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Jim Fixed It, But Was It Top, Side or Face Fixed?

June 1, 2007 |

There are numerous methods of fitting a blind to a window so that no matter what type of window you have, you will be able to successfully install your blind. Most blinds come with universal brackets that allow at least two options for fitting, however with vertical blinds you need to establish the method of fitting before you order so that you choose the correct brackets for you.
The three methods of fixing are referred to as ‘Top-Fixing’, ‘Side-Fixing’ and ‘Face-Fixing’.

Top-fixing is by and far the most popular method of fitting blinds. This involves fitting the brackets to the area directly above the blind, usually the ceiling or upper (lintel) section of a recessed window. This is especially useful with vertical, pleated, roman or venetian blinds in a recessed window. In this situation, top-fixing allows the blinds to be fitted without the need to drill holes into the actual window frame. It also gives the option these type of blind to be situated at the front edge of the recess, flush with the wall, as opposed to being situated at the rear of the recess next to the window. This allows for the blinds to clear obstacles such as window handles or feature architraves.
The only time when top-fixing becomes difficult is in situations where the lintel across the top of the recess is made from metal or concrete. The only reason this is more difficult is because you will need extra equipment to drill into these materials. If you find that there is a metal lintel, then you will need to use a ‘HSS’ drill bit. This is designed to work at a higher speed and so is capable of drilling through metal. Even so, it is still worth drilling a small pilot hole first. With concrete lintels then a good quality masonry drill bit and the drill set to a slow speed will get the job done.

Face-fixing is fitting the brackets to the area directly behind the blind, typically directly onto the wall or window frame. Face-fixing is normally used when fitting a blind outside of a recess or when there is no recess at all, such as in a conservatory or period sash windows. This is also the only option available if you are intending to fit a blind to a door. Face-fixing is certainly the easiest option for fitting blinds as you avoid trying to drill holes inside a recessed space and there is very little chance that you would come across metal or concrete when drilling into a wall.
There are a couple of downsides to face-fixing though. If you happen to have any protruding items such as handles or window sills to negotiate, then would need to put something (packing) behind the brackets to bring the blind clear of the obstruction.

Side-fixing is only available on two types of blind, these being roller blinds and wooden venetian blinds. This is because they use a different type of bracket that allows this method of fixing. Side-fixing is literally fitting the brackets to the side of a blind so that they hold the blind at each end of the headrail. It is only really used in recessed fitting and comes into it’s own as an easier option should you happen to have a metal or concrete lintel. There are occasions where side-fixing can be used outside of a recess, for instance if one side of the blind is to be fitted into the corner of a room. Side-fixing is very similar to top-fixing in as much as you can position the blind away from any obstructions (it’s those pesky window handles again!) or at any height to avoid coving or architraves. There isn’t really any downside to side-fixing but it is limited in it’s uses and the products it’s available on.


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