How To Install Pleated Shades Or Cellular Shades As A Side Mount
There are three basic types of mounting window blinds and shades:
- Inside Mount (mounts within a window frame)
- Outside Mount (mounts outside a window frame – on a casing or wall)
- Side Mount (mounts within a window frame using extra installation parts)
Let’s take a look at a side-mount installation (since you’d need to know what extra parts to order, what it looks like, and small success tips to do-it-yourself fast).
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| A Partial-Window Installation – Side Mount Pleated Shades |
- Partial window-height pleated shades (inside mount – factory takes deductions)
- Top-Down Bottom-Up Options
- Installation Brackets
- Metal, right-angled extension brackets (extra parts)
- Wood screws to attach the extension brackets to the wooden frame
- Nuts and screws to fasten the holding brackets to the extension brackets (extra parts)
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| Left Bracket – A Side-Mount Installation | A Right Bracket Detail – Side Mount |
- The extension bracket installation depth on the window frame
- The extension bracket orientation
Because that is to have enough space for the wood screw heads between the headrail end caps and the window frame.
Window shades each have different headrail rigidity. It’s common to install a third support bracket in the middle if the width is over 45”.
In our example (wider than 45”), we didn’t use a middle bracket since the headrail was rigid enough (without sagging in the middle).
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Comments on How To Install Pleated Shades Or Cellular Shades As A Side Mount
james ricker @ 1:58 pm
Saw your posting for side mount cellular shades install. How can I order the side mount brackets.
Thanks
Blinds & Shades Tips @ 3:36 pm
Hi.
Try Home Depot – The Blinds Dpt. – Either Levolor or Hunter Douglas
right-angled brackets will do (if they have some).
If you have to, just grab any suitable right-angled brackets in the store
and drill holes into them so that you can attach the shade brackets
with a couple of screws and nuts.
And…then use a couple of wood screws to attach the bracket assemblies
to the window frame.
Make sure you mount them level on both sides – measure (the height of the shade and use
a level to make it easier.
Pete
james ricker @ 12:11 pm
@Blinds & Shades Tips: having trouble locating the part that attaches the blinds to the l bracket. any ideas where I can order them. Lowes, Home depot do not have them. Thanks
Blinds & Shades Tips @ 12:28 pm
Hi.
The picture above shows a Hunter Douglas shade – side-mount.
There are two brackets: the ones that come with the shade
(you can see the gray bracket with a small screw)
and the metal, right-angled bracket attached to the window.
Looks like you may need the ones that go with your blind
or shade – and attach to the metal bracket, correct?
1.
Take a look at the sticker to find out who makes your blind or shade.
2.
Possibly take a snapshot shot of your shade and find the nearest
dealer for that manufacturer. If need be, send them the photo
of your blind or shade (to make sure they know which "model" it is).
3.
Once the dealer has the info, they can help you get the brackets you need.
Pete
Judy @ 8:02 am
Hi James, I have tried for months to get the right brackets to side mount my cellular shades. The stores in my town do not carry them (lowes, home depot etc) I kept going back to the store where I bought the shades and they kept ordering me the wrong part. I finally got a number and called Levelor and rilght away they mailed me the right brackets. They sent a few extra so if you haven't found any email me and I will send you a couple. My problem now is figuring out how to install them.
Blinds & Shades Tips @ 9:36 am
Glad to hear you got them from Levolor.
Here is another example how to install them:
judy @ 1:39 pm
hello, I ahve been trying to get the clip that I need to attach my side mounted cellular shades that I ordered three months ago. I finally received the side mount brackets bu no clips to hold the shade onto the bracket Levelor Cellular shade. I heard somewhere there was a metal bar or shelf that could be purchased and attached to your window and the you could hang your shades from that. Do you know where I could get one of those? I have a one piece window that has an arch at the top. I have already installed my arch but not able to install my window shade. Thank you
Blinds & Shades Tips @ 2:54 pm
Hi Judy.
While unsure which brackets you got, you will need both – the right-angled ones and the ones holding the shade's headrail.
Or, you can use an angle iron (aluminum) to span across the window width just right below the arch.
Usually, most hardware stores, even Home Depot will have some sort of angle iron available.
One way or another, though, you'll still need both types of brackets to install the "holding" part.
Take a look at the pictures on these pages for visual help:
http://myhomewindowblinds.com/06/17/how-to-find-a-correct-bracket-position-for-an-installation-of-window-blinds-and-shades/
http://myhomewindowblinds.com/07/18/how-to-install-blinds-and-shades-in-a-wide-span-window/
http://myhomewindowblinds.com/05/05/window-blinds-and-shades-side-mount-example/