hefty installation fee by hanging them yourself. You will need A stepladder A tape measure

A pencil New blinds A drill Screws (which should be included in your set) A screwdriver

and some wax or a candle. Step 1. Decide whether you want to mount the blinds on the inside

or outside of the window frame. It's a matter of personal preference. Will they fit flush

between the inside edges of the window frame and just cover the glass — or will they

cover the entire window itself and extend all the way to the outer edges of the frame?

Step 2. Measure the window frame both horizontally and vertically so you know what size blinds

you need. Your measurements will determine both the length of the head rail — the long

horizontal piece that the blinds drop from — and how far down your new blinds should

fall. Step 3. Once you pick out blinds, have the store cut them to size. Step 4. Read the

manufacturer's instructions before you begin installation, so you understand any unique

elements of the blinds you chose. Step 5. Find the end brackets that came with your

blinds. They will anchor the ends of the head rail. Mark the window frame where the brackets

will be installed. Make sure they are evenly spaced from the sides of the frame and — if

they're within the frame — from the face of the window. If you're mounting the blinds

inside the window frame, mark the end brackets at least an inch and a quarter from the face

of the glass so the blinds won't touch it. Step 6. Keeping in line with your earlier

marks, pencil in the location of the support brackets, which will be spaced evenly along

the head rail and help hold it up. How many brackets you need depends on the length of

your blinds. Step 7. Hold the brackets up to the frame to mark exactly where the screws

should go, and use an electric drill to create holes for attaching them. Use a drill bit

slightly smaller than your screws. Step 8. Using your guide holes, screw in one bracket

at a time by hand. It is critical that the brackets are well aligned so that the blinds

will rise and fall evenly. Rubbing wax on the screws before you install the brackets

will make them screw in more smoothly. A candle works well. Step 9. Consult your manual for

the final directions on how to attach the blinds. In many cases, you will insert each

side of the head rail into the appropriate end bracket and snap it closed. Step 10. Look

for a small plastic spinning mechanism sticking out of one side of the head rail. The tilt

wand included with your blinds has tiny hooks attached to one end that will easily latch

onto this mechanism, allowing you to open and close the blinds. Step 11. Hang on to

the instructions as well as any extra pieces of equipment that came with your blinds. You

might need them if you ever want to reinstall your blinds. Did you know The early Egyptians

tied together reeds from the Nile River to create an early version of window blinds.