Gray roller shade with a white top box mounted on the wall above a window

Traditional Bracket Outside Mount

Outside Mount Roller Shades

No room inside the window frame? This shade hangs from brackets on the wall or the ceiling. You need a drill. The brackets, screws and anchors come in the box.

  • No installer needed
  • Made to your size
  • No hanging chain

Shown: Outside mount on the wall above the window

When to choose it

When is an outside mount the right pick?

Our No-Drill Inside Mount fits inside the window frame with no tools. Choose the outside mount when the frame won’t work.

  • A tape measures a window frame that is only about 1 1/2 inches deep
    Less than 2¾ in of depthThe no-drill shade needs at least 2¾ inches of depth inside the frame. A shallow frame needs brackets.
  • A window crank handle sticks up from the sill into the window opening
    A lock or crank in the wayHandles, locks and cranks can block a shade inside the frame. An outside mount hangs in front of the frame.
  • A sliding glass door with a frame that sits flat against the wall
    A sliding doorSliding doors often don’t have enough depth inside the frame. An outside mount hangs above the door instead.

Not sure? Send us a photo.

Wall or ceiling

Pick where the brackets go.

Both ways use the same shade and the same brackets. Watch each one go up.

Wall mount

Pick this if there is about 4 in of flat wall above the opening. Have trim? Measure from its top.

Watch on YouTube 1:29

Ceiling mount

Pick this if there is not enough flat wall above the window.

Watch on YouTube 1:32

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Measure

Measure for an outside mount in 3 steps.

Measure each window. Write down the room with each size.

  1. Measure the widthMeasure in three places and use the largest. Then add 3 in on each side. It’s not required, but it’s common.
  2. Measure the heightMark the top of the shade about 4 in above the opening. Measure from your mark down to the sill, or to where you want the shade to stop. Ceiling mount? Measure from the ceiling down to the sill.
  3. Clear the wayMake sure handles, cranks and trim won’t block the shade.

See the full measuring guide 

Put it up

Putting it up, step by step.

You’ll need a tape measure, a pencil, a level, a drill with a drill bit and a screwdriver bit, and a step stool. A helper makes it easier.

  1. Mark the centerMeasure the window frame from edge to edge. Mark the center where the top of the shade will go.
  2. Mark both endsFrom that mark, measure half the shade’s width out to each side. Mark both ends.
  3. Place the bracketsHold each bracket 3 inches in from its end mark. Level it and mark the screw holes. On a ceiling, keep it far enough from the wall for the shade to clear the frame.
  4. Drill and add anchorsDrill a hole at each mark, the same width as the anchors. Push the anchors in until they are flush.
  5. Screw the brackets onScrew each bracket on. Check that they are level and lined up.
  6. Click the shade inTilt the shade up under the brackets and push until it clicks. Lower it and check that it hangs level.

Solid wood? Skip the anchors and drill smaller pilot holes. Concrete or block? Use a masonry bit and masonry anchors.

See the full install guide 

Inside vs outside mount

Inside or outside: which fits your window?

If your frame is deep enough and nothing is in the way, inside is the easy pick. If not, go outside.

  • Roller shade fitted inside a white window frame
    No-Drill Inside Mount
    • Fits inside the window frame
    • No drill and no tools
    • Needs at least 2¾ in of depth
    • Measure inside the frame
    See how no-drill works 
  • Roller shade with its top box on the wall above a window
    Traditional Bracket Outside Mount
    • Hangs on the wall or the ceiling
    • Needs a drill. Brackets, screws and anchors come in the box
    • Works on shallow frames and doors
    • Measure the opening, then add 3 in on each side

Cordless or motorized

Pick how it moves.

Neither one has a cord or chain to pull.

Questions

Outside mount questions

What is an outside mount shade?

It hangs from brackets on the wall above the window, or on the ceiling. The shade covers the window frame instead of fitting inside it. We call it the Traditional Bracket Outside Mount.

Do I need a drill?

Yes. The brackets, screws and wall anchors come in the box. You also need a tape measure, a pencil, a level, a drill with a drill bit and a screwdriver bit, and a sturdy step stool. A helper makes it easier. We recommend one for shades over 48 inches wide.

Should I mount it on the wall or the ceiling?

Use the wall if there is about 4 inches of flat wall above the opening. Have trim? Measure from its top. If there is not enough room, mount it on the ceiling.

How do I measure for an outside mount?

Measure the width in three places and use the largest. Then add 3 inches on each side. It’s not required, but it’s common. For the height, mark the top of the shade about 4 inches above the opening. Measure from your mark down to the sill, or to where you want the shade to stop. Ceiling mount? Measure from the ceiling down to the sill.

Inside or outside mount: which should I pick?

If the frame has at least 2¾ inches of depth and nothing is in the way, the No-Drill Inside Mount is the easy pick. It needs no drill and no tools. Choose the outside mount for a shallow frame, a lock or crank in the way, or a door.

Will an outside mount block more light?

It covers past the frame, which helps at the edges. The recommended width also covers 3 inches of wall on each side. Some light can still get in around the shade.

Can I put an outside mount shade on a door?

Yes. Many doors have no room inside the frame, so the shade hangs above the door instead. Make sure the handle and trim won’t block the shade.

Does it have a cord or chain?

No. Every shade is Cordless or Motorized, on both mounts. There are no cords or chains to pull.

Start with your size

Three steps to a finished window.

  1. Measure each windowUse the largest width, then add 3 in on each side. Our guide walks you through it.
  2. Pick your fabric and colorBlackout for privacy, light filtering for soft light, solar for glare.
  3. Choose Traditional BracketPick it in the shade builder, then choose Cordless or Motorized.

Each shade is made to your size. Most orders arrive in 3 to 4 weeks. Free shipping on 2 or more shades to the lower 48 states.