A. Getting Started

The Parts: Before getting started, please remove and identify the following parts required for the installation of your shades:

B. The Tools

To install your Great Windows Wood Blinds, you will need a few basic tools:

• Head screwdriver*

*Power screwdriver or power drill with a #2 Phillips attachment

IMPORTANT NOTE: Screws provided are for installation into wooden frames only. For metal surfaces, use suitable sheet metal screws and pre-drill holes. For concrete, stone, brick, or tile, use a carbide drill and appropriate anchors and screws. For wallboard or plaster, use hollow wall anchors and/or longer screws to reach framing or stud. In all cases, follow the fastener manufacturer's recommendations.

C. Sorting Your Blinds

Inside the headrail of your Great Windows Wood Blinds, there is a sorting label. This appears as seen at right.

On this label, you will recognize:

• Order size of the blind
• Room location (If not present, info not given at time of order)
• Whether the blind was ordered for inside mount (IB) or Outside mount (OB)

D. Inside vs. Outside Mounting

When you ordered your Great Windows Wood Blinds, either inside mount (IB) or outside mount (OB) was specified. Refer to the sorting label for the type of mount you selected and proceed to appropriate instructions.

Each blind is supplied with a left and right bracket. Open the brackets by pressing on the bottom, and lifting the safety door, as shown at right.

E. Bracket Installation

Inside Mount

Your Inside Mount Great WindowsTM Wood Blinds have a factory allowance taken for the window frame and bracket clearance. The actual blind measurement will be 1/2" narrower in width than the order size indicated on the sorting label. The manufactured height is 1/4" less than ordered height to allow for proper seating in the brackets. Provided accurate measurements were supplied, this should result in an easy installation and beautiful fit.

1. Place one bracket into the upper corner of the inside window frame (3/4" depth required), as illustrated so that the hinged door is on the front side and opens upward (Figure 1).
2. Drill 1/16" pilot holes. Secure with two screws (provided) through either side or top of the bracket.
3. Repeat this process for the opposite side.
4. If your blinds are 48" or wider, please proceed to Section F. If your blinds are narrower than 48", please proceed to Section G.

Outside Mount

Your Outside Mount Great Windows Wood Blinds are cut to the exact size listed on the sorting label inside the headrail. However, the headrail is cut 3/8" narrower than the slats to allow easy entry into the brackets, and better coverage of the window trim.

1. Open the brackets
2. Install each bracket, using two screws per bracket, against the surface of the trim, that the door opens upward (Figure 2).
3. If your blinds are 48" or wider, please proceed to Section F. If your blinds are narrower than 48", please proceed to Section G.

If your blinds were measured to the edge of the trim (Standard OB):

1. Install brackets in the upper corners of the trim as shown (Figure 2).
2. Pre-drill screw holes with 1/16" bit to prevent trim from splitting.

If your blinds were measured to an interior flat area on the face of the trim (1st tier):

1. Place brackets against trim at measured blind width (Figure 3).
2. Secure with two screws.
3. If your blinds are 48" or wider, please proceed to Section F. If your blinds are narrow than 48", please proceed to Section G.

F. Supporting Wide Blinds

Blinds wider than 48" will require the installation of a center support bracket. Blinds over 72" long will have two center support brackets.

If your blinds are narrower than 48" wide proceed to Section G.

Center Supports for Three Ladder Blinds (Applies to Most Blinds)

1. Offset the center support bracket a couple of inches to the right or left of center. Precise location is not critical so long as bracket is in the vicinity of the ladder(s), but not directly behind it.
2. Make sure all center support brackets are positioned so they do not interfere with headrail components.
3. Install at same height and depth as end brackets (Figure 4).

Center Supports for 4 and 5 Ladder Blinds

1. Position the center support brackets so that they do not interfere with the tape roll supports inside the headrail. Center support should not be directly behind a tape or ladder on the blind.
2. For blinds over 72" wide, the two center support brackets must not be spaced more than 48" apart.
3. Install at same height and depth as end brackets (Figure 2).

G. Installing Your Blinds into the Brackets

Having installed the left and right brackets, and any necessary center support brackets, you are now ready to install the blind.

1. Make certain bracket doors are opened.
2. Install as follows.

NOTE: If your blinds are Inside Mount (IB) you should install the valance clips onto the headrail before installing your blind into the brackets. Each blind will require the same number of valance clips as the blind has ladders. Extra clips may be provided. Install valance clips as shown (Figure 1, Section H). This may be done after the blind installation for outside mount blinds.

Blinds with No Center Support Brackets (Blinds Narrower than 48")

1. Remove protective end sleeve from each end of the top slat. Release the cord lock to allow slats to separate from the headrail.
2. Slide the headrail of the blind into the opened brackets.
3. Close bracket doors making certain they are securely locked.

Blinds with Center Support Brackets

1. Remove protective end sleeve from each end of the top slat. Release the cord lock to allow slats to separate from the headrail.
2. Slide the headrail of the blind into the end brackets and center support brackets.
3. Close bracket doors making certain they are securely locked.

For added stability we recommend driving a sheet metal screw through the hole in the center support bracket into the underside of the headrail.

H. Installing the Valance

Valance for Inside Mount Blinds (IB)	Valance for Outside Mount Blinds (OB)
The valance for inside mount blinds will not have returns.	The valance for outside mounted blinds (OB) will have returns.

1. Install valance clips if they have not already been installed. Snap valance clip onto headrail as shown. (Figure 5)
2. Snap valance into valance clips (Figure 2).
3. Placement of valance clips is not critical, but they should be inside of the cord lock and tilter.

Operating Your Great Windows Wood Blinds

To raise or lower the blind, pull the cords towards the center and down to release the cord lock. When at the desired height, return the cord to the vertical position to re-engage the cord lock.

Child Safety

At Great Windows child safety is first. Our wood blinds have individual cords with single tassels placed at the bottom of the lift/lower and transverse cords. This prevents any loop from forming which could be hazardous. We also use clear plastic safety washers on the pull cords to minimize any looping that may occur when the blind is used improperly. Cord cleats are also available upon request.

Cleaning and Care

In order to keep your window treatments looking new, follow the recommended methods for care and maintenance. Regular care will result in better appearance and performance from your Great Windows Wood Blinds. Please note that leaving your window open during rain may expose wood to water, which can cause warpage.

Video for Blind Installation