How to Hang Roman Shades

Roman shades are the bridge between curtains and blinds—they give you the clean look of a blind with the soft, tailored appearance of fabric. They're also more forgiving to install than they look. The real work happens before you touch a power drill: getting your measurements right and deciding where to mount the brackets. Mount them inside the frame for a built-in look that works in modern spaces, or outside the frame to make the window appear larger and to cover wall imperfections. Once the brackets are set and level, hanging the shade itself is straightforward. You're essentially threading cords through rings sewn to the back of the fabric, then securing everything so it rolls and unrolls smoothly. Done right, a Roman shade should glide without catching and hold at any height you leave it.

1. Measure Three Times. Measure the inside width of your window frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Note which is smallest—that's your maximum shade width. If you're mounting inside the frame, use that width. For an outside-mounted shade (which covers the entire window and wall around it), measure the full desired coverage width—typically 1.5 to 2 inches beyond the frame on each side. Measure the height from the top of the frame to the sill, or from wherever you want the shade to start to where it should end. Write these down clearly.
2. Mark Level Brackets. Use a stud finder to locate the wood framing behind your wall or window frame. For an inside mount, you need at least one bracket anchored into a stud on each side of the window. For an outside mount, find studs within your bracket spacing. If studs don't align with where you need brackets, use heavy-duty toggle bolts or molly bolts rated for the weight of a fully extended shade with cords. Mark bracket hole locations with a pencil, using the bracket template provided with your shade kit. Check that marks are level using a 4-foot level—this is non-negotiable.
3. Pilot Holes Prevent Splits. Fit your drill with a bit slightly smaller than the screws or bolts you're using—this prevents the wood (or drywall) from splitting. Drill straight holes at each marked location. For inside mounts on a wood frame, two holes per bracket is standard. For outside mounts on drywall, you may need toggle bolts at all four corners of each bracket. Drill at a 90-degree angle to the wall or frame surface.
4. Install and Verify Level. Screw the mounting brackets into the pilot holes using the fasteners provided. For inside mounts, the bracket should sit flush at the top inside edge of the frame. For outside mounts, align the bracket so the top is at your marked height line. Tighten screws firmly but don't overtighten—you can crack the bracket or strip the wood. Once both brackets are installed, lay your level across them horizontally to confirm they're perfectly level. If not level, loosen the bracket and shim it with wood shims until the level reads true.
5. Thread Cords Carefully. Most Roman shades come with cords already attached to the bottom rail but not yet threaded through the rings on the back of the fabric. Starting from the bottom, thread each cord up through the rings sewn along the back of the shade, working from the side toward the center. The cord should move freely and not catch on the fabric. Some shades have a single continuous cord; others have individual cords for each side. Follow the shade manufacturer's specific threading diagram—it's printed on the installation sheet or inside the package.
6. Secure Into Brackets. Hold the shade up to the brackets so the mounting rail on top of the shade aligns with the bracket hardware. Most brackets use a hook or clip system that secures the rail—you slide the rail into the bracket catch and push until you hear a click or feel it lock. Install the shade from one bracket to the other, working carefully so the fabric doesn't bunch or twist. Once mounted, gently lower the shade using the cords to check that it moves smoothly from top to bottom.
7. Raise and Lower Smoothly. Pull the lift cords gently to raise the shade. It should fold up in even horizontal pleats with no bunching or twisting. Lower it back down slowly. The shade should stay at any position you leave it because of the friction in the cord system. If it drops or rises on its own, the tension may need adjustment—consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Once you're confident the lift works, gather the cords on the side (left or right, depending on your preference) and secure them to the cleat hook provided, which you'll install next.
8. Secure Cords Safely. The cleat hook is a small wall-mounted device that holds the lift cords when the shade is raised, keeping them tidy and out of the way. Position it on the wall or window frame to the side of the shade at a comfortable height—typically 36 to 48 inches from the floor, or wherever the cords naturally rest when the shade is fully raised. Attach it with the small screws provided, making sure it's secure. Wrap the cords loosely around the cleat to test fit, then unwrap them.
9. Fine-Tune Cord Tension. Raise and lower the shade three times, paying attention to smoothness and whether it stays where you leave it. If the cords feel loose or the shade drifts, most Roman shade systems allow you to adjust cord tension by tightening the knots or adjustment screws at the bottom rail or inside the bracket mechanism. Never force the shade if it feels stuck—stop, inspect the back for twisted cords or fabric bunching, and correct it before continuing. The shade should operate silently.
10. Eliminate Cord Hazards. If your shade came with a cordless wand or pull rod, attach it to the bottom rail according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is especially important in homes with children or pets, as it eliminates the strangulation hazard of loose cords. The wand slides into a catch on the rail and operates the shade by gentle pushing and pulling motions rather than cord pulling.
11. Polish and Inspect. Remove any protective plastic from the shade fabric and cords. Wipe down the shade gently with a dry cloth to remove dust from handling. Coil excess cords neatly and secure them with a small cable tie if needed. Inspect the entire installation—brackets, fabric alignment, cord routing—one final time. The shade should hang straight with no visible wrinkles or off-center positioning.