How to Fit Window Shades

Roller & Roman

Fitting window shades might seem like a difficult task, but it really doesn't have to be. We will take you through the process step-by-step, so you can professionally install roller and roman shades.

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Range of fabrics available at Graham & Brown

There are two different types of headrail that you can get from Graham & Brown. The cassette headrail hides the roll of fabric at the top of the shades, whereas the classic headrail does not. Depending on which headrail you have, you might have to take slightly different final steps - both have been explained at the end of this guide.

Step 1: face fix or top fix brackets?

When you install your brackets, you'll be able to decide whether you want to 'face fix' or 'top fix' them.

Top fixing is when you insert the screw upwards through the bracket and into a surface above - you will need to do this if you are fitting your shades in a recess.
Face fixing is when you insert the screw through the side of the bracket, into a flat, horizontal surface (such as your wall). This is for shades that are being fitted outside a recess. You could also use this method to fix the brackets to the window.

Roller Classic face fix - 6.4cm
Roller Classic top fix – 4.6cm

Roller Cassette – 8.0cm
Roman Classic – 4.5cm (face & top fix the same measurement)Roman Cassette – 8.0cm

*Top fix means it will fix into a ceiling or top of the inside mount (recess).
*Face fix means it will fix into a wall or back of the inside mount (recess).

Cassette sizes and their protrusions differ based on the size of the roller shade.

Roller Cassette:
8cm (Small), 9.5cm (Medium), 11cm (Large)

Roller Cassette:

8cm (Small), 9.5cm (Medium), 11cm (Large)

Cassette Size:
Small:
40cm - 180cm (Width)
40cm – 200cm (Max Drop)

Medium:
180cm – 250cm (Width)
200cm – 250cm (Max Drop)

Large:
250cm – 300cm (Width)
250cm – 400cm (Max Drop)

Daisyfield Cremebrulee roman shade in a living room window

Step 2: Mark where your brackets need to be fixed

Use your pencil to make two marks, showing where each bracket will be fixed. You will want there to be one bracket at either end of the shades, about 2 inches (Approx 5cm), inside the headrail. If you are fitting your shades inside the mount (recess), make sure you don't make your marks too close to the window. This is because you need to leave enough space for the operating mechanism, and for the shades to open and close easily.

If you are fitting your shades outside the mount, make sure to centrally align with the window frame.

Step 3: Fix your brackets to the wall or lintel

To fix your brackets, you'll firstly need to check what material you are drilling into. Ensure to use the correct rawl plugs suitable for steel, plasterboard, wood, brick etc. You need to drill holes where you made your pencil marks. Insert rawl plugs into the holes and then line up your brackets. Use a screwdriver to insert the screws and firmly attach your brackets.

Roman Navy roman shade in a hallway window
Edo Dark Sage roman shade in a bay window

Step 4: Attach your shades to the brackets

Roman shades & shades with a cassette headrail
Attaching your shades once the brackets are in place is simple. Hook the headrail into the edge of the bracket, then push it forwards and tilt it down until it clicks into place.

Roller shades with a classic headrail
With these shades, you'll need to slot the headrail between the two brackets at either end. Do this by pushing one end of the headrail against the 'plunger end' bracket until it gives way and allows you to lift the other end into place.

Dressing roman shades

In a similar way to curtains, the fabric (particularly of roman shades) may be creased from transportation. The shade can be steamed to remove any creases and we recommend it is left down for 48 hours. This will allow the fabric to settle into its new surroundings.

If you're still in the early stages of buying your shades, why not take a look at our blog on how to measure for window shades? Or maybe you would rather find out how to hang curtains?

Amara Moss fabric scrunch
5.0
Beautiful blind, matches my wallpaper and finishes the room perfectly.

Milososmall, New Forest

5.0
Proving slightly addictive. First the wall paper and paint. Then the blinds and finally the bedding.

Bandoman, Lytham st Annes

5.0
Absolutely love this blind! Great product, excellent customer service - will definitely be back for more!

Lesley Marshall, North West

Shop by Design

Celeste Denim roman blind paired with Roman Navy wallpaper in a hallway
Celeste Denim fabric scrunch

Plain

Bring effortless style to every room with our range of plain roman and roller shades. Choose from a wide mix of colors and finishes, from calming blues to purple and green shades that elevate any space.

New Eden roman blind in a customer's bathroom
New Eden fabric swatch

Leaves

Inspired by the outdoors, our leaf‑patterned blinds bring natural texture and color into your home. Available in soft neutrals or vibrant shades, they’re designed to introduce fresh, uplifting tones to any room.

Floral Boheme Stripe Blue and Green roman blind paired with Apple of Grenada Sage Green curtains
Floral Boheme Stripe Blue and Green fabric scrunch

Floral

Express your style with our floral shades. Whether you prefer elegant, traditional florals or contemporary ditsy and abstract designs, each pattern brings color and character to your home.

Glasshouse Grey blind and Wallace Grey curtains in living room setting
Glasshouse Grey fabric scrunch

Animal

Add personality to your space with our animal print shades. These bold designs bring playful sophistication to living areas, bedrooms and children’s rooms, introducing character in a stylish, standout way.