How to Build Custom Window Blinds

You may live in an older home or prefer to have a custom look to your window blinds. Measuring is the key to a good-looking final product. Even an eight of an inch can be a lot, so be sure you are exact. Use your keen eye and steady cutting hand for this project.

Required Materials

• slat or fabric material
• cord
• mounting bracket set
• blind rod

Required Tools

• tape measure
• pencil/paper
• drill with bit set
• screwdriver
• scissor
• coping saw

Instructions

1. Measuring the Window - If you would like an interior mount for your window blind, make sure you measure the window and not the frame. When making the width measurement, be sure to allow for the width of the shade bracket. Always round down by an eighth or sixteenth of an inch if the measurement could go either way.
2. Cutting the Slats/Fabric - Use your measurements to lay out and cut the blind material. Hold it against the window to make sure your measurements were correct. If you are using a rough material, like wood, sand the ends and both sides. If a fabric material is being used, hem the edges.
3. Assembling the Blind - Construct a loop from the window cord, leaving a decent amount for a tail before the loop. Insert one slat into the loop approximately 1-2” and close the loop. Leave approximately 1/2” of cord and construct another loop. To complete the shade portion of the blind, repeat the process for each slat on both ends. For the top slat, use a wider and slightly thicker piece of strapping and a slip knot to allow for raising and lowering the slats. For a fabric blind, staple the fabric to a window roller.
4. Installing the Bracket Mount and Blind - Pre-drill three holes (left, right and middle) into the top board of the window box. Attach the main blind support to the top of the window frame. For a fabric blind, place the chosen mount onto the window frame and measure to the bracket, allowing for the width of the rolled-up blind. Mark the screw hole locations. Pre-drill the bracket holes and then screw in the bracket screws. Place the blind into the bracket holes and test.
5. Pull Adjustments - It does not matter whether you have chosen to use a fabric blind or a slat blind. Each type will require an adjustment before optimal use can occur. For a fabric blind, you will need to adjust the tension of the roller. To accomplish this, simply tighten the flat pin of the roller. Be careful when turning becomes more difficult - at some point the spring inside the roller will let loose and hurt your fingers. Stop turning the pin when you believe this will occur. Using a piece of rod as a lever is a good way to prevent this from happening. A peg may be needed for the slat blind to hold it in an “up” position. Tacking a screw into the outside of the window frame will be sufficient.