You just got your custom window shades delivered. That brown box holds more than window treatments (and we’re not talking about the hardware or installation instructions). Inside, you’ve got the key to rooms that actually feel finished. Here at Blindsgalore, we’ve been helping folks like you install shades since 1998. After 25+ years and thousands of happy customers, we know what makes installation smooth versus Saturday afternoon struggle.
We are going to be introducing “No Drill” shades very shortly on the site. These are still custom made shades, but they use a tension headrail to lock them into place.
These custom shades go up easily and won’t leave a mark. Created with premium materials and customized to your exact specifications, it’s the easiest way to enhance your home’s décor. Choose between a variety of styles, fabrics, and light control options for a custom fit you’re guaranteed to love. Your walls will thank you
What Tools Do I Really Need for Installing Custom Window Shades?
Let’s get real. You don’t need a garage full of power tools. My first installation? A borrowed drill and determination.
The Must-Haves:
- Drill with bits (basic one works fine)
- Tape measure that locks
- Pencil for marking
- Level (phone app counts)
The Nice-to-Haves:
- Step stool for high windows
- Safety glasses
- Patient friend with steady hands
One crucial rule before we start: never submerge your blinds or shades in water. Not blackout ones. Not light-filtering ones. Not even dusty ones. Water ruins mechanisms, warps materials, and voids that have a nice 3-year warranty we include free.
Should I Choose Inside or Outside Mount for My Custom Shades?
Great question. Let me simplify.
Inside Mount Magic
Your shade sits inside the window frame. Clean look. Shows off pretty trim. But you need depth. How much?
My sister chose an inside mount for her Victorian home. Those original wood frames deserved the spotlight. Smart choice.
Outside Mount Benefits
Your shade hangs outside the frame. Better for shallow windows or wonky frames. Blocks more light too. Makes windows look bigger.
I went outside to mount in my bedroom. Why? My 1970s apartment has crooked windows. Zero frame depth. The outside mount saved the day.
How Do I Measure Windows for Perfect Custom Window Shades Installation?
Measuring feels scary. Until you realize how simple we’ve made it.
Inside Mount Measuring:
- Width: top, middle, bottom
- Use smallest width
- Height: left, center, right
- Use shortest height
- Don’t add or subtract
Outside Mount Measuring:
- Decide overlap (2-3 inches works)
- Measure total coverage width
- Measure bracket location to bottom
- Write exact numbers
Rachel from Ohio shared her tip: “Painter’s tape where I wanted brackets. Lived with it two days. Game changer!”
What Are the Basic Steps for Installing Cellular Shades?
Cellular shades win the popularity contest. Four steps. Just four.
Outside Mount Journey:
Step 1: Mark Your Territory Hold brackets where you want them. Level matters. Mark with pencil. Pre-drill pilot holes. Breathe. You’re doing great.
Step 2: Secure Brackets Screw through back holes into wall. Align perfectly. Good brackets mean smooth operation forever.
Step 3: Click the Headrail The satisfying part. Hold headrail to brackets. Front edge in first. Rock back. Click! Music to our ears.
Step 4: Victory Dance Test your shade. Smooth? Perfect? Dance time. You saved money. Gained skills.
Inside mount? Same idea. Brackets screw up into frame. Still four steps.
What Installation Mistakes Should I Avoid?
We’ve seen every oops imaginable.
The Crooked Catastrophe No level equals crooked shades forever. Use that level. Every bracket. Every time.
Wrong Screw Situation Too short? Shades fall. Too long? Hit something behind the wall. Use our screws. We chose them carefully.
Forced Fit Fiasco Headrail won’t click? Stop. Check alignment. Never force. Smooth installation means smooth operation.
One-Measurement Mistake: Old houses? Windows aren’t square. Measure multiple spots. Trust me.
How Do I Handle Unusual Window Shapes and Situations?
Not every window plays by rectangle rules.
Bay Windows Need Love Each section gets its own shade. Angle slightly. Designer look achieved.
Sliding Glass Doors Different Regular blinds won’t work. You need vertical blinds or panel tracks. Something that moves with your door.
French Doors Love Direct Mount Mount to each door. Clean operation. Or outside mount for one shade.
Bathroom Windows Fight Moisture Skip real wood. Go faux or vinyl. Never submerge for cleaning. Damp cloth only.
Which Types of Shades Are Easiest to Install?
Some shades practically install themselves.
Beginner Champions:
Cellular Shades win easy awards. Lightweight. Simple brackets. 30 minutes per window.
Roller Shades close second. One headrail. Basic brackets. Check reverse vs standard roll first.
Need More Patience:
Roman Shades weigh more. Same brackets though. The first one takes time. Rest go quick. Roman shades never go out of style anyway.
Woven Wood Shades need sturdy mounting. Worth it for that natural texture. Our woven wood guide walks you through.
How Do I Install Shades on Difficult Surfaces?
Old houses have character. Character means challenges.
Plaster Walls Need Patience Pre-drill carefully. Plaster cracks when rushed. Wall anchors help. Go slow.
Metal Window Frames Different bits needed. Metal screws too. Call us at (877) 702-5463. We’ve talked to folks through trickier things.
Concrete or Brick Walls Hammer drill required. Masonry bits. Proper anchors. Same brackets though. Loft dwellers do it successfully.
Shallow Window Frames Outside mount rescues. Or check minimal depth products. We make shades for every window.
Can I Install Motorized Shades Myself?
Absolutely! Smart blinds aren’t scary.
Battery-powered motors install like regular shades. Same brackets. Same process. Insert battery pack. Done. Even motorized bamboo shades follow this pattern.
Hardwired needs an outlet nearby. Most folks have an electrician add one. Shade installation? Still DIY.
My tech neighbor installed motorized throughout. “Easier than my TV,” he said. Programming takes minutes.
What Do I Do After Installation?
Installation complete? High five! Keep those shades perfect.
First Week Settling Cellular shades might need gentle tugging. Roman shades benefit from fold smoothing. Normal settling.
Regular Maintenance Dust with feather duster. Vacuum brush works. Spot clean carefully. Never submerge. Simple care, long life.
Something Off? Uneven raising? Check cord tangles. Noise? Tiny silicone spray on the headrail. Not fabric! Still puzzled? Text us (858) 550-4750.
How Should I Approach Different Rooms?
Every room has quirks.
Living Rooms Love Options Big windows mean cordless safety. Cat-proof blinds matter. Modern curtains complement shades beautifully.
Bedrooms Need Darkness Mount high and wide. Room darkening vs blackout matters. Outside mount usually wins.
Kitchens Face Challenges Moisture. Grease. Choose wipeable. Faux wood or vinyl handle kitchen life.
Sunrooms Require Special Care UV protection crucial. Solar shades protect furniture. Maintain views.
What About Window Treatments Beyond Basic Shades?
Variety keeps homes interesting.
Shutters Make Statements Permanent. Architectural. Worth considering for sliding doors.
Vertical Blinds Still Rock Perfect for patio doors. Move with the door. Classic choice.
Valances Add Flair Hide hardware beautifully. Valance ideas and cornice differences explained.
Outdoor Shades Expand Living Outdoor shade benefits include bug protection. Weather resistance.
What Makes Blindsgalore Installation So DIY-Friendly?
We’ve perfected DIY since 1998. First online. Still family-owned.
Every order includes clear instructions. The website has videos. Our family answers questions daily. Real humans. Real help.
Best-in-industry guarantee means confidence. Wrong color? Size off? Exchange within 30 days. Four windows covered. No stress.
We handcraft exactly to your measurements. Installation stays simple. Most finish the whole house in one afternoon.
Why Custom Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Store-bought means compromising. That 35.75″ window? Squeeze in 36″ or gap with 35″. Not with custom.
We build exactly to measurements. Perfect fit, perfect function. No gaps. No binding. No frustration.
Plus, hundreds of options. Not shelf limitations. Your home deserves better.
Special Installation Considerations
Wide Windows Need Support Wide window solutions include center brackets. Extra support prevents sagging.
Day/Night Shades Unique How day/night shades work affects installation. Double fabric needs careful handling.
Cellular Shades Vary Room darkening cellular installs like regular. Same brackets. Different impact.
Taking Down Old Blinds Sometimes removing old blinds takes the longest. Patience helps.
Shortening Too-Long Blinds Ordered wrong? Shortening blinds is possible with some styles.
Design Inspiration While Installing
- Installation day means transformation day.
- Mid-century windows deserve period-appropriate treatments.
- Black and white décor makes bold statements.
- Drapery basics help layer treatments.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Windows?
You’ve got knowledge. Tools ready. Confidence building. Your custom window shades installation awaits.
Order up to 15 free samples. Feel quality. Match décor. When ready, we handcraft and ship in 5-7 days. Free shipping continental US.
Questions? Our team at (877) 702-5463 or text (858) 550-4750. We’ve helped install tree houses, boats, century homes. Are your windows unique? We’ve seen something similar.
Join thousands who’ve discovered DIY satisfaction. Let’s make windows beautiful together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Concrete and brick walls need a hammer drill and masonry bits, plus the right anchors for your wall type. Plaster walls are trickier. Pre-drill slowly and carefully, because plaster loves to crack when you rush. Use wall anchors for extra grip. The good news? Once you get past the drilling part, the bracket installation works exactly the same way.
We’ve walked hundreds of loft dwellers through concrete installations over the phone. My favorite success story comes from a customer in a converted warehouse who installed custom window shades throughout her entire space. She called it “easier than assembling IKEA furniture, just louder.” The key is having the right drill bits and taking your time. If you’re nervous, text us a photo of your wall at (858) 550-4750. We’ll tell you exactly what you need.
Unfortunately, no. Every manufacturer uses different bracket systems, and trying to make old brackets work with new shades is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Trust me, we’ve seen the aftermath of customers who tried to “make it work.” The shade either won’t click in properly or worse, falls down later.
Here at Blindsgalore, we include the exact brackets you need with every order. Free. No hunting at hardware stores, no guessing about compatibility. Our brackets are designed specifically for our shades to ensure perfect fit and smooth operation. Think of it as getting the right key for your lock. Sure, other keys might look similar, but only the right one actually works. Save yourself the headache and use the brackets we provide. Your custom window shades installation will go much smoother.
Let me give you the real timeline, not the marketing fluff. Your first window takes 30-45 minutes. Why? You’re getting comfortable with the process, double-checking instructions, maybe texting us a question or two. Totally normal. After that first one, you’ll feel like a pro. Additional windows typically take 15-20 minutes each.
Most of our customers finish an entire house in one afternoon. Last week, a customer in Texas installed cellular shades on 12 windows in about 3 hours. She put on her favorite playlist, recruited her teenager to hold the level, and knocked them all out between lunch and dinner. The actual mounting takes maybe 10 minutes per window. The rest is measuring, marking, and making sure everything’s level.
Pro tip: Do all your measuring and marking first, then all your drilling, then all your mounting. Assembly line style. Works every time. Our installing custom window shades guide on the website shows this method step-by-step.
First rule: don’t panic. Seriously. We’ve seen it all, and most “disasters” aren’t actually that bad. Maybe you accidentally put a bracket screw through the headrail (happens more than you’d think). Or the dog jumped up and bent a slat while you were mounting. Life happens.
Call us immediately at (877) 702-5463. Don’t try to fix it yourself first. Don’t wait three days hoping we won’t notice. Just call. Our 30-day exchange policy covers a lot, and we’re way more understanding about installation mishaps than you might expect. We’ve been doing this for 25+ years. We know the difference between an honest accident and actual damage.
Here’s what we can usually help with: minor scratches, small tears in fabric, bent components from handling. Here’s what’s harder: water damage (never submerge shades!), major rips, or damage from using wrong tools. But even then, we’ll work with you to find a solution. We’re a family business. We get that mistakes happen. Four windows per household are covered under our guarantee, which honestly covers most installation learning curves.
Here’s the beautiful thing about cordless shades: they actually install exactly the same way as corded ones. Same brackets. Same mounting process. Same tools needed. The only difference? No cords to thread through anything. If anything, cordless makes installation slightly easier because there’s literally less to deal with.
The mechanism for cordless operation is built right into the bottom rail or hidden in the headrail. You don’t have to do anything special during installation to make it work. Mount the brackets, click in the shade, and you’re done. The cordless magic happens automatically.
Since traditional corded blinds were banned in 2024 for safety reasons, most of our custom window shades now come in cordless or motorized options. Parents love the peace of mind. Pet owners appreciate not having dangling temptations for cats. And honestly? The clean look without cords hanging down makes every window look more polished. If you’re taking down old corded blinds to make room for new cordless ones, check our guide on removing old blinds. That’s often the trickiest part of the whole project.