Why I Still Swear by Real Simple Cordless Shades (And How to Actually Install Them)

Finding the sweet spot between energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal in window treatments feels like an endless hunt. You usually have to pick one: the heavy, insulating drape that blocks all light, or the pretty, sheer fabric that lets the winter draft right in. This is exactly why roman cellular cordless shades became such a staple in my home improvement projects. They manage to combine the soft, cascading folds of a traditional Roman shade with the honeycomb utility of a cellular shade. If you have managed to get your hands on a Real Simple branded shade, you know they offer a clean look that fits almost anywhere, but setting them up isn't always as intuitive as the name suggests.

The Appeal of the Real Simple Solutions Line

I remember picking up my first real simple roman cellular shade a few years back when I needed to outfit a drafty guest room. The packaging promised easy installation and effective light control, but what really sold me was the fabric texture. Unlike standard paper-like cellular shades, these have a fabric front that mimics a classic Roman fold. It elevates the room instantly.

The real simple solutions cordless cellular shade design is particularly clever because it hides the lift cords. This is a massive safety feature if you have kids or pets, but it also just looks cleaner. There are no dangling strings to get tangled or collect dust bunnies. However, the internal mechanism that allows the shade to hold its position requires a specific installation precision that can frustrate first-time DIYers.

My Experience with the 72-Inch Challenge

Things got interesting when I decided to tackle the sliding glass door in my dining area. I needed a real simple cordless cellular 72 inch roman shade. Handling a shade of that width is a different beast compared to a standard 30-inch window. The weight distribution matters significantly more.

When I unboxed the 72-inch version, I realized that the standard two-bracket setup wasn't going to cut it. The longer span requires center support to prevent the headrail from bowing over time. I learned the hard way that you cannot eyeball the leveling on a shade this wide. If you are off by even a fraction of an inch, the shade won't retract evenly, leading to that annoying lopsided look where one side hangs lower than the other. I spent a good hour measuring and re-measuring to ensure the headrail was perfectly parallel to the floor, not just the window frame (which, in older houses like mine, is never actually level).

Deciphering the Installation Process

If you have lost your manual or bought a set second-hand, finding the real simple cordless roman cellular shade installation instructions can be a headache. The process is generally straightforward, but specific steps make or break the functionality.

You need to decide on an inside or outside mount. For these specific shades, an inside mount looks significantly better because the cellular structure sits flush within the frame, maximizing insulation. You start by holding the headrail up to the desired spot and marking the locations for the brackets with a pencil. Make sure to place the brackets about 3 to 4 inches in from the ends of the headrail. If you put them right at the edge, you might interfere with the internal cord mechanism.

Once you have your pilot holes drilled and the screws secured, the tricky part begins: snapping the rail in. You have to hook the front of the rail onto the bracket lip first, then push the back upward until you hear a distinct click. If you don't hear that snap, the shade isn't locked. I have had a shade fall right onto my head because I didn't apply enough upward pressure to engage the locking spring.

The Bracket Dilemma

The most common point of failure with this product line is the hardware. The real simple cordless cellular shade brackets are often made of plastic or a mix of light metal and plastic clips. Over time, UV exposure can make the plastic brittle, or aggressive tugging during installation can snap the retention tabs.

If you are struggling to snap the shade in, check the bracket alignment. If the brackets aren't perfectly in line with each other, the headrail will twist, making it impossible to lock in. I usually run a long straight edge or a level across the tops of the brackets before I even try to mount the shade. If you break a bracket, finding an exact match can be tough since product lines change. However, many generic "cordless honeycomb shade" brackets sold at hardware stores are universal enough to work if you replace the entire set.

Cellular vs. Pleated: Knowing the Difference

It is easy to confuse these with a standard real simple cordless pleated shade. While they look similar from a distance, the difference lies in the construction. A pleated shade is a single layer of fabric folded in an accordion style. It offers privacy but very little thermal insulation.

The cellular version—the one I prefer—has a honeycomb structure. This creates air pockets that trap heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer. If you hold a real simple cordless shade up to the light, you can see the geometric structure inside. This added depth is what gives the Roman style its volume. If you are putting shades in a bathroom or a kitchen where moisture is high, a simple pleated shade might be easier to clean, but for bedrooms and living areas, the cellular Roman combo is superior for temperature control.

Maintenance and Tension Adjustment

One issue I encountered after about a year of use was the shade refusing to go all the way up. It would hang about six inches from the top. This usually happens because the internal spring tension needs to be reset. To fix this, I pulled the shade all the way down to its maximum extension and then firmly guided it all the way up. Sometimes doing this cycle two or three times re-engages the tension mechanism.

Cleaning these shades requires a gentle touch. The fabric face can collect dust, especially on the horizontal folds. I use a vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners unless you have a specific spot stain, as the moisture can distort the cellular pleats or leave water rings on the Roman fabric face.

These shades are a fantastic solution for homeowners who want the high-end look of custom drapery without the custom price tag. With a little patience during the installation and gentle handling of the brackets, they can transform the comfort and look of a room for years.

FAQ

How do I remove a Real Simple cordless shade from the brackets?
To remove the shade, insert a flathead screwdriver behind the headrail where the bracket is located. Gently push the tab on the bracket upward or backward (depending on the specific model year) to release the locking mechanism while tilting the back of the headrail down.

Can I cut these shades to fit a narrower window?
Technically, yes, but it is risky for DIYers. While standard cellular shades can be cut, the Roman fabric overlay on these specific shades creates fraying issues if not cut with professional guillotine-style equipment. It is usually better to mount them outside the frame if the width isn't a perfect match.

Why is my cordless shade uneven at the bottom?
This usually happens if the shade was pulled down unevenly. To fix it, lower the shade completely, then gently tug on the side that is higher to level it out. Raise the shade slowly, using the center handle, to allow the internal cords to reset evenly.