How to Mount Hardware for Vertical Blinds?

Vertical blinds can be installed to cover various windows and even a patio door in your home. This type of blind is typically mounted on the outside of the window or patio door opening. Vertical blinds consist of panels that can be made from wood, metal, vinyl and even fabric covering. Mount the hardware for vertical blinds by first determining the size of vertical blind to be installed.

STEP 1
Measure the width of the opening being covered by the vertical blinds. Use a tape measure and make sure there is a 3- to 4-inch overlap with the wall on each side of the opening to provide for privacy.

STEP 2
Measure the height of the opening. Use the tape measure and make sure there is at least a 3-inch extension above and below the opening.

STEP 3
Open the box for the vertical blinds to make sure all of the parts and hardware are included. Refer to the instructions for a description of all the hardware included.

STEP 4
Make a mark on the wall with a pencil where the mounting brackets for the blinds are going to be installed. Measure and mark 1 to 2 inches outward from the upper corners of the opening.

STEP 5
Place the bracket mount on the wall and use a pencil to mark on the wall the location of the screw holes.

STEP 6
Drill holes in the wall for the mounting bracket screws. Pre-drilling holes will prevent cracking and damaging the wall when tightening the screws.

STEP 7
Place the bracket over the pre-drilled holes and insert the screws that will need to be tightened with a power drill.

STEP 8
Insert the vertical blind assembly to the brackets and attach the adjustment rod to complete the installation.
SOURCE(S) :How to Mount Hardware for Vertical Blinds | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5584640_mount-hardware-vertical-blinds.html#ixzz0tuIrCiqW

Best Way to Clean Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are available in several materials including cloth, plastic, vinyl, metal or wood. Sometimes they are a hybrid mix of cloth-covered materials. Regardless of the chosen material, vertical blinds are generally durable and easy to clean.

Dust Removal

As part of regular house cleaning, plan on either vacuuming or wiping down vertical blinds to remove dust. For cloth blinds, an upholstery tool attached to a vacuum is the best choice. A simple dust cloth or feather duster will do the trick on hard materials.

Cloth Cleaning

Whether cleaning a simple cloth slat or a cloth-covered slat, the best practice is to hand-shampoo with a store-bought upholstery shampoo (be sure the label states it can be used for hand-shampooing). Mix the solution as per the manufacturer's suggestion. Next, agitate the shampoo with a sponge, creating a lots of suds. Scoop up some foam and test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area of the fabric. Allow to dry to make sure the cleaner is compatible with the material.

With a towel in hand, stabilize a slat to be cleaned by holding it from the back. With the other hand, begin cleaning the blind with gentle, downward strokes. Move the stabilizing hand in unison with the sponge; this gives support from behind to apply pressure. Caution: Do not apply so much pressure that the slat is pulled from the curtain rod. 

Cleaning Other Materials

Match a cleaning solution to the type of material. An all-purpose cleaner, such as Murphy's Oil Soap, Mr. Clean, Spic 'N Span and other well-known cleaners will work for most materials. Mirrored, metallic blinds will likely be cleaned best with a glass cleaner.

Before using any cleaner, test an inconspicuous area of the blind to be cleaned. Allow it to fully dry. If the blind did not react adversely to the cleaner, then continue by starting at the top of a slat and working down.

For best results, wet a rag with the cleaner of choice (as opposed to spraying the cleaning solution onto the blinds). With a wet rag in one hand, clean the surface of a blind from top to bottom. Dry the blind with a clean, dry rag. Repeat as necessary.

SOURCE(S) : Best Way - Best Way to Clean Vertical Blinds | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5296198_way-clean-vertical-blinds.html#ixzz0sCac7Zat

 

 

 

As part of regular house cleaning, plan on either vacuuming or wiping down vertical blinds to remove dust. For cloth blinds, an upholstery tool attached to a vacuum is the best choice. A simple dust cloth or feather duster will do the trick on hard materials.

Read more: Best Way - Best Way to Clean Vertical Blinds | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5296198_way-clean-vertical-blinds.html#ixzz0sCZwvIJ4

How to Avoid Strangulation from Vertical Blinds or Roman Shades?

Since the recent recall of the IKEA Roller Blinds that have been shown to cause strangulation due to a defect that causes the end to form a loop, consumers have once again become aware of the dangers of some vertical blinds and roman shades. Most people who purchase these products will hang them initially and not take necessary steps to secure them to ensure their safety.

Up to 1000 children die every year after being strangled in cords that hang from window blinds and shades. These deaths can be prevented by taking steps to ensure the vertical blinds are correctly installed. By following directions and basic safety procedures, you can ensure your children, grandchildren or younger visitors are not at risk of vertical blind strangulation.



STEP 1
Read all instructions that come in the vertical blind kit before hanging them in your home. Although you may have hung blinds before, each have their own particular specifications for their product.

STEP 2
Either cut window blind cords to get rid of the loops in the ends. Roman window blinds contain loops that a child can put around their neck and strangle. Cutting the loops out of vertical blinds and roman shades can save a child's life.

STEP 3
Purchase vertical blinds and shades that have a safety tassel. If the plastic cap that covers the end of the cord covers ends that will break apart when pressure is applied, this is a safety tassel. Adding a safety tassel that will break off when there is pressure will help decrease the chances of accidental strangulation by vertical blinds or roman shades.

STEP 4
Use a tie down system to make the cords taut and help decrease the chances of cord strangulation. Go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to get a free vertical blind safety kit, or look in your local hardware store for vertical blind and cord tie downs.

SOURCE(S) : http://www.ehow.com/how_5740162_avoid-vertical-blinds-roman-shades.html

How to install vertical blinds?

Vertical blinds come in a great variety and can add beauty to a home. If you would like the maintence free and stylish look of todays blinds here is an article for you. these are also referred to as window treatments.


STEP 1
First measure the window to decide if you would like the blinds inside the frame or outside on the casing. In most cases inside looks the best plus it gives you the added feature of adding curtains


STEP 2
In the package you will find a set of cilps,screws and the pieces to hold the blind in place


STEP 3
Measure out from the window approximately 1 inch and mark it. Now measure down 1/2 inch and put a mark there. These are your starting points for the brackets.


STEP 4
With a pencil, mark where the holes are so you don't put the screws in the wrong place


STEP 5
Remove the brackets and with your punch make a small indent in the wood. This is where the screws will go


STEP 6
Install the brackets with an automatic screw driver


STEP 7
Place the blind into the brackets and install the holders by sliding them into the grooves. Install the rod for the blinds to be opened and now you are done.


SOURCE(S) : http://www.ehow.com/how_2262386_install-vertical-blinds.html google.com, pub-7533433118946337, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

How to Make Fabric-Covered Vertical Blinds?(Sheer Vertical Blinds)

Sheer Vertical Blinds

Covering your vinyl vertical blinds with fabric can add instant warmth to the room, replacing the stark, white look of the blinds with a beautiful fabric. You can customize the look of your vertical blinds when you purchase the fabric of your choice, then apply that fabric to the blinds using an easy-to-use adhesive backing.


STEP 1
Measure the length and width of each vertical blind. The standard width of vertical blind slats is 3.48 inches. Multiply that times the number of vertical blinds you want to cover, then multiply the length times the number of vertical blinds you want to cover. That's the amount of fabric you need for this project.


STEP 2
Cut your fabric into panels that are 3 7/16 inches wide and as long as your vertical blind slats. You need one piece of fabric for each slat you want to cover.


STEP 3
Purchase pressure-sensitive vertical backing material, which acts similar to double-stick tape. Cut the vertical backing material to the length of your vertical blind slats.


STEP 4
Remove one side of the adhesive covering on the vertical backing material and adhere it to your vertical blind slat.


STEP 5
Pull the other adhesive covering off the vertical baking material to expose the adhesive.


STEP 6
Lay your fabric on the adhesive, applying pressure so it sticks to the vertical blind slat. To prevent air bubbles, start rubbing your fabric in the middle, working your way out.


SOURCE(S) :http://www.ehow.com/how_5564652_make-fabriccovered-vertical-blinds.html 


Sheer Vertical Blinds

How to Trim Vertical Blinds? (Sheer Vertical Blinds)

Sheer Vertical Blinds
You will learn how to trim your vertical blinds by follow up this instructions.

STEP 1

First remove all the blinds from the track by just holding the blind and push it up as high as it can go and slide it to the side and it should come off, if not you have to pry one of the plastic hook open while you sliding the blind side way and leave one of the blinds up.

STEP2

Using the one blind hanging mark exactly where you want to cut the rest of the blinds to. When you bring that blind down you have to mark that blind down as master copy. If you keep using different blind to make your cutting the length of the blind will increase.

STEP 3

Using your dry square or line up another blind on top of the master copy make sure the sides are even, line up the end of the top blind with the mark on the bottom blind and draw your line across. It is important that you cut a straight square line because it will be uneven on the bottom after you hang the blinds.

SOURCE(S) : http://www.ehow.com/how_4775623_trim-vertical-blinds.html
Sheer Vertical Blinds

How to Make Sheer Austrian Shades?(Sheer Vertical Blinds)

Sheer Vertical Blinds

Austrian shades, also known as Austrian blinds, are a variation on the Roman blind, in which the fabric is pulled up in large sections. Even when the blind is not pulled up, there is a scalloped look to the shades. Austrian shades are very ornate and are usually made from sheer materials and have frills. Because they are sheer, it is always a good idea to line the shades. The method for making Austrian shades is fairly straightforward, but it takes a lot of time.

Measuring and Cutting

Mount the Austrian blind track according to how you wish the shades to hang. If the shade will hang inside the windowsill, screw the track to the inside top of the window recess. If the blind will hang outside the windowsill, screw the track into the wall above the window recess.

Measure the flat length of the shade by measuring from the top of the track to the bottom of the window recess. Add 20 inches to this number to cover the top and bottom hems, and also to allow for some fullness. Add extra if your fabric is patterned and you need to match the pattern when sewing the shades. Make a note of this measurement.

Calculate the width of the shade by measuring the width of the track. Double this measurement to allow for fullness. Note this measurement.

Calculate the fabric needed for the frills. Double the measurement in Step 2 and add it to the measurement in Step 3. Double the result. This gives you twice the length of frill fabric compared to the length of the edge frilled. Keep in mind that for a 3-inch wide frill, you will need a 4-inch strip that should be cut from across the fabric's width.

Cut out all the fabric and lining needed according to your measurements.

Sewing

Make the main part of the shade. If it requires more than one width of fabric to cover the window, sew the panels together with a flat seam and press them open. Use a full panel in the middle with equal parts on each side. Be careful to match the pattern.

Repeat this procedure for the lining of the shade.

Sew the frill strips together with a 1/2-inch French seam to make one long strip. Remember to match the pattern. Hem each end and the bottom with a 1/4-inch hem. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the top, and gather the frill strip evenly so that it measures the width of the blind plus twice the height.

Sew the frill strip to the shade. Start an inch down from the top of the blind on both sides, with the frill lying on the main shade, right sides together. Position the frill strip evenly around the edge of the main blind and pin in place. Stitch in place 1/2-inch from the edge and remove pins and gathering thread.

Add the lining. With the blind lying right side up and the frills folded toward the center, place the lining face down on the blind. Pin and sew 1/2 inch from edges on the bottom and both sides. Remove pins. Turn the shade right side out and press.

Attach the Austrian blind tape. Measure two lengths of the tape a little longer than the shade. Pin the tape lengths on the lining side of the shade vertically next to each frill. Make sure the first loop on each tape is two inches above the frill on the bottom and that the loops of both lengths of tape are lined up with each other. Fold the bottom 1/2-inch of tape under and sew the tape lengths in place, stitching both sides in the same direction so that it does not pucker.

Sew on additional lengths of tape parallel to the first two across the shade. Pin and stitch them 12 to 20 inches apart at equal distances, depending on the width of your shade. Turn the bottom edge under and make sure all the loops line up across the shade as above.

Finish the top edge. Stitch a 1-inch hem across the top edge of the shade. Press. Tie knots in the ends of the pull strings of the heading tape on one end, leaving them free on the other end. Sew on a string tidy bag two inches from that corner of the blind.

Pin the tape to the blind at the top with the top edge even with the top edge of the blind. Sew the heading tape at the top and bottom edges in the same direction to prevent puckering. Turn the ends under 1 inch.

Hanging

Add the nylon cords. Cut a piece of nylon cord for each strip of Austrian shade tape on the shade. Make them twice the length of the shade plus one times the width. Tie one end of a cord to the bottom loop of the right-most length of tape on the back of the shade. Thread it up through all the loops on that tape. Repeat for all the lengths of tape.

Adjust the heading tape. Pull the free ends of the heading tape strings to make the blind fit the width of the blind track. Even out the gathers. Tie the strings together in a sliding loop, wind them up and place them in the tidy bag.

Insert curtain hooks into the heading tape pockets and hang the shade on the blind track.

Pass the nylon cords through the cord holders on the blind track so that they all hang down on one side. When the blind is even with the windowsill, cut the nylon cords level with the bottom of the window. Pass the cords through the acorn and tie them in a knot.

Screw a wall cleat halfway up the side of the window where the nylon cords hang. Use it to wind the cords around when the blind is pulled up.

SOURCE(S) : http://www.ehow.com/how_6027392_make-sheer-austrian-shades.html

Sheer Vertical Blinds