Side Channel for Light Blocking

You can order channels that block light around the shade sides. These channels will not block light at the top of the shade (if open) or block light from shades that are not opaque. Since channels are installed separately from the shade, most users try the shades first to see if they really need channels or not (and can avoid extra time and expense). Most users decide they do not need channels as enough light (99%+) is blocked. Some do still want them, and you can easily order them from Leviosa Shades.

Pricing is per linear foot (rounded up), and we can cut to your exact measurements. Many customers purchase pieces rounded up to the nearest foot, and then custom cut the coves/covers for a precise fit during installation since the aluminum channels cut easily with a chop saw (aluminum cutting blade) or hacksaw. Shipping is extra, and depends on location.

For bulk orders, you can order whole pieces up to 19 ft in length for better pricing. Expect freight shipping fees for these long pieces of $400+ depending on location.

Choose your color for the channels:

You can also choose the color of the channel brushing: white, black or gray color. The brushing is a thin fibrous material that inserts into the tips of the channels to more fully block all light, and helps the shade travel smoothly though the channel.

Please contact us to add side channels to your order.

Inside mount or outside mount side channels. For outside mount, you need to create a hole on the outside to attach the inside screw.

OPTION for Outside Mount only:

This specialty channel is for OUTside mount only. The advantage is the attachment screw hole is elegantly covered by a custom trim piece.

Installation Instructions for Side Channels

The channels should be lined up so the shade fabric, when rolled up, travels near the back side of the channel without the channel interfering with shade travel. Program the shade position so the fabric is already inside the channel by at least 1/4 inch. While the fabric unrolls, that travel path will move slightly toward the room. After the top position is planned, use a leveling device to ensure the full channel is mounted true vertical. Note the position with small pencil marks on wall/jamb in back of the channel. The channels should be mounted with the channel bushing already attached to the small grooves on the channel edges.
Acquire mounting screws that are long enough to attach at least 3/4 inch into a solid surface (wood, metal, thick plastic). Drywall screws (common 1 ¼ inch) or #10 screws work well. If mounting into drywall or less solid surfaces, use screw anchors sufficient to support at least 5 lbs shear force. Plan for holes for INside mount type channels through the center of the U-shape, while OUTside mount type channels have an area for holes that is concealed by a slide cover (remove that cover before boring holes). While the channel is away from the wall, use a metal drill bit (channel material is aluminum) slightly larger than the diameter of screw threads (and smaller than screw head) to bore holes in the channel, every 2 feet of channel length, starting ~6 inches from each end. More holes provide more support than fewer, but the channels are not supporting much force so screw attachments every ~2 feet are sufficient.
Position the channel as noted above, and fasten screws to a solid surface (wood, metal, stone) at least 3/4 inch into the material. For OUTside mount type channels, replace the slide cover.
Operate the shade to ensure it smoothly travels through the channels. if shade travel is impeded (example: shade bunches up), return the shade to the rolled position and adjust the channel.

Special instructions for REVERSE roll shades:

For INside mount side channels, reverse roll shades (fabric rolls toward the room instead of toward the window) require ~2.5" of space (depending on mounting brackets) from the back of the shade brackets. Ensure you have this space for proper installation. Otherwise, consider OUTside mount side channels directly on the wall, which require precise alignment of the shade mounting brackets for the shade to travel without impedance, or shimming may be required.