Professional window dressings are more than just a finishing touch; they provide essential privacy, light control, and thermal insulation for your home. While m...
Whether you are installing heavy velvet curtains, delicate Roman blinds, or modern motorised rollers, a specialist installer ensures the hardware is correctly rated for the weight and that all safety regulations are strictly met.
What Does the Work Involve?
- Site Survey: Assessing the wall type (plasterboard, brick, or stone) and checking for hidden pipes or cables.
- Measuring: Verifying window dimensions to ensure the track, pole, or blind housing fits perfectly within or outside the recess.
- Bracket Fixing: Drilling and securing brackets using appropriate wall plugs, often requiring SDS drills for concrete lintels.
- Hardware Installation: Mounting the curtain poles, tracks, or blind cassettes and ensuring they are perfectly level.
- Dressing: Hanging the fabric, steaming out transit creases, and "training" curtains to fold correctly.
- Safety Compliance: Installing child-safety cleats or tensioners for all corded products to meet UK legal standards.
Typical Costs
Prices vary based on the number of windows, the complexity of the fixings (e.g., bay windows), and your location in the UK. Most installers charge a minimum call-out fee to cover travel and the first hour of labour.
| Item / Service | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Call-out Fee | £70 | £110 | Covers travel and small single jobs. |
| Standard Blind Installation (per blind) | £45 | £75 | Reduced rate for multiple windows. |
| Curtain Pole/Track Fitting | £60 | £100 | Excludes the cost of the pole/track. |
| Bay Window Track Fitting | £120 | £250 | Includes bespoke bending or corner joints. | £80 | £150 | Includes programming and limit setting. |
Costs will increase if the installer needs to supply specialist heavy-duty fixings or if they are required to remove and dispose of old, bulky window treatments.
How Long Does It Take?
- Single Roller or Venetian Blind: 30–45 minutes.
- Standard Straight Curtain Pole: 45–60 minutes.
- Three-Sided Bay Window Track: 2–3 hours.
- Full House (8–10 windows): 1 full day.
DIY or Professional?
Installing a simple blind into a wooden frame is a manageable DIY task for most. However, many UK homes feature steel or concrete lintels above windows that will defeat a standard cordless drill. Professionals carry high-powered SDS drills and a variety of specialist fixings (like toggle bolts for hollow walls) to ensure the installation doesn't pull out of the wall under the weight of heavy curtains.
Warning: Improperly installed blinds or curtains are a significant safety risk to children and pets. If you are unsure about tensioning cords or secure mounting, always hire a professional.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- Check Specialisms: Some handymen do basic blinds, but complex bay windows often require a dedicated curtain fitter.
- Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance in case of accidental damage to your walls or decor.
- Child Safety: Ask if they are familiar with BS EN 13120 safety standards.
- Questions to ask:
- Do you provide the fixings, or do I need to buy them?
- How do you handle drilling into steel lintels?
- Do you offer a guarantee on the fixings (e.g., if the pole sags)?
UK Regulations
- BS EN 13120: This is the primary UK standard for internal blinds. It mandates that corded blinds must be fitted with safety devices to prevent strangulation risks.
- Part P (Electrical Safety): If you are installing hard-wired motorised blinds, the work must be carried out by a qualified electrician or a competent person capable of certifying the minor work.
- Landlord Requirements: If you are a landlord, you are legally responsible for ensuring all blinds in your rental property are "safe by design" or fitted with compliant safety devices.
Common Problems
- The Lintel Issue: Hitting a steel or concrete lintel and being unable to drill deep enough for a secure fix.
- Uneven Ceilings: Fitting a pole perfectly level only to find it looks "wonky" because the ceiling or window frame is slanted.
- Incorrect Fixings: Using standard rawlplugs in plasterboard, which eventually pull out due to the constant "tug" of opening and closing curtains.
- Cord Lengths: Blinds supplied with cords that are too long, creating a hazard and failing to meet safety regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fit blinds into uPVC window frames?
Yes, though many homeowners prefer "No-Drill" systems like Perfect Fit or INTU blinds that clip into the bead of the window. If drilling into uPVC, it must be done carefully to avoid hitting the glass or internal metal reinforcements.
What are the best fixings for heavy curtains on plasterboard?
Standard plastic plugs will fail. Professionals use metal "umbrella" fixings or Gripit anchors that spread the load behind the plasterboard to prevent the pole from pulling away.
Do I need to steam my curtains after they are hung?
Most curtains arrive with "transit creases" from the packaging. A professional fitter will often use a handheld steamer to remove these and "train" the pleats so they hang neatly when open and closed.
Will a fitter install blinds I bought online?
Most independent fitters are happy to provide a "fit-only" service for products you've purchased yourself, provided they are the correct size. Always check their minimum call-out fee first.
How high above the window should a curtain pole be fitted?
Generally, a pole should be positioned 10cm to 20cm (4-8 inches) above the window frame to block light effectively and give the room a sense of height.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
