How to fit roller blinds: a step-by-step guide

So, the box with your new made-to-measure roller blind has arrived.

Getting it fitted is a job you can definitely do yourself.

There’s no secret art to it, just a few steps to follow in the right order.

Fitting a roller blind means marking and drilling holes for two brackets, clicking the blind into them, and then fitting a small safety hook for the chain.

That's it.

Here's how to get it right.

What you'll need

Your blind comes with the main parts: a control end bracket for the chain side, a plunger end bracket (sometimes called the idle pin end), and a safety hook for the chain.

You'll need to have a few tools ready:

• A metal tape measure
• A pencil
• A drill
• A crosshead screwdriver

But first… before you start drilling, I'd recommend opening the pack and checking the contents against the list in your fitting instructions. We don’t offer a fitting service, so you’ll follow the instructions yourself.

Step 1: Decide where the brackets go

You have two main choices for where to fit your blind: inside the window recess or outside it.

If you're still in the planning stage, the roller blinds measuring guide covers how to measure for each.

Inside the recess

You have two options for fixing the brackets:

1. Top fixing: You screw the brackets upwards into the lintel, which is the top surface of the recess. This works if your window frame is uPVC or there are no obstructions.
2. Face fixing: You fit the brackets to the window frame itself.

Outside the recess

Here, you'll be face fixing the brackets to the wall or frame.

Just make sure the blind overlaps the recess equally on both sides for a balanced look.

Step 2: Mark and fit the brackets

Hold your first bracket in position and use a pencil to mark the drill holes.

Do the same for the second bracket.

Once you're happy with the marks, drill the holes and fix each bracket in place with two screws.

Step 3: Click the blind into place

Make sure the fabric on your blind is fully rolled up.

Take the blind and push the idle pin end (the end without the chain) into its bracket first.

Then, push the control end into its bracket.

You should feel a definite click as the centre lug locks it securely in place.

If it feels wobbly, don't try to operate it. Take it out and re-seat it until you get that secure click.

Step 4: Fit the safety hook and test the blind

Which brings us to… the safety hook.

This isn't an optional extra.

Looped cords and chains can be dangerous for small children, so fitting this device is a vital part of the installation. Every blind we sell meets BS EN 13120, the safety standard for blinds, and to comply with child safety laws we don't supply chains longer than 1.5 metres.

To fit the hook:

1. Put the chain into the hook at the point furthest from the control mechanism, with the chain taut and the hook at the bottom of the loop.
2. Screw the hook to the wall next to the blind.
3. If the hook has a slot, put the screw at the bottom of the slot, and keep the chain taut while you screw.

Now, gently pull the chain to test that the blind raises and lowers smoothly.

A little tip from me: where you can, operate the chain from just above the chain connector. It puts less pressure on the connector and lowers the risk of it snapping or pulling apart.

Once you've fitted the hook and the blind is working, you're golden! For full printable instructions for all our products, you can always visit our fitting guides page.

What if it doesn't click in?

If the blind doesn't feel secure when you click it in, take it out and try again. Idle pin end first, then the control end, until the blind has clicked into place using the centre lug.

If you're ready to choose a new blind, have a look at the roller blinds collection at Blindstyle. We make them to measure in the UK, and I'd always recommend getting a few free samples to see the colours and fabrics in your own home first.