How to Install Window Blinds in Your Toronto-Area Condo

Many condominiums have floor-to-ceiling windows that provide striking views and allow optimum light.

But managing privacy and light can be difficult in these condos. For this purpose, window blinds are the most affordable and stylish choice. They may be raised for an unobstructed view, kept partially folded to filter out light, or kept closed.

In this post, we discuss the key steps to installing window blinds in your condo in Toronto.

Let’s get started.

Steps to Follow to Install Condo Window Blinds in Toronto

Below are a few steps to follow to mount the blinds in your Toronto-area condominium.

 

1. Choose Your Desired Blinds 

When choosing new blinds, decide which material, mounting style, or thickness works best to complement the room’s existing features. These include wall panelling, furniture, lighting style, and window frame.

Many condominium owners choose horizontal blinds with individual slats that overlap when the blinds are closed completely. By twisting the wand that controls the series of connected cords, you may adjust these slats to control the entry of light into the room.

Another popular option is vertical blinds. As the term suggests, these blinds have vertical slats made from metal or wood. They run with the help of a cord or tilting mechanism and are fixed to the track attached to the window frame.

Once you have determined the type of window blinds you want, the next thing to decide is whether to install them inside the window’s frame or on the wall. Measure the depth of the window frame if you want your inside-mount blinds to fit the window correctly.

 

2. Measure the Window’s Frame to Decide the Precise Blinds Size

Measure both the length and width of the window’s frame where you wish to mount the blinds. Then figure out the depth of the inside window frame with a measuring tape.

If you choose custom blinds then the manufacturer will cut the blinds to perfectly fit the measurement of your window.

• How to Measure Inside-Mount Window Blinds  

Measure the window frame’s inside width at three essential spots: the bottom, top, and centre. This is done because the window frame may not be in harmony, though it may not be visible to the naked eye. Record its shortest measurement as it helps avoid a window blind that is very wide to fit into the tightest space of the window’s frame.

Similarly, measure the height of the inside frame of the window, starting from the top to its bottom on its left; then on its right; and again in the middle. Record only the longest measurement to ensure that the bottom rail of the new window blind will be long enough to reach the windowsill.

If you are selecting a horizontal blind and there is a variation in its length, consider selecting a thinner blind to make the difference less obvious than thicker ones.

Round the measurements of height and width to the nearest one-eighth-inch increment. Rounding the width measurements allow only a tiny space on both sides of the mounted blind. This allows you to pull up without rubbing this window frame and provides optimum light and privacy control.

• How to Measure Outside-Mount Horizontal Window Blinds

Measure the width of the blind at the top from the outside edge, and add three inches. Then measure the length of the blinds from the window’s centre and add another three inches to ensure adequate light control and privacy.

• How to Measure Outside-Mount Vertical Blinds 

Determine the length by measuring from the window top or the floor’s doorframe. If you are mounting the track at a standard four inches above the doorframe’s top, add 3.5 inches to the measurement. This allows adequate room while keeping the vanes’ bottom at least half an inch above the floor so that it will not drag whenever you slide the blinds. Most vertical blinds need four inches above their doorframe to fit in the track.

Measure the door’s width from the outside edge, then add four inches. This additional width will help prevent unwanted light from the blinds’ sides.

 

3. Attach the Window Brackets

Window blinds may either be mounted inside the window frame or on the wall on either side of the window. Horizontal window blinds that are longer than a standard-size window often come with an extra centre support bracket to prevent the center of the window blinds from drooping. Then measure and mark using a pencil where its support bracket will be placed.

In case you have heavy outside-mount window blinds, use a stud finder to ensure that the brackets are attached to the framing stud behind the drywall.

 

4. Mount the Upper Rail or Vanes 

After the brackets are properly placed, make sure to fit the upper rail of the window blinds inside the brackets. This will be done in the case of horizontal blinds. For vertical blinds, hang the vanes on their upper track. Generally, window blinds clip into place using slight pressure.

 

5. Snap the Valance Properly

Both vertical and horizontal blinds come with a finished front piece known as a valance. This snaps in the right place over the top rail of the blinds to cover up the brackets and provide a finished look to the blinds. Generally, this valance complements the appearance of the blinds; no specific tool is needed.

By following these vital steps closely, you can mount window blinds easily in your condo in Toronto. If you are thinking of a brand-new look for your condo windows, now is the right time. For details, get in touch with Lerner Interiors. As Toronto’s leading window coverings retailer, we offer a variety of blinds, shades, shutters, drapes and curtains at competitive rates.