Installing roller shades is one of the easiest window-treatment projects you can do yourself. Most single-window installations take about 15–30 minutes with a drill and a level. The secret to a professional result isn't strength or skill; it's getting the brackets level and evenly spaced. This step-by-step guide walks you through mounting Curtarra roller shades cleanly, whether inside the window recess or on the wall or trim above it.
Quick answer: Mark the bracket positions level and evenly spaced, drill pilot holes, and secure the brackets in the top of the recess for an inside mount or on the wall or trim for an outside mount. Snap the cassette or headrail into the brackets, then raise and lower the cordless shade to test it. For a motorized Curtarra shade, install the remote battery or remove its insulation strip; the shade and remote arrive paired. Tools: drill, level, tape measure, pencil, and a screwdriver.
What You'll Need
| Tool / part | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Drill + bits | Pilot holes and driving screws |
| Level | Getting brackets perfectly horizontal |
| Tape measure + pencil | Marking even bracket positions |
| Screwdriver | Final tightening |
| Included brackets + screws | Mounting the shade; Curtarra custom shades include this hardware |
| Wall anchors, if needed | Specialty walls or hollow drywall when the supplied fixing is not appropriate |
Your roller shade ships with the brackets and screws it needs. Unbox and lay out the parts first so nothing is missing before you start drilling.
Step 1: Position and Mark the Brackets
This is the step that makes or breaks the result. Hold a bracket at each end of where the shade will go:
- Inside mount: confirm the recess has the depth required by your specific shade, then place the brackets in the top of the recess at the positions shown in the included instructions.
- Outside mount: follow the measurements used for your order and allow at least 4" above the window frame when possible so there is room for the cassette and rolled-up shade.
Rest a level across both bracket points (or use the level line) and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Double-check both brackets sit at the same height, an unlevel pair is the #1 reason a roller shade rolls to one side.
Step 2: Install the Brackets
Drill pilot holes at your marks, then screw the brackets firmly into place. For an outside mount, drive screws into wall studs or the window trim where possible; if you're going into hollow drywall, use wall anchors so the brackets hold securely. Give each bracket a gentle tug, it shouldn't move.
Step 3: Snap in the Cassette or Headrail
Lift the assembled shade to the brackets and engage the cassette or headrail as shown in the included instructions. Press it into place until it is fully seated and secure. The shade should sit level without movement at either bracket. If it feels loose or will not click into place, do not force it; re-check the bracket spacing and alignment.
Step 4: Set Up the Controls and Test
- Cordless: gently pull the bottom bar down, then raise it to confirm the shade moves smoothly and holds at the desired height.
- Motorized: install the battery in the remote or remove the insulation strip if it is already fitted. Curtarra motorized shades arrive with the remote paired, so no additional programming is normally required. Test the open and close controls before connecting any optional smart-home features. See how cordless and motorized roller shades work.
Raise and lower the shade a few full cycles. It should roll evenly without drifting sideways or leaving the fabric loose on the tube.
Step 5: Complete the Safety Check
Curtarra roller shades use cordless or motorized controls, so there is no dangling operating cord. Confirm the shade is locked securely into both brackets, the bottom bar is level, and the fabric clears window handles and trim through a complete open-and-close cycle. If you are installing another brand with a chain control, use every supplied tension and child-safety device exactly as that manufacturer's instructions require.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Shade rolls to one side / fabric telescopes | Brackets not level | Re-level and remount one bracket |
| Tube won't click in | Brackets not square/parallel | Re-check spacing; align brackets |
| Shade rubs the frame (inside mount) | Too little clearance or an out-of-square recess | Confirm the order and opening measurements; contact support before altering the shade |
| Light gaps at the sides | Normal inside-mount clearance | For a future order, choose an outside mount and add the recommended overlap |
| Cordless shade will not hold position | Lift system needs inspection | Stop forcing the shade and follow the product instructions or contact Curtarra support |
Prefer to watch the mounting sequence first? Curtarra's How-To Videos page includes an inside- and outside-mount video for roller shades with a cassette valance.
Get the Fit Right Before You Install
A clean install starts with accurate measurements, if a shade arrives the wrong size, no amount of leveling will fix it. Read how to measure for roller shades before you order, and if you're still choosing, what are roller shades helps you pick the right fabric and lift. Made-to-measure favorites include the blackout Derick, light-filtering Lillian, and solar Leo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install roller shades?
Mark two bracket positions level and evenly spaced, drill pilot holes, and screw the brackets in (top of the recess for inside mount, wall/trim above the window for outside mount). Clip the roller tube into the brackets until it clicks, attach the chain or set up the motor, then test that it rolls straight. Add the cord cleat if it's corded.
Are roller shades easy to install yourself?
Yes. Most single-window installations take about 15–30 minutes with a drill, level, and screwdriver. The step that needs the most care is getting both brackets at the same height so the shade sits level and rolls straight.
Do roller shades come with mounting brackets?
Yes, roller shades ship with the brackets and screws needed to mount them. For an outside mount into drywall, you may want wall anchors if you can't hit a stud or the window trim.
How high should I mount an outside-mount roller shade?
For Curtarra roller shades, allow at least 4 inches above the window frame when possible so there is space for installation and for the rolled-up shade. Use the exact width and height measurements from your order, and follow the included instructions for bracket placement.
Why does my roller shade roll unevenly?
Almost always because the two brackets aren't level with each other, so the tube sits at a slight angle and the fabric "telescopes" to one side. Re-check with a level and remount the high or low bracket so both are at the same height.
Do I need to drill to install Curtarra roller shades?
Yes. Curtarra roller shades use screw-mounted brackets, so a drill is the quickest way to make pilot holes and secure the hardware. Use fixings appropriate for the wall or trim material and follow the printed installation instructions included with the shade.
Keep Reading
Planning your install? Curtarra roller shades are made to your window measurements in blackout, light-filtering, and solar fabrics, with cordless or motorized controls. Each custom shade includes mounting brackets, screws, printed installation instructions, and a valance where applicable. Order free swatches to start.
Shop Custom Roller Shades
