How to install Venetian blinds

Venetian blind installation instructions

Please note – illustrations and diagrams provided are not to scale and are for visual reference only.

Fixing parts included (per blind)

Before you start… 

Check all the above fixing parts have been supplied. In the event of a missing part (or parts) contact The Curtain and Blind Company. The number of fixing parts will vary in relation to the size and number of blinds supplied. Please ensure the blind is mounted using a spirit level for correct operation. The following tools and instruments will be required to complete installation safely and accurately:

• Power drill
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Pencil & tape measure
• Spirit level
• Small step ladder (if required)
• Protective eyewear & gloves (if drilling into masonry, metal or tile)

Fitting location 

Before commencing installation, determine the correct fitting location for your window. The location should correspond with your order information. Please note, your finished size for a Face Fit blind is as per the ordered size. For a Recess Fit blind, the supplied width will be 10mm less than ordered and the drop will be 20mm less than ordered. This is to allow the brackets and slats to comfortably fit inside the recess.

Step 1 – Installing the mounting brackets 

The mounting brackets should be fitted 5mm past each end (left and right) of the blind headrail using bracket screws.

Step 2 – Attach the valance clips to the headrail

Before inserting the headrail into the mounting brackets, hook the valance clips onto the headrail. You will need to attach the valance once the headrail has been inserted into the mounting brackets.

Step 3 – Fixing the blind headrail into the mounting brackets

Push the blind headrail carefully into each of the mounting brackets. Then press each of the bracket gates down until they click – this secures the blind headrail into your mounting brackets.

Step 4 – Attaching the valance to the valance clips

Gently guide the bottom lip of the valance clip into the groove at the back side of the valance. Exert pressure on the front side of valance, so the top lip and bottom lip are squeezed into the groove.

Step 4.1 – Attaching the valance returns (Face Fit only) 

Insert the valance return clips into each end of the valance and the two valance return pieces (left and right sides). Slide into place so the valance returns are stable.

Step 5 – Installing the cord cleat (Corded Venetians only)

Cord cleats must be installed at least 1600mm above floor level to comply with safety guidelines. Fasten the cord cleat to the wall using the screws provided. Do not use tape, adhesives, stapes or nails to attach the cord cleats. Once fitted, the cord must be wound entirely around the cord cleat to ensure safe use and must not form a loop longer than 220mm.

Step 6 – Installing hold down brackets (if ordered) 

Using the screws provided, attach the base of the hold down bracket to the window recess/sill. Additional fixing is possible through the side of the bracket (when suitable). Once attached, snap the hold down bracket’s pin into the guide holes found on the end of the blind’s bottom rail.

Important safety information for corded internal window coverings

Blind and curtain cords are a significant risk to children as unsecured cords can lead to strangulation.

The Australian Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard states that a corded internal window covering ‘must be installed in a way that a loose cord cannot form a loop 220 mm or longer and at less than 1600 mm above floor level’. To achieve this, follow the below advice:

• Check there are no loose operational cords that children can reach from the floor, cot/bed, or by climbing on nearby furniture.
• If you install an operational Cord Cleat lower than 1600mm above floor level, you must ensure that children cannot remove the cord from the cleat and the cord is sufficiently secured or tensioned to prevent a loop of 220mm or longer from being formed.
• The Cord Cleat must be installed using both screws.
• When installing into plasterboard, the Cord Cleat must be attached to the studs behind the plasterboard using the self-tapping screws provided and mounted at a height of at least 1600mm from the floor.
• For masonry walls, pre-drill small holes the size of the appropriate screw anchors at the marked location. Insert the anchors at the holes and then fix the Cord Cleat with the provided screws.

Pull testing

Once the Cord Cleat is safely attached pull the cord with a 70N force* for 10 seconds. Repeat the pull test at a minimum of four angles, varied evenly through the possible range of motion. The Cord Cleat must remain firmly attached to the wall (or other structure).

If the Cord Cleat is no longer firmly attached i.e., it is pulled off the wall or becomes loose, then there is high chance that it can be pulled of the frame or wall and will become a strangulation hazard for children.

*A force of 70N is approximately equal to applying a 7-kilogram weight and has been assessed as the likely amount of force a child may exert on a blind cord guide by grabbing, pulling or hanging on it.

For more information, visit www.productsafety.gov.au