installation-guide
Installation Guide
Step-by-step instructions for installing your World Wide Shades
Most installations take 15-20 minutes per window. All mounting hardware is included with your order. Follow this guide for a professional result — no experience necessary. Need help? Our team is available at (844) 674-2716.
Before You Start
Tools You'll Need
With 1/4" hex driver bit
For marking bracket positions
For marking drill points
Essential for straight installation
For reaching mounting height
Backup for tight spaces
What's Included in Your Box
- Your custom shade (rolled on tube)
- Mounting brackets (2 per shade)
- Screws for wood/drywall installation
- End plugs and pins
- Bottom bar (attached to fabric)
- Remote control (if motorized)
- Charging cable (if motorized)
Pro Tip: Unroll your shade and let it hang for 24-48 hours before installation. This allows any shipping wrinkles to naturally fall out.
Choose Your Mount Type
Your mount type was selected during ordering. Confirm which type you have before proceeding.
| Inside Mount | Outside Mount |
|---|---|
|
Shade sits inside the window frame ✓ Clean, built-in appearance ✓ Doesn't cover window trim ✓ Requires 2.5" minimum depth Brackets mount inside the frame |
Shade mounts above/outside the frame ✓ Maximum light blockage ✓ Covers imperfect frames ✓ Works with any depth Brackets mount on wall or trim |
Standard Installation Steps
1 Mark Your Bracket Positions
Inside Mount: Position brackets at the top corners of your window frame, about 2-3 inches from each edge.
Outside Mount: Position brackets at least 1.5 inches above the window frame. Center the shade over the window opening.
Use your level to ensure both bracket marks are perfectly aligned. Mark the screw holes with your pencil.
2 Install the Brackets
Pre-drill pilot holes at your marked positions. This prevents the wood from splitting and ensures straight screws.
Secure each bracket using the provided screws. Tighten firmly but don't overtighten — the bracket should be snug against the surface.
Mounting into drywall only? Use drywall anchors (not included) for a secure hold. Without anchors, the shade may pull away from the wall over time.
3 Insert the Shade
Hold the shade with the fabric rolled up. The pin end (small round pin) goes into the bracket first.
- Tilt the shade and insert the pin end into the round hole on one bracket
- Swing the other end up and push the flat end into the second bracket until it clicks
- You should hear a "snap" when the shade is fully seated
4 Test the Operation
Manual shades: Gently pull the bottom bar down to unroll. Release and let it roll up. The shade should move smoothly and stop at any position.
Motorized shades: Use your remote to lower and raise the shade. Set your upper and lower limits if not pre-programmed.
5 Final Adjustments
Check that the shade hangs straight. If the fabric is "telescoping" (rolling crooked), one bracket may be slightly off-level. Loosen and adjust as needed.
Specialty Shape Installation
Installing triangle, trapezoid, pentagon, or hexagon shades follows the same basic process with a few key differences:
Triangle & Trapezoid Shades
- Stationary vs. Operable: Some specialty shapes are fixed (stationary) while others use angled tracking. Check your order confirmation for your shade type.
- Angled brackets: Your kit includes specialized brackets designed for your specific angle. Match the bracket angle to your window slope.
- Start at the longest edge: Install the bracket on the longest side first, then work toward the angled sections.
Pentagon & Hexagon Shades
- Multiple brackets: Larger specialty shapes may include 3-4 brackets. Install them in sequence starting from the top.
- Side channels: If your order includes side channels, install these before inserting the shade.
Need help with specialty shapes? Our team can walk you through installation via video call. Contact us to schedule.
Large Shade Installation (Over 8 Feet)
Important: Shades wider than 8 feet require two people for safe installation. Shades over 12 feet should be installed by professionals.
We manufacture shades up to 24 feet wide — among the largest in the industry. Here's what to know:
| Width | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Up to 8 feet | DIY-friendly, one person |
| 8-12 feet | Two-person job recommended |
| 12-24 feet | Professional installation strongly recommended |
Tips for Large Shades
- Heavy-duty brackets: Oversized shades include reinforced brackets designed to support the weight
- Center support: Shades over 10 feet may include a center support bracket to prevent tube bowing
- Motorization recommended: Manual operation becomes difficult over 12 feet due to fabric weight
- Use scaffolding: A ladder may not provide enough stability for large installations
Optional Upgrades Installation
Cassette Valance
The cassette is a sleek metal housing that hides the roller tube. Install the cassette brackets first, then snap the cassette cover in place after the shade is mounted.
Metal Fascia
A flat-front metal cover for modern and commercial spaces. The fascia clips onto the front of your brackets after shade installation.
Side Channels
U-shaped tracks that eliminate light gaps on the sides of your shade — perfect for blackout shades in bedrooms.
- Install side channels first, using the provided screws
- Ensure channels are perfectly vertical using a level
- Insert shade into brackets
- Guide the fabric edges into the channels as you lower the shade
Motorized Shade Setup
Remote Control Pairing
Most motorized shades arrive pre-paired to your remote. If you need to pair a new remote:
- Press the "P1" button on the motor head (inside the tube) until the shade jogs
- Within 10 seconds, press "Stop" on your remote
- The shade will jog again to confirm pairing
Setting Limits
Set upper and lower stopping points for your shade:
- Use the remote to move the shade to your desired upper limit
- Press and hold the "Up" button for 5 seconds until the shade jogs
- Move the shade to your desired lower limit
- Press and hold the "Down" button for 5 seconds until the shade jogs
Smart Home Integration
To connect your shades to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, you'll need the Smart Hub upgrade. Once connected, you can:
- Control shades with voice commands
- Set schedules (open at sunrise, close at sunset)
- Create scenes with other smart devices
- Control from anywhere via smartphone app
Charging Your Motors
Our rechargeable lithium-ion motors last 6-12 months between charges (approximately 500 cycles).
- Charging port is located on the side of the motor head
- Use the included micro-USB cable (any standard phone charger works)
- Full charge takes 4-6 hours
- Optional: Add a solar panel to keep motors charged automatically
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Shade won't stay up (manual) | The tension spring needs adjustment. Roll the shade up fully, remove from brackets, manually roll the tube 3-4 more turns, and reinstall. |
| Fabric rolling crooked (telescoping) | One bracket is slightly off-level. Loosen the screws, use a level to adjust, and retighten. |
| Clicking sound when operating | Ensure the end plug is fully seated and the bracket is completely engaged. The shade should "click" securely into place. |
| Remote not working | Check the battery (CR2450). Ensure you're within range (30 feet) and the shade is on the correct channel. |
| Motor not responding | The battery may be depleted. Connect the charging cable and wait 30 minutes before testing. |
| Wrinkles in fabric | Most wrinkles disappear within 48 hours of hanging. For stubborn wrinkles, use a handheld steamer on low heat (keep 6 inches away). |
| Light gaps on sides | This is normal for standard installations. For complete blackout, add Side Channels to your order. |
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning Your Shades
- Dust regularly: Use a feather duster or soft brush attachment on your vacuum
- Spot clean: Dampen a cloth with mild soap and water, gently wipe the affected area
- Deep clean: Most fabrics can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap
- Never use: Harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners
Warranty Information
- Lifetime Limited Warranty on all hardware (brackets, tubes, bottom bars)
- 5-Year Warranty on motors and electronics
- 3-Year Warranty on fabrics against defects
For warranty claims, contact us with your order number and photos of the issue. View full warranty details →
Need Professional Installation?
🏠 Residential Install
Our certified installers handle everything — mounting, leveling, motorization setup, and cleanup.
Coverage: 95% of US zip codes
🏢 Commercial Install
Large-scale projects with nationwide installation teams. Hotels, offices, and multi-unit residential.
Contact us for enterprise quotes
📹 Video Support
Stuck mid-install? Schedule a free video call and we'll guide you through it in real-time.
Quick Reference
| Task | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rectangle (under 8 ft) | 15-20 min | Easy — DIY friendly |
| Large shade (8-12 ft) | 25-35 min | Moderate — 2 people |
| Oversized shade (12+ ft) | 45+ min | Advanced — Pro recommended |
| Triangle/Trapezoid | 20-30 min | Moderate — Follow angles |
| Pentagon/Hexagon | 30-40 min | Moderate — Multiple brackets |
| Motorization setup | 5-10 min | Easy — Just pairing |
| Side channel add-on | +10 min | Easy — Install first |
Ready to Install?
Have your shade and tools ready. Most customers finish in under 20 minutes.
Shop Window Shades →Questions? Call (844) 674-2716
World Wide Shades
26 Broadway, Suite 934 | New York, NY 10004
(844) 674-2716 | Contact Us