Workshop Wednesday: How to Install a Window Shade

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After living in her house five years, Steph finally decided it was time to think about some kind of covering for the window in her bathroom. You can't see into it due to the high placement, but she could not control the amount of light it let in.

One of the projects we did in the garage makeover was to order a shade for the window. We were pleased with that ordering and install so we decided to order again from The Home Depot.

Product:

• Custom Home Collection Solar Shade Monterey 5% Cloud White N001 (Home Depot)
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• Makita 18-Volt 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact BL Combo Kit (2-Piece) with Bonus 18-Volt 2.0Ah Compact Lithium-Ion Battery (Home Depot)
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We started by ordering free samples of shade materials. To order, you simply go to the website and order the sample fabrics from that page. It took about a week to get them. With the samples in hand, we could determine what color looked best and choose the opacity that we wanted.

When we were ready to order, we simply put in the measurements of the window and the name of the shade material we chose.

It's always good to have a project overseer :) as well as to inventory all the hardware to be sure you have everything you need before getting started.

Mark the placement of the brackets and drill pilot holes. Tip: use a folded Post-It Note to collect the drywall dust as you drill. It's a simple way to keep things just a bit cleaner.

Use the included screws to secure the bracket to the wall. Tip: that Makita drill/driver is part of the Makita sub-compact line and is perfect for working in tight spaces.

For this shade install, two different brackets are included. The one with the "cross" is installed on the same side as the chain. Be sure to install the brackets as specified in the instructions for your particular shade.

For this shade, the right side was installed first into the "cross" bracket. The left side of the shade has a retractible pin that fits into the left side bracket.

Screw the chain holder into place. Be sure not to make it too tight as you need a little slack in the chain.

Perfect fit, color, and opacity!

The chain easily moves the shade up and down.

The shade blocks the view but lets in just the right amount of light!