Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Cellular Shades in Your Home

Are you looking to freshen up your space with a new window treatment? Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are a great way to add style and insulation to your windows. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so they can easily match any décor.

Before you can enjoy their beauty, however, you need to know how to install them. Installing cellular shades is not difficult as long as you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully. Let's walk through each step of the installation process so that you can get your new window treatment up quickly and easily!

Tools and Materials Needed

Believe it or not, installing a new set of cellular shades is fairly simple – and the tools required are minimal. Most cellular shade installations require:

• A tape measure
• Pencil and paper
• Level
• Power drill with drill bits and a Phillips head screwdriver bit
• Mounting hardware for the shade (provided by the manufacturer)
• Step ladder

Once you've gathered all the necessary tools, it's time to get started.

Measuring for Cellular Shades

When you're installing a set of shades – be it cellular shades, pleated shades, vertical blinds, or any other type of treatment – you can set them as an inside or outside mount. The key difference here is that an inside mount will sit within the window frame, while an outside mount will hang from above and hang down over the sides of the window.

For cellular shades, it is recommended to use an inside mount as this reduces light gaps for more insulation. An outside mount can be used if desired but may reduce energy efficiency. To prepare for mounting your new custom shades, you'll want to measure your windows carefully with a tape measure.

When measuring for an inside-mount cellular shade, you should take three measurements:

• The depth of the window frame. Measure from the front of the window frame back to the glass; this will indicate whether you have enough room for the mounting brackets.
• The height of each window. You'll need to measure in three places – left, middle, and right – and then the highest number should be sent to the manufacturer.
• The width of each window. Again, this will be measured in three places – top, middle, and bottom. In this case, use the narrowest measurement.

You've got all your measurements, and now the manufacturer will be able to provide you with the correct mounting hardware for your specific window treatment. Any necessary deductions will be taken care of by whoever is making the shades.

Preparing the Window

Your shades have arrived, and it's time to get them installed! Before you can do that, however, you'll need to prep the window.

All you need to do here is remove any existing window treatments and their accessories, like brackets, cords, and pulleys. If you previously had vertical blinds installed, for instance, you'll need to remove the tracks it used to run along, as well as the cord and chain.

Once the window is clear, give the whole area a thorough clean.

Understanding Mounting Styles

As we mentioned previously, there are a couple of different options for mounting cellular window shades. The two most common are an inside mount and an outside mount; there are pros and cons to each.

An inside mount is the most energy-efficient option as it fits snugly within the window frame, leaving no gaps for air to escape. It's got a very clean, visually appealing look that many people prefer.

An outside mount will hang from above and overhang the sides of the window. Some homeowners prefer this option as it tends to block out more light and can give a window more depth. It's also a great option if the windows are too shallow to accommodate an inside mount.

Other optional details are whether you want corded or cordless shades – some people prefer a push-pull system while others want a cord or chain. 

Installing the Brackets

Brackets are the pieces that attach to either side of the window frame and provide a secure base for your cellular shades. Sometimes, there will be center support brackets for particularly heavy shades. All brackets need to be securely installed to ensure that your new window treatment will be stable and safe.

If you're doing an inside mount, mark the placement of the brackets around two and a half inches from each side of the window frame. This will leave plenty of room for the shade to fit without rubbing against the sides when it's opened.

Use a drill to make pilot holes for your screws. Make sure that these are level before screwing in the mounting hardware. Mark the hole positions with a pencil first, then use a drill or hammer to make starter holes.

Your last step is to firmly screw the brackets into place. You'll need to consider the screw location, as drilling directly into drywall without studs can cause the wall to crumble. Using drywall anchors at the bracket locations is the best solution here.

Hanging the Cellular Shades

At this point, you've already done the hardest part. It's all smooth sailing from here!

Hanging your cellular shades simply involves snapping the headrail into place. It's best to have the shades completely in the up position for this step; the shade stack will be easier to carry and manage. 

Carefully line up the headrail with the brackets. You'll be able to feel the headrail hook onto the brackets, after which you can slide the shade into place until it clicks firmly on both ends. Center support brackets make the process a little trickier, but if you take the time to line everything up, they should click into place no worries.

For a smooth installation process, make sure you are using both hands to hold each end of the headrail as you line it up with the brackets.

Adjusting and Maintaining Cellular Shades

Your cellular shades won't always stay perfectly in place. They'll need to be adjusted from time to time, and this is an easy process that won't take more than a few minutes.

If you find that the bottom of your shades aren't staying level with the top when they're closed, simply loosen the screws on each side and adjust them until they're even. Make sure you don’t overtighten the screws as this could damage your window treatment.

It's also a good idea to clean your cellular shades regularly; dust buildup can cause them to stick or jam when opened or closed. To do this, all you'll need is a vacuum cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using damp cloths or any cleaning products, as cellular shades are typically made of a synthetic material that could become damaged by liquid cleaners.

Cellular Shades for Every Home From Factory Direct Blinds

There you have it – your very own guide to installing cellular shades. With this knowledge, you can now easily and safely install your window treatments yourself. Good luck!

Still wondering whether cellular shades are right for you? Here at Factory Direct Blinds, we've got a selection of cellular shades that come in a variety of styles and colors, as well as dozens of sizes. Our custom shades are designed to help you control the amount of light entering your home while adding style and elegance to any room. Plus, they save energy – an excellent addition to any home in this economic climate.

Shop our selection of custom shades today and find the perfect fit for your home! We've also got plenty of installation guides on our website to help you install your purchase. 

FAQs

Still got questions about installing cellular shades? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get about installation:

How hard is it to install cellular shades?

Installing cellular shades is actually quite easy with the right instructions. All you need to do is measure your window, mark the placement of the brackets, and attach them before hanging up your shade.

How do you hang cellular blinds?

First, you'll need to measure your window and purchase the shade that's an appropriate size. Then, mark the locations for your blinds' brackets on the wall or window frame. Once all of your measurements are complete, attach the brackets to their respective spots using a drill or screwdriver and screws. Finally, snap the headrail into the brackets and hang your blinds.

How do you install inside Mount honeycomb cellular shades?

When installing inside mount honeycomb cellular shades, you'll need to measure the exact width and height of your window. Then, mark the top and sides of the window frame where you will hang the brackets on. After that's done, attach the mounting brackets with screws or nails before snapping in the headrail into the brackets. Finally, hang your shade and adjust the cords as necessary.

How do I install real simple cellular shades?

Real Simple cellular shades are easy to install. The first step is to measure the window and purchase a shade size that's appropriate. Next you'll mark the placement of the brackets before attaching them with screws or nails. Your last step is to snap in the headrail into the brackets and hang your shade.