How to Install and Hang Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are a stylish and practical way to dress your windows, combining the softness of fabric with the neat folds of a blind. Once you have chosen your blind, fitting it correctly is crucial to achieving a professional finish. At Terrys, we make installing Roman blinds as straightforward as possible, whether you are fitting them inside the recess for a sleek look or outside for maximum coverage.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to fit Roman blinds, from measuring and preparing the space to attaching the brackets, hanging the blind, and making those finishing touches.

Preparing to Fit Roman Blinds: Inside vs Outside Recess

You can fit Roman blinds either inside the window recess for a tailored look or outside for better light control. If you are unsure which to choose, our full guide on how Roman blinds work compares both styles in more detail.

How to Install Roman Blind Brackets

Step 1: Choose Your Bracket Position

Decide if the blind will be inside the recess for a neat, streamlined look or outside the recess for maximum coverage. Check that there is enough depth for the headrail and that nothing will obstruct the blind.

Step 2: Position and Level the Brackets

Hold the brackets where the headrail will sit. For an inside recess fitting, place them on the top surface. For outside recess fitting, place them on the wall above the window. Use a spirit level to ensure the brackets sit perfectly in line.

Step 3: Mark the Drill Holes

Mark the fixing holes with a pencil while holding each bracket in place. Double-check alignment before you drill.

Step 4: Drill and Prepare Fixings

Drill the marked holes with the correct bit for your surface. Insert wall plugs for plaster or masonry. If fixing into timber, you can usually screw directly without plugs.

Step 5: Secure the Brackets

Screw the brackets firmly into place. Recheck with the spirit level to confirm they are aligned and sitting square.

Step 6: Clip in the Headrail

Offer the blind’s headrail up to the brackets and clip it securely into place until it locks.

Final Checks

Give the headrail a gentle tug to confirm it is secure. Ensure both brackets are tight, level, and clear of any obstructions so the blind can operate smoothly.

Hanging a Corded Roman Blind

Step 1: Attach the Fabric Panel to the Headrail

Use the supplied hook-and-loop tape to fix the top edge of the fabric panel to the headrail. This makes later removal for cleaning or adjustments quick and simple.

Step 2: Clip in the Headrail

Clip the headrail securely into the fitted brackets. Check with a spirit level to confirm it sits perfectly level.

Step 3: Thread the Lift Cords

Starting at the bottom rod pocket, thread each cord up through the rings sewn onto the back of the lining. Work vertically up each column so every ring lines up neatly.

Step 4: Route Cords to the Control Side

Feed the cords through the cord guides in the headrail, taking them across to your chosen control side. Keep the runs straight and free of twists.

Step 5: Tie into the Cord Condenser

Gather the cords and knot them securely into the breakaway cord condenser or acorn, following the kit instructions.

Step 6: Test and Dress the Folds

Gently pull the cords to raise and lower the blind. The rods should create neat, even folds as the fabric stacks. If needed, operate the blind a few times to “train” the pleats.

Step 7: Fit the Safety Cleat

Fix the supplied safety cleat to the wall at least 1.5m above the floor. Wind excess cords neatly around the cleat to keep them secure and ensure the blind complies with UK child safety standards.

Final Checks

Confirm the headrail is level, cords run smoothly through every ring and guide, and the cleat is used to store cords safely. Your corded Roman blind is ready to use.

Hanging a Cassette Roman Blind

Step 1: Measure and Trim the Hardware

Measure the cassette headrail, bottom bar, and rods against your window size. If they need shortening, cut them with a fine-toothed hacksaw and smooth any sharp edges.

Step 2: Fix the Brackets

Position the universal brackets where the cassette will sit. Check alignment with a spirit level, then drill, plug if needed, and screw firmly into place.

Step 3: Clip in the Cassette Headrail

Offer the cassette up to the fitted brackets and click it securely into place until it locks.

Step 4: Prepare the Fabric Panel

Sew rod pockets into the lining and insert the rods. Slide the weighted bottom bar into its channel at the hem.

Step 5: Add the Hook-and-Loop Tape

Sew the supplied hook-and-loop tape along the top edge of the fabric panel, matching the tape on the cassette rail.

Step 6: Attach the Fabric to the Cassette

Centre the panel and press the top edge firmly onto the cassette’s tape so it holds securely but can be removed for cleaning.

Step 7: Set the Control Side

Choose which side you want the sidewinder chain. Configure the cassette as instructed so operation is on your preferred side.

Step 8: Test the Sidewinder Mechanism

Gently pull the chain to raise and lower the blind. Check the travel is smooth and the folds form evenly. Cassette systems are ideal for larger blinds or heavier fabrics thanks to the controlled lift.

Step 9: Dress the Folds

If needed, “train” the pleats by operating the blind several times, then leave it stacked for a few hours to set the folds.

Step 10: Fit the Chain Tension Device

Install the supplied tensioner to the wall or recess so the chain is held under constant tension and cannot form a loop. This ensures compliance with UK child safety regulations.

Final Checks

Confirm the cassette is locked into the brackets, the headrail is level, the fabric is centred, and the chain runs freely without snagging. Your cassette Roman blind is ready to use.

Final Checks and Dressing the Blind

Once your blind is installed, raise and lower it a few times to allow the folds to settle. If the pleats do not look even at first, leave the blind stacked for a few hours to “train” the fabric into shape. A light press with a warm iron or gentle steam can also help set crisp folds.

Step back and check that the blind hangs level and covers the window as intended. Small adjustments to the brackets or cord tension can make all the difference to the finished look.

Installing Roman Blinds Made Simple with Terrys

Installing Roman blinds does not need to be complicated. With accurate measuring, careful bracket placement, and attention to safety, you can achieve a professional finish at home. Whether you prefer the traditional style of a corded kit or the modern convenience of a cassette system, Terrys provides everything you need, from Roman blind kits and fixings to made-to-measure blinds in hundreds of fabrics.

If you would rather skip the DIY, explore our made-to-measure Roman blinds collection for blinds crafted to your exact window sizes, delivered ready to hang.