I wanted to install my own blinds– and I did. In this article, I will give you an overview of the process and important things to consider to avoid making critical mistakes. Homeowners may prefer to install their own window blinds for different reasons. Maybe they want to save money, learn something new, or simply enjoy finishing a project by themselves.
And with the availability of easy-to-follow blind installation video tutorials online, the prospect of a DIY project only gets more appealing.
This content contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more info.
Amazon.com
Easiest Blinds to Install
While installing your own blinds can be cost-effective and fulfilling, it’s also possible to get opposite results, especially if done incorrectly. So, how do you decide between doing it yourself or hiring a professional? We’re helping you with that by providing factors for you to consider before fully committing to a DIY window blind installation job. Plus, we’ve also listed the pros and cons of installing your own blinds.
Considerations for Window Blind Installation
Installing window blinds on your own can be tricky. Some may find it easier to do than others since it depends on varying factors. Think about these things first if you’re considering a DIY blind installation:
Number of window blinds to install
Hiring a professional for blind installation requires additional cost. If you only need to cover a few windows, say for 1 to 2 rooms, it can be more practical to just do it yourself to save money. But if more than that, leaving the job to the experts makes more sense. Doing so may take away a large portion of your budget. But compared to the time and effort you’ll save, the extra cost will ultimately be worthwhile.
Type of Blinds to Install
Different types of blinds entail unique installation methods. Horizontal blinds, including wood, faux wood, vinyl, and aluminum, are generally easier to install than vertical ones, even for a beginner. It only takes a few minutes and simple tools to finish 1 window. For motorized blinds, hiring a professional is a must.
It’s a much more complicated install that can only be done by someone with proper training. With a DIY install, you risk messing up the wiring and damaging the motorized function.
Achim Home Furnishings DSG235WH06 Deluxe Sundown G2 Cordless Blinds, 35" x 64",...
- Room Darkening Cordless Vinyl Blinds: Reduce heat and help save on the electric bill while filtering out light with the Achim Home Decor CO GII Deluxe Sundown Cordless Room Darkening Mini Blinds. Engineered for privacy, these PVC blinds with no cords to get tangled are child and pet safe. Blinds will fit windows 3/8" (0.95 cm) smaller and 1/2" (1.27 cm) wider than stated size. Actual blind is 1/2 " (1.27 cm) narrower than stated size. Actual slat size is 1".
- Room Darkening Cordless Vinyl Blinds: Reduce heat and help save on the electric bill while filtering out light with the Achim Home Decor CO GII Deluxe Sundown Cordless Room Darkening Mini Blinds. Engineered for privacy, these PVC blinds with no cords to get tangled are child and pet safe. Blinds will fit windows 3/8" (0.95 cm) smaller and 1/2" (1.27 cm) wider than stated size. Actual blind is 1/2 " (1.27 cm) narrower than stated size. Actual slat size is 1".
- Easy to Install: Includes all the hardware you will need with simple instructions to make installation easy and convenient! Features hidden mounting brackets designed for inside or outside the window frame installation.
- How to Use: Whether you want to darken your room or take in the view, simply lift or lower the bottom rail to raise or lower blinds. Use the tilt wand to filter in the ideal amount of light and privacy.
- Choose from a Wide Variety of Styles: Available in 6 colors: White, Latte, Black, Mahogany, Grey, and Alabaster. These blinds have a durable, high quality construction that resists warping, fading, and sagging.
- Bringing Great Designs Home: Achim Home Decor has been bringing fashion and value to your home since 1962. Specializing in decorative window and floor styles, we pride ourselves on offering outstanding value with the highest quality standards.
Specialty Shaped Window Blinds can be Trickier to Install
If your windows are the usual rectangle or square, a DIY installation might be worth considering. But for specialty shapes like arches and bay windows, it’s best to hire trained professional installers. They can do the job faster and more accurately, sparing you frustrations from a challenging task.
Time Constraints
Booking an appointment with an installer may take several days or weeks, depending on his availability. So if you need your blinds installed as soon as possible, doing it yourself is faster than hiring a professional.
But if it’s too large of a task to tackle, it’s still best to let the experts do the job. Waiting for a professional to do a proper installation is still better than a DIY job without the same guarantee.
Measuring for DIY Window Blinds Installation
Measuring your windows sounds easy to do. This may be true for simple rectangular shapes, which you can most likely measure by yourself. But for irregular ones, you will need to measure sizes other than length, width, and depth. And it’s critical to get them right to ensure a proper fit for your blinds. In this case, you will need the help of a professional for accurate measurements.
Technical expertise
Installation of any item requires technical know-how. If you are confident with your DIY skills and have already done a few home improvement projects, installing a window blind might not be much of a challenge.
But if you know in yourself that you are totally clueless and don’t have the needed expertise, leave the job to the professionals. Letting them do the work gives you peace of mind, knowing that the installation will be done properly.
Arlo Blinds Cordless Tuscan Bamboo Roman Shades Light Filtering Window Blinds -...
- The measurement of each shade is 35 inch wide, this not include the mounting hardware width. For an inside mount, the inside window width MUST BE 35.25 inch width or greater.
- The innovative cordless lift system ensures safety and ease of use. This Roman style Bamboo Blinds gently filters light into a room.
- The measurement of each shade is 35 inch wide, this not include the mounting hardware width. For an inside mount, the inside window width MUST BE 35.25 inch width or greater.
- The innovative cordless lift system ensures safety and ease of use. This Roman style Bamboo Blinds gently filters light into a room.
- Please note, this is not a privacy Bamboo blinds and is intended for indoor use only. Do not place your shades in moist, damp environments.Filters incoming light in a natural way. Mounting hardware for inside and outside mounting are included with the purchase. A 7-inch valance completes the look and offers sophistication and polish.
- Please ask us any questions you may have prior to making your purchase to ensure your window treatment is the right fit and style. If you are not absolutely certain, we recommend ordering one blind as a trial to minimize a potential return expense.
- Note: Actual item may vary in color from computer monitors/calibrations colors. Bamboo products are especially prone to color variances. Since our Bamboo Shades are made from real bamboo, the color can vary from a mild greenish tint to a more natural brown color. Please order sample or test one shade to get an idea of the string/ladder placement and a general feel for the product color.
Tools for Window Blinds Installation
For a simple window blind installation, you only need basic tools easily found in most homes, such as a screwdriver and drill. But some of the more complicated ones require specialty items that you need to purchase separately. If this is the case, you can hire a pro instead.
Professional installers are equipped with the necessary tools for any type of installation. This also saves you money since you don’t have to buy items you won’t likely use later.
Pros of Installing My Own Blinds
Given the installation is done correctly, you will reap the following benefits:
- Reduced cost
- Sense of Accomplishment
- Learning New Skills
Reduced Cost
You will need to pay a certain amount for a professional service like window blind installation. Sometimes, installation costs are higher than the actual blinds. So when you choose not to hire a pro, you save more money. This is especially great if you’re working with a limited budget.
Sense of accomplishment
The feeling of accomplishing something is priceless, let alone a DIY window blind installation. It’s fulfilling to see every day, and possibly for the rest of your life, the blinds that you’ve patiently installed by yourself.
Learning new skills
When you’ve completed a blind installation, it also means that you’ve also learned how to use construction tools, measure accurately, and follow step-by-step installation procedures. And you can apply these learnings to your next DIY project.
Cons of Installing My Own Blinds
If the installation is not done properly, you risk getting the following results:
Longer installation time
If it’s your first time doing a blind installation, you can always research. But it may take you longer to learn the actual task than just hiring a professional who can get the job done right away.
Hard-to-correct mistakes
Since you’re not trained to do a window blind installation, there’s always that chance of a misstep. From inaccurate measurements to incorrectly drilled screws, these can lead to bigger problems that only a professional can fix.
Voiding the warranty
When you choose to install by yourself, you risk voiding the blinds warranty if you damage them during the process. Unlike when the hired professional’s the one who made a mistake, he will repair the damage for free.
Conclusion: Should I install my Own Blinds?
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I install my own blinds,” then you probably have the confidence to figure it out. You can choose to DIY or hire a professional. As you decide between the two, be guided by the considerations, pros, and cons aforementioned. Make sure also to purchase high-quality window blinds for best results, no matter what installation method you choose.
Below are some of the easiest blinds to install on Amazon:
[…] some people might not understand that blinds cost a lot of money and take time to install. That is why many think that blinds are […]