How to Install Better Homes & Gardens Faux Wood Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Attention all DIY enthusiasts! Looking to spruce up your home with some stylish and practical window treatments? Our guide to installing Better Homes & Gardens faux wood blinds is your ticket to a hassle-free and rewarding project. These blinds aren't just eye-catching, they also offer the perfect balance of light control and privacy. No matter your skill level, our step-by-step instructions will have you transforming your windows like a pro. So, gather your tools and get ready to give your home a stunning makeover with these easy-to-install faux wood blinds!

How to Install Better Homes & Gardens Faux Wood Blinds with Ease

Take These Things with You:

• Pencil or a super detailed sketch pad
• Tape measure (the bigger, the better)
• Drill (electric or go old school with a hand drill)
• Screwdriver (to power the drill if it’s electric or turn the hand drill manually)
• Pliers (for those tiny twists)
• Fasteners (to keep everything in place)

Getting Your Blinds Inside the Window Frame:

1. Measure Mentally: Get the width and height of the window frame memorized like a pro.
2. Mark, Mark, Mark: On the top of the window frame, draw where the brackets will go. They should be at the same level and evenly spaced out.
3. Drill, Baby, Drill: Create tiny holes for your fasteners where you marked the brackets.
4. Secure, Secure, Secure: Place the fasteners in the holes and give them a good twist.
5. Slide the Blinds In: Open the front of the brackets and let the blinds slide right in.
6. Valance, Valance, Valance: Pop on those fancy clips to hide the not-so-fancy hardware.

Going Outside the Window Frame:

1. Measure Again: This time, include the molding or trim around the window.
2. Mark the Spot: Draw where your brackets will go on the wall, making sure it’s surrounding the window frame.
3. Anchor Away: Drill some little holes and insert those magical drywall anchors.
4. Brackets In Place: Screw those brackets into the anchors to make them feel at home.
5. Hang the Beauties: Time to let the blinds shine! Hook them onto the brackets.

Tips from the Pro:

• Inside mount blinds stay cozy within the window frame, while outside mount blinds have some extra room to stretch.
• If little ones or fur babies are roaming around, cordless blinds are a safer option.
• Make sure your blinds can dance freely by opening and closing them and checking they fit the window perfectly.

Troubleshooting Woes:

• If your blinds are feeling a bit wobbly, just tighten those fasteners.
• If they’re too snug, give the fasteners a little twist in the opposite direction.
• If the blinds are playing peek-a-boo, adjust those brackets until they’re level.

Check out our better homes & gardens faux wood blinds collection for an elegant window treatment that adds warmth and style to your home. Looking for more details? Read our comprehensive better homes and gardens faux wood blinds reviews to make an informed decision.

What is an outside mount installation?

If you’re facing a dilemma between installing your blinds inside or outside the window frame, you’re not the only one pondering this question. Both approaches have their own perks and drawbacks, so it’s crucial to carefully consider your options before making a call.

An outside mount installation involves placing the blinds on the exterior of the window frame, either on the wall above the window or directly on the window trim. This strategy is commonly employed when the depth within the window frame is insufficient to mount the blinds internally or when you aim for maximum coverage to dim the room.

Pros of Outside Mount Installations:

• Enhanced Coverage: Outside-mounted blinds offer superior coverage, effectively blocking out intrusive light and heat.
• Visual Expansion: They create the illusion of taller windows, making rooms feel more airy and spacious.
• Easier Maintenance: Cleaning outside-mounted blinds is a breeze compared to their inside-mounted counterparts. No need for removal, ensuring effortless cleaning.

Cons of Outside Mount Installations:

• Installation Complexity: Installing outside-mounted blinds requires a bit more technicality than inside-mounted blinds.
• Higher Cost: Additional brackets are necessary for mounting outside-mounted blinds, incurring slightly higher expenses.
• Visibility: Outside-mounted blinds are more noticeable than inside-mounted blinds due to their lack of recess into the window frame.

Comparison Table:

Ultimately, the decision between inside mount and outside mount installations hinges on your specific requirements. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering factors like coverage needs, room aesthetics, maintenance concerns, and installation feasibility. By taking all these into account, you’ll be able to make an informed choice that suits your space perfectly.

What Type of Anchors Should I Use for an Outside Mount Installation?

Choosing the right anchors is crucial for a stable and secure outside mount installation for your faux wood blinds. But with a myriad of options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. The type of anchors you need relies on your window frame material and whether or not there’s wood behind the drywall. Let’s break it down:

Drywall Anchors: Your Go-to for Drywall

If your window frame is made of drywall, you’ll need to use drywall anchors. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the plastic toggle bolt is a popular choice. It expands behind the drywall when you tighten the screw, creating a firm hold.

Wood Screws: The Best for Wood Behind Drywall

If there’s wood behind the drywall, wood screws are your perfect match. They’re strong, durable, and won’t damage the drywall.

Installation Steps: Easy as Pie!

Once you’ve got the right anchors, it’s time to transform your windows:

Materials:

• Pencil or notepad
• Tape measure
• Drill (electric or manual)
• Screwdriver
• Pliers

Steps:

1. Measure and Mark: Determine the location of the brackets on the wall and mark them down.
2. Drill Holes and Insert Anchors: Drill holes where you’ve marked and insert the anchors.
3. Screw in the Brackets: Use screws to secure the brackets to the anchors.
4. Hang the Blinds: Simply lift the blinds onto the brackets.
5. Attach the Valance: Conceal the hardware by attaching the valance.

Key Points to Remember:

• Match the anchors to your window frame material - drywall or wood.
• Drywall anchors for drywall, wood screws for wood.
• Follow the steps above for a hassle-free installation.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of anchor selection and installation, your faux wood blinds will grace your windows with beauty and functionality. Enjoy the transformation and the added touch of style to your home decor!

Are there safety concerns for homes with children?

Having kids can turn your home upside down, but it’s important to keep in mind safety first. Here are some hidden hazards to watch out for:

Window blinds

Those cords dangling from your blinds might seem harmless, but they can be a major choking hazard for curious little ones. Same goes for any loose cords or wires around the house. Kids can trip over them and hurt themselves too.

Solution: Go for cordless blinds, which you can operate with a wand or remote control. No cords, no worries.

Water bodies

Kids love water, but it can be dangerous. Supervise them around pools, hot tubs, and even bathtubs.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

These devices can save lives. Make sure you have them installed in every room of your house and check them regularly.

Other things to keep in mind:

• Keep poisonous plants out of reach.
• Cover sharp corners on furniture with corner protectors.
• Install safety gates on stairs and around dangerous areas.
• Have a childproofing report done by a professional to address any other potential hazards in your home.

Remember:

Your home should be a safe place for your little explorers. By taking these precautions, you can help minimize the risks and give them a safe and happy environment to grow up in.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between an inside mount and an outside mount for blinds?

A1: An inside mount is when the blinds are installed inside the window frame, while an outside mount is when the blinds are installed outside the window frame, on the wall. Inside mounts give a clean, finished look, while outside mounts provide more coverage and can be used to enhance the perceived height of windows and rooms.

Q2: What are the benefits of cordless blinds?

A2: Cordless blinds are a safer option for homes with children and pets, as they eliminate the risk of strangulation. They are also easier to operate, as you simply need to push or pull on the bottom rail to raise or lower the blinds.

Q3: What type of anchors should I use for an outside mount installation?

A3: The type of anchors you need will depend on the material of your window frame and whether or not there is wood behind the drywall. If your window frame is made of drywall, you should use drywall anchors. If there is wood behind the drywall, you can use wood screws.

Q4: How do I install valance clips to conceal the mounting hardware?

A4: To install valance clips, simply snap the clips onto the mounting brackets, then slide the valance over the clips. The valance will help to hide the brackets and give your blinds a more finished look.

Q5: How do I adjust the lift cords on my faux wood blinds?

A5: To adjust the lift cords on your faux wood blinds, simply pull on the cords until the blinds are at the desired height. To lock the cords in place, tie a knot in the cords.