How to Install Faux Wood Blinds

If you've made the decision to install faux wood blinds, there are a couple of things to do before getting started. First, be sure to determine the type of mounting type you will need, either inside or outside. Next, choose the type of faux wood blinds that best suit your home and style.

• Before starting, carefully unpack your blinds and mounting hardware. To familiarize yourself with the contents of your box, check the printed instructions included with your product.
• Horizontal faux wood blinds are easy to install. A screwdriver is all that is needed to install your blinds. For an easier installation, you can use a cordless screwdriver, or a drill with a 1/4-inch Hex head drill bit.

• Begin your installation by positioning your mounting brackets to the top of the window away from the glass. For easiest installation, we recommend positioning your brackets all the way to the front of your window opening.
• To make it easier to fasten your screws, create starter holes by tapping a screw with a hammer into any two bracket holes.
• Fasten two screws to secure the first bracket. Install the other bracket and any additional support brackets that may be included.

• Next, snap the included valance clips over the front lip of your head rail before mounting the blinds. Space your valance clips evenly, avoiding contact with any mechanism inside the top of the blinds.
• Slide your head rail into the brackets; they should go in easily. Completely close the covers on your brackets by pressing up on the bottom of your bracket with your thumbs, while lowering the front part of your bracket until the cover snaps into place.
• To complete your installation, snap the valance into your pre-installed clips, starting with the top edge.

• Finish by lowering and testing your new blinds.
• When installing faux wood blinds, simply pull down on the bottom rail of the blind. To raise, push the bottom rail of the blind up gently with your hand.
• To tilt your slats, your blind will come with a wand. Rotate the wand to open and close your slats to the desired angle.

Learning how to install faux wood blinds that are outside mounted isn't much different than installing blinds that are inside mounted. There are just a couple extra steps involved.

• Begin your installation by positioning the blinds on the wall surface where you want them to be mounted. Use a tape measure, a level and a pencil. Mark the left and right outside edges of your blind along the bottom and sides.

• Align the side and bottom of your left bracket along the inside of your pencil line and fasten to the wall. You may be able to use the supplied screws, but for secure installation or walls with metal studs, we recommend using drywall anchors and a power drill. Repeat on the right.
• Now, slide your head rail into the brackets. Close the covers on the brackets by pressing up on the bottom of them with your thumbs, while lowering the front part of your bracket until the cover snaps into place.
• To complete your installation, attach the side returns of your valance using the supplied L-brackets. Snap your valance into the pre-installed clips, starting with the top edge before snapping in the bottom edge.

Finish installing your faux wood blinds by testing them as noted in step 4.

Tip: Clean faux wood blinds a few times throughout the year to remove dust and grime. If they hang in a kitchen, clean them more often to reduce buildup from cooking.