How to Install Mini Blinds Easily

So you want to install mini blinds? Whether you’re replacing curtains, updating your look or replacing broken mini blinds, installing mini blinds does not have to be a chore. I have installed mini blinds in the windows of nearly every place I have lived. Though there are a few steps involved, you can install mini blinds easily.

Measuring to Install Mini Blinds

First you need to decide if you want to install your mini blinds inside the window frame or on the outside. In both cases, you will still be able to add a curtain valance to the top for decoration if you choose.

Choosing to install mini blinds inside of the window frame will give them a distinctive “set-in” look. If you choose to install mini blinds on the outside of the window, it will reduce the amount of light that gets in.

Lowe’s¹ recommends that you install mini blinds on the outside of the window frame if your window casing does not give you at least one inch of flat surface to install mini blinds.

Once you’ve decided on the placement of the mini blinds, you need to measure for proper sizing. Lowe’s¹ has good instructions with pictures on measuring for mini blinds.

Gather Supplies to Install Mini Blinds Easily

It’s so much easier to do any task if the things you need are handy. I use the following:

-pencil

-power screwdriver

-stepladder

-a second person if you need help

Prepare to Install Your Mini Blinds

The stepladder is used to work at a comfortable level when you install mini blinds. If you do not have a step ladder and must use a chair, be sure the chair is stable and have a second person hold the chair steady for you.

If you are installing mini blinds outside the window frame, you will need to mark where you will lace the brackets. Hold the mini blinds up to the wall above the window. If you install mini blinds right above the window frame, you can use this as a guide to make the mini blinds level. Be sure there is the same amount of overlap of the mini blinds on both sides of the window frame.

Using your pencil, draw a line at each side of where the mini blinds end. Be sure to hold the mini blinds against the wall firmly so they don’t move. This will show you where you need to screw in the brackets to install mini blinds easily.

Installing the Brackets for the Mini Blinds

To Install Mini Blinds Outside the Window Frame. One at a time, line up a bracket with your pencil mark. Be sure your pencil line will be inside of the bracket where the mini blinds will be. If you line up the outside edge of the bracket with your pencil mark to install mini blinds, your mini blinds may not fit.

Be sure the bracket’s open sides are facing you and toward the window. To install mini blinds easily, you will use the back holes inside the bracket to screw the bracket into the wall. Holding the bracket steady (you may have another person help you), use the power screwdriver to secure the bracket to the wall.

Follow the same procedure for the second bracket.

To Install Mini Blinds Inside the Window Frame. You will be installing the brackets in the upper corners inside the window frame. The holes you will be using to install mini blinds easily will either be on top or the sides depending on the type of bracket. If you have holes on both the top and sides, choose which holes you want to use.

Be sure the bracket’s open sides are facing you and toward the window. To install mini blinds easily, use the upper or side holes, whichever is available (or to your choosing if both are available). It should be easier to hold the bracket secure as you will have two solid edges to hold it up against when you install mini blinds inside of the window frame. You can also have another person help you if needed. Use the power screwdriver to secure the bracket to the wall.

Help! I Don’t Have a Power Screwdriver to Install Mini Blinds Easily

That’s okay. You can still install you mini blinds, but you may not think it’s a way to install mini blinds easily.

Hold your bracket up where you want to install mini blinds. Use the pencil to fill in the holes you will use to secure the bracket to the wall.

Find a nail that is nearly the size of but slightly thinner than the bracket screw. Use a hammer to slightly tap the nail into the pencil mark. Hold the bracket back up in place. The nail holes should line up. You can then use a regular screwdriver to secure the brackets to install min blinds. The holes make a “start” for the screw, making it easier to use a regular screwdriver to install mini blinds.

Finish Installing Mini Blinds

Place your mini blinds into the brackets. Slide the bracket holder into the bracket. This helps keep the mini blinds from popping out.

Optional Steps for Installing Mini Blinds Easily

Lowe’s¹ suggests removing slats from the bottom of the mini blinds if they are too long. Lowe’s also gives information for installing child safety mini-blind tassels¹.

With a little preparation and time, you can install mini blinds easily.

Sources Used:

Personal Experience

1) Lowe’s; How-To Library: Installing Mini-Blinds; www.lowes.com