Most answers regarding which type of roller shade to choose in a certain setting are based on the type of clutch that will be used. The secondary question to what type of clutch, is what type of bracket to use. In some cases, different types of brackets are not available for every type of clutch. The two distinct bracket types that can be used are a regular fascia-applicable bracket and an open roll bracket. The simplest distinction is that regular brackets call for fascia to be attached whereas an open roll bracket is streamlined and fascia cannot be installed.

So with the distinctions cleared up, we need to discuss when you may want to use an open roll bracket or what may be the best option for the scenario that you are treating. Typically, the situations where an open roll bracket is used are when the roller shade hardware will be hidden, without the usage of fascia. These scenarios include…

When a roller shade is being installed within an architectural pocket.
When a roller shade is being covered by a cornice or valance

Open Roll Bracket Pros

The significance of an open roll bracket is that it will have a much smaller profile. Whereas a 3” clutch on a fascia-applicable bracket might be 3” in width. An open roll bracket that will hold the same shade may only be 1.5”. This is very significant in small architectural pockets where space is at a premium.

The obvious other factor is that open roll brackets make the roller shade more cost effective, due to the set up being sans fascia or end caps.

So next time you are considering roller shades in a tight space or want to add some more ‘umph’ to the top of a window by using a top treatment of some kind, remember… open roll brackets exist and can be incredibly helpful to solving many different space problems.