How to fit roman blinds
How to fit your Roman blinds will depend on whether you are hanging them on an interior or exterior mount. However in general the process of learning how to put up blinds is very similar and simple, regardless of mount. Once you have measured and made markings for fixings, you can install the brackets using the screws provided. Once this is completed, the blind may easily be fitted into the brackets and ‘snapped’ into place.
The following tips on how to hang Roman blinds are particularly useful to homeowners who purchased these window treatments on online sites. They may have missed out on the free installation service, meaning they’ll need to learn how to put blinds up themselves. Luckily, anyone who wants to learn how to put up blinds, particularly Roman blinds can keep these steps and tips in mind for perfect installation, every time!
Decide Where To Hang Them
Before learning how to fit Roman blinds, the first step is deciding on the placement of the made to measure Roman blinds - either inside or outside the window recess. An inside placement appears elegant, but be sure to check that sufficient space is available for the top fittings. An outside placement will make windows appear larger. As a bonus, these blinds are best suited for windows with limited recess and where curtains will not be placed, meaning you’ll be able to add a window treatment.
The steps for each type of placement when learning to put up blinds will vary for obvious reasons. Be sure to read the instructions for hanging the Roman blinds, if possible, since these window treatments may have special steps. Keep the tools for the activity within easy reach, too.
Before learning how to hang roman blinds, keep these important things in mind about their placement..
- Check with the manufacturer about special headings for the blinds. Most come with Velcro-type headings that will cover 1-2 inches of the blinds at their top; measure the fastening from the top of the blinds that will be covered to a few millimetres above the windowsill.
- Allow a few millimetres of allowance on either or both sides of the blinds for ventilation purposes. Otherwise, the windows may have unwanted condensation.
- Place the blinds outside of the recess in case you want to prevent light from entering into the room (i.e., in a dark room or a night nursery). Check that the window frame can actually bear the weight of the Roman shades.
- Place the blinds inside the recess in case of a deep window frame or windowsill.
Hanging Blinds With An Interior Mount
Hanging the Roman blinds via an interior mount means attaching the shades to the "ceiling" portion of the window frame. In contrast, an exterior mount means attaching the shades to the "walls" of the window frame, which can be either on the left or side of the window.
- Check the frame - Check that the interior of the window frame is level; use a level to determine it. Attach a small shim on the ceiling in case the frame is uneven.
- Check the blinds against the frame - Take the blinds out of their packaging but keep them bunched up. Hold them up to where you want to hang them on the inside of the window frame.
- Mark the blinds - Mark the Roman blinds' location on the window frame and the brackets on the shades; use a carpenter's pencil. The spacing between brackets should be about 3 inches from each side of the shade. Set aside the blinds.
- Install the brackets - Install the brackets by using the screws made for the purpose. You may have to line up the brackets with the window frame's edge while matching the screws with the brackets' holes before screwing them in place.
- Install the Roman blinds - Click the brackets in place, slide the blinds' top forward to snap the brackets, and secure them to the frame. Test the fit by adjusting the shades (i.e., pulling on the cord or drawstring). A child safety lock away wand can be used to reduce the risk of accidents when blinds are being in children's or vulnerable people's rooms/homes.
Of course, it is important to check that the installed Roman shades will actually look good and operate well.
Hanging With An Exterior Mount
In case of an exterior mount, keep these tips in mind although the basic steps involved in an interior mount remain the same. First, check that the blinds are sufficiently large to cover the entire window with 4-8 inches of allowance on all four sides. Second, check that the fitting is just right with the wall above the window and window sills (e.g., radiator).
Hopefully, you’ve seen that learning how to put blinds up is much easier than you think. For more information on how to hang or style various styles of blinds, you can view our guides here.