How to install day and night blinds? Instructions and tips
Day and night blinds can typically be installed in two ways, depending on the variant you have chosen: wall or window mounted. Find out about the differences between the various types of day and night blinds, and how to install them in a secure and visually pleasing manner.
The day and night roller blind, also commonly known as a zebra or dual-function blind, is a modern and decorative solution for window shading. On the one hand, you can use it to diffuse the sunlight without darkening the room completely, and on the other hand, you can shield the interior from the view of passers-by. You can choose between a wall- and window-mounted version of the day and night blind.
Before purchasing a roller blind, it is advisable to measure your window to get an idea of the best size.
Would you like to know how to install the wall variant of your day and night blind? Just keep reading!
Before you begin the installation of a day and night blind
Ideally, you should decide whether you prefer a window blind or a wall blind before purchasing. The former offers non-invasive installation to the window frame, but it also requires the blind to be hung on each separate window casement.
Remember!
First of all, after purchasing your roller blind, carefully read the installation manual supplied with the product. You may find important information there.
Choose the wall-mounted blind if:
- your window is of an atypical design or has been set in a non-standard manner,
- your window consists of many casements, and you would like to be able to shade the interior completely with a single roller blind,
- you do not want the window frame to bear any marks left after dismantling hooks,
- you want to save money by using one instead of multiple blinds (e.g. for a double-casement window).
The wall-mounted blind also enables more durable installation.
The window version of the day and night blind is mounted on the inside of the window casement to the window frame. It may be customised to provide a perfect fit to the window dimensions and does not require any special tools or fasteners. However, you should keep in mind that the window-mounted day and night blind will not darken the room if you open the window ajar.
The only mounting pieces you need to install a window-type roller blind are the hooks included in the set.
What you require for the installation of a free-hanging day and night blind is the following:
- spirit level and pencil,
- drill driver to prepare holes,
- suitable drill bit,
- hammer,
- protective gloves,
- universal fixing plugs (in sizes matching roller blind brackets).
The drill bit and the plug should be of the same diameter.
Note!
You may also need a smaller plug to fix the roller blind adjustment chain.
How to install the wall-mounted day and night blinds? Step-by-step installation instructions
Installation of the window-mounted version of the day and night blinds should not cause you any difficulties, so let us focus on the more challenging installation of the wall-mounted type. In both cases, read the installation manual supplied with the blind.
The wall-mounted day and night blind should come with mounting clips and a chain.
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to install the wall-mounted day and night blind.
Mark out the roller blind mounting points and drill the holes
Determine where to set the plugs for the roller blind to be fixed and mark them out with a spirit level and a pencil. That is where you should drill holes.
Remember!
Use a drill bit of the same diameter as that of the plug!
Drill holes that are not too deep – just of the right depth matching the plug length (30 mm on average).
Insert plugs in the holes and fix the mounting pieces for the day and night roller blind
Insert the plugs in the holes and tap them gently in with a hammer.
Brackets for day and night roller blinds are installed by fixing them in the holes with screws. Set the brackets with the screws attached against the holes and screw them in with a drill driver.
The roller blind’s mounting brackets feature a click mechanism which makes its installation very easy (by pressing in).
Attach the chain system to the day and night roller blind
The next, and final, step is attaching a chain catch to the wall. The chain will be used to adjust the roller blind.
Mark out the catch installation point; it should be fixed where it enables comfortable chain handling, yet at a sufficient distance from the blind roller.
How to determine the right installation point?
Stretch the chain to its full length and measure 3 cm up of this level. Such a distance will allow you to raise and lower the day and night blind comfortably.
Did you know that...?
You can skip this step in the installation of the day and night blind if you prefer the chain to hang freely. However, the catch prevents the chain from moving, e.g. when the window is open and it is windy outside. Once attached, the chain does not make any sound and looks visually pleasing.
How to fix a day and night blind to the ceiling?
The wall-mounted day and night blind can also be fixed to the ceiling.
Where this is the case, the installation proceeds exactly as described above, the only difference being the working surface – the ceiling instead of the wall.
Remember!
In order to fix the day and night roller blind to the ceiling, you will probably also need a ladder.
Installation of the day and night blind: can you do it yourself?
While you will certainly be able to install the window-mounted roller blind without much hassle, the wall or ceiling variants may pose a challenge.
However, with the right tools and anchors for universal application at hand, the installation of the day and night roller blind should not cause you any problems.
So the answer is rather simple: yes, you can install the day and night roller blind yourself, even on the wall or ceiling.
Are day and night blinds useful in practice?
The day and night roller blind provides a very convenient solution for window covering. It functions in two modes:
- day mode,
- and night mode.
It consists of strips of transparent and opaque fabric, arranged alternately, which move against each other. This allows you to control insolation exactly as you need it. At the same time, you can obstruct the view of the interior of your home or office from the outside.
The day and night blind is a very handy solution to the problem of excessive interior insolation, allowing you to adapt the lighting conditions exactly to your current needs.
Installation of day and night blinds – most important information
Before the purchase, and even earlier, while planning the interior finishing, you should keep in mind that there are two types of day and night roller blinds available: wall- and window-mounted versions.
The wall variant can also be fixed to the ceiling.
With the right tools and universal expansion plugs at hand, you can surely manage to install the day and night roller blind yourself.
Check what the package containing your window- or wall-mounted roller blind provides, and stock up on the rest of the necessary accessories.
Useful advice!
Your day and night roller blind in the wall-mounted version may come with plugs of the right size. Make sure these are universal fixings. The expansion plugs should match the base material in which they are to be used.
When fixing a day and night roller blind to the wall, having a vacuum cleaner at hand is a good idea, as it lets you get rid of the dust produced while drilling holes.
If the conditions allow you to use the window-mounted day and night roller blind, or if you are not sure whether to opt for one, keep in mind that this version is intended for non-invasive installation. Such a roller blind will work particularly well at a temporary dwelling place. Remember, however, that even non-invasive installation of a day and night blind may cause glue marks to remain on the window frame.