Get Some Privacy with Blinds!
While curtains on bedroom windows are a great way to keep others from peering in at night, what can you do for privacy during the day? You can always draw the curtains, but is it necessary to give up daylight in exchange for privacy? We're happy to say no.
An easy solution is to add privacy blinds to any window. You will be able to stop others from peering in by tilting the blinds for day and night. This is a fairly easy project, and one that can make a big difference very quickly.
Decide where the blinds should go. The choices are:
- Within the frame of the window
- Outside the window so the valence of the blinds sits above and outside the frame
For most rooms, you will probably want to attach the blinds within the window frame so you can add romance with fabric curtains that match the style of the bedroom.
Jane Tip: Take a look at how the window is currently trimmed. If you have molding around it or curtains or valances that can make the room more beautiful, you'll want to draw as little attention to the blinds as possible.
Measure the inside of the window frame. Take the measurements to your local home improvement center to purchase blinds to fit the window.
When looking for the right size blinds, the biggest determining factor is the height of the window. If the window is 22 inches tall, get blinds that that are either the same length or slightly longer, such as 24 inches tall. The reason is that the last 2 inches can always remain on the windowsill and no one will be the wiser. As for the width, you'll want a blind that is slightly larger than that of the window.
If you can't find the right size for the window, take the blinds to the person in charge of that section and often they'll cut it to fit your measurements.
Typically, blinds come with brackets to hold them in place for use in either type of placement. When hanging them within the window, place each bracket in the upper corners of the window frame so the openings face out. Attach them with the screws that came with the blinds to either the sidewalls or the top of the bracket, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Jane Tip: If your window is wider than 4 feet, consider adding a middle bracket to support the extra weight. You should be able to find these in the same section where you purchased your blinds. Put it up with 2 screws, attaching it to the top of the inside of the window frame.
Many blinds come with small valances to cover the head rail. These are usually attached with valance clips to the head rail. Slide them on before installing the blind on the brackets, and then place the head rail within the brackets.
Jane Tip: When placing the blinds in the brackets, be certain the cord is facing you so you can adjust it properly once it is installed.
To lock the blinds in place, close the bracket doors by folding them down and snapping them in place. They should close easily, as most of them are hinged.
The tilt wand, for opening and closing, may already come attached. If yours isn't, simply attach the wand by hooking it in place in the small extension with a hole in it; this is typically to the left of the blind. Some blinds come with a small piece of plastic just above where the hook should go. Pull this piece down on top of the hook to keep it in place.
To finish off the window, snap the blind valance into the attached clips. For specific details on how your valance attaches, check with the manufacturer's instructions.
Note: The way to install blinds above or outside the window frame is to attach the brackets to the wall above the window on either side of the blind. Attaching them this way also offers the option of hold-down brackets, which keep the bottom of the blind from moving. This is especially good for French doors.
Jane Tip: Before attaching the hold-down brackets, check the markings with a level to see if they are level. If you don't, it will be obvious when you attach the blinds to them.
Privacy, Please!
Putting up privacy blinds is an easy project that you can do in less than an hour. If you aren't a fan of how they look, blinds can always be dressed up with curtains. Also, nowadays, blinds come in many different looks and materials, so don't feel like you have to go with the boring white vinyl variety. String up some blinds and you could prevent a Peeping Tom from ruining your romantic moment!