Once More...
From The Top!

Installing New Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up with 
TiltAnywhere Is Easy, But 
Here Are A Few Things 
To Know Before You Start

The Quick Release brackets for standard Silhouette shadings are also used for installing Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up shadings.  Be sure that you don't use any of the old style brackets that do not have the spring clip.  With the old bracket, you would be able to install a Top-Down/Bottom-up shading, but you would have no way to remove it as there would be now way to gain access to the release tab.  Check your toolbox for these obsolete brackets and discard any that you have on hand.

When you remove the shading from the box and unwrap it, you will see this notice on the headrail.  Those who have ignored it have regretted doing so!

If you have read the caution, this will be what you do.  Grasp the headrail with one hand and pull down on the bottom rail —about 12 inches.

Then, use the looped cord to lower the center rail slightly —about halfway between the headrail and bottom rail.

With Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up shadings it is even more important than with standard shadings that the headrail be installed on the level.  As Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up shadings are only available for inside mount applications, be sure to check the level before attaching the headrails.  Shim the brackets if necessary to ensure that the headrail is installed on the level.  

Lift the headrail of the shading to the brackets and listen for a click for each bracket to make sure the headrail is held securely

Grasp the bottom rail of the Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up shading and pull it straight down to the bottom of the window.  Unlike what you may do with other window coverings, DO NOT adjust the bottom rail to the sill.  For proper operation and appearance, the bottom rail must be adjusted to true level.

See this tip for updated details about 
leveling bottom rail as of November 2007

Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up shadings are adjusted to true level when they are made.  If you find that adjustment is needed, be sure to always end up with both the bottom and top rails adjusted to true level.

Further adjustments may be necessary.  For detailed information, see the Silhouette Top-Down/Bottom-up With Tilt Anywhere Installation Instructions, which you can download below.  In future tips, we'll explore some of the additional adjustments.