mounting locations of your blinds’ front valance as well.
Once the mounting brackets are secure, it’s time to test your blinds and make any adjustments needed. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for doing so as they will vary a bit from one brand to the next. Some blinds require the headrail to be mounted at a certain height above the window trim while others allow it to be mounted closer.