Zebra Shade Installation Instructions

If you’ve recently purchased Zebra Shades, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the installation process, making it quick, simple, and stress-free. Below, you’ll find everything you need to install your fresh Zebra Shades.
Let’s get started!

Tools Needed to Install Zebra Shades

Installing Zebra Shades from Factory Direct Blinds should be a very quick and easy task that won't take you much time at all. You will need some everyday basic tools for a typical blind install:

• A Pencil
• A Tape Measure
• A Drill
• A Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Step Stool
• The Appropriate Fasteners
  *You may also need some alternative fasteners (not included) to properly install your shades if you are installing into an aluminum or concrete fixture. 

Determine the kind of mounting your blinds use

Did you order inside or outside mount blinds?
Depending on the ones you have, the instructions change.

Step 1: Prepare And Attach Brackets

Inside Mounting:
One bracket should be positioned about 2” to 6” from each end of the head rail. For wider shades that require 3 or 4 brackets, these should be spaced evenly between the two outermost brackets. 

Attach each bracket to the inner top of the window opening using the screws provided. Pre-drill the screw holes using a 5/64" drill bit. The extension brackets are not used for inside mounts. 

For flush inside mounts, attach the brackets to the head rail first (see drawings and attachment instructions below), and then position the shade in the window opening as desired. Then make pencil marks at the back of each bracket. Remove the brackets by pressing on the plastic tab. Align the brackets with the pencil marks, and then screw them in place as described above.

Outside Mounting:
Attach the Extension Brackets to the wall or window framing. One bracket should be positioned about 2” to 6” from each end of the head rail. For wider shades that require 3 or 4 brackets, these should be spaced evenly between the two outermost brackets. Pre-drill the screw holes using a 5/64" drill bit.
The brackets must be level – use a Spirit Level if necessary to assure proper alignment.
Then attach a Mounting Bracket to each Extension Bracket using the nut and bolt pre-attached to each Extension Bracket.
To adjust head rail extension, remove the shade from the mounting brackets by pressing on the plastic tabs at the front of each bracket. Then loosen the nut and bolt, and move the mounting brackets forward or backward as preferred.

Step 2: Securing The Head Rail

Slide the inner rear of the head rail onto the metal tabs at the back of
each bracket, and then push up so that the brackets snap onto the
head rail.

Important final step to properly secure brackets:
Pull the plastic tab on the front of each bracket outward toward the front of the shade to lock the brackets in place. For inside-mounts use pliers to grasp the tabs. Check carefully to assure that each bracket is properly secured.

Step 3: Attach the Safety Cord Guide

The cord guide must be attached per these instructions in order for your shade to function properly. The Cord Guide is pre-attached to the Cord Control, and must be attached inside or outside the window opening, to the window frame or wall as you prefer.

The base of the Cord Guide can be attached vertically, horizontally or at an angle. Note that the ‘U’ shaped guide that the chain passes through swivels and can be set in any position to facilitate smooth operation.

Attach the Cord Guide with the 1-1/4” screws provided. Pre-drill the screw holes using a 3/32” drill bit if mounting to a solid surface.

If the Cord Guide is attached to hollow drywall, please use the wall anchors provided. Use a ¼” drill bit to drill the holes for the anchors.

Do not put tension on the cord/bead chain!

Install the Cord Guide such that the cord hangs loosely – this optimizes the performance of the clutch, and assures that the Cord Connector will pass through the Cord Guide with relative ease. Do not twist or cross the control cord/bead chain. In order to position the base properly, adjust the cord so that the Cord Guide is at the bottom of the cord loop and let it hang freely. Compress the spring by hand so that the chain moves freely through the ‘U’ channel.

Hold the tension device and the bracket against the window frame or wall and then move it upward at least ¼” - mark the position of the bracket (mark the location of the screw holes with a pencil). Insert and secure two screws through the holes in the base of the Cord Guide.

And that's all, you've successfully installed your shades!

How to Operate: To raise or lower the shade, pull the lift cord.

Cleaning: To clean the shade fabric, use a feather duster or vacuum lightly using the soft brush or upholstery attachment. For spot cleaning, use warm (not hot!) water with a mild soap to damp clean.

If you still have some questions, take a look at our Zebra Shade PDF for more in-depth information.