Watch our step-by-step video guide. We have a written guide below it if you'd prefer a written version.
How to measure your window for blinds
Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of your window, and use the shortest measurement.
Next, measure the height on the left, middle and right-hand sides of the window, and use the longest measurement.
Your window may be a standard size, meaning you can buy ready made blinds. If it isn’t, you’ll need to order some made to measure.
What you need
- A cordless drill with appropriate drill bit
- During drilling, you’ll also need to wear safety goggles
- Pipe and cable detector
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Wall plugs for your surface
You’ll also need the blinds, which should come with their own brackets, and cleat hook to secure the cord.
How to install Venetian blinds
1. Depending on the size of the window and blind, you should have two, three or four brackets which need to be screwed to the underside of the window recess.
Be aware of any potential obstacles in the window such as window handles when placing them in position.
2. When judging the distance of the bracket from the window, allow an extra centimetre of clearance. For example, if a handle sticks out about 4cm, you want the bracket 5cm in from the back of the recess.
3. Place the first bracket about 20cm from the left-hand side of the recess, and the distance inwards that you’ve calculated. Mark this spot with a pencil.
Do the same with the right-hand side. Then the other brackets can be placed roughly equal distance from one another. Also make sure the brackets don’t obstruct the blind once it’s fitted.
4. Time to drill pilot holes. Choose a drill bit smaller than the screws you’re using. Check the spot you intend to drill with the pipe and cable detector.
Once clear, pop on your goggles and drill vertically into your pencil marks. Put your wall plugs in, making sure they’re flush to the recess wall.
5. Screw in each of the brackets supplied until they’re tight and open their swing arms.
With the blinds’ controls (such as cords or wands) facing outwards, lift the top rail to line up with all the brackets, and push their swing arms clockwise to lock the rail into place.
6. If the blinds are cord-operated, they may come with a cleat hook which stop the cords from moving, and also keep them out of reach of small hands (or paws).
Place the cleat hook against the recess wall in line with the cord, at least 1.5 metres high, making sure there’s enough loose cord to wrap around it.
7. Mark the holes with a pencil, and drill horizontally into the wall here. Insert the wall plugs so they’re flush, and screw the cleat in. When the blinds are raised, you can wrap the cords around this cleat in a figure of eight.
Please note that your kit may vary. It might come with additional trim, for example. Always check with the instructions to make sure you’re installing your blinds correctly.
Now that you know how to fit Venetian blinds, consider reading our other DIY home improvement tips.
Want peace of mind when DIYing?
If you’re embarking on a DIY project, check out our home maintenance planner. Here you can compare the costs of hiring a pro against doing it yourself.
