How to Install Vertical Blinds: A Delmarva Homeowner's Guide

TL;DR: Installing vertical blinds involves choosing between an inside or outside mount, taking precise measurements, securely mounting the brackets and headrail, and then attaching the vanes and valance. For a flawless, professional result without the hassle, especially for sliding glass doors or large windows in your Delmarva home, the experts at Home Blinds & Floors offer free in-home consultations and guaranteed installation.

Thinking about installing vertical blinds for your large windows or sliding glass doors in your Delmarva home? At Home Blinds & Floors, we help homeowners from Rehoboth Beach to Easton achieve a polished, professional look. While DIY installation is possible, getting it perfect is the key. A flawless setup is the difference between blinds that glide effortlessly for years and ones that never seem to hang right. This guide will walk you through the process so you can decide if it's a project for you or a job for the pros.

DIY vs. Professional Vertical Blind Installation

Feeling hesitant about installing vertical blinds yourself? That’s completely normal. Many homeowners in Salisbury and across the Delmarva Peninsula love the clean style of vertical blinds but get stuck on the installation part. Understanding what goes into the process can make all the difference.

Vertical blinds are a go-to for a reason. They’re practical for tricky spots like vinyl patio doors, offering great light control and ease of use. The choice between DIY and professional help boils down to your comfort level with home projects, the tools you have, and your window's complexity. For oversized or unusually shaped windows, professional installation is a small investment that pays off big in peace of mind.

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison:

Factor	DIY Installation	Professional Installation
Cost	Lower upfront cost, but you run the risk of pricey mistakes if something goes wrong.	A higher initial investment, but you're paying for guaranteed expertise and service.
Time	Plan on a few hours, plus the time to carefully read through all the instructions.	Usually very quick and efficient. An expert can often have it done in under an hour.
Tools	You'll need to provide your own drill, level, tape measure, and other hardware.	The installer shows up with a full kit of professional-grade tools for any situation.
Expertise	It's all on you. Troubleshooting a tricky window can become a real headache.	You get years of experience, ensuring a perfect fit and finish, even on problem windows.

As a local, family-run business, Home Blinds & Floors provides personal service, competitive pricing, and professional installation throughout Sussex, Wicomico, Kent, and beyond. We take the guesswork out of the process, ensuring you get a beautiful result every time.

Getting Your Measurements & Tools Right for Installation

Any good installation starts with prep work. Getting your tools ready and taking accurate measurements is what separates a professional-looking job from a DIY disaster. You’ll need a steel tape measure, a pencil, a level, and a reliable power drill. Having the correct essential power tools like drills makes the job faster and safer.

Inside or Outside Mount? Making the First Big Decision

Before measuring, you must decide how the blinds will hang. This choice between an inside mount and an outside mount changes your measurements and the final look.

• Inside Mount: This gives you a clean, custom look where the blinds sit within the window frame. It’s a popular choice in modern Delmarva homes, but you need enough depth in your window casing for the headrail.

• Outside Mount: Here, you mount the blinds on the wall or trim above the window. It's the perfect solution if your window frame is too shallow, you want to make the window appear larger, or you want to cover old trim.

Honestly, this is a tricky detail. That's why at Home Blinds & Floors, we handle it all during our free in-home consultations. Our experts help homeowners across Sussex and Wicomico counties figure out the best approach for their specific windows, taking all the guesswork out of it.

The Secret to Perfect Measurements: Measure Thrice

Now for the most critical step: measuring. The biggest mistake is assuming windows are perfectly square. They never are. To get accurate results, you have to measure in three different spots for both width and height.

A Quick Pro Tip: Ditch the cloth measuring tape. It can stretch over time and give you bad numbers. A steel tape measure is what every professional uses because it’s always accurate.

Here’s the method:

• For the width, measure across the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame.

• For the height, measure down the left side, in the middle, and on the right side.

For an inside mount, use the narrowest width and the shortest height. For an outside mount, add a few inches to your measurements to ensure the blinds fully cover the window and frame.

Securing the Headrail for a Perfect Hang

With the prep work done, it's time to mount the hardware. Getting the headrail perfectly level and securely fastened is the foundation for a successful vertical blinds installation.

Marking and Mounting Your Brackets

First, mark where your brackets will go. Whether it's an inside or outside mount, space them evenly to support the headrail's weight and prevent sagging. Use your pencil and tape measure to mark the spots, then use a level to double-check that they’re perfectly aligned. Even a slight angle will be noticeable once the vanes are up.

Nailing the Installation for a Secure Fit

With your marks level, pre-drill pilot holes. This prevents the wood from splitting and helps screws go in straight. If you're drilling into drywall without a stud, you must use wall anchors to prevent the brackets from pulling out of the wall.

Drive in the screws to secure each bracket. Before the final turn, place the level on the bracket one last time to ensure nothing shifted. This extra care ensures a professional look.

Snapping the Headrail into Place

Once your brackets are solid, attach the headrail. Most designs snap right into the brackets with firm pressure. You should hear a "click" as it locks in.

My Pro Tip: After the headrail is in, give it a gentle tug to make sure it's secure in every single bracket. Then, for a final confirmation, place your level on the bottom of the headrail itself. This guarantees it's perfectly horizontal before you start hanging the individual vanes.

From free in-home consultations to flawless installation, Home Blinds & Floors takes the stress out of selecting window treatments. Our experts ensure every set of blinds is perfectly level and secure, especially for tricky spots like sliding glass doors. For inspiration, see our guide on the best blinds for sliding glass doors in 2025.

Adding the Final Touches: Vanes and Valance

You’ve done the hard part—the headrail is securely in place. Now for the most satisfying step: hanging the vanes and adding the valance. This is where your new blinds really start to look like the finished product.

Before you begin, twist the control wand or chain to rotate the carrier stems inside the headrail so the hook slots face you. This makes clipping the vanes on much easier.

Hanging the Vanes, One by One

Start at one end and gently slide the hole at the top of your first vane over its hook on the stem. You should feel a definite click as it settles into place. Repeat this process, working your way across the window.

The trick is consistency. Ensure every vane is hung the same way, with the curve facing the same direction. This allows them to overlap neatly for total privacy and light control.

I see this all the time: a vane hung backward. It’s an easy mistake to make. If one vane looks off or won't close flush, just unhook it, spin it 180 degrees, and pop it back on.

Finishing the Job with the Valance

The valance is the finishing piece that hides the mounting hardware. Most valances clip on with small plastic clips that slide onto the front of the headrail.

• Position the Clips: Space the valance clips evenly across the top of the headrail, about every 18 to 24 inches.

• Prepare the Valance: Some valances have a channel for a spare vane or matching material. Insert that first.

• Snap it in Place: Line up the valance with the clips and press firmly until it snaps on.

As a local, family-run business, Home Blinds & Floors knows that details like a perfectly fitted valance are what count. We offer that personal touch and professional installation throughout Sussex, Wicomico, and Kent counties to make sure every installation is flawless.

Final Adjustments and Troubleshooting

Even with a perfect installation, you might need a few small tweaks to get your blinds working just right. This last step is about fine-tuning for smooth operation.

First, give them a test run. Slide the blinds back and forth and rotate the vanes from fully open to fully closed. Everything should feel consistent and easy.

Dealing with Common Hitches

If something feels off, don't worry. Most common issues have simple fixes.

Problem #1: My Vanes Aren't Lining Up or Turning Together This is the most common problem and usually means the carrier stems inside the headrail are out of sync.

• The Fix: Rotate the vanes as far as they’ll go in one direction until they stop. You might hear a few clicks. Now, do the same thing in the opposite direction. This almost always forces stubborn stems back into alignment.

Problem #2: The Blinds are Sticking or Dragging on the Track If the blinds feel like you're fighting them, it usually points to friction in the headrail.

• The Fix: Check the track for debris. If it's clear, a quick spray of a silicone lubricant directly into the track's moving parts will help. Avoid oil-based products like WD-40, which can attract dust.

Getting these adjustments right makes your blinds easier to care for long-term. For more tips on keeping them looking great, take a look at our guide on how to clean vertical blinds.

FAQ: Vertical Blinds Installation Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we get from homeowners across the Delmarva Peninsula about installing vertical blinds.

Can I install vertical blinds on my own?

Yes, if you're comfortable with a measuring tape and a drill, installing vertical blinds is a manageable DIY project. However, for large windows, sliding glass doors, or custom-shaped openings, professional installation is recommended. A team like Home Blinds & Floors ensures a perfect fit and smooth operation without the headache.

What is the difference between an inside and outside mount?

An inside mount fits the blinds snugly within the window frame for a clean, built-in look. An outside mount installs the blinds on the wall or trim above the window, which can make the window appear larger and is ideal for shallow frames. Your choice affects both the final look and how you measure.

How do I clean and maintain my new vertical blinds?

Vertical blinds are easy to care for. For vinyl and aluminum, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. For fabric vanes, use a vacuum's soft brush attachment on a low setting to remove dust. For more details, our guide comparing vinyl and aluminum blinds can help you choose the best material for your lifestyle.

What cities in Delmarva do you serve?

Home Blinds & Floors proudly serves the entire Delmarva Peninsula. Our service area includes Sussex and Kent Counties in Delaware; Wicomico, Worcester, and Talbot Counties in Maryland; and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We bring our showroom and expertise right to your doorstep in towns like Salisbury, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Easton.

Your Local Delmarva Experts for Window Treatments

In summary, Home Blinds & Floors provides custom window treatments, expert advice, and professional in-home service to homes and businesses across the Delmarva Peninsula. From Rehoboth Beach to Easton, our team is here to help you choose and install the best shades, shutters, or vertical blinds for your space. Schedule your free consultation today to get started.