Installing Window Shades

Pleated, cellular or honeycomb shades are an attractive and affordable window covering solution for any room in your home. While traditional pleated shades can use a variety of fabrics, the cellular or honeycomb shades, which use layers of pleated polyester fabric fused together, offer additional insulation to keep heat inside your home during cold weather.

Modern window shades are easy to operate, with either pull cords or cordless operation. Shades are great for windows or French doors, since they are nearly invisible when completely raised to let in the light and can be lowered as needed to control light and privacy quite flexibly.

Once you have decided on the type of window shade you want, you can shop around online or at local retailers for the best deal and save even more money by following our simple seven-step do-it-yourself guide to installing window shades.

Step 1 – Measuring and Fitting Window Shades

Be sure you measure correctly before ordering your window shades.

Cellular and pleated shades can be custom-cut to fit any size window.

Be sure to measure and write down the correct dimensions according to the type of shades you are ordering and whether they are the inside or outside mount variety. Inside mount shades offer a more finished look and are preferable in most cases.

To measure for inside mount window shades, first measure the distance between the side jambs; measure top, middle and bottom and use the smallest measurement of the three since they won’t always be exactly the same.

Measure the length (also called drop) from the bottom of the window head jamb to the top of the stool (or window sill) on both sides and at the center of the window.

As with the width, use the smallest of the three measurements.

Step 2 – Marking for Bracket Installation

Take down existing window coverings, curtains, hardware, etc. if needed; you don’t want anything to hinder operation of your new window shade. Check to be sure you have all the required hardware to install the shade.

Read your manufacturer’s instructions completely before beginning installation as the exact steps may vary slightly, depending on the mounting brackets and hardware.

Measure approximately two inches in from the side jambs and mark each side on the bottom side of the head jamb over the window to center the brackets properly.

You may want to have an assistant hold one of the metal mounting brackets up against the head jamb to keep it aligned with the pencil marks; if you are stead enough to do it yourself you can do the installation without an assistant but if your shade is very large it will be too heavy to install alone.

Be sure the bracket is square and the front edge is lined up along the head jamb where you want to install; depending on the depth of the jambs, you may want to line it up with the front edge of the jamb or closer to the window pane, toward the rear of the head jamb.

Mark the holes with a pencil or awl and repeat for the other bracket(s).

Step 3 – Drilling Pilot Holes

Use a cordless drill with a 1/16-inch-diameter bit to drill small pilot holes where you have marked on the head jamb, being sure the bit is straight when drilling. If you are drilling into masonry or stone, use a 1/4-inch-diameter masonry bit and insert lead anchors into the holes.

If your window is wider than 44 inches you should install a third bracket in the center for added support; again check your manufacturer’s directions and included hardware to ensure that your window shade will be adequately supported.

Installing your own window shades is a simple do-it-yourself project. A cordless drill, tape measure and level are about all the tools you need!

Hold the bracket in place, aligned with your pilot holes in the head jamb and fasten it in place with pan-head wood screws, which should be included with your window shade hardware. Repeat to install additional bracket(s).

If your window has any type of obstruction such as a window handle to open and close it, you may need “extension” brackets so that the shade can be raised and lowered freely.

Step 5 – Leveling Window Shade Brackets

Use a level that is long enough to check whether the brackets are level. If your level isn’t long enough, hold a straight-edge board up to the brackets and place the level against that to check whether they are level or not.

If the your brackets are out of level by more than 1/8 inch, insert a wood shim or between the bracket and head jamb to level it and trim off excess shim material with a utility knife once you have the brackets leveled and securely fastened by tightening the screws. Anybody who has installed doors or windows knows that shimming is more an art than an exact science; take your time and shim the brackets until you are satisfied they are level.

Step 6 – Installing the Shade into the Brackets

Now you are ready to actually install your new window shade; most units have a small brace screw which needs to be loosened before you lift the shade into place. Hook the front edge of the head rail of your window shade onto the lip of the brackets, which protrudes slightly and swing the rear of the head rail back toward the window pane.

Once you have the head rail in place, tighten the brace screws using care not to over tighten them or accidentally pinch the shade fabric. The head rail should now be fastened in place securely.

Step 7 – Testing Your Window Shade

Now it’s time to test your window shade! If your shade is a cordless model, grasp the center of the bottom rail and pull it down straight all the way to the sill or stool. Push it back up, stopping at several points to test whether it stays in place each time you stop. Use the pull cord to test a corded shade.

If your window shade doesn’t seem to lower all the way to the window sill or stool, try leaving it lowered for a day or so and let the fabric stretch and relax a bit.

For a smaller window shade, the entire installation process should only take a few minutes, but take your time to be sure you drill the holes correctly, get the brackets level and install the shade properly. You should get years of use from your new window shade and can rest easy knowing you saved money by measuring, ordering and installing window shades yourself!

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