Hang Roman Shades

Roman shades are a classic window treatment. They serve to block sunlight and offer privacy, when needed, without taking up a lot of room. Roman shades are a simple and stylish window covering that are not fussy and will not detract from the remaining décor in the room. They can be custom-made to fit your window size and can be mounted within the window frame, on the outside of the frame or from the ceiling. If you've spent money on the expensive shades, you can save a bit by learning to install the shades yourself.

Steps

Doing an Interior Mount

  1. Decide on the location for your mount. An interior mount involves hanging the shades inside of the window frame, directly adjacent to the windows. This is a good option if you have a deep window frame/windowsill. To do an interior mount, you attach the roman shades to the ‘ceiling’ part of the frame, as opposed to the ‘walls’ on the left or right side of the window.
  2. Check to see if the interior of the window frame is level. As a result of old age or poor construction, it is common for window frames to have a slightly uneven ‘ceiling’ Use a level to test this; hold the level to the ceiling of the frame, and make sure that the small bubble is clearly in the middle o f the marked section on the tool. If your frame ceiling is not level, you will need to attach a small shim to even it out. A shim is a thin, angled piece of wood that will make the ceiling level when nailed in place.[1]
  3. Mark the location for the shades. Take your shades out of their packaging, and hold them (still closed/bunched) up to where you would like to hang them inside the frame. Use a carpenters pencil to mark the location of the brackets on the shades. Typically, the brackets will be placed about 3-inches in from each side of the shades. You may have multiple brackets for a large shade, in which case these should be spaced evenly within the space between the two edge brackets (located 3-inches in).
    • You can choose to measure the shades and use this measurement inside the frame, rather than holding up the shades if it’s easier for you.
  4. Install the brackets. Use the screws that came with your roman shades to install your brackets. Because installation varies depending on the type of shade, you’ll need to follow the instructions that came with yours. Typically, though, you simply line up the brackets with the edge of the window frame, match the screws with the holes in the brackets, and screw them in place.
  5. Install your shades. Roman shades are outfitted with twin-brackets that match the ones that you installed in the window frame. To install your shades, all you do is click the two brackets into place; slide the top of the shades forward until the brackets snap together, and they are secured in the frame. You should be able to adjust the shades by pulling on the attached drawstring/cord.[2]

Doing an Exterior Mount

  1. Choose the location for your mount. An exterior mount is when you hang your roman shades outside of your window frame, typically by attaching them directly to the wall slightly above the window. Select windows that have a sturdy frame that can bear weight.
  2. Find the location for the brackets. Place your blinds above the window frame in the location you want them to hang. Use a carpenters pencil to mark this location on the wall; the edge of the brackets should be flush to the edge of the window frame. Typically the location of these brackets is located about 3-inches in from each edge of the shades, but there may be more based on the overall size of your shades. If there are multiple loose brackets, space them evenly over the top of the shade.
    • Always check to make sure that your shades are level prior to marking the location of the brackets.
    • If you prefer, you can simply measure the overall size of the shades and use this measurement to estimate the location of the brackets.
  3. Install the brackets in the wall. Use the brackets and screws that came with your roman shades for installation. Place each bracket on the marked location on the wall, so that the part that sticks out from the wall is at the top. Use the screws to attach the brackets to the wall; you’ll normally need two screws per bracket. Installation of the brackets will differ slightly between brands of roman shades, so follow the specific directions that came with yours.
  4. Slide your shades into place. The top of the roman shades should have flat brackets that click into place with the brackets you’ve attached to the wall. Carefully slip the roman shades in, so that the brackets at the top click together. Pull on the cord that adjusts the shades, to verify that the shades are secure and functional.[3]

Tips

  • If you are installing your roman shade in material other than wood, you may need different types of screws or fasteners. Pre-drill pilot holes when installing shades onto wallboard or plastic. You will need to use hollow wall anchors or toggle bolts. Pre-drill your holes and use short metal screws when installing shades onto metal surfaces. Finally, if you are mounting your roman shade from concrete, stone, brick or tile, you will need to use a carbide drill, as well as the correct plugs, or you can use screws to anchor the shade.

Things You'll Need

  • Roman shade
  • Level
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Wood screws
  • Pencil
  • Brackets
  • Fastener screws
  • Anchors
  • Toggle bolts
  • Wing nut
  • Shim
  • Metal screws
  • Carbide drill

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.justblinds.com/installations/romanshade-is.cfm
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZju4f9_KVE
  3. ↑ http://www.blindstogo.com/documents/installguides/shades/GU-Roman_en.pdf
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