How To Measure For Shades?

How to Measure for Shades – Complete Guide

Accurate measurements are essential for custom Roman shades. This comprehensive guide will help you measure your windows correctly for both inside mount and outside mount installations, ensuring your custom shades fit perfectly and function properly.

⚠️ Important: All measurements should be in inches and recorded to the nearest 1/8 inch. Measure twice to ensure accuracy. If you need assistance, contact us at info@draperyus.com for free measuring consultation.

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Two Primary Mounting Options

Before measuring, you need to decide which mounting option is best for your windows. Each has distinct advantages and requirements.

Feature	Inside Mount	Outside Mount
Appearance	Clean, streamlined look	Substantial, bold presence
Window Trim	Preserves and showcases trim	Covers trim and imperfections
Depth Required	Minimum 2 inches	No minimum required
Light Control	Good (some light gaps possible)	Excellent (better coverage)
Best For	Deep window frames, decorative trim	Shallow frames, maximum coverage

Inside Mount (Figure 1)

Installing shades within the window frame offers a clean, streamlined appearance and preserves the window trim. This mounting style is ideal when:

• Your window has sufficient depth (minimum 2 inches)
• The window frame is square and level
• You want to showcase decorative window trim
• You prefer a minimalist, built-in look

Requirements: The window frame must have at least 2 inches of depth to accommodate the mounting brackets and shade mechanism. If your window depth is less than 2 inches, you must use an outside mount.

Outside Mount (Figure 2)

Mounting shades outside the window casing provides maximum light control and can cover imperfections. This mounting style is ideal when:

• Your window has shallow depth (less than 2 inches)
• You want maximum light blocking and privacy
• The window frame has imperfections or damage
• You want to make the window appear larger
• You have deep window sills or obstructions

Advantages: Outside mount doesn't require minimum window depth and provides better light control by extending beyond the window frame.

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Measuring for Inside Mount Shades

For inside mount shades, precision is critical. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Measure Width

Measure the window frame's interior width at three locations:

1. Top: Measure across the top of the window frame opening
2. Middle: Measure across the middle of the window frame opening
3. Bottom: Measure across the bottom of the window frame opening

Record the narrowest measurement. This ensures the shade will fit properly inside the frame without binding.

Example: If your measurements are 36 1/4", 36 1/8", and 36 3/8", use 36 1/8" as your width.

Step 2: Measure Height

Measure the height inside the frame at three points:

1. Left: Measure from top to bottom on the left side
2. Middle: Measure from top to bottom in the center
3. Right: Measure from top to bottom on the right side

Record the longest measurement. This ensures the shade covers the entire window height.

Example: If your measurements are 48 1/4", 48 3/8", and 48 1/4", use 48 3/8" as your height.

Step 3: Check Depth

Measure the window frame's depth from the front edge to the glass or back of the frame.

Minimum Required: 2 inches of depth is needed for mounting brackets and shade mechanism.

If depth is less than 2 inches: You must use outside mount instead.

Measurement	Your Value	Notes
Width (narrowest)	_____ inches	Measure at top, middle, bottom
Height (longest)	_____ inches	Measure at left, middle, right
Depth	_____ inches	Must be at least 2 inches

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Measuring for Outside Mount Shades

For outside mount shades, you have more flexibility in determining the coverage area:

Step 1: Measure Width

Determine how wide you want your shade to be. For optimal light control and privacy:

• Minimum: Window frame width + 3 inches (1.5 inches on each side)
• Recommended: Window frame width + 6 inches (3 inches on each side)
• Maximum: Extend as far as desired to cover trim or wall space

Example: If your window frame is 36 inches wide, we recommend ordering a shade that is 42 inches wide (36" + 6") for better light blocking.

Step 2: Measure Height

Determine where you want the shade to start and end:

1. Top Mounting Point: Measure from where you'll install the mounting brackets (typically 1.5-3 inches above the window frame)
2. Bottom Point: Measure down to where you want the shade to end (window sill, below sill, or floor)
3. Total Height: The distance between these two points is your shade height

Recommended: Mount brackets 1.5-3 inches above the window opening for better light control and to make the window appear taller.

Example: If you mount 2 inches above the window and want the shade to end at the sill 48 inches below, your total height is 50 inches.

Step 3: Check for Obstructions

Ensure there are no obstructions in the mounting area:

• Window handles or locks
• Molding or trim that protrudes
• Light fixtures or wall decorations
• Sufficient wall space for mounting brackets

Measurement	Your Value	Notes
Desired Width	_____ inches	Frame width + 3-6 inches recommended
Desired Height	_____ inches	From mounting point to desired end point
Mounting Height Above Frame	_____ inches	1.5-3 inches recommended

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Additional Measuring Tips

Use a Steel Tape Measure

For the most accurate measurements, always use a steel tape measure rather than a cloth or plastic one. Steel tape measures don't stretch or sag, ensuring precision.

Measure to the Nearest 1/8 Inch

Precision is essential for custom shades. Always measure to the nearest 1/8 inch and avoid rounding. Record measurements as fractions (e.g., 36 3/8") rather than decimals.

Check for Square and Level

Windows aren't always perfectly square. This is why we measure at multiple points. If your window is significantly out of square (more than 1/2 inch difference), contact us for guidance.

Consider Stacking Height

When the shade is fully raised, the fabric will stack at the top. The stack height varies by fabric type:

• Light fabrics: Approximately 10-12 inches of stack
• Medium fabrics: Approximately 12-15 inches of stack
• Heavy fabrics: Approximately 15-18 inches of stack

If you want to maximize your view when the shade is open, consider this when determining your mounting height.

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Special Window Situations

Arched Windows

For arched windows, measure the straight portion below the arch. Contact us at info@draperyus.com for custom solutions for the arched portion.

Bay Windows

Measure each section of the bay window separately. You can order individual shades for each section or contact us for a custom multi-panel solution.

Angled Windows

For windows on angled walls or ceilings, special mounting brackets may be required. Contact us for guidance on measuring and installation.

Windows with Deep Sills

If your window has a deep sill that protrudes significantly, outside mount is recommended to avoid interference with the shade operation.

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Measurement Verification

Before placing your order, verify your measurements:

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Free Measuring Consultation

DRAPERYUS offers free measuring consultation to ensure your custom shades fit perfectly:

• Email Support: Send your measurements to info@draperyus.com for verification
• Phone Support: Call +86-18539449397 for step-by-step guidance
• Measuring Assistance: Not sure how to measure? Contact us for personalized help
• Custom Situations: Have an unusual window? We can provide custom measuring instructions
• Installation Guidance: Detailed installation instructions included with every order

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Ready to Order?

Once you have your measurements:

1. Order Free Swatches: See and feel the fabric quality before purchasing (up to 5 free)
2. Verify Measurements: Double-check all measurements and mounting type
3. Select Your Options: Choose fabric, opacity (sheer, light-filtering, blackout), and lift system
4. Enter Measurements: Input your exact measurements during checkout
5. Review Order: Confirm all details before submitting

Production Time: Custom Roman shades are made-to-order with a lead time of 5-10 business days. Shipping takes an additional 15-25 business days (standard) or 10-15 business days (expedited).

Important: Because all shades are custom-made to your measurements, please ensure accuracy before ordering. We cannot accept returns for customer measurement errors. Review our Refund Policy for complete information.

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Need Help?

If you have questions about measuring or need assistance:

DRAPERYUS
Email: info@draperyus.com
Address: Zhangyang Road, Room E, F, 26F, No. 828838, Pudong, Shanghai, 201419, CN

Business Hours: MON to SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM, UN: 9:30 AM -5:30 PM (GMT+8).
Response Time: Within 24-48 hours

Our team is here to help ensure your custom Roman shades fit perfectly. We offer free measuring consultations and will verify your measurements before production begins.

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Accuracy Guarantee

At DRAPERYUS, we understand that accurate measurements are crucial for custom shades. That's why we:

• Provide detailed measuring guides with visual aids and diagrams
• Offer free measuring consultation via email and phone
• Verify measurements before production begins (upon request)
• Create shades to your exact specifications with precision
• Stand behind our quality with comprehensive warranty programs
• Include detailed installation instructions with every order

Quality Commitment: Every custom shade undergoes thorough quality control inspection before shipping to ensure it meets our high standards and your exact specifications.

Last Updated: January 2026