How to Install Roller Blinds and Get the Fit Right

Roller blinds are a popular and practical window furnishing choice, and at Spotlight you can discover a huge range of roller blinds in a variety of colours, textures, sizes and finishes to suit any decor theme. A stylish option for both modern and classically styled homes, you can choose from sheer roller blinds, blockout roller blinds and dual roller blinds, which combine blockout and sheer rollers on one bracket.

Thankfully, installing roller blinds yourself is easy - and with a few professional tips and tricks, you'll be able to show off your blinds to their full potential, ensuring they sit neatly on your window while offering the maximum benefits to your home. Installing roller blinds is a quick DIY job most people can finish in under an hour with a drill and the right measurements. Spotlight's comprehensive guide to installing roller blinds covers everything you need to know, including required equipment, mount types, answers to FAQs and more. Read on to become a DIY blind installation expert in no time!

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Installing Ready-Made vs. Custom-Made Roller Blinds

Spotlight offers both ready-to-hang and custom-made roller blinds services for blinds that are made to fit your windows perfectly. Ready-made blinds are available in set sizes and designed to be installed at home, while custom-made blinds are made to your exact window measurements, with the option for professional installation.

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What You Need Before You Pick Up the Drill

If you've purchased new roller blinds from Spotlight, you will find the necessary screws, brackets, bracket covers, installation instructions and other hardware included with your blinds. You will also need a few other basic pieces of equipment to complete your installation, including:

• Measuring tape: A metal measuring tape is always preferable for these kinds of DIY jobs, as fabric tapes can be prone to stretching and are more difficult to keep level.
• Pencil: Choose a sharp HB or 2B grey lead pencil for marking the roller blind bracket positions.
• Electric Drill: The powerful nature of an electric drill is recommended for easily drilling holes for screws, as well as strongly securing them in place.
• Step Ladder: A step ladder is essential for safely reaching the tops of your window architraves for measuring, marking, attaching brackets and popping the blinds in place.
• Screwdriver (Phillips Head): If you're not using a drill attachment to screw the brackets into your window frame, a screwdriver is essential.
• Spirit Level: While not absolutely essential, using a spirit level provides assurance that your brackets will be perfectly aligned and level.

If you're planning on cutting your roller blinds down to a new width, you will also need:

• Hacksaw to cut the metal tube and bottom rail.
• File and sandpaper to remove any rough edges from the metal tube and rail.
• Sharp fabric scissors or dressmaking scissors to cut the blind fabric. If you're worried about being able to cut in a straight line, you can also use a Stanley knife and metal ruler to ensure a clean and accurate cut. Just make sure you use a fresh blade!

If you're using a Stanley knife to cut your blind fabric, a cutting mat or quilting mat is ideal to protect your table or workbench, and provides a smooth yet resistant surface for cutting.

Tip: Wear safety glasses and use a stud or wire detector before drilling.

How to Install Roller Blinds Step-by-Step

1. Determine your mount type and measure your windows.
2. Attach the brackets to the window frame. Use a grey lead pencil to mark a spot for two brackets - one on each side of the window - and make sure they're at the same height and depth on the window frame. Using a spirit level will make sure the brackets are in line with each other. Roller blind brackets are designed to be universal and can be installed in face-fix or top-fix (recessed) orientations.
3. Use a drill with an impact driver attachment so the brackets are firmly attached. If you don't have this attachment, drill the holes and then secure the brackets with the provided screws using a screwdriver.

Note: Use the supplied masonry plugs if drilling into brick or concrete walls.

1. If you are cutting your roller blinds to size, now's the time! If no cutting is required, proceed to step 5.
2. Insert the ball chain system and end plug into either end of the roller blind tube.
3. You're ready to pop the roller blind into the brackets! All you have to do is lift the blind and then snap it in place. Keep the blind rolled up for ease of installation.
4. Finally, secure the cord to the window frame so it stays in one place, and to ensure the safety of any small children that may be in the home. Use a screwdriver to attach the small cord bracket. Don't use stick-on attachments - they're not as strong and could present a danger if the cord bracket comes loose.
5. Test the operation and check the fabric rolls evenly.

That's it! You can now congratulate yourself on a job well done.

How Do You Cut Roller Blinds Down to Size?

Roller blinds are essentially a length of fabric rolled onto the top tube, and finished with a bottom rail that easily slides off so you can make your adjustments. Because the operating mechanisms are separate from the tube, roller blinds can be cut back to any width you need. Only ready-made blinds can be cut, and once cut, they cannot be returned. While it may sound complicated, cutting your roller blinds to a new width is straightforward with a little planning, careful measuring and the right equipment.

1. Determine the desired bracket position for your roller blind and install them in position.
2. Measure the internal distance between each bracket, and add 20 mm (2 cm) allowance for the ball chain system and end plug. This will be the new total length of your roller blind top tube.
3. Unfurl the roller blind onto a flat surface, and slide away the fabric from the top tube. Remove the end caps from the bottom rail and again, slide the fabric off the rail.

Top tip: There's no need to completely remove the tube and rail - simply slide the fabric away far enough to allow for easy trimming of the rail, tube and fabric.

1. Mark the tube and rail at the length determined in step (2). Use a sharp pencil to make your marks. Alternatively, use a piece of masking tape wrapped around the tubes - this handily doubles up as an easily visible cutting line and will help ensure a level cut.
2. Use your hacksaw to cut the bottom rail and top tube, and file away any sharp edges. Buff with sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish.
3. Now it's time to measure up the roller blind fabric! Deduct 6 mm from the determined top tube length to provide a fabric roll up tolerance. Subtract this new measurement from the existing fabric width to work out how much fabric needs to be cut away. Measure this amount in from one side of the blind fabric, marking lightly with your pencil at regular intervals.
4. Using fabric scissors or a Stanley knife and steel ruler, carefully cut the roller blind fabric. If using a knife, make sure you protect your surface with a cutting mat.
5. Slide the fabric back into position along the upper tube and bottom rail, and replace the bottom rail end caps.
6. Done! Your roller blind is now ready to be installed onto your brackets.

If you're not confident about venturing into cutting roller blinds yourself, Australian customers can enjoy the convenience of Spotlight's Cut to Size Blinds Service, either online or at selected stores. Available for a select range of roller blinds and venetian blinds, it's as simple as providing your measurements and for a small fee per blind, your roller blinds will be professionally cut to size for you!

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Should You Choose a Recess Fit or Face Fit?

Choosing recess or face fit is a personal choice that will impact both the aesthetics of your new roller blinds and the functional benefits they provide. Recess fit refers to your blinds sitting inside your window architrave, whereas a face fit refers to your blinds installed outside the architrave, hiding an uneven frame and blocking more light. If you choose recess fitting for your roller blinds, it's also important to make sure that the installed blind will not interfere with any existing opening mechanisms or locks and that the recess depth suits an inside mount. When measuring for a recess fit, measure both the width and drop at 3 different points, using the shortest of each measurement. Regardless of your fit, make sure to allow clearance from window handles, locks, and any opening mechanism.

Which Side for the Chain and Which Way the Fabric Rolls

The chain can sit on either end because the mechanism inserts into either side of the tube. Pick the chain side that suits the room layout. You can also choose the way in which the fabric rolls. Forward roll or over roll is where the fabric sits facing outwards from your window with the upper tube hidden behind the fabric. Under roll or backward roll is where the fabric sits closer to the window architrave and the upper tube remains visible at the top of the blind. The default roll style of fabric on Spotlight's roller blinds is forward roll. Backwards roll can be selected where you wish the fabric to sit closer to the window, and is best suited to roller blinds where the fabric is reversible (i.e. the same on both sides). Keep in mind that blockout blinds sometimes feature a separate blockout coating on the reverse - meaning that the white backing will be visible if under-roll is your preferred option.

How to Install Day and Night Roller Blinds

The only real difference between day and night blinds is the bracket, which is larger for blockout blinds and projects further out. A face fix mount suits dual brackets, since some architraves are too shallow. You can also enjoy the benefits of sheer and blockout roller blinds with Spotlight's double roller blinds.

Can You Put Up Roller Blinds Without Drilling?

You can install some blinds without needing to drill. No-drill or tension-style brackets can slot neatly inside a window recess, making them a convenient option when you want to avoid putting holes in your walls or window frames. These brackets are particularly suited to lightweight roller blinds and can be a handy choice for renters or anyone looking for a simpler installation. However, for larger or heavier blinds, drilled brackets generally provide a more secure and stable fit. Before choosing your installation method, check the blind's weight, your window measurements and the manufacturer's recommended fittings to ensure your blinds are installed safely and securely.

How to Install Motorised Roller Blinds

Motorised roller blinds are typically available with one of two power options: rechargeable battery or hardwired. Before installing motorised roller blinds, make sure the motor is fully charged, or the power connection is ready. Next, install the mounting brackets as you would for a standard roller blind, ensuring they're level and securely fixed. Slot the blind into the brackets and check it operates smoothly. Once installed, pair the motor with the remote according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can then set the open and close limits, so the blind stops exactly where you want it. Always follow the product instructions for safe installation and operation.

Don't Forget the Child Safety Device

Roller blinds, when correctly installed, are safe for any home with small children. As per the mandatory Australian requirements for corded internal window coverings, a loose cord must not form a loop 220 mm or longer, at or less than 1600 mm above floor level. This means that securely installing the cord bracket at the correct height is an essential step for your family's safety. You should also ensure you install the child safety device to keep cords safely out of reach of children.

Depending on your blind, use the supplied P-clip or chain tensioner and securely attach it to the wall or window frame. Keep the cord or chain taut and position the safety device at least 1.5m above the floor. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and check the fitting is secure before using your blinds. Choosing cordless or motorised blinds is another option, as these do not require a child safety device.

Quick Fixes for Common Roller Blind Problems

If your roller blind rolls unevenly or telescopes to one side, start by checking that the brackets are level. Relevel them if needed, then gently realign the fabric on the tube so it rolls evenly. For a cordless blind that won't roll up or stay down, check the spring tension and adjust according to the manufacturer's instructions. If a chain-operated blind over-rolls or sticks, reposition the chain stop ball to set the correct stopping point. And if your blind feels stiff or difficult to operate, recheck that the brackets are level and securely fitted before making further adjustments.

Should You DIY or Book a Pro?

Most people can install roller blinds themselves with basic DIY skills and the right tools. For a single window, installation can take less than an hour, while installing blinds for every room in your home will naturally take longer. However, wide, heavy or hard-to-reach windows can be trickier to handle and are often best left to a professional. If you're choosing custom-made blinds, Spotlight offers a free in-home measure and quote to help take the guesswork out of getting the perfect fit and also offers the option of adding on professional installation. Installation and blind costs can vary depending on the type of blind and the size of your window, so consider your needs before deciding which options work best for your home.

What Makes Spotlight the Smartest Choice for Roller Blinds in Australia?

Offering one of the broadest ready-made roller blind ranges in Australia, you can choose from a variety of types of blinds, including blockout, sheer and double roller blinds, and upgrade your window furnishings with a sense of style. Ready-made blinds are built for DIY fitting. If you're wanting to leave it up to the professionals, at Spotlight we also offer an end-to-end made-to-measure service with a free measure and quote, and the option to add on a professional installation. With this service, you can also choose to add on motorisation for complete convenience in the operation of your blinds. Find out more about this service or shop our ready made blinds online or at a Spotlight store near you.

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Enjoy Bargains Galore on Blinds and Install Them Easily With Spotlight

Getting the fit of your roller blinds right is simple with the right measurements and tools. Shop our full blinds range including all the blind accessories you need right here at Spotlight. Spotlight has a huge range of options for covering your windows, including sheer curtains, blockout curtains, venetian blinds, outdoor blinds & shades and more! With a massive variety of colours, styles and functions available across our selection of curtains and blinds, you're sure to find the perfect option for every window in your home. Pop into your local store where our friendly team are always happy to assist with all your DIY queries, or shop online where you can enjoy the convenience of having your curtains and blinds home delivered! And if you're after blinds that fit your windows perfectly, book in a free measure and quote for made-to-measure roller blinds today.

FAQs

Can you hang sheer curtains over roller blinds?

Hanging sheers over roller blinds is a great way to layer window dressings while adding softness, privacy and light control.

Can you install roller blinds on the ceiling?

Roller blinds can be ceiling-mounted when the surface and brackets are suitable, making them a practical option for recessed or irregularly shaped windows.

How do you fit roller blinds in a corner or bay window?

For corner or bay windows, carefully measure each window and consider separate blinds with suitable brackets to ensure they operate smoothly without clashing.

Can you reuse your old brackets when replacing roller blinds?

It's best to use the brackets supplied with your new roller blinds, as existing brackets may not be compatible with the new blind or provide a secure fit.