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parts

1. Chain end bracket x 1
2. Pin end bracket x 1
3. Installation screws (2 per bracket)
4. Inter bracket (for split blinds)

step 1

Determine the placement of each brackets at the top corners of the frame or the architrave (depending on the fitting method).

step 2

Mark the desired position of the brackets and measure the distance apart to ensure blind will fit.

step 3

Screw through the back of the bracket, or alternatively if inside-mounting, through the side of the bracket against the frame. Take into consideration the thickness of the headrail when blind is fully rolled up. (Inter-Bracket (if applicable): Align the inter-bracket with brackets in the corners to ensure perfect fit.)

step 4

Turn the clear gear disc on the pin end to retract the pin.

step 5

Hold the blind so that the chain is hanging down correctly as shown.

step 6

Insert the chain end on to the tongue projecting out from the chain end bracket.

step 7

Once the chain end is set correctly, slide in the pin end and reverse the gear disc to extend the pin into the bracket hole.

step 8

Once the blind is installed, test the blind by rolling up and down using the control chain.

Stuck? We are here to help! Contact us: email info@blindsmith.co.nz call 0800 16 1415.

Parts

1. Fascia x 1
2. Installation Brackets x 2
3. Installation Screws (2 per bracket)
4. End Returns x 2 (for outside mounted blinds)
5. Centre support bracket (for blinds over 1800mm wide)

step 1

Determine the placement of each brackets at the top corners of the frame or the architrave (depending on the fitting method).

step 2

Mark the desired position of the brackets and measure the distance apart to ensure blind will fit.

step 3

Screw through the back of the bracket, or alternatively if inside-mounting, through the side of the bracket against the frame.

Support Bracket (if applicable): Align the centre support bracket with brackets in the corners to ensure perfect fit. Check the string locations of the blind to ensure the placement of the support bracket is not in the way.

step 4

Open the front flaps of the bracket. Having the blind pulled up will allow for easier lifting and fitting.

Slide the headrail into the brackets from the front as shown here:

step 5

Once the headrail is placed inside the brackets, lower the front flaps to secure its placement.

step 6

Remove the covering tapes off the pre-attached Velcro on the front of the headrail. Press fascia firmly onto the headrail.

step 7

Outside mounting
Remove the covering tapes off the pre-attached Velcro on the side of the headrail. Carefully align the End Return with fascia and press firmly to attach.

step 8

Once the blind is installed, test the blind by pulling up and down using the control cord.

Stuck? We are here to help! Contact us. Email info@blindsmith.co.nz call 0800 16 1415

Having clean blinds doesn’t only look good, it makes for a healthier home. Although the task can look daunting, making sure your blinds and insect screens are clean is easy and can be done with items you’re likely to already have. Different blinds require slightly different methods, so we’ve covered each below.

Roller blinds

These can all be cleaned in a similar way using a duster or cloth, and if necessary spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.

Cleaning method

1. Roll the blind all the way down and use your spare hand to hold it steady.
2. Gently dust both sides by wiping downwards with your cloth (or duster).
3. If you need to spot-clean, use a damp cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaning product.
4. Wait until the blinds are completely dry before winding them back up. Dual roller blinds are a little trickier but can be cleaned using the same method (and a bit of coordination).

Venetian blinds

Horizontal blinds shouldn’t need a lot of cleaning, but they do gather dust and the occasional insect. The best tools for cleaning your horizontal blinds are:

1. A microfibre cloth
2. A duster
3. A vacuum with the soft-brush/upholstery attachment
4. A toothbrush
5. Our personal favourite: the “sock puppet” – a clean, old sock worn as a mitt.

Cleaning method

1. Start with your blinds rolled down, then tilt the slats to a 45 degree angle first one way and then the other. This should knock off larger amounts of dust, especially if your blinds haven’t be used for a while.
2. Using your cloth, duster, or sock puppet, individually wipe down both sides of each slat. Alternatively you can do this by vacuuming with the soft brush attachment.
3. f you are cleaning PVC or aluminium blinds, you can wipe them with a clean damp cloth once the majority of the dust is removed. If necessary, a small amount of warm (not hot) water and gentle detergent can be used. On wooden blinds, we recommend you skip this step and avoid any liquids – even though the wood is sealed, water or chemicals can warp or discolour it.
4. If there are niggly bits (such as insects) that don’t clean off with your cloth, avoid scrubbing with pads or Steelos. Instead use a dry toothbrush in a circular motion to lift the dirt.

Vertical blinds

The best way to clean our vertical blinds is with a soft brush (such as a baby brush) or the upholstery fitting on your vacuum.

Cleaning method

1. Simply close the blinds and brush or vacuum downwards to remove dust, hair, or fur. You can use your free hand to hold the blind to make it easier.
2. Once you have done one side, face the slats the other way and repeat. If you do happen to have stains on the blinds, you can spot-clean with a warm, damp cloth with a small amount of detergent.

Insect screens

Insect screens take a bit more of a beating than blinds, as they are exposed to dust, wind, pollen, and rain. Although our screens are fairly durable, it is best to either take them down (if they are magnetic) or be gentle when you are wiping. Too much pressure on the screen can be damaging.

Cleaning method

1. Wipe screens down with a clean lint-free cloth or use your vacuum with the soft-brush fitting to remove dust. If they are still dirty or have insects stuck to them it’s best to use a bit of warm water and cleaning product.
2. Magnetic screens are best cleaned by laying them on a tarp outside and hosing them down. If you have a hand-held shower head, you can also wash them in the shower. You can scrub them with a small amount of detergent and a toothbrush or scrubbing brush.
3. If the screen isn’t removable, use a mixture of warm water with a few drops of detergent and gently scrub with a toothbrush or scrubbing brush. It’s a good idea to lay an old towel down and clean them from the inside so that excess liquid can spray outside.
4. Wipe the screen – magnetic or otherwise – down with a clean towel when you’re done to stop airborne dust from sticking and sabotaging your hard work!

If you have any other concerns regarding cleaning your blinds, contact us for a recommendation for a professional cleaner. Email info@blindsmith.co.nz call 0800 16 1415

you need

1. a tape measure
2. a pen and piece of paper
3. a second person to hold the tape measure

steps

Decide if you want your blinds to fit on the inside of the jamb (the most popular choice) or on the outside of the jamb.

inside fit

1. Measure the width of the window from jamb to jamb. We recommend you measure it in three places* and write down the shortest measurement. *You only need to measure in one place for vertical blinds.
2. Measure the drop from the top jamb to the bottom jamb (or windowsill). We recommend doing this in three places and write down the shortest measurement.
   
3. Do not make any adjustments to these measurements for gaps, etc.
   

outside fit

1. Measure the width of the window from architrave to architrave. We recommend you measure it in three places* and write down the shortest measurement. *You only need to measure in one place for vertical blinds.
2. Measure the drop from the top of where you want your blind to hang to the bottom. We recommend doing this in three places and write down the shortest measurement.
3. Do not make any adjustments to these measurements for gaps, etc.
   

tips & tricks

1. Write down the measurements in millimetres (mm) to the nearest 1mm. It can be helpful to draw a diagram of the room so you remember which measurement is for which window.
2. Keep an eye out for tiles and handles and other details that need to be taken into account to ensure your blinds fit perfectly.
3. For each window, note if you want your controls on the left or right-hand side. (This is which side of your body as you face the window).

Too hard? Don’t worry. We offer FREE measure and quote. Don’t hesitate to contact us TODAY. Email info@blindsmith.co.nz or Call 0800 16 1415.

Did you know glass windows are responsible for up to 45% of your home’s heat loss in winter, and 95% of passive heat gain in summer? And if your windows aren’t double-glazed or correctly sealed, these percentages can be much more. Having an overly hot or cold house isn’t only uncomfortable – it can have a huge impact on our health.

Luckily, with the help of blinds, we can not only control how much heat is gained or lost from windows but use that control to our advantage. Investing in good blinds and knowing how to use them to manage temperatures can also save you a fortune on electrical expenses.

Keeping your cool

Unless you are trying to grow seedlings inside, no one wants to live in a glasshouse. Even if you only have a few windows per room the sun streaming in can have a similar effect. The best way to manage this is to install thermal roller blinds. Thermal fabrics are designed to withstand the harsh New Zealand sun, as well as help protect your furnishings from any damage caused by ultraviolet rays.

Having an overly hot or cold house isn’t only uncomfortable – it can have a huge impact on our health.

If the temperature isn’t too unbearable and you just want to keep a small amount of sun out, our slated blinds – vertical or horizontal – can be opened or closed at whatever angle or height best suits you. Alternatively, sunscreen roller blinds are also great for reducing sun glares without completely blocking out the view.

If you are out during the day – at work or elsewhere – another key tip is to simply close your blinds before you leave. Keeping your blinds shut means the sunlight and warmth from outdoors is kept outdoors. The colour of your blinds can also help – medium-coloured blinds (not black or white) are the best for minimising heat.

Thermal blockout roller blinds are the most effective, as they are lined with an extra layer of energy-efficient insulation to block out light and heat. A non-thermal blockout roller will also be effective, especially at controlling excess light.

Some like it hot

Thermal blockout roller blinds aren’t just for keeping heat out. They are also great for keeping heat in, which is probably what they are better known for. If you have ever touched the glass of your window or sliding door on a wintery night, you’ll know how cold it is. That chill will also cool down the air around the glass. The lining in our thermal blockout roller blinds traps the cold air behind it so your home will stay cosy. Meanwhile the blinds are also working to keep the warmth inside.

While thermal blockout roller blinds are the best for keeping warmth in and coldness out, you can achieve a similar effect with our standard blinds. Our blinds are all made with top-quality materials so they’ll still work wonders. The blockout rollers and vertical blinds are made with tightly woven fabrics that will be almost as effective.

Make sure you pull your blinds closed before the sun goes completely down to ensure the night’s cool temperatures are kept outside.

Make sure you pull your blinds closed before the sun goes completely down to ensure the night’s cool temperatures are kept outside. If you know you’re going to get home after dark, it’s a good idea to close your blinds before you leave the house. If the sun is shining, however, leave your blinds open during the day so the warm sunlight can shine in. Your windows will slightly magnify the light keeping your home warm.

If your home tends to steam up and get damp, PVC blinds are an eco-friendly way to keep moisture levels down – and they’re cheaper to use than a dehumidifier.

Dual rollers consist of two layers of the blind, both the sunscreen and the blockout layers, so if your house’s temperature is sensitive to outdoor conditions, a dual roller will be your best bet.

New Zealand is lucky to have a diverse climate, letting us Kiwis get the best of both seasonal worlds. But to keep your home and family from being exposed to the extremities, it’s key to install the right blinds.

If you have any other concerns regarding cleaning your blinds, contact us for a recommendation for a professional cleaner. Email info@blindsmith.co.nz call 0800 16 1415