How to Install Deluxe Blackout Fabric Roller Shades

The shade can go inside the window frame, outside the frame, or on the ceiling. The kit includes 1 shade, 1 hem pocket slat, 2 brackets, 4 mounting screws and 4 plastic anchors for drywall or plaster.

1. 1

   Pre-drill screw holes with a 3/32" drill bit, or use a 1/4" bit for wall anchors.

2. 2

   Put the slotted bracket on the left side and the bracket with holes on the right.

3. 3

   Outside or ceiling mount: hold the shade level where you want it, mark the base of the pin at each end of the roller, and screw the brackets in place.

4. 4

   Inside mount: leave 1/4" between the top of the frame and the fully rolled-up shade so there is room to lift the shade into the slotted bracket.

• Leave a little play between the roller and the brackets; a shade mounted too tight will not work properly.
• Reverse-roll shades (inside mount only): the slotted bracket goes on the right, with its open side facing the window. It can be mounted to the top or side of the window frame.

1. 1

   Always insert the round pin end into the right bracket first.

2. 2

   Outside mount, or brackets mounted facing out: put the pin in the right bracket's inner hole.

3. 3

   Ceiling mount, or brackets mounted facing down: put the pin in the right bracket's outer hole.

4. 4

   Push the shade into the right bracket to compress the spring-loaded tip.

5. 5

   Set the metal tab on the left end of the shade into the slot of the left bracket.

• The spring-loaded tip gives up to 3/8" of extra width if needed.

Handling in transit can affect the spring tension, so check it after installing. The shade won't roll up if the spring is too loose, and won't stay down if it is too tight.

1. 1

   To increase tension: lower the shade about 18" from the top, take it out of the brackets, roll it all the way up by hand, and put it back in the brackets.

2. 2

   To decrease tension: raise the shade to the top, take it out of the brackets, unroll about 18" of fabric, and put it back in the brackets.

3. 3

   Repeat either adjustment as often as needed to get the tension you want.

1. 1

   To raise: grip the center of the bottom hem, pull the shade away from the sill if needed, and pull straight down to release the spring motor. Keep your grip and let the shade rise, then pull down gently to stop it where you want.

2. 2

   To lower: pull straight down and stop the shade the same way.

1. 1

   Check that the brackets are level; the shade will not roll straight otherwise.

2. 2

   If the shade drifts to the right, lower it completely and place a piece of tape on the roller as close to the left edge as possible. Add more pieces if needed; the tape acts as a shim.

3. 3

   If the shade drifts to the left, lower it completely and place tape on the roller as close to the right edge as possible.

1. 1

   Attach the brackets to the window frame, molding or ceiling. The cord-control bracket has a post that fits into the end of the cord mechanism; the other bracket holds the pin end.

2. 2

   Mark the screw locations and pre-drill with a 5/64" bit. For hollow drywall, use the anchors provided and drill with a 1/4" bit.

3. 3

   Push the cord-control mechanism onto the bracket post so the cord hangs straight down.

4. 4

   Slide the pin end of the shade into its bracket from the front so it rests in the center recess.

1. 1

   Attach the brackets to the window frame, molding or ceiling. The brackets are universal; there is no right or left.

2. 2

   Mark the screw locations and pre-drill with a 5/64" bit, or use a 1/4" bit for plastic anchors in hollow drywall or plaster.

3. 3

   Put the spring-loaded pin into the round hole of one bracket and push the spring-loaded tip into the bracket.

4. 4

   Insert the two hook arms on the other end of the shade into the bracket's two hook-arm holes, then pull down gently until they lock.

5. 5

   On cord-control shades, make sure the bottom of the clutch points straight down.

6. 6

   Outside mount only: slide the bracket covers onto the brackets until they snap into place.

The cord guide comes attached to the cord control and must be installed for the shade to work properly. It can go inside or outside the window opening, on the frame or wall, vertically, horizontally or at an angle.

1. 1

   Make sure the cord or bead chain is not twisted or crossed.

2. 2

   Adjust the cord so the cord guide sits at the bottom of the loop and hangs freely.

3. 3

   Compress the spring by hand so the chain moves freely through the swiveling U channel.

4. 4

   Hold the tension device against the frame or wall, move it up at least 1/4", and mark the screw holes.

5. 5

   Pre-drill with a 3/32" bit on a solid surface, or use the provided anchors in hollow drywall with a 1/4" bit.

6. 6

   Secure the base of the cord guide with the two 1 1/4" screws provided.

• Do not put tension on the cord or bead chain. A loosely hanging cord helps the clutch work and lets the cord connector pass through the guide easily.

1. 1

   Pull gently on the cord in one direction to raise the shade and in the other direction to lower it.

2. 2

   If the fabric rolls against the window, the front cord raises the shade. If the fabric rolls toward the room, the rear cord raises it.

• Motorized shades come with a separate sheet for programming the remote.

Outdoor shades include reclosable snap-together fasteners to control the shade in wind.

1. 1

   Peel the cover off one side of each fastener set and attach both sets to the bottom hem of the shade.

2. 2

   Peel the cover off the other side and press the fasteners to the sill or wall to hold the bottom of the shade.

3. 3

   To release, pull the hem away from the sill or wall; press it back to reattach.

4. 4

   If your shade has a decorative external hem bar, cut the fasteners in half lengthwise and attach them to the hem bar.

1. 1

   Mount the brackets to the wall or window frame, with the outer brackets no more than 2" (50 mm) from the ends of the headrail. Space any extra brackets evenly.

2. 2

   Use the rear bracket holes for wall or outside mounts and the top bracket holes for inside (ceiling) mounts.

3. 3

   Cassette 80: mount the brackets with the release tab on the bottom. Rest the headrail's front panel on the top lip of the brackets, then push the bottom front of the headrail firmly back toward the window until the rear lip snaps into place.

4. 4

   Cassette 100 and 120: mount the brackets with the release tab on top. Slide the groove on the back of the headrail onto the bottom hooks of the brackets, then push the front firmly up and toward the window until the headrail snaps into the top of the brackets.

1. 1

   Support the headrail as you release the brackets so it does not fall.

2. 2

   Cassette 80: from the bottom rear of the headrail, insert a flathead screwdriver between the headrail and the release tab, then gently twist to pry the bracket open.

3. 3

   Cassette 120: from the top of the headrail, insert a flathead screwdriver between the headrail and the release tab, then gently twist to pry the bracket open.

4. 4

   Cassette 100 and 120 can also be removed by pushing the cassette toward the wall and pulling it down. If needed, push it toward the wall, insert a flathead screwdriver between the bracket and cassette, rotate the screwdriver, and pull the cassette away from the brackets.