How to Install Cellular Shades

Hello! Welcome to your quick and easy guide to installing blinds and other window treatments.

For complete instructions on how to install your blinds, shades, shutters, and/or draperies, please select the appropriate category below. Have fun!

Easy Installation Tips

Most of our window treatments require very few tools and are easy to install on your own. Have the following tools handy before you begin:
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Level
- Measuring Tape

Custom Cellular Shades
Quick Ship Cellular Shades

Blinds.com makes it easy to install new shades. Follow our How to Install Cellular Shades guide for step-by-step instructions.

Find a Professional

Click here to Find a Pro and let us help you with installation!

Tools You Will Need

Steel Measuring Tape
Pencil
Level tool
Step ladder (if necessary)
Screwdriver or power drill (with ¼” hex driver and drill bit)
Hammer

Helpful Hints Before You Begin Installing Cellular Shades:

Carefully unpack your shades and all mounting hardware.
Familiarize yourself with the contents of the box and ensure all installation hardware is included.

How to Install Inside Mount Cellular Shades

If you measured for inside mount cellular shades, follow these simple installation steps:

Position your mounting brackets 2 ½ inches in from each side of your window opening along the top of your window. Line up the front of each bracket so they are in even alignment.
Use a pencil to mark the locations of the screws.
Use a steel measuring tape or level tool to ensure the brackets are straight.
To make it easier to fasten your screws, create starter holes by tapping a screw with a hammer or using a drill bit.
Insert screws to secure brackets in place.
Install any additional center support brackets. Additional support brackets may be required based on the width of your cellular shade or pleated shade.
Install your headrail by hooking the front of the bracket into the headrail and pushing up on the backside to snap into place.
Test your new shades. Lower them slowly to ensure even movement across the shades, and test the stopping feature so that your shades can be adjusted exactly how you want them.

How to Install Outside Mount Cellular Shades

If you measured for outside mount cellular shades, follow these simple installation steps:

Position your shade on the wall surface or window trim - make sure your shade is centered and level.
Use a pencil to mark the top of the headrail 2 ½ inches in from the left and right outside edges of the shade.
To make it easier to fasten your screws, create starter holes by tapping a screw with a hammer or using a drill bit. Screw the brackets into place. If you’re mounting into drywall with no studs behind, you will need to use drywall anchors.
Align the top of the left bracket along the inside of your pencil line and fasten with your supplied screws. Repeat this process for the right bracket.
Install any additional center support brackets. Additional support brackets may be required based on the width of your cellular shade or pleated shade.
Install your headrail by hooking the front of the bracket and push up on the backside to snap into place.
Test your new shades. To lower your shade, pull the cord towards the center of the shade. To raise or lock the shade in place, pull the cord to the right.

Manufacturer Specific Instructions

Blinds.com Instructions

Bali Instructions

Levolor Instructions

Standard Honeycomb Installation

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Blinds.com makes it easy to install new shades. Follow our How to Install Blinds.com Quick Ship Shades guide for step-by-step instructions – soon you’ll have roman or top down bottom up shades in your home.

Did you order Quick Ship Blinds?

Quick Ship Blinds Installation

How to Install Inside Mount Blinds.com Quick Ship Cellular Shades

If you measured for inside mount cellular shades, follow these simple installation steps:

1. Clip brackets onto the headrail. Hold the shade level in place and make a pencil mark at the rear of each bracket where it contacts the window frame. A mounting bracket should be positioned about 1 to 6 inches from each end of the headrail. Wider shades that require 3 or more brackets should be spaced evenly between the 2 outermost brackets. Always position the brackets so there is no interference with the cords and/or mechanisms inside the head rail. The procedure outlined below will assure proper bracket placement.

how to snap headrail into brackets

2. Remove the brackets from the headrail.

3. To make it easier to fasten your screws, create starter holes by tapping a screw with a hammer or using a drill bit.

4. For Pre-drilling holes with a 3/32-inch drill bit. Align with holes in the brackets and attach them to the window frame using 1 inch screws.

5. Once brackets are installed, lift the headrail into position such that the front edge of the bracket is under the inner front edge of the headrail.

6. Push upward until the flexible tab at the bottom of each bracket snaps onto the back of the headrail.

7. Check to carefully to assure each bracket is properly secured.

8. Attach handle to the bottom of the shade. (Handle is designed to minimize contact with shade fabric) Wider shades have 2 handles. Top Down Bottom Up Shades will require handles on the center operable rail to allow top down operation.

attaching handles for top-down bottom-up shades

9. Test your new shades. Slowly raise and lower your shade using the handles to multiple height positions.

How to Install Outside Mount Blinds.com Quick Ship Cellular Shades

If you measured for outside mount cellular shades, follow these simple installation steps:

1. Clip brackets onto the headrail. A mounting bracket should be positioned about 1 to 6 inches from each end of the headrail. Wider shades that require 3 or more brackets should be spaced evenly between the 2 outermost brackets. Always position the brackets so there is no interference with the cords and/or mechanisms inside the head rail. Hold the shade level at the height desired and center it over the window opening. Mark the exact location of each bracket with a pencil.

how to snap headrail into brackets

2. Remove the brackets from the headrail.

3. To make it easier to fasten your screws, create starter holes by tapping a screw with a hammer or using a drill bit.

4. For Pre-drilling holes with a 3/32-inch drill bit. Align with holes in the brackets and attach them to the window frame using 1 inch screws.

5. Once brackets are installed, lift the headrail into position such that the front edge of the bracket is under the inner front edge of the headrail.

6. Push upward until the flexible tab at the bottom of each bracket snaps onto the back of the headrail.

7. Check to carefully to assure each bracket is properly secured.

attaching handles for top-down bottom-up shades

9. Test your new shades. Slowly raise and lower your shade using the handles to multiple height positions.

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