Hanging Roman Blinds--DIY Instructions

[Lori Baker]

        Good news, do-it-
yourselfers!  Hanging Roman blinds is an easy task that can be
done with simple instructions.
    To begin, equip yourself with tools, including your
trusty tape measure, a pair of safety eyeglasses, a pencil,
screwdrivers (Philips and/or flathead), a level, a pair of scissors,
and drill with 1/16" and 7/64" drill bits.   Check that the
blind kit includes the following: brackets for installation, screws
for mounting, and additional brackets for installation which you may
need as support.
    Remember that different mounting techniques apply
for different mounting surfaces.  The screws found inside the kit
for hanging the blinds should be used only if your surface is
wood.  If you're working on wallboard or plastic, drill holes
which are meant for anchors used on hollow walls.   If you
have metal surfaces, drill holes then make use of metal screws that
are short.  If you're working on surfaces similar to concrete,
brick, or stone, drill holes with a carbide drill and use the correct
plugs or anchors with the screws.
    The three common types of installation of Roman
blinds are: 1) inside-mount, 2) outside-mount, and 3) ceiling-
mount.  Inside-mounted blinds are intended to be installed inside
the window casing.  To start hanging, keep the head rail level
with the topmost part of the casing.
    Next step is to let the blind down so that you'll
know if you have the exact height.  After checking, hold the rail
level with the casing then drill holes into the casing using the 1/16"
drill bits.  It must be through the holes (not slots) in the head
rail.  If you need to level the rail, do so with a shim.  To
attach the blind to the wood casing, use wood screws size 2". 
    The ceiling-mounted type of installation lets the
blind overlap the opening of the window. With this type, the brackets
for installation are adhered to the ceiling.  To do this, the
head rail must be held against the ceiling.  Next, let the blind
down to see if you have the right length.  This is also to make
sure that the blind clears any obstacles. As you hold the head rail,
mark the spots of the head rail slots. Next step is to hold the
bracket for installation next to the ceiling.  Mark it then for 2
screw holes which are to be placed diagonally. Align the brackets with
the midpoints of each slot in the head rail. After aligning, drill
holes and make sure you use the correct wall anchors to hang the
brackets. Upon drilling holes, the head rail must be pushed on the
brackets so that the posts on the brackets would fit right through the
head rail slots. To secure the head rail to the brackets, use nuts.
    For outside-mounting of Roman blinds, take note
that the roman blind is intended to go past the opening of the
window.  With this type of hanging, the brackets for installation
must be mounted to the frame of the window or mounted to the wall.
After leveling the head rail, let the blind down to be sure that the
blind length is right and that it clears obstructions. Hold the head
rail in position either on the frame of the window or wall.  Use
a pencil to mark the spots of the slots. When you're done with marking
the spots, hold the brackets in place so you can mark the place for
the screws in the bracket. The brackets must be in line with the
midpoints of the slots in the head rail. Next step is to drill holes
and put wall anchors in the holes you just drilled. Put the head rail
onto the brackets such that the posts with the thread fit right
through the slots in the head rail. Lastly, attach the head rail onto
the brackets using wing nuts.
Congratulations!  You have successfully completed hanging roman
blinds.