The Installation Guide: How to Install Cordless Blinds

You’ve just set up your brand-new home office, and you want it to look perfect. But there’s one problem: the cords from your blinds are dangling down, getting in the way and making the space look cluttered. Not to worry — cordless blinds are an excellent solution that will make your home office look sleek and professional.

Cordless blinds offer many advantages over traditional window treatments. They’re safe, easy to use, and visually appealing — plus, they give you more options in terms of price, material, and colour.

In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of cordless blinds and break down the different types available. We’ll also walk you through how to install them step by step so you can get started enjoying your new window treatments right away.

How to Install Cordless Blinds

To begin installing your new blinds, you will need:

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Leveller
• Power drill OR screwdriver, hammer, and nail
• Blinds and mounting hardware that came with it
• Stepladder
• Drywall anchors (necessary if you are not drilling into a stud)

Lay out your blinds and hardware to ensure that you have all the pieces necessary to hang it up. Good to go? Let’s get into the installation process with a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Measure

Take measurements to determine precisely where you will place the screws.

For outside mount cordless shades, position the headrail on the trim or wall above the window. Use a leveller to ensure it is completely straight, then lightly mark the edges of the headrail with a pencil.

Inside mounting cordless shades should have the headrail positioned inside of the window frame. Make sure there is at least ¼ inch of clearance from the window to avoid hitting it when fully extended. Use a leveller to ensure the front of the blinds is straight, then lightly mark the edges with a pencil.

Line up the brackets with the pencil marks you made in the previous set, and mark the screw holes for the brackets using the pencil. Do this for the brackets on each end of the headrail and the center bracket if your blinds are wide enough to require one. Contrary to the name, center brackets must be placed slightly to one side to avoid interfering with the blind mechanisms — so keep that in mind.

Step 2: Drill holes

Using a 3/32” drill bit, create pilot holes for the screws. If you plan to use wall anchors, then use a ¼” drill bit instead. If you don’t have a power drill, create pilot holes manually by tapping a nail partway into the wall with a hammer and then pulling it out; just make sure to choose a nail that has a diameter similar to one of the aforementioned drill bits.

Step 3: Attach mounting brackets

After creating your pilot holes, line up the first bracket with them. Next, using your power drill or screwdriver, attach the bracket to the wall using screws. Repeat this process for the bracket on the other side and for any center brackets that may be necessary. Finally, test that all of the brackets are securely fastened to the wall and that everything lines up correctly.

Step 4: Insert the headrail

Next, it’s time to insert the headrail into the brackets. The instructions vary slightly depending on which type of roller shade you have chosen. If your blinds came with a valance, you might want to attach the valance clips before installing the headrail; this is to ensure they are in correct positions and won’t interfere with the operation of the blinds.

• Wood and faux wood blinds: Slide the headrail into the brackets. Fold down the front tabs until they click into place securely.
• Mini blinds: Lift the headrail into position so the front edge of each bracket is under the inner front edge of the headrail. Push the headrail upward until the flexible tab at the bottom of each bracket snaps onto the back of the headrail.
• Woven wooden shades: Lift the headrail and place the pin on each end of the blinds into the holes in the brackets. Attach a washer and a wingnut to each post and tighten them until secure.
• Zebra shades: Slide the inner rear of the headrail onto the metal tabs at the back of each bracket. Push up so that the brackets snap onto the headrail. Pull the plastic tab on the front of each bracket outward toward the front of the shade to lock the brackets into place. For inside shade mounts, use pliers to accomplish this if you cannot reach the tabs.
• Roman and roller shades: Put the spring-loaded pin into the round hole of the bracket and push the spring-loaded tip into the bracket. On the opposite side, insert the hook arms into the bracket’s two hook arm receiver holes. Once the two hook arms are inserted, gently pull down on the headrail until the two hook arms have locked securely to the bracket.
• Cellular shades: Insert the front ridge of the bracket into the groove on the front of the headrail. You will have to hold the headrail at an angle initially. Tilt the shade back toward the window glass until it locks into place.
• Pleated fabric shades: Lift the head rail into position so that the inner front edge of the headrail slides into the slot at the front of each bracket. Push the headrail upward until the flexible tab at the bottom of each bracket snaps onto the back of the headrail.

See Nursery Window Treatments That Protect Your Baby from Dangerous Cords

Always check that the brackets are securely fastened before attempting to test the blind. To operate cordless blinds, gently grasp the bottom rail and raise and lower it to your desired height. When you have adjusted your blinds to your preferences, simply release the bottom rail and they will stay in place.

What are the Advantages of Cordless Blinds?

There are plenty of benefits to cordless blinds. Think about safety; without cords, there’s no strangulation or choking hazard for children and pets. By eliminating cords, you make your home safer for everyone.

Cordless blinds also look neater and are easier to operate. Rather than yanking on cords, you can raise and lower the blinds using the bar at the bottom. With all these advantages, it’s no wonder that more homeowners are choosing cordless blinds over corded models.

Every window treatment has its drawbacks, of course — and cordless and corded blinds are no different. If you’re considering cordless blinds for your home, remember that they might not be the best choice if you have very tall windows. That’s because it can be tough to reach the bottom of the blinds when they’re fully retracted.

Cordless blinds can also pose a challenge if you have windows in your home where heavy furniture or another obstacle makes it tough to reach the bottom of the blinds when they’re fully extended. Corded blinds, on the other hand, might last a bit longer than cordless varieties — although ultimately, how long your blinds last will depend on many factors (including how well you take care of them).

Order Cordless Mini Blinds That Are Affordable and Easy to Install

When to Choose Cordless Blinds

There are many situations where you might want to consider installing cordless blinds. Some of these include:

• If you have children or pets running around frequently.
• If you need nursery window treatments for a playroom or child’s bedroom.
• When you are tired of dealing with blind cords and want to get rid of them.
• If you want window shades that are more convenient to operate than corded blinds.

On the flip side, there are some situations where cordless shades might not be the best option. These include:

• You cannot reach the bottom of the blinds when they are fully retracted due to the windows being too tall.
• You cannot reach the bottom of the blinds when they are fully extended due to furniture or another obstruction.

In these latter cases, corded blinds may be more appropriate.

Types of Cordless Blinds

When shopping around for cordless blinds, you aren’t stuck with one design or style. In fact, there are many different types of cordless shades to choose from. Here is an overview of the most popular cordless blinds available on the market:

Wood and Faux Wood Cordless Blinds

Blinds made of genuine wood are one of the most popular types of blinds that people use in their homes, and it’s easy to see why — they’re timeless! They suit any kind of decor and can give your home an air of sophistication.

If you’re looking for the look of wood but don’t want to spend as much money, faux wood blinds are a great alternative. They’re made from a mix of wood fibres and PVC, so they’re more durable than genuine wood blinds and can withstand moisture better — perfect for areas like the bathroom or basement.

Cordless Woven Wooden Shades

Woven wooden shades are made from a mat of bamboo or other flexible fibres. The fibres are woven into a mat that can be rolled and unrolled to cover your windows. Although they do let some light through, you can pair them with a blackout liner for extra control and privacy.

Cordless Roller Shades

Roller shades are made of vinyl or fabric and unroll into a single, smooth panel. Their sleek, no-fuss modern design goes well in contemporary and minimalist homes. Roller shades also make an excellent second layer underneath curtains or another type of window blind due to their low profile and minimalist appearance.

Cordless Roman Shades

Unlike their sleeker cousin, roller shades, Roman shades involve pleats and swags of fabric. This makes for a more dramatic window treatment that creates a fantastic focal point in living rooms and dining rooms. Roman shades combine the fabric swags of a curtain with the easy functionality of a window shade.

Cordless Zebra Blinds

Zebra blinds feature two layers of fabric made of alternating stripes of opaque and translucent fabric. Line up the translucent stripes to let in more light or offset them to block it out. Of course, zebra blinds can also be raised and lowered altogether like the other shades on this list. If you want the ultimate light control, then you should definitely check out zebra blinds.

Cordless Mini Blinds

Mini blinds feature slats that are one inch in width or smaller, as opposed to the standard two-inch width; hence, the name mini blinds. Cordless mini blinds are made of durable materials such as PVC and aluminum and are very durable as a result. They are also very affordable, making them a great choice for rooms that get a lot of hard use, such as a garage or workroom.

Cordless Pleated and Cellular Shades

Pleated shades are made of a single layer of fabric pressed into a zigzag pattern. The fabric may be somewhat translucent, giving you privacy while still allowing some light in. Cellular shades are also made from fabric, but they involve two layers crafted into a honeycomb pattern. Because of this, cellular shades offer insulting properties in addition to light control.

Get your cordless shades at Factory Direct Blinds, and we’ll ship them straight to your home for the ultimate convenience. Installing your own blinds is relatively simple, and you can save yourself a lot of money by doing it yourself — money that you can then spend on getting the best window treatments for your home.

If you’re not certain which cordless blinds will look best in your home, take advantage of our free sample program and get samples sent straight to you so you can see what the materials look like in your home. We also have an entire research center full of helpful articles that explain everything you need to know about window shades, including how to clean blinds.

FAQs About Installing Cordless Blinds

Are cordless blinds easy to install?

Cordless blinds are one of the easiest window treatments to install. In most cases, you can do it yourself in just a few minutes with these simple steps:

• Collect your materials
• Measure your window
• Drill holes for the brackets
• Install the brackets
• Hang your blinds
• Adjust the slats

Most blinds will come with instructions specific to that product. Be sure to follow those for the best results.

How do cordless blinds stay in place?

Most cordless blinds are held in place with brackets that are mounted on the wall or window frame. The brackets have a slot for the headrail of the blinds to slide into, and they are usually secured with screws. Other types of cordless blinds will have special spring-loaded brackets that grip the headrail, or they may be attached with magnets.

What tools do you need to install cordless blinds?

Before you begin installing your blinds, ensure you have the following pieces of equipment on hand:

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Leveler
• Power drill OR screwdriver, hammer, and nail
• Blinds and mounting hardware that came with it
• Stepladder
• Drywall anchors (necessary if you are not drilling into a stud)

Collect all of these items before you start so you can work quickly and efficiently.

How long do cordless blinds take to install?

The actual time it takes to install cordless blinds will depend on the size and type of blinds you have, as well as your own level of experience. However, in most cases, you can expect the entire process to take no more than 30 minutes.