Tricks for Hanging Roman Shades

Before Hanging

• If you've never hung Roman shades before, you may not know there are two ways to hang them: inside your window frame or outside. You need to determine which you prefer before you purchase the shades to ensure you are getting the right kind. Of course, double check your window measurements before buying the shades. Gather all of the materials you need before you begin the project, because having to run around and find a tool while you're in the middle can be tedious.

Level Brackets

• Although the instructions that come with your shades may not specify it, you'll need a yardstick or level. A common mistake people make when hanging these shades is not to line up the mounting brackets precisely so the blinds can function correctly. Use a pencil to place a mark where each bracket should go, and make sure the brackets aren't going to be in the way of any of the moving parts of the shade.

Shade Hanging

• For best results, keep the Roman shades folded up while you are hanging them. This makes installation go a little smoother. If your Roman shades are very wide -- 44 inches or more -- you may want to add a third bracket to the center position. If your blinds didn't come with one, purchase an extra. This distributes the weight of the shades evenly, supporting the blinds fully. A power drill is a simple way to install the brackets.

Maintenance Tips

• To keep Roman shades working properly once they're hung, raise and lower them regularly. This keeps them from becoming flat. If your shades start to look uneven, pull on the entire shade to make the ribbons inside the shade reset themselves and spring back to the way they were. To keep shades clean, sponge dirty spots with a cloth and allow the spot to dry. Dusty shades can be dusted with a cloth duster or vacuumed gently.