Can you fit blinds without drilling?
Yes, in many cases. If you have uPVC windows and do not want to put screws in the frame, there are several ways to hang a blind without drilling. Which one suits you depends on the window, the weight of the blind and how long you want it to stay put. None is right for every window, so it is worth knowing the options before you choose.
Option 1: Frame-fitted blinds
These blinds sit in a frame that clips into the glazing bead of the window, the slim strip that holds the glass in. There are no screws and no adhesive on the frame. The blind is held close to the glass and moves with the window, which can be tidy for a door or a window that opens. Our Perfect Fit blinds page explains how they work. They only suit certain frames, so see the compatibility guide for what to check.
Things to bear in mind:
- The glazing bead needs to be a suitable shape and depth.
- Windows with unusual profiles, or very shallow beads, may not suit.
- The window handle and opening method need to clear the blind.
- These blinds are made to measure, so accurate measurements matter.
Option 2: Fit-to-frame blinds
Another type of fixing is a bracket that grips or fits on to the frame, avoiding screws in the main body of the window. The details vary by product, so ask what the brackets are made of, how they hold and whether they can be moved later. Our fit-to-frame blinds page covers the idea.
Option 3: Adhesive or stick-on fixings
Some brackets are held with strong adhesive pads or tape. They are quick to put up and do not need tools, but they depend on the surface being clean, flat and dry. Uneven frames, textured surfaces and anything greasy can make the bond unreliable. Heat, steam and the weight of the blind also affect how long the hold lasts. Adhesive is usually best for lightweight blinds and temporary use, such as a rental where you plan to take the blind with you.
If you're unsure whether adhesive is suitable, ask before you buy and follow the manufacturer's guidance on weight limits and surface preparation. When a blind is overhead or near children, a failed bracket can be a safety concern, so choose a fixing designed for the blind in question.
Option 4: Tension or friction fixings
Some small blinds are held inside the recess by tension, like a curtain pole. They may work for a narrow, well-defined recess with firm sides. They are not suitable for every window and are usually limited to lighter blinds.
Which fixing for which room?
- Bedroom with a casement window: a frame-fitted blind that moves with the sash can be tidy and tight to the glass, which suits privacy and darkening.
- Bathroom or kitchen: steam and splashes can weaken adhesive, so consider something that grips the frame. Our bathroom guide looks at materials too.
- Rented home: a clip or frame-fitted blind may be easier to remove than one with screws. See blinds for rented homes and check your tenancy agreement first.
- Doors: a blind that is fixed to the door itself is a good option for a glazed uPVC door where a normal blind would swing about.
What to think about before you decide
- The weight of the blind. Fabric roller and pleated blinds are generally lighter than wooden or faux wood, so the fixing options differ.
- How often you'll use the window. If you open it a lot, make sure the blind will not get in the way.
- Whether you want to move it later. Adhesive can leave marks if removed roughly, and clips can sometimes mark a soft finish.
- The type of frame. Not all uPVC is the same. Some frames are textured, some have deep or shallow beads and some have thin profiles.
- Light gaps. A blind that sits close to the glass may reduce light gaps around the sides. A blind inside a recess often leaves small gaps, which matter if you want a dark bedroom.
When drilling may still be the better choice
A drilled fixing is usually more secure for heavier blinds, larger windows and anywhere that a blind will be pulled and pushed all day. Drilling into a wall or lintel is a different matter from drilling into a uPVC frame, and it often gives a firmer hold. For wall fixings, a fitter can advise on what suits your surface. Our wooden blinds page notes why heavier blinds need a firm hold. In a few cases, a very small amount of drilling in the right place is the better trade-off than a fixing that may not last.
Check before you commit
If your windows are under warranty or you rent them, check with the installer or landlord whether any fixing is acceptable. Many people are happier knowing for sure. It is also worth looking at the product information for each blind you consider, as weight limits and fixing methods vary.
Talk it through at the window
The easiest way to know what will work is to look at the frame in person. Book a free measure and we'll look at your windows and suggest a fixing that fits.
