How TO
MOUNT SHADES
AND BLINDS

Window shades and blinds can layer on color, texture, and even pattern. Choose between inside and outside mounting; the former looks neat and trim, while the latter enlarges windows and blocks out more light. For roller shades, you can choose either a forward or reverse roll, which is purely a matter of personal choice. This also applies to cord options; try cordless to avoid any entanglements.

how to measure

If you have an older home, be sure to measure each and every window, as there can be significant variances among them.

For inside-mounted shades and blinds:

  1. 1. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window and make a note of the smallest figure.
  2. 2. Unless specified by the manufacturer, do not measure for clearance; this will be accounted for when the blinds are cut to size.
  3. 3. Measure the height at the left and right sides and center; use the largest figure.

For outside-mounted shades:

  1. 1. Measure width to the outside edges of the molding.
  2. 2. Measure exact height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one.

how to install

Use a level to make sure each set of holes is even with the others.

  1. 1. Hold the end brackets (and central bracket if included) in place and mark for pilot screw holes. (For some models, the same brackets are used for either inside or outside mounting.)
  2. 2. Drill the holes for the screws and install the brackets. If drilling into wood or wood framing, make the hole slightly smaller than the screw you’ll use. If you aren’t going into wood trim or wood framing, use wall anchors, toggle bolts, or other hardware.
  3. 3. Put the spring-loaded tip into the bracket, then insert the hook arms on the opposite side of the shade into the two hook-arm receiver holes. Or, if it’s a simple head rail, simply lock that into place.

Tip

Taller shades are harder to raise and lower. For especially large windows, installing two or more shorter shades (with one mounted above the other) can do the trick—or, for windows in rooms where privacy is not a concern, just cover the lower parts of the windows and leave the top open to the view.