DIY Blinds Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing blinds yourself can save significant money—professional installation typically costs $20-50 per blind—and it's a satisfying DIY project that most homeowners can complete successfully. With proper preparation and patience, you can achieve professional-looking results in a single afternoon.

This comprehensive guide covers installation procedures for the most common blind types. Before you begin, ensure you have accurate measurements (see our measuring guide) and have selected the correct mounting type for your windows.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Gather these tools before starting your installation:

• Power drill with appropriate bits
• Screwdriver (often included with blinds)
• Pencil for marking
• Spirit level for ensuring straight installation
• Steel tape measure
• Step ladder for high windows
• Safety glasses
• Wall plugs (if mounting into brick or plaster)
• Stud finder (optional but helpful)

Installing Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are among the easiest blinds to install, making them perfect for DIY beginners.

Inside Mount Installation

1. Unpack and check components: Most roller blinds come with mounting brackets (one with a pin, one with a hook or idle end), screws, and often a pelmet or cover if applicable. Familiarise yourself with how the blind clips into the brackets.
2. Determine bracket positions: Brackets typically mount at the top inside corners of the window recess. Position them so the blind barrel will clear any window handles or obstructions when rolled up. Allow about 5-10mm clearance from each side wall.
3. Mark mounting holes: Hold each bracket in position and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a spirit level to ensure brackets will be at the same height—even a few millimetres difference can cause the blind to hang unevenly.
4. Drill pilot holes: For timber frames, drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screws. For plaster or brick, drill appropriately-sized holes and insert wall plugs.
5. Attach brackets: Screw the brackets firmly into place. The chain or spring mechanism side typically goes on the left, but check your specific blind's instructions.
6. Install the blind: Most roller blinds clip into the brackets—insert the pin end first, then push the other end into the hook bracket until it clicks securely. Test that the blind operates smoothly.
7. Attach safety devices: If your blind has a chain, install the cord tensioner on the wall to keep the chain taut and away from children.

Outside Mount Installation

Outside mounting follows a similar process but with brackets mounted on the wall face or window frame surround. Ensure both brackets are exactly level and at equal distances from the window opening for a symmetrical appearance.

Installing Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are slightly more complex due to their weight and the headrail bracket system, but still very manageable for DIY installation.

Inside Mount Installation

1. Review the headrail and brackets: Venetian blinds mount into headrail brackets that grip the top of the blind. Identify which end is the tilt mechanism and which is the lift cord mechanism.
2. Plan bracket placement: Brackets typically mount on the top inside of the window recess. Space them evenly—most blinds require a bracket within 75-100mm of each end, with additional centre brackets for wider blinds (usually one extra bracket for every 600mm of width).
3. Check recess depth: Ensure the brackets can mount within the recess with enough depth for the headrail and slats to operate freely without hitting the glass.
4. Mark and drill: Position brackets, check they're level, mark holes, drill pilots, and secure with screws. Make sure all brackets are aligned and at the same height.
5. Install the headrail: Open the bracket clips, insert the headrail, and snap the clips closed. The headrail should sit firmly in all brackets.
6. Attach the wand: If your blind uses a tilt wand, hook it onto the tilt mechanism according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Test operation: Test both the lift and tilt functions. The blind should raise and lower smoothly without catching, and slats should tilt evenly.

Outside Mount Installation

For outside mounting, brackets attach to the wall above the window. Consider using a pelmet or valance to conceal the headrail for a finished appearance. Ensure the blind is centred above the window and level before drilling.

Installing Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds involve more components but follow logical steps once you understand the system.

Track Installation

1. Identify track components: Vertical blinds consist of a headrail track, carrier stems (which hold the fabric vanes), a control chain or wand, and the vanes themselves.
2. Mount track brackets: Vertical blind tracks use brackets that support the track from above. For inside mount, brackets attach inside the window recess. For outside mount, they attach to the wall above the window. Space brackets according to manufacturer guidelines—typically one at each end and additional brackets every 400-600mm.
3. Secure the track: Slide the track into the brackets and secure according to your system (some clip in, others use screws through the bracket into the track).
4. Attach control components: Install the control chain or wand mechanism at the appropriate end of the track.

Installing Vanes

1. Open the carriers: The carrier stems have hooks or clips that hold the vanes. Ensure they're all facing the same direction.
2. Hang the vanes: Hook each vane onto a carrier stem. Most vanes have a tab that slots into the carrier—ensure each is securely attached.
3. Attach bottom weights: Insert bottom weights into the vane pockets to keep them hanging straight.
4. Connect the spacer chain: Thread the spacer chain through the bottom weight hooks to maintain even spacing between vanes.
5. Test operation: Test the draw and tilt functions. Vanes should glide smoothly and tilt uniformly.

Common Installation Problems and Solutions

Blind Hangs Unevenly

If your blind hangs crookedly, brackets aren't level. Remove the blind, check bracket heights with a spirit level, and adjust as needed. Even 2-3mm difference can be visible.

Blind Doesn't Roll Smoothly

For roller blinds that don't operate smoothly, check that the blind is correctly seated in both brackets. Also ensure the fabric isn't rubbing against the brackets or recess. A slight adjustment to bracket positioning may be needed.

Screws Won't Hold

If screws spin in the holes without gripping, the hole is either in soft material or the wrong size. For plasterboard, use appropriate hollow wall anchors. For damaged wood, try filling the hole with wooden toothpicks and wood glue, let it dry, then re-drill. For brick, use larger wall plugs.

Venetian Slats Don't Tilt Evenly

If some slats don't tilt with the others, check the ladder strings (the cords that hold the slats). They may be tangled or not correctly threaded through all slats. Remove affected slats and rethread the ladder cords if necessary.

Safety During Installation

• Wear safety glasses when drilling, especially into masonry
• Use a stable step ladder and never overreach
• Check for electrical wires before drilling—use a cable detector if unsure
• Have someone hold wide blinds during installation
• Install cord safety devices immediately after hanging the blind

When to Call a Professional

While most installations are DIY-friendly, consider professional help for:

• Very large or heavy blinds that require two people to lift safely
• Motorised blinds requiring electrical connections
• Unusually shaped windows (arches, angles, circles)
• Skylights or very high windows requiring specialised equipment
• If you're not confident with power tools

Professional installation typically includes a workmanship guarantee, and installers often spot potential issues that DIYers might miss. For expensive blinds or complex situations, the installation cost may be worthwhile insurance.

Final Tips for Success

• Read manufacturer instructions first: While general principles apply, specific products may have unique requirements
• Install one blind first: If doing multiple windows, complete one installation before moving to the next—you'll learn the process and work more efficiently
• Take your time: Rushing leads to mistakes. A careful installation takes perhaps 30 minutes per blind, including all measurements
• Keep packaging: Retain boxes and instructions until you're certain the installation is successful—you may need to return or exchange

With attention to detail and proper preparation, DIY blind installation is well within reach of most homeowners. The satisfaction of completing the project yourself—plus the money saved—makes it a rewarding endeavour.