How To Measure For Shades

When ordering a shade, it is crucial to accurately measure the dimensions of your home's windows to ensure a perfect fit and optimal functionality. There are two main installation methods for shade: internal and external, each with its own advantages.

Which One Should I Choose?

Inside Mount: The Seamless Perfection

Ideally tucked within the window frame, offering a tailored, "built-in" look.

Why You'll Love It:

Architectural Elegance: Highlights your window's beautiful trim and molding rather than hiding them.
Clean & Minimalist: Keeps the shade flush with the wall, creating a streamlined appearance that saves space.
The "Built-in" Feel: Offers a professional, custom-made aesthetic that feels like an integral part of your home's architecture.
Ideal for Layering: Leaves plenty of room to add decorative outer drapes for a sophisticated window treatment.

Outside Mount: The Grand Statement

Mounted on the wall or window trim, covering the entire opening for maximum impact.

Why You'll Love It:

Total Light Mastery: By overlapping the window frame, it eliminates light gaps at the edges, providing superior blackout performance.
Illusion of Grandeur: Can be mounted higher and wider than the actual window to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic.
Hidden Imperfections: Perfect for disguising uneven window frames or shallow casings.
Ultimate Versatility: Works on almost any window type, offering a bold and uninterrupted fabric display.

Measuring for Inside Mount Shades

① Width:

Measure the width at three points inside the window frame: top, middle, and bottom. Be sure to take the smallest measurement to ensure the blackout curtain can be installed inside the window frame.

② Height:

Measure the height at three points inside the window — left, middle, and right. Note that you need to select the longest measurement to ensure that the blackout curtains completely cover the height of the window.

③ Depth:

Measure the depth at the top of the window frame to ensure sufficient space for a secure recessed installation. This measurement will also determine whether a flush installation is possible.

Width Deduction Suggestion

To ensure the built-in shade is the right size, take the smallest of these width dimensions and subtract the recommended size value to get the final width.

For Roman Shades, headrail width = ordered width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)
For Bamboo Shades, fabric width = ordered width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)
For Roller Shades and Zebra Shades, headrail width = ordered width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)
For Cellular Shades and Venetian Shades, headrail width = ordered width (after deduction 1/4 inch from window frame)

Roman Shades

Headrail Width

Roman Shade Headrail Width = Ordered Width (after subtracting 3/8 inch from window frame)

Bamboo Shades

Headrail Width

Fabric Width = Ordered Width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)

Roller Shades / Zebra Shades

Headrail Width

Headrail Width = Ordered Width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)

Cellular Shades / Venetian Shades

Headrail Width

Headrail Width = Ordered Width (after deduction 1/4 inch from window frame)

Side Seam Suggestions

Because the shade fabric is slightly narrower than the top rail, there are small gaps on both sides of the blackout curtain. This design allows the blackout curtain to roll up and down smoothly without obstruction.

For Bamboo Shades, Fabric Width = Ordered Width
For Roman Shades, Headrail Width = Ordered Width
For Roller Shades and Zebra Shades, Fabric Width = Ordered Width - 1 1/2 inches
For Cellular Shades and Venetian Shades, Fabric Width = Ordered Width - 1/4 inch

Inside Mount Requirements for Different Shades with Example (unit: inches)

Shade Type	Roman Shades	Motorized Roman Shades	Bamboo Shades	Motorized Bamboo Shades	Roller Shades	Motorized Roller Shades
Depth Requirement	2 1/2	3 1/2	1 2/5	2	3	2 1/2
Minimum Width	16	32	20	31	16	22
Deduction Requirement	3/8
Fabric Width	Same	Same	Same	Same	-1 1/2	-1 1/2

Measuring for Outside Mount Shades

① Check Space:

Measure the height of the top track for the blackout curtain above the window. Confirm that there is enough space to ensure that the mounting brackets and top track are securely and correctly installed.

② Height:

Measure the height of the window (from the outer edge of the window frame to the outer edge). If space allows, it is recommended to install blackout curtains at least 10-12 inches above the window frame to avoid obstructing the window with stacked curtains and to maximize the use of natural light.

③ Width:

Measure the width of your window. For framed windows, start the measurement from the outer edge of the frame or trim. If space allows, add 2-4 inches (1-2 inches on each side) to this measurement to reduce light leakage. The adjusted size is your ordered width, representing the overall width of the shade.

Tips for Outside Mount

The golden rule of precision measurement: To ensure accuracy, always use a metal measuring tape; cloth measuring tapes are easily stretched and deformed, leading to errors.
Measure to 1/8 inch accuracy: Precision is key to creating a personalized look. Record exact dimensions, do not round off.
Ensure complete coverage: To maximize privacy and light control, add 2 inches to each side of the window frame or trim (4 inches total).
Create a more grand visual effect: A shade slightly wider than the window not only conceals the hardware but also creates the illusion of a larger, more imposing window.
Check installation space: Use the 2-inch rule to ensure there is at least 2 inches of flat surface above the window or trim strip for a secure mounting bracket.
Beware of obstructions: Before measuring, check for protruding handles, cranks, or heavy trim strips that could hinder the movement of the curtains.
Reserve space for hardware: Please be sure to reserve space for the top guide rail and side brackets to ensure smooth and unobstructed installation.