Vinyl windows are one of the most popular and affordable window options, but they do present some limitation when it comes to hanging blinds. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of vinyl windows and how to install inside mount blinds on vinyl windows.
How to Install Inside Mount Blinds on Vinyl Windows: Step-by-Step
Whether you’re installing mini blinds, roller shades, faux wood blinds, cellular shades, or another treatment altogether, follow these DIY steps to inside mount blinds on your vinyl windows.
- Unpack the blinds and get the mounting brackets. Position them so they are flush and level with the top of the window frame, and then mark the screw holes using a pencil. If your blinds include a valance, be sure to make an allowance for that, before marking the screw holes.
- Attach first one bracket and then the other to the wall using a drill or screwdriver. If using a screwdriver, create pilot holes first by tapping a nail with a hammer and then removing the nail. Make sure the brackets are aligned, and then tighten the screws
- If the window needs additional support brackets, determine their placement using a tape measure and a leveller, mark the screw holes with a pencil, and mount them using the same steps outlined above. Keep in mind, “centre” support brackets will actually need to be placed off to the side to avoid interfering with the mechanisms at the top.
- Attach the valance clips to the front of the budget blinds before mounting them. Make sure the clips do not interfere with any mechanisms at the top.
- Set the headrail into the brackets. Close the end brackets and make sure they have snapped securely in place
- Finish assembling the valance by attached the small side pieces to the main front piece. Snap the valance into the clips; first the top, then the bottom.
- Test your new blinds to make sure they work, and enjoy!
Blind installation is simple once you know these simple steps. DIY projects can be tricky, but with the right knowledge and properly-measured window coverings, inside mount installation easy as pie.
Deciding if You Can Install Inside Mount Blinds on Your Vinyl Windows
First you need to assess your window and how deep it is. If your window is rather deep, you might be able to inside mount the blinds to the existing drywall without having to worry about the window frame or trim. This approach works well with lighter vertical blinds made of materials such as aluminium and vinyl; heavier wooden blinds need to be anchored to a stud or solid wood trim.
Budget Blinds Are Affordable and High-Quality
If you don’t have a ledge of drywall that can support your blinds, then it’s time to look at the frame of the window itself. If your house is older and the windows were replaced at some point, the original wood frame might have been left, leaving the new vinyl window simply nesting in the old frame. If the original wood window frame is still in place, you might be able to affix the brackets directly to the wood for an inside mount if you’re tight on space.
You should not screw directly into the frame of the vinyl window. This can compromise the functionality of the window and also void the warranty—not to mention, the vinyl frame isn’t strong enough to hold the weight of the blinds. Instead, you should attach the brackets to the top and sides of the inside opening; make sure the bottom of the blinds won’t bang into the vinyl finger-hold at the bottom of the window when fully extended.
Differences Between Inside And Outside Mount Blinds
When it comes to installing blinds, there are two different ways that you can go about it. You can either install the blinds on the inside of the window frame, or you can install them on the outside of the window frame. There are pros and cons to both methods, so it’s important to know what those are before making a decision.
What is an Inside Mount?
An inside mount is exactly as it sounds. The blinds are mounted on the inside of the window frame, so they sit flush with the window. This is a good option if you want your blinds to be as close to the window as possible, and if you don’t want any light to seep in around the edges.
When Should You Install Blinds with an Inside Mount?
There are a few different scenarios in which you might want to choose an inside mount. For example, if your window is very shallow, you might not have enough space to install blinds with an outside mount; if you have windows that are close together, an inside mount can help create the illusion of more space; and if you have windows with a lot of trim, an inside mount can help minimise the amount of trim that’s visible.
How to Measure for Inside Mount Blinds
If you’ve decided that an inside mount is the right option for your window treatments, the next step is to measure them so you can order the correct size. When measuring for inside mount blinds, you need to take three measurements: the width, the height, and the depth.
- Width: Measure the width of the window at three points – at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom. Use the narrowest measurement, as this is what will determine the width of your blinds.
- Height: Measure the height of the window at three points – at the left, in the middle, and at the right. Use the shortest measurement, as this is what will determine the height of your blinds.
- Depth: Measure the depth of the window sill. This is important because you need to make sure that your blinds will fit within that space. The depth measurement will also determine how far your blinds will sit from the window.
Once you have your measurements, you’re ready to order your inside mount blinds!
What is an Outside Mount?
While inside mount window blinds sit flush with the window, outside mount blinds extend beyond the window frame. They are mounted on the wall above the window, or on the ceiling above the window. You'll often see outside mount blinds on larger windows, or windows that are not centred in the room.
When Should You Install Blinds with an Outside Mount?
Outside mount blinds are often used when there is not enough space for inside mount blinds. If your window is very shallow, or if you have windows that are close together, an outside mount can give you the coverage you need. Outside mount blinds can also be a good option if you want to create the illusion of taller windows.
How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds
Measuring for outside mount blinds is a little different than measuring for inside mount blinds. When measuring for outside mount blinds, you need to take four measurements: the width, the height, the projection, and the drop.
- Width: Measure the width of the area where you want to install your blinds. You want to make sure that you have enough space for the width of the blinds, plus about 3-6 inches on either side so they can be mounted to the wall.
- Height: Measure the height of the area where you want to install your blinds. You want to make sure that you have enough space for the height of the blinds, plus about 3-6 inches on either side so they can be mounted to the wall.
- Projection: Measure how far out from the wall you want your blinds to project. This will determine how deep your blinds need to be.
- Drop: Measure how far down from the ceiling you want your blinds to hang. This will determine the length of your blinds.
Once you have your measurements, you’re ready to order your outside mount blinds!
The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows
There are three main types of window frames: vinyl, aluminium, and wood. Vinyl is, by far, the cheapest of the three options—a major contributing factor to their popularity. Vinyl window frames also provide an excellent seal and stand up well to the elements over time, which is why getting vinyl windows is one of the energy-efficient ways to cut costs this summer.
You can also further improve the thermal performance of vinyl-framed windows with extra insulation. Because of this durability, vinyl window frames are very low-maintenance and resist extreme heat, moisture, or freezing temperatures.
Go with Cordless Shades for a Sleek and Simple Look
However, vinyl window frames do have some drawbacks. For one, they are often a bit clunkier than the frames made of wood or aluminium. They also can’t be painted over, so you’re stuck with the initial colour. Finally, vinyl window frames can make it tricky to install inside mount blinds because the vinyl isn’t strong enough to directly support the weight of the blind.
If you are considering a window replacement and want to inside mount the blinds afterwards, it’s important to take careful measurements to ensure everything will fit with the new vinyl windows. (If you’re not sure how, check out our guide that explains how to measure for blinds.)
If you’re in the market for new blinds to go with your new vinyl windows, be sure to check out our collections of cordless shades!
