The American department store JC Penney sells wood blinds in five different colors and in a variety of lengths and widths. These blinds are easy to match to most any interior decor and are also fairly simple to install. The most important part of the process is measuring properly, since they're meant to fit snuggly against the inside of the window. Blinds that are too large will not fit and blinds that are too small will just look silly.
Step 1
Use a tape measure to measure the width of the window. Measure it at the top, in the middle and at the bottom and then use the smallest number. Then measure the length using the same process. Write down the measurements to the closest eighth of an inch. Finally, look at the measurement chart on JC Penney's website to see the depth required for each type of wood blinds the store offers. Check the depth of your window before you make your choice.
Step 2
Bring your measurements to JC Penney to order your blinds or enter them on the website. Then pick your wood color and slat width. Double check your numbers before you submit your order, since custom blinds are nonrefundable.
Step 3
Take one of the brackets and hold it against the upper left interior corner of the window. Mark the top and bottom of the bracket with a pencil line and draw circles where each hole meets the wall. Then do the same thing with the right bracket making sure the markings on the right are parallel to the markings on the left. (Use a straight edge or a laser level.) Drill holes over each of the circles. Then screw in the brackets, using your pencil marks to ensure you hang them straight.
Step 4
Place the valance in the brackets, being careful not to tangle your blinds' cords as you hang them up. Slide the caps into the brackets. Then open and close the blinds, making sure they work properly and won't slip out.
Step 5
Attach the closing rod to the hook at the top left of the blinds. Check to see if the blinds rotate correctly without bumping into the window. If there's not enough room, take down the brackets and move them forward by a quarter inch.
Skill: Moderately Easy
Ingredients:
- Blinds, with included hardware
- Drill
- Straightedge or laser level
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
Warning: JC Penney ships its blinds only to the 48 continental states. If you live in Alaska or Hawaii or overseas, you will have to look elsewhere.
Keyword: jc penney wood blinds install
