Blinds allow you to hide from sunlight and prying eyes if necessary. However, in most cases they are not attached to the wall or ceiling, but to a frame, and sometimes they cannot be hung with magnets or tape. However, there are ways to install blinds on plastic windows without drilling, so that if desired, the structure can be removed without leaving any marks on the frame.
Varieties of design
The type of blinds directly determines the method of their fastening. Without self-tapping screws, you can install roll, horizontal, vertical and cassette structures. It is not necessary to drill the frame for installation; the work takes little time. But you will have to abandon heavy products to avoid deformation or breakdown of the system.
For sashes with a tilting mechanism, it is better to choose designs with horizontal fastening - they will not dangle when the window is opened.
Horizontal
Horizontal blinds are often called Venetian shutters. They are a canvas of many horizontal lamellas (“blinds”, “separate plate”) with a width of 1.5 to 2.5 cm. The slats are made of aluminum, plastic or wood. The horizontal design is equally popular for both apartments and offices due to the ability to choose any colors.
Vertical
Vertical blinds are attached to a special cornice using Armstrong brackets, installing it above the opening (as for simple curtains). To create canvases, dense fabric with impregnation is used - the slats are placed vertically on the rail at the top.
Rolled
If vertical blinds completely replace curtains and curtains, then roller blinds are often chosen as an addition. They are lightweight, transmit enough light, do not require maintenance and can be made in any design. They are made from smooth fabric that can be treated with water-repellent impregnations. Roller blinds are rolled up using a special mechanism.
Cassette
They are somewhat reminiscent of roller blinds, but have a hidden mechanism in the box. They are easy to install even yourself, without drilling the frame. This mini-system became especially popular several years ago, with blackout or zebra (day-night) blinds enjoying great success.
Which ones can be attached?
Manufacturers of blinds produce several types, which can be equipped with various mounting options. This allows them to be installed both on the surface of the window frame and directly on the walls underneath it.
If you do not want to spoil the surface of the window, then you can use several types of blinds with fastening without drilling:
- Horizontal. Only structures with low weight are suitable for this. Experts recommend installing in this way only wooden or aluminum blinds whose lamella width does not exceed 1 25 mm.
- Pleated curtains.
- Roller blinds. It is also important to use lightweight elements that fit on one window sash.
- You can also attach day-night Roman curtains without drilling.
If you plan to install similar structures on opening sashes, then it is recommended to use blinds with vertical guides. This will prevent them from sagging and ensure optimal operation of the entire system.
Advantages of installing blinds without drilling
There are many advantages to blinds that are mounted without the use of screws, and the main one is maintaining the integrity of the window opening. For example, owners of rental apartments are often against drilling frames.
Another advantage is cost savings. There is no need to spend money on calling an installation specialist: simplified mini-systems are easy to install yourself.
Other advantages:
- the thermal insulation of the window is not compromised, since inept handling of a drill sometimes leads to damage to the frame and deterioration of the window’s functions;
- the structures can be quickly removed - this simplifies the process of cleaning the products;
- after dismantling there are no holes left - the original appearance of the window is preserved;
- blinds with magnetic fasteners do not sag even when the shutters are opened;
- Products and installation are much cheaper than blinds with traditional fastening methods.
The systems even outperform curtains in some ways. Blinds allow you to open the window sill and do not “eat up” space. They will be a good solution for a small room where every centimeter of the room is precious. Almost any type of design can be supplemented with curtains, if such a desire arises.
Selecting blinds
In the course of numerous observations, it turned out that the selection of blinds is a rather important step, since these products should not only protect you from the sun, but also perform a decorative function in the interior. Each model will look especially interesting in a certain interior. And so that the interior does not lose its aesthetic qualities, you should select high-quality blinds.
Moreover, in addition to aesthetic qualities, you can choose blinds based on your own preferences and requirements. Moreover, blinds can also be ordered in any size, color, configuration, thereby allowing you to emphasize the elegance and style of the room.
Installing roller blinds on windows yourself
Types of brackets
The brackets are what the blinds are mounted on. They are ceiling-mounted, universal and wall-mounted. They are an L-shaped part that resembles a hook. Made from metal, plastic or wood. The choice of material depends on the type of blinds: plastic brackets are suitable for light ones, and steel ones should be used for heavy ones. They are attached to the wall or ceiling with 2 self-tapping screws, which avoids drilling the window frame. Holders are inserted into the grooves, on which the canvases are hung.
The guide rail can be:
- fixed – provides rigid installation;
- inclined – capable of changing the angle of inclination up to 15º;
- composite – consists of 2 parts, allows you to change the angle of inclination and rotation;
- tilt-and-turn are flexible brackets that rotate in almost any direction and are adjustable in length.
Metal brackets are reliable and durable; they can be tightened if they become loose. There are only two drawbacks: the high cost of fastening and the poor color range (metal fittings can be seen on the white frame).
In most cases, such brackets last even longer than blinds, which can tear, fade in the sun or break.
Fixation options
Many people refuse to use blinds because they believe they will have to drill into the window frame. But there are several installation methods. The simplest option for fixing lightweight structures is double-sided tape. In addition, you can choose metal or plastic brackets. Magnetic fasteners will also come to the rescue, allowing you to securely fasten the blinds.
With double-sided tape
Installation problems may arise in winter, as the adhesive tape will not stick to a cold surface. It is recommended to pre-heat the area with a hairdryer. In addition, at sub-zero temperatures outside, condensation may appear on the windows. As a result, the tape will lose its properties and the entire structure will collapse. The same can happen in hot weather: the glue will melt in the sun, and the aluminum profile for the curtain will “slide” down the plastic.
The disadvantage of fastening with tape is its fragility. It is impossible to say how long such a structure will last on the window: a week, a month or several years. It all depends on the tape: as soon as its adhesiveness decreases, the system will fall, which can result in the blinds breaking.
Double-sided tape will not hold heavy and massive products. An excellent option would be to attach roller or cassette curtains to it, as well as horizontal blinds made of lightweight plastic.
Scotch tape does not damage frames, but can leave sticky marks after dismantling. They can be removed with acetone or a product containing alcohol.
On brackets
Installing the blinds on the brackets will take more time than just gluing them to tape. However, this design will last much longer. For fastening, you can use plastic holders and metal brackets. Their operating principle is the same: first, a part resembling a hook is put on the sash, and then the blinds are mounted.
On plastic holders
Plastic brackets can support lightweight removable products (roller or cassette curtains). The cap structure is attached to the frame. It is enough to put the necessary spare part on the window sash, and then attach the blind mechanism. The holder is a hook made of durable plastic, which is easy to put on, remove or move along the sash with one movement. The cost of the system is affordable to everyone, and the components are not visible.
There is one drawback - the design can only be installed on windows with a tilting mechanism.
On metal brackets
It is recommended to choose metal brackets for aluminum or wooden blinds, as well as thick roller blinds. Systems with steel fastening are fixed to the window opening (slopes) or ceiling. The design is strong and allows you to securely fix the canvas. Disadvantages - high cost, color (metal elements stand out on the white frame). Metal brackets are used to install blinds in offices and other non-residential premises.
Most PVC window manufacturers are against metal brackets. When installed on a frame, deformation of the rubber seals on the sashes often occurs. Such a defect significantly impairs the thermal insulation of the room.
On magnetic stripes
Magnetic holders are much less often chosen - they are suitable only for roll models. It is possible to attach blinds only to windows with metal slopes.
Installation is simple:
- Attach one part of the tape to the window frame (it is better to use magnets around the entire perimeter);
- Glue the other part with tape or glue to the bar and lower the canvas.
After lowering the blinds, the magnetic strips, like suction cups, are tightly connected to each other. When the doors are opened, the leaves remain in one position, covering the glass and not bunching up. How strong and durable the structure will be depends on the type of magnets and the weight of the blinds. It is advisable to use neodymium ones, because they are more powerful than other types and do not demagnetize.
The price is more expensive, but it is better to buy a quality product and not worry about reliability than to regularly change the system with hanging blinds.
Advantages and disadvantages
Fastening without drilling blinds is one of the most popular methods of installing them. This is due to several positive aspects of this approach:
- Ease of installation. Almost anyone can hang a structure without any experience. Installation work requires a minimum number of tools. What is important here is only the accuracy that ensures the desired position of the system.
- Speed. Installing blinds will only take a few minutes. If this is your first time doing this, you can spend up to 15-20 minutes. It all depends on how well you mark the frame and take measurements.
- No damage. With this approach, the double-glazed windows remain intact. This allows you to preserve their appearance. If you need to change the blinds, then you can easily dismantle the old structures and attach other systems in a similar way.
But installation without drilling has several significant disadvantages:
- Fastening systems can only support a limited amount of weight. That's why lightweight curtains are used here.
- Fragility. This applies to double-sided tape, which loses its properties over time. Some plastic fasteners also fail quickly, especially if heavy structures are suspended from them.
- Limitation. Fastening systems of this type are intended only for plastic windows. Attaching them to a wall made of other materials will no longer work.
This approach is often found only when installing blinds on an opening sash, while all other windows remain open. It is important to understand that there are other installation methods that it is advisable to familiarize yourself with before making your final choice.
Step-by-step instructions for installing blinds on plastic windows
Before installation, measure the desired height and make marks with a simple pencil or pen.
On tape
The reliability of the design when using double-sided tape depends on how good the adhesion is. To improve it, it is necessary to prepare the surface - in this case, the frame.
Step-by-step description of the work:
- thoroughly wash the glass unit (preferably with detergent), paying attention to the frame;
- do not wipe the doors with rags, as they leave fibers;
- dry with a hairdryer, trying to get rid of dust and excess moisture;
- treat the desired areas with a degreaser - this can be alcohol, acetone or nail polish remover;
- glue double-sided tape to the structure, removing the bottom and then the top protective layer;
- Place the cornice on the window frame and press it.
On sale you can find self-adhesive blinds with adhesive tape already applied to the cornice. Their installation takes even less time. All that is required is to remove the protective layer from the tape and apply the product to the frame with your hands.
Mounting on brackets
The procedure for installing blinds depends on the type of structure. First, measure the window opening and determine where the blinds will hang. When fastening the overlap in width, leave 5 cm. If the canvases are placed inside the frame, then 2 cm should be removed from both sides.
It is enough to fasten the spring and plastic brackets on top of the frame on both sides, fix it until it clicks and cover it with a masking plate.
The installation proceeds as follows:
- attach the curtain rod to the frame, measuring in width and height;
- fix the structure with brackets, placing them simultaneously on the sash and the leaf, press on the clamps until they fit into the groove (this is indicated by a click);
- lower the blinds, assessing the reliability of the system and whether the chain or cords move well.
After installation, it is recommended to check several times how tightly the blinds fit to the window and whether the strip is bending. If the structure does not hold the weight of the canvas well, it is better to install several more fasteners, for example in the middle. The only drawback of this method is that it is difficult to install the blinds alone. It is advisable to work together, so that someone holds the canvases, otherwise there is a risk of attaching them unevenly.
Installation of metal brackets requires more time and attention. Mark in advance how the blinds will be placed. After this, the base part with the moving element is attached to the frame with a folding mechanism. At the end, the metal brackets are still fixed with screws. All parts, including spare parts, are included.
Photos and diagrams will help you cope with the installation.
Care tips and advice
The good thing about blinds is that they don’t require special care. Products with plastic and metal strips need to be washed regularly with warm water. Structures attached to the window without screws can be easily removed from the window during cleaning and rinsed in the shower. After this, they must be wiped with a dry soft cloth, since aluminum products can rust. It is forbidden to wash the cornice itself with the mechanism under water - moisture will remain in it, which will negatively affect the operation of the system.
Roller blinds can be cleaned with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner, but under no circumstances should they be rubbed with a cloth. If the structure is heavily soiled, dismantle it and soak it in warm soapy water for several hours. After rinsing, you can immediately hang the canvases on the curtain rod to prevent the appearance of folds and creases. However, while drying, you should open the windows - without fresh air, especially in the cold season, a musty smell may appear. If you choose stretch curtains with a weighting agent, then it must be immediately returned to its place after washing.
Fabric blinds treated with moisture-proof impregnations cannot be washed. They are vacuumed or wiped with a soft cloth, and dirt is removed with a stationery eraser. If the stains cannot be cleaned in this way, you can try using a detergent, but without aggressive substances in the composition (this includes chlorine, acetone, etc.).
Pleated curtains deserve special attention. They, like other structures, are washed with warm water and detergent. Dry folded and unfold once every few hours to avoid sticking. Pleated fabric blinds cannot be ironed.
