How to Build Window Blinds
A good night's sleep and privacy depend upon good window treatment. The treatment needs to be visually pleasing but its performance aspects - from insulation to light modification - are also critical.
Getting Started
Any window treatment that you are about to undertake relies on one thing - a proper measurement. Without a correct measurement the process will turn into an exercise in futility. Make sure to measure everything several times.
Measurements
Always use a metal tape measure when measuring for your window treatments - a cloth measuring tape can stretch. As you measure, remember that a one-eighth inch tolerance is needed. This means that if you're measuring and the measurement looks like it could go this way or that go down an eighth. Don't fudge the measurement in your own mind. You may have a slight bit more light passing by then you would like, but at least you won't end up with a treatment that will ultimately end up in the trash.
Inside and Outside Measurements
The most popular and energy efficient window treatment is an inside window blind. Their design options are unlimited and they work well at keeping an air barrier in place if the window lets some air pass. Remember to measure the window and not the molding for these treatments. In either type of window treatment, however, measure the left, middle and right sides of the window for the vertical and top, middle and bottom for the horizontal. Take the smallest measurement to the nearest eighth. If you are doing several windows make sure you measure each window. Even if they look really close to the same there is the possibility that they may vary by that eighth inch.
Flush or Shallow Mount
The flush or shallow mount decision is one of the more important decisions - not so much because of getting it wrong, which is very easy, but because you will see it. A shallow mount means that the shade system can only fit partially within the confines of the window space provided. A flush mount means that the whole system will fit into the space. If you try to measure a flush into a shallow the treatment will likely stick out or not work correctly. Not locating a shallow correctly will also find the treatment sticking out further then intended. It really depends on the blind, but for a minimum depth measurement shallow mount use between .5"-1" and for a flush mount use a minimum depth measurement of 1"-2".
Installation
In most instances a window treatment is best done with two people. It can be done by one but it is easier with two. Gather a small cordless drill with small drill bits. These usually come in packs of 10 bits. Pre-drilling the molding is a good idea so the molding does not crack. Make sure to measure several times. You only get one shot for the best result.
