How To Install Blinds & Shades

How To Install Blinds & Shades

SOLVANE shades are designed for simple, reliable installation. This guide will help you install your new shades step by step, whether you choose an inside mount, outside mount, top mount, side mount, or ceiling mount.

Roller & Zebra Shades Installation

Follow the instructions below to install your SOLVANE roller or zebra shades. Before starting, please check your package contents and confirm your mounting location.

Installation Guide Image
Universal Steps Before Installation

Step 1: Gather Tools

Prepare the tools you may need before installation, such as a pencil, measuring tape, screwdriver, power drill, level, and ladder if necessary.

Step 2: Verify Package Contents

Before you begin installation, carefully check the package contents to make sure all necessary components are included, such as brackets, screws, expansion sleeves, shade body, remote control, and any accessories that match your order.

Step 3: Confirm Mounting Location

Choose the best mounting location for your shades before drilling.

  • Inside Mount: Install inside the window recess. A window depth of about 2 inches or more is recommended for proper installation.
  • Outside Mount: Install outside the window frame. Make sure the mounting surface is flat, stable, and suitable for drilling.
If your window frame is shallow, outside mount or ceiling mount may be a better option.
Method One: Inside Mount

Top Mount

If you choose inside mount and your window frame has enough depth, top mounting is usually the recommended installation method.

  1. Mark Positions: Determine the bracket positions inside the top of the window frame. The recommended distance from each side cap to the center of the bracket is about 4 inches. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
  2. Install the Brackets: Drill pilot holes at the marked positions, insert expansion sleeves if needed, place the brackets, and tighten the screws securely.
  3. Install the Shade: Insert the front edge of the shade headrail into the bracket first, then push the rear side upward until it clicks into place.
Inside Top Mount Image

Side Mount

If the window depth is not enough for top mounting but you still want an inside mount, side mounting with extension brackets may be considered.

  1. Mark Positions: Determine the position for the extension brackets on both side walls of the window frame. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
  2. Install Brackets: Secure the extension brackets to both side walls. Then attach the installation brackets to the extension brackets with screws.
  3. Install the Shade: Insert the front part of the shade headrail into the brackets and hook the rear side into place.
To reduce light leakage at the top, install the extension brackets as close to the top of the window frame as possible. Make sure both left and right brackets are level.
Inside Side Mount Image
Method Two: Outside Mount

Top Mount

If you choose outside mount and there is enough space above the window frame, top mounting is usually the best option.

  1. Mark Positions: Determine the bracket positions above the window frame. The recommended distance from each side cap to the center of the bracket is about 4 inches. Align both brackets horizontally and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
  2. Install the Brackets: Drill pilot holes through the marked positions. Insert expansion sleeves if needed, place the brackets over the holes, and tighten the screws.
  3. Install the Shade: Insert the front edge of the shade headrail into the brackets, then push the back side upward until it is secured.
Outside Top Mount Image

Ceiling Mount

If there is not enough space above the window frame, ceiling mounting can be used when the ceiling surface is flat and strong enough for installation.

  1. Mark Positions: Determine the bracket positions on the ceiling. Align both brackets horizontally and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
  2. Install the Brackets: Drill pilot holes at the marked positions. Insert expansion sleeves if needed, place the brackets, and tighten the screws securely.
  3. Install the Shade: Insert the front part of the shade headrail into the bracket and hook the rear side into place.
Ceiling Mount Image

Cellular Shades Installation

Cellular shades are lightweight and easy to install when the brackets are positioned correctly. Follow the steps below to complete your installation.

Cellular Shades Installation Image
Universal Steps Before Installation

Step 1: Gather Tools

Prepare a pencil, measuring tape, screwdriver, power drill, level, screws, and a ladder if needed.

Step 2: Verify Package Contents

Check that the package includes the cellular shade, brackets, screws, and any accessories included with your order.

Step 3: Confirm Mounting Location

  • Inside Mount: Install inside the window opening. Make sure the window recess has enough depth.
  • Outside Mount: Install outside the window frame on a flat, stable surface.
Method One: Inside Mount

Top Mount

Inside top mount is suitable when the window opening has enough depth for the brackets.

  1. Mark Positions: Hold the brackets inside the top of the window frame and mark the screw holes.
  2. Install Brackets: Drill pilot holes, place the brackets, and secure them with screws.
  3. Install the Shade: Attach the headrail to the brackets. Make sure the shade is locked securely before operating.
Cellular Inside Mount Image

Side Mount

Side mount may be used when top mounting is not suitable and the side surfaces can support installation.

  1. Mark the bracket positions on both side walls of the window opening.
  2. Install the side brackets and make sure both sides are level.
  3. Attach the shade headrail to the brackets and confirm it is secure.
Always make sure the shade is level before operating it.
Method Two: Outside Mount

Top Mount

Outside top mount is suitable when you want the shade to cover more area around the window frame.

  1. Mark Positions: Place the brackets above the window frame and mark the screw holes.
  2. Install Brackets: Drill pilot holes, insert anchors if needed, and tighten the brackets securely.
  3. Install the Shade: Attach the shade headrail to the brackets and ensure it is locked into position.
Cellular Outside Mount Image

Ceiling Mount

Ceiling mount is useful when the wall space above the window is limited.

  1. Mark the bracket positions on the ceiling.
  2. Drill pilot holes and secure the brackets with screws.
  3. Attach the shade headrail and check that the shade is stable.
Cellular Ceiling Mount Image

Installation Tips

  • Always measure and mark carefully before drilling.
  • Use a level to make sure the brackets are aligned horizontally.
  • Make sure the mounting surface is strong enough to support the shade.
  • Do not force the shade into the brackets. If it does not click into place, recheck the bracket alignment.
  • If you are unsure about drilling into your wall, ceiling, or window frame, consider contacting a professional installer.