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.
📋 What You'll Need
- ✓ Steel measuring tape (recommended for accuracy)
- ✓ Pencil or paper for recording measurements
- ✓ Step ladder (if needed for high windows)
- ✓ Helper (optional but recommended)
⚠️ 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@romancurtain.com for free measuring consultation.
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.
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:
- Top: Measure across the top of the window frame opening
- Middle: Measure across the middle of the window frame opening
- 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.
⚠️ Important: Do not make deductions from your measurements. We will make the necessary deductions during manufacturing to ensure proper fit and operation.
Step 2: Measure Height
Measure the height inside the frame at three points:
- Left: Measure from top to bottom on the left side
- Middle: Measure from top to bottom in the center
- 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 |
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.
💡 Tip: Adding 3-4 inches on each side significantly improves light control by eliminating light gaps around the window frame.
Step 2: Measure Height
Determine where you want the shade to start and end:
- Top Mounting Point: Measure from where you'll install the mounting brackets (typically 1.5-3 inches above the window frame)
- Bottom Point: Measure down to where you want the shade to end (window sill, below sill, or floor)
- 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 |
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.
Check for Obstructions
Take note of any items that could interfere with shade operation:
- Window handles, locks, or cranks
- Protruding molding or trim
- Light fixtures or wall sconces
- Ceiling fans or hanging decorations
- Deep window sills (for inside mount)
Factor in Mounting Hardware
Ensure there is adequate space for mounting brackets:
- Inside Mount: Minimum 2 inches of depth required
- Outside Mount: Minimum 1.5 inches of flat wall surface on each side for brackets
- Clearance: At least 2 inches above the window for outside mount brackets
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.
Special Window Situations
Arched Windows
For arched windows, measure the straight portion below the arch. Contact us at info@romancurtain.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.
Measurement Verification
Before placing your order, verify your measurements:
✓ Final Checklist
- ☐ Measured width at three points (inside mount) or determined desired width (outside mount)
- ☐ Measured height at three points (inside mount) or from mounting point to end point (outside mount)
- ☐ Checked window depth (inside mount only - minimum 2 inches required)
- ☐ Recorded measurements to nearest 1/8 inch
- ☐ Checked for obstructions (handles, locks, trim)
- ☐ Verified mounting surface is adequate for brackets
- ☐ Double-checked all measurements
- ☐ Decided on inside mount or outside mount
Free Measuring Consultation
ROMAN CURTAIN offers free measuring consultation to ensure your custom shades fit perfectly:
- Email Support: Send your measurements to info@romancurtain.com for verification
- Measuring Assistance: Not sure how to measure? Contact us for step-by-step guidance
- Custom Situations: Have an unusual window? We can provide custom measuring instructions
- Installation Guidance: Detailed installation instructions included with every order
Ready to Order?
Once you have your measurements:
- Order Free Swatches: See and feel the fabric quality before purchasing
- Verify Measurements: Double-check all measurements and mounting type
- Select Your Options: Choose fabric, opacity (sheer, light-filtering, blackout), and lift system
- Enter Measurements: Input your exact measurements during checkout
- 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. Review our Refund Policy for information about measurement errors.
Need Help?
If you have questions about measuring or need assistance:
Email: info@romancurtain.com
Subject Line: "Shade Measuring Assistance"
Website: romancurtain.com
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.
Accuracy Guarantee
At ROMAN CURTAIN, we understand that accurate measurements are crucial for custom shades. That's why we:
- Provide detailed measuring guides with visual aids
- Offer free measuring consultation via email
- Verify measurements before production begins (upon request)
- Create shades to your exact specifications
- Stand behind our quality with our warranty program
Quality Commitment: Every custom shade undergoes thorough quality control inspection before shipping to ensure it meets our high standards and your specifications.
Last Updated: October 2025
