Fit a roman blind to a solid brick or block wall

Measure, mark, drill and fix brackets to hang a roman blind, then fit a child-safety cleat before testing.

RB-01Unpack and check the blindUnroll the blind and check the width matches your window recess or the area outside it. Decide whether you're fitting inside the recess or on the wall/frame above it — this changes where your brackets go. Check the pack for all brackets, screws and the headrail, and read the manufacturer's fitting instructions, since bracket spacing varies by blind width.

1 each · Roman blind kit

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RB-02Mark the bracket positionsHold a bracket in place and mark the screw holes with a pencil, or use the paper template if one is supplied. For a wide blind, fit a bracket near each end plus a middle one for support — check the pack for the recommended spacing. Use a spirit level across all marks so the headrail will hang straight, not just measure up from the sill.

1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Spirit level (500mm)

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RB-03Check what's behind the wall before you drillRun a detector over each mark, but treat it as a guide, not a guarantee — detectors can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones, and window areas often have alarm or curtain-track wiring nearby. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can shut the water off fast if you ever hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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RB-04Drill and plug the fixing holesIn solid brick or dense block, drill a 6mm hole around 40mm deep using a masonry bit, then tap in a matching wall plug so it sits flush. If your marks land on a concrete or steel lintel above the window, switch to an SDS drill and masonry bit — ordinary drills struggle and can slip. In lightweight or hollow block, use a longer plug (around 50mm) so it grips solid material, not just the outer face.

1 each · 6mm masonry drill bit

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8 each · Rawlplug (wall plug), red

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1 each · SDS drill bit (if fixing into a lintel)

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RB-05Fix the brackets to the wallScrew each bracket into its plugged hole using a 40mm No.8 screw, driving it in until the bracket sits firm and flat against the wall. Check each one is level and matches the others before moving on — a bracket even slightly out will show once the blind is hung. Don't overtighten into lightweight block, as this can crack the plug's grip.

8 each · Wood screw, 40mm No.8

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RB-06Hang the blind and check it operatesClip the headrail into the brackets and push until it clicks or locks into place, then fit any end caps supplied. Pull the cord or chain gently to raise and lower the blind fully, checking it runs evenly and doesn't catch on the recess or frame. Adjust a bracket slightly if the blind hangs crooked.

RB-07Fit the child-safety cleat or tensionerScrew the safety cleat to the wall or frame well out of a child's reach, then wind the cords or chain around it after each use so no loop hangs loose. If your blind came with a breakaway connector or chain tensioner instead, fit that according to the pack instructions rather than the cleat.

RULES

1 each · Blind cord cleat or chain tensioner

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2 each · Wood screw, 25mm

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KNOW THE RULES

UK safety rules (covering corded blinds sold since 2014) require a child-safety device — a cleat, cord tidy or breakaway connector — to be fitted to prevent strangulation. Don't skip this step.

RB-08Test and tidy upRaise and lower the blind a few times to check it's smooth and level, and that the cleat holds the cords safely out of reach. Vacuum up any dust from drilling and wipe down the sill and frame. Bag up offcuts and packaging for disposal.

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