How to Install Blackout Roller Shades

D arkness is the ultimate luxury for a restful bedroom, and blackout roller shades are the most efficient way to achieve it. Unlike bulky curtains that trap dust or flimsy blinds that leak light around the edges, a well-fitted roller shade sits flush against the frame to seal off the room from streetlights and early morning sun. Installing these yourself is a straightforward task, provided you account for the difference between an inside mount—where the shade sits inside the window frame—and an outside mount, which covers the trim entirely. Take your time with the measurements; a shade that is too wide won't fit, and one that is too narrow leaves gaps that defeat the purpose of the blackout material.

1. Measure in Three Places. Measure the width of the window opening in three places: top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement to ensure the shade doesn't bind against the frame.
2. Mark & Level Brackets. Hold the brackets against the frame or wall and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a small level to ensure the two brackets are perfectly aligned horizontally.
3. Secure Brackets Tightly. Drill pilot holes at your marks to prevent the wood from splitting. Secure the brackets tightly using the screws provided with your kit.
4. Snap Shade Into Brackets. Insert the spring-loaded pin into the idle bracket side of the shade. Slide the opposite end, which houses the control chain or spring clutch, into the main bracket.
5. Test & Adjust Tension. Pull the shade down to the sill and let it retract. If it doesn't stay down, increase the spring tension by unrolling the shade halfway and re-inserting it into the bracket.
6. Clip Stop Bead On. Clip the plastic limit bead onto the control chain at the desired maximum drop length. This prevents the shade from unrolling too far and falling off the tube.