How to Install Blinds on French Doors

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil

  • Carpenter's level

  • Drill

  • 1/16-inch drill bit

  • Flat screwdriver or bit

  • Blinds

  • Screws

  • Brackets

French doors

French doors can be beautiful additions to any room, but you may want to cover them with blinds or window treatments to ensure privacy or light control. It can be a little different installing blinds on doors rather than windows because they are in constant use, but with the right tools and know-how, it can be done.

Advertisement

Step 1

Determine the size for the blinds by measuring the glass portion of the door. Add 3 to 4 inches to the width and 3 or 4 inches to the length to ensure privacy. Keep in mind the handles and hinges and make sure to allow enough room for those. Order outside mount blinds because they will not be going inside a window recess or frame.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Mount the blinds 2 inches above the glass to ensure privacy. Measure 2 inches out from the glass on each side with a tape measure and draw a line with a pencil. Do the same procedure at the bottom of the glass for the hold-down brackets, which will keep the blinds in place when you open and close the door. This is where the brackets will go.

Advertisement

Step 3

Hold one of the metal mounting brackets against the mark you drew. Make a mark with a pencil where the screw holes on the brackets will go. Repeat this for the other mounting and hold-down brackets. Use a carpenter's level to ensure the marks are evenly aligned.

Step 4

Drill a hole with a 1/16-inch bit to make pilot holes at each screw mark you made on the door.

Advertisement

Step 5

Place the bracket on the marks and line it up with the screw holes. Secure the screws with a flat-head screw driver or screwdriver bit. Repeat with the other brackets.

Step 6

Slide the head rail or long metal piece into the grooves on the brackets and it should snap into place. Repeat this for the bottom rail of the blind.

Tip

Install the blinds so the tilt and lift controls are on the side next to the door hinges and away from the handle. This helps prevent the controls from getting caught in the door when opening and closing.

If your door has lever type handles, 2 or 2 1/2 inch blinds will work, but the handle can interfere with the tilting of the blind slats. They will fit behind the lever when closed, but to tilt the blinds open, move the slats that are in the way from behind the lever.

You could switch your lever handle to a knob, so it is easier to fit the blinds.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...