Yes, you can hang blinds with a tension rod. If you are looking for more variety in your blind choices, try tension rod blinds. Mount the blinds on a tension rod inside the window trim. What holds the blinds in place is the tension in the rod.
They are ideal in less recessed windows with space where you can mount the rod. Tension rod blinds are available in different cordless window shades, including roller shades, Roman shades, zebra shades, pleated shades, and blackout blinds. Since tension rods are adjustable, they can suit a range of window widths.
Even if you pull too much on them, there will not be tension to fail and the shades to fall. Even if you have blinds installed, they let in too much light. Use a tension rod to install blackout rollers behind the existing blinds without drilling additional holes.
How do they work?
Hanging blinds starts by mounting rods on your window frames with screws or bolts. Install your blinds without holes in the window frames, using spring tension rods. Tension rods consist of two thin metal rods, and one rod fits within the other (Roomdividersnow.com). Hold the rods in place with an adjustable spring. You can still take them up and down without leaving any marks or holes on the window frame.
They are ideal for apartment dwellers and others who do not want to risk damaging the window frames when hanging their blinds.
Tension rods are a convenient way to light curtains. They are easy to install and remove since no additional hardware is needed to use them.
Step-by-step process
- Start by measuring the space between 2 facing surfaces using a rail measure. It is the measurement that determines the length of the rods. Place the tension rod between two wall surfaces that face opposite one another. The surfaces should be hard and flat. The space can be between 2 closet walls, cabinets, or a window frame. Tension rods are adjustable but can only expand to a certain extent. Take measurements before purchasing a rod to avoid loss. Be sure the surface can handle the pressure of the rod because tension rods exert force on a surface.
- Purchase a rod longer than your measurement since tension rods lose their strength when expanded. When the tension rod expands to its full length, it does not hold up much weight at all hence buying a rod longer than what you need when fully expanded.
- Check the weight capacity of your tension rod. You might be hanging heavy items from it, meaning you need a larger weight capacity.
- Push the tension rod through a curtain, if necessary. If your window is wide, consider having two curtain panels for convenience. The blinds are on the rod, and the ends are exposed. Do not trap the blinds’ ends when installing the rod. Slide curtain rings onto the rod using the clips attached to the rings to hang your curtain later.
- Twist both ends of the tension rod to unlock it. Get hold of the rod to either side of the centre seam. As you twist the thinner rod clockwise or counterclockwise to unlock, the direction may vary from brand to brand.
- Hold onto both ends after you unlock it. Do not allow the rod to expand wider than the space you need to fill.
- Slide the tension rod between the two walls and let it expand. You may have to push both ends of the rod towards the middle. Slide it into the space between your two walls, then loosen your hold on the rod so that it can expand.
- The spring inside the rod will push the ends away, so the tension makes the rod wedged between the two walls. If you intend to add rings earlier, clip the top of the curtain to the hooks attached to the blinds’ rings.
- Remove the rod by compressing it. Hold one end of the tension rod and pull it down first to pull it out. If it fails, press both ends of the rod towards the middle to compress it, then pull it down. If the rod is still stuck, get a helping hand. Ask someone to compress it for you while you pull down on it.
- To store the rod, compress it, then twist the narrower rod counterclockwise or clockwise to lock it.
What you need
Use a pocket of space inside the window to fit the tension rod inside the frame. If your blinds have taken up this space, look for another method.
Get a sturdy tension rod to hold the curtain so it will not collapse when you open and close the drapes. Be careful not to tug too hard on blinds hung on tension rods, or they may fall. When not sure, use tension rods to hang lighter curtains, such as sheer drapes. What makes sheer curtains lights is the transparent material (Dollarcurtainsandblinds.com).
Adjusting a tension rod
You can move tension rods from one position to the next since they are adjustable. This adjustable feature works better on recessed windows with space to mount the rod. They are available in designs of cordless window shades such as blackout blinds, pleated shades, zebra shades, roman shades, and roller shades, depending on your preference and budget.
Since they are adjustable, they can fit perfectly into several window-opening widths. When adjusting your blinds, do not pull the rods too hard as that may weaken the tension and cause the shades to fall.
How Long it will take
Hanging blinds with tension rods is quick and easy to do. The first blind takes 20 – 30 minutes. Every blind will take 10 -15 minutes. If your window coverings are blinds, the installation process may take longer, depending on the type of blinds.
Expected Results
Hanging blinds with a tension rod allows easy installation. It allows you to adjust the height or placement if it is uneven.
Things to look out for
Tension rods will not support heavy materials, although they come in different shades. If your blinds are heavy, the rods may not be able to support the blinds for a short time, only to collapse in no time.
Conclusion
In summation, you can hang blinds with tension rods if you follow the instructions. Make sure the blinds are not heavier than the rods and that the rods are of the same length, with the distance between walls.
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