Yes! If you don’t have sufficient window depth for an inside mount or there isn’t enough space above the window for an outside mount, consider a top mount option to install your new blinds. You only need adequate support for a ceiling or top mount. They offer a cleaner appearance and easy removal.
Window blinds such as Romans, rollers, cellulars, and sheers come with ceiling or top mount brackets. Horizontal blinds like 2” faux wood blinds have universal brackets that can be fixed to the top or side. The top mount brackets are fixed behind the top rail and are better hidden than side mount brackets.
Installation is quick and convenient. You only need to secure the top mount brackets to the ceiling and clip the headrail on.
Where You’ll Need to Go with Top Mount
Typically, window covers are installed either inside the window frame/recess or on the wall just above the window pane. If there isn’t sufficient depth (at least 2 ¼”) or space above the trim, you’ll need to consider the third popular option, i.e., top mount. This option is usually uncommon in regular or high-end, modern homes.
Below are some situations when ceiling mount is the only style to go with.
Shallow Frame Just Touching the Ceiling
If the window frame is too shallow or there is no space between its top and the ceiling, your only option will be fixing the brackets on the ceiling.
Patio, Terrace, or Veranda without Pillars
Want to cover your patio door, terrace, veranda, or other outdoor space with solar roller shades or light filtering blinds, but there aren’t secure pillars around to hang the window treatments on? You can manage sunlight by affixing the window covers directly to the roof of your patio or veranda.
Covering Large or Several Windows on the Same Wall
If you want to treat a large window or several windows on the same wall, a top mount would be a more affordable, time-saving, and visually appealing option. You can save big on both fabric material and hardware components. For example, you’ll need fewer brackets and screws to properly secure your window coverings.
Unusual Windows or Outdoor Areas
If you need to cover unusually shaped windows or unconventional outdoor areas, top mount blinds offer the best solution to control light and privacy. However, you need to ensure proper installation.
Tips to Secure Top-Mounted Blinds
Choose Sturdy Metal Brackets
Select ceiling mount brackets made from sturdy metal pieces with lots of holes, distributed throughout its structure. Using these holes, you can secure the blinds from different angles around the window opening.
However, some brackets for top mounts only have holes at the top, such as Roman blinds brackets. You can replace them with universal brackets for safely fixing them on the ceiling.
Use Strong Anchors
To secure the top mount brackets and make sure they support the weight of the blinds, use heavy-duty rafter beams, joists, or studs. If these things aren’t available, go with strong drywall anchors to secure the installation.
How to Install Top Mount Blinds
Step 1: Gather Tools and Hardware: You’ll need a power drill, a drill bit set, a screwdriver, a pencil, and components of mounting hardware.
Step 2: Measure Your Space: Measure your indoor or outdoor space where you want to install blinds from ceiling to just below the window frame or the floor.
Step 3: Cut Fabric: Cut fabric according to the recorded values. Floor length top-mounted blinds look more beautiful than shorter ones.
Step 4: Mark Locations: Use a pencil to mark points for drilling screw holes. Make sure all the top mount brackets are evenly spaced. Clip the mounts to keep them in place when marking holes.
Step 5: Drill Pilot Holes: Take a power drill and a drill bit with a smaller diameter than the mounting screws. Drill pilot holes for top mount brackets at all the pencil marks.
Step 6: Secure Brackets with Screws: Secure all the brackets by insert mounting screws in the holes and tighten them using a screwdriver.
Step 7: Attach Top Rail: Attach the top rail onto the mount brackets, making sure it is level all along its length. Keep the front edge of the top rail higher than the back edge.
Step 8: Hang Blind Fabric: Slide in the blind fabric into the top rail.
Step 9: Attach Valance: If your top mount blinds come with a valance, snap its clips onto the top rail. Ensure it is about an inch from both ends.
Step 10: Give Finishing Touches: Give finishing touches to your top mounted blinds, which may include trimming the extra fabric.
Step 11: Test Operation: Test if your newly installed window coverings raise/open, lower/close, or adjust smoothly. Solve issues (if any) with cordless or motorized control systems. Cord-free options are safe for home with young children and pets.
Can blinds be mounted from the top of the window?
Yes! Affordable blinds or shades can be mounted from the top of the window frame, or wall with hidden brackets installed behind the top rail. You can fix them further above the window and closer to the ceiling. They look bigger, cleaner, and are easier to uninstall.
How do you install top mount blinds?
- Secure top mount brackets to the wall or ceiling.
- Slide the headrail (top rail) into the brackets.
- Close brackets to secure the top rail into place.
- Attach a wand or other operating mechanism and hook it to the metal clip at the top.
- Attach and position a valance (if you have) to the top rail.
- Open, close, or adjust fabric for desired room darkening effect and insulation.
Can you mount blinds above trim?
The answer is yes! You can mount blinds above the window trim if you have at least 2” of level space to install the outside mount brackets on the wall. Alternatively, you can attach universal brackets on the face of the window trim or to the side of the window frame.
Can faux wood blinds be top down?
Wood or faux wood blinds don’t come with top down and bottom up options. If you need top-down/bottom-up shades for your home, we recommend budget-friendly, kid-safe (CPSC compliant), and moisture-resistant honeycomb or cellular shades. Venetian blinds also support middle position with tilt-open and tilt-close functions.
Want to try top mount blinds?
Order a free sample (before you buy one) and follow DIY step-by-step instructions to get started. You can also avail yourself free shipping and a free lifetime warranty.
Need More Help?
Need expert advice on how to measure and install top mount blinds? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.
