Are you interested in new window treatments? Do you want something that offers style and aesthetics but without costing a fortune? A perfect solution would be to research the vast options for blinds and shades but to be even more cost efficient, you might consider doing your own installation. Years ago, the process of putting up new blinds and/or shades was more complex than today. For most people, the only way to get the look and function wanted was to hire someone, which meant working around schedules and spending more money than wanted but now, manufacturing companies have created so many new products that installation makes the ideal do-it-yourself project.
To show you the ease in which you could install new blinds and shades, we wanted to offer a few tips. With this information, you will be impressed that having an entirely new look and window treatments that provide the right level of functionality is not difficult at all. Keep in mind that specific instructions would vary based on the type of blinds and/or shades being considered so we chose a few examples using popular choices.
Cellular Shades
This type of product is also referred to as “honeycomb” due to the design that resembles a honeycomb. Not only is the design attractive but it serves a very unique purpose. Because of the way these shades are made, they are actually very energy efficient. As a result, the room would retain a more stable temperature since heat and cold from the outside would be blocked.
As far as installation of cellular shades, you would have the choice of placing them at the exterior of the window casing or within the window mount. Therefore, first decide the best location. From there, make sure when ordering or shopping for new blinds and shades that you always take accurate measurements based on the chosen installation location. With cellular shades, even being off one-quarter of an inch would make a difference. Then for the brackets used, you want to mark the spot with a pencil but prior to installing your new cellular shades, use a level to make sure the position is even.
Wood and Faux Wood Blinds
Because wood and faux wood blinds are so popular, we chose to use them as our example for installing blinds and shades. Wood blinds add character and warmth to a room, and because of versatility, they are a great choice for both formal and informal settings.
The primary advantage of choosing faux wood blinds over wood blinds is that real wood, even high quality will show wear and tear over time. Now, if the product is high quality and the blinds properly sealed and maintained, they should provide years of beauty and functionality but they are more prone to warping, cracking, and sometimes wood rot than faux wood blinds would be.
The installation process for wood blinds requires a little more patience and attention to detail but as with cellular shades, this is an excellent do-it-yourself job. As before, make sure to take accurate measurements for the placement of the blinds, whether inside or outside the window frame, in that a small mistake would have huge consequences.
With that information, you would purchase the type, style, and size of blinds needed. The best way to save money when buying wood or faux wood blinds is to look online but in this case, make sure you know the cost of shipping in that some companies will sell the blinds at a great discount but then recoup money via shipping charges. Once you have received the new blinds, install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Now, there are times when blinds come longer than expected, even after using the measurements taken. If you find that your new wood or faux wood blinds need to be shortened, the process is actually quite simple. Most manufacturing companies provide instructions for this too but it comes down to undoing the string that holds the slats together, removing the number of slats needed, and then tying off the string followed by cutting off any excess.
One tip specific to the purchase of wood blinds in particular is that because they are made from genuine wood, rooms with humidity such as the bathroom and kitchen are not good locations. In this case, you would be much better off purchasing faux wood. Finally, for both blinds and shades, if you need several in the same room be sure to order them at the same time and from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, you could easily end up with a product that has different color variation. Even if the difference were slight, it would be noticed, making the windows distracting.
