PRODUCT INFORMATION: UNICHANNEL SHADE POCKET EDGE TRIMS AND END PLATES
21-AUG-25News | Products
Optimising Your Installation: Use Cases for UCH Edge Trims and End Plates
At Future Automation, we're committed to delivering seamless, high-performance solutions for smart home integrations and our UCH UniChannel Recessed Shade Pockets are no different.
Designed to provide discreet and elegant housing for motorised shades, UCH UniChannel pockets ensure a flawless finish in any architectural setting, however a key aspect of achieving the perfect installation lies in selecting the right edge trims and end plates. These accessories allow for customisation based on the surrounding surfaces, whether it's walls, ceilings, or window frames.
In this post, we'll explore the various use cases for our different UCH edge trims and end plates, drawing from real-world applications to help you choose the ideal setup.
Whether you're working with skimmed ceilings, panelled surfaces, or non-mudded walls, these options ensure a professional, integrated look.
UCH Edge Trims: Tailored for Diverse Mounting Scenarios
Edge trims are essential for bridging the pocket to adjacent surfaces, creating a smooth transition that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
Our range of available edge trim options allows pockets to be customised to suit any installation location.
Pockets Against Window Frames or Non-Skimmed/Non-Mudded Walls
For installations where the pocket is positioned directly against a window frame or a non-skimmed or non-mudded wall, with a skimmed/mudded ceiling on the opposite side, we recommend the standard UCH trim setup.
This involves one “Flush Trim” paired with one “Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trim”. This configuration allows the pocket to sit flush against the window or wall while seamlessly integrating with the finished ceiling, preventing any visible gaps or inconsistencies.
This setup is ideal for modern builds where window reveals need to blend seamlessly with recessed shading systems, ensuring a clean and unobtrusive appearance.
A UniChannel Pocket with One Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trim and One Flush Trim.
Pockets with Horizontal Skimmed/Mudded Ceilings on Both Sides
When the pocket is installed with horizontal skimmed/mudded ceilings on both sides, opt for a custom UCH trim setup using two “Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trims”. This symmetrical approach provides a uniform skimmed finish across the installation, perfect for open-plan spaces or rooms with consistent ceiling treatments.
This is particularly useful in commercial or residential projects where maintaining a continuous ceiling line is crucial for visual harmony.
A UniChannel Pocket with Two Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trims.
Pockets Against Skimmed/Mudded Walls
If the pocket is placed against a skimmed/mudded wall with a skimmed/mudded ceiling on the other side, a custom setup with one “Vertical Skim/Mud In Trim” and one “Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trim” is the way to go. This combination ensures the vertical wall integration matches the horizontal ceiling, creating a cohesive edge that blends the pocket's boundaries in the wall and ceiling.
This is a go-to choice for interior designs featuring accent walls or partitioned rooms, where precision finishing elevates the overall sophistication.
A UniChannel Pocket with One Vertical Skim/Mud In Horizontal Trims and One Flush Trim.
Pockets Above Panelled or Tongue & Groove Ceilings
For pockets installed above panelled or tongue & groove ceilings, we suggest a custom UCH trim setup with two “Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trims”. These trims give the best fixing footprint into the joists above the ceiling and allow the ceiling panelling to be run underneath right up to the edge of the pocket.
Common in traditional or rustic interiors, this setup preserves the architectural character while incorporating modern shading technology and allowing for shade pockets without compromising the ceiling's decorative elements.
A UniChannel Pocket Above A Panelled Ceiling with Two Horizontal Skim/Mud In Trims.
UCH End Plates: Securing the Ends with Precision
UCH End plates cap off the pocket at either end, providing both structural support and the option for different finishes.
Available in both wooden and metal variants, they cater to different end conditions for optimal durability and aesthetics.
All UCH End Plates are sold in pairs, but can be mixed and matched if pockets have different ceiling/wall setups at each end.
Pockets With Skimmed/Mudded Ceilings At The Ends
For pockets ending at skimmed/mudded ceilings, the “UCH-HMEP Horizontal MDF End Plate” is recommended. This plate sits recessed into plasterboard/drywall, offering a stable base that can be skimmed/mudded over to conceal the end of the pocket.
It's especially effective in linear installations across large rooms, where end-to-end consistency is key.
A UniChannel Pocket with a HMEP Horizontal MDF End Plate In a Horizontal Ceiling.
Pockets With Skimmed/Mudded Walls or Window Reveals At The Ends
When the pocket terminates at a skimmed/mudded wall or window reveal, choose the “UCH-VMEP Vertical MDF End Plate”. This vertical orientation ensures a flush fit against the wall while enabling the end of the pocket to be skimmed/mudded into the wall without a visible step.
Ideal for pockets installed directly above window reveals, it helps support installations in areas where keeping the window treatments as close to the glazing as possible is required.
A UniChannel Pocket with a VMEP Vertical MDF End Plate In a Window Reveal.
Pockets with Panelled or Tongue & Groove Ceilings At The Ends
For pockets above panelled or tongue & groove ceilings, the “UCH-AEP Metal Flush End Plate” provides a robust, flush solution. Crafted from metal for added strength, it ensures the pocket sits entirely above the ceiling level without any protrusions to interfere with the panelling.
This option shines in heritage properties or custom builds, combining ease of install with a minimalist profile.
A UniChannel Pocket with an AEP Flush Metal End Plate Above A Panelled Ceiling.
Pockets with UCH-SCR Side Channel Recess Kits
For pockets being used with Future Automation UCH-SCR Side Channel Recess Kits, the "UCH-AEP Metal Flush End Plates" are used along with the "UCH-SCR-CONNECTOR Side Channel Recess Kit Connector Plates" to tie the main UCH pocket and the UCH-SCR pockets together during installation.
A UniChannel Pocket with an AEP Flush Metal End Plate Attached To A UCH-SCR Side Channel Recess Kit.
Why Choose the Right Accessories?
Selecting the appropriate edge trims and end plates not only enhances the visual appeal of your UCH UniChannel Recessed Shade Pockets but also ensures ease of installation.
By matching these components to your specific site conditions, you can avoid common pitfalls of other pocket systems, like uneven/badly finished edges or material mismatches that make pockets stand out rather than blend in.
UniChannel Edge Trims and End Plates can be chosen while ordering UCH pockets via our UCH Configurator, and End Plates (along with other accessories) are also available separately from the UniChannel Parts page.
If you're planning a project and need guidance on integrating these accessories, our team is here to help. Explore our full range of UCH solutions or contact us for personalised advice.