Roller shade with valence and chain loop filters light over a black-framed window in a modern living room with a wood accent chair and large green plant.

How to Install Roller Shades with a Valence and Chain Loop

Installing a roller shade with a valence and chain loop takes about 15–20 minutes per window. The process has three parts: mounting the brackets, snapping the shade into place, and clicking the valence over the top to conceal the hardware. The chain loop is the shade's lift mechanism; pull it to raise or lower the shade.

Before you begin, read through the full guide so you know what to expect at each step. If you have any questions along the way, contact us at [email protected], and we'll help you through it.

What You'll Need

Ladder
Tape measure
Pencil
Level
Screwdriver
Power drill
Screws (included; wall anchors sold separately for drywall or plaster)
Mounting brackets (included)

Before you start, lay out your hardware by window and confirm all parts are accounted for. If you're installing shades in multiple rooms, keep each window's hardware in its own labeled bag; brackets and roller tubes are sized per window and aren't interchangeable.

Labeled diagram of a roller shade showing the brackets, valence, chain loop, shade material, bottom rail, and stop controller

Step 1: Choose Inside Mount or Outside Mount

Inside mount sets the shade within the window frame for a streamlined, built-in look. Outside mount places the shade on the wall or ceiling above the frame, which fully blocks light gaps at the edges and works when a frame is too shallow for inside mount.

Before drilling, confirm the surface can support the bracket weight. If you're anchoring into drywall or plaster rather than a stud, use a wall anchor rated for the shade's weight. Anchors aren't included, since the right one depends on your wall type.

Using a pencil and the brackets themselves as a guide, mark the screw locations. The two brackets should sit about 2 inches in from each end of the shade.

Diagram comparing inside mount, set within the window frame, and outside mount, set on the wall above the frame

Close-up of a cordless roller shade mounting bracket and Diagram showing the roller shade with mounting brackets

Step 2: Install the Brackets

Mount each bracket with two screws.

Inside mount: screw through the top of the bracket into the window frame.
Outside mount: screw through the back of the bracket into the wall or ceiling.

Use a level across both brackets before you drill. Uneven brackets cause the fabric to telescope, roll unevenly to one side, which can damage the shade over time.

Diagram comparing bracket screw placement for inside mount, through the top, and outside mount, through the back

Step 3: Install the Roller Shade and Valence

Once the brackets are in place, lift the shade into position.
Tilt the front of the valence up and hook the rib along its front edge onto all of the bracket hooks.
Rotate the back of the valence upward and toward the window until it clicks into each bracket.

Both sides of the valence need to click into place; if you only hear or feel one click, check that the other bracket is fully seated before letting go.

Diagram showing the valence tilted up to hook onto the bracket, then rotated back until it clicks into place

Step 4: Check the Installation

Confirm the shade material is centered on the roller tube and that the shade hangs horizontally before considering the install finished.

Questions about your installation? We're here to help. Contact us at [email protected] or book a free consultation, and we'll walk you through it.

FAQs

Q: How do I operate a roller shade with a chain loop?
A: Pull down on the chain loop to lower the shade, and pull the opposite direction to raise it. The chain is a continuous loop, so it never has a loose end hanging free.

Q: What's the difference between inside mount and outside mount?
A: Inside mount fits within the window frame for a built-in look. Outside mount attaches to the wall or ceiling above the frame and fully covers the window opening, which helps with light control and works when the frame is too shallow for an inside mount.

Q: How far from the edge should the brackets be?
A: About 2 inches in from each end of the shade, marked using the bracket itself as a guide before drilling.

Q: Why won't the valence click into place?
A: Both brackets need to click, not just one. Tilt the valence's front edge up first to hook it onto the bracket hooks, then rotate the back of the valence up and toward the window until you feel or hear both sides click in. If one side isn't seating, double-check that the bracket is level and fully screwed in.

Q: Is a chain loop safe for homes with children or pets?
A: A continuous chain loop is a different design from a hanging cord; it has no loose end, which reduces (though doesn't eliminate) accessibility risk compared to older corded designs. If your shade includes a tension device or wall bracket for the chain, install it to keep the loop secured close to the wall rather than hanging freely.

Q: What if my shade hangs crooked after installing it?
A: This is almost always caused by brackets that weren't level with each other before drilling. Remove the shade, recheck each bracket with a level, and adjust as needed before reattaching.