How to measure Cellular Shades

Stylish, efficient, and innovative.

For a great blend of comfort and style, choose cellular shades. They offer excellent light control and thermal insulation, keeping your space warm in winter and cool in summer.

Once you've decided where you'd like your shades to sit, follow the relevant instructions below.

Let’s start things off easy 

Our guide will help you through the process of measuring your window, making it easy to order the perfect shades for your home. Before getting started, consider these three important factors. 

1. Placement 

Where will your cellular shades fit? Assess your window to decide whether an inside or outside mount best complements your space. 

2. Environment 

What surface will your shades be mounted on? Cellular shades can be installed on most surfaces, including wood, aluminum, wall studs, and drywall. Ensure you have the right tools for the surface you’ll be working on.  

3. Size 

What size is your window? Our cellular shades can be installed on any window from 14" to 118" wide and 18” to 118” high (control type restrictions apply to some sizes). 

Prep your tools 

What you’ll need: 

• Metal Tape Measure
• Pencil or Pen 
• Paper
• Step Ladder 

Time: Around 2-5 minutes per window 

What’s your type? 

Inside Mount

For optimal thermal insulation and a seamless look, mount your cellular shade inside of your window frame. Ensure there are no obstructions, as these can prevent your shade from fitting properly. If the window is at least 2” deep and free of obstructions, then you’re all set!

Check the depth 

Now for the fun stuff. Grab your measuring tape and measure the inside of your window frame. You need at least 2” between the window pane and the front edge of the window frame. This will allow the brackets to fit properly inside. 

Have less than 2” of clearance? Consider mounting your shades outside instead. 

Measure the width 

Skip the deductions and measure the exact width of your window. With your measuring tape, measure inside your window frame across the top. For optimal light control when installed, the edges of the shade will sit just within the exact width of your frame. Jot down your width measurement. 

Measure the height 

Measure the exact height inside of your window from top to bottom. Jot down your height measurement. 

Choose your control 

We offer two control options for your cellular shades — cordless lift or motorized. 

If you’re ordering motorized cellular shades, your cellular shades will need to be charged. We recommend you choose a side easily accessible at the top of the window where your charging port will be located. 

Place your order

Don’t forget to double-check all your measurements! Now, you can confidently order your cellular shades. Make sure to browse our selection of fabrics & colors and request free samples to find the perfect shades for you. Hold tight to your measurements. You’ll need to enter them in our customization tool. 

Outside Mount 

For optimal coverage, install your blinds outside the window. This will effectively control light around the edges and enhance thermal benefits.

We recommend an outside mount if your window is less than 2 1/2” deep and has a window frame.

Measure the width 

Grab your measuring tape and measure the exact width at the top of your frame from edge to edge. The edges of the shade will sit on the edge of your window frame. Jot down your width measurement. 

Measure the height 

Now measure from the top of the window frame to where you want your cellular shades to finish. The cellular shades can finish below the frame or even further down. The choice is yours! Jot down your height measurement. 

Choose your control side 

We offer two control options for your cellular shades — cordless lift or motorized. 

If you’re ordering motorized cellular shades, your cellular shades will need to be charged. We recommend you choose a side easily accessible at the top of the window where your charging port will be located. 

Place your order

Don’t forget to double-check all your measurements! Now, you can confidently order your cellular shades. Make sure to browse our selection of fabrics & colors and request free samples to find the perfect shades for you. Hold tight to your measurements. You’ll need to enter them in our customization tool.  

Outside Mount (Frameless)

No frame? No problem. Mount your cellular shades outside on the wall surrounding your frameless window. 

For full coverage of your window, we recommend adding 2” to 4” to the width and 4” to 6” to the height measurements.

Measure the width 

Grab your measuring tape and measure the width across the top of the window from left to right. Add 2” to 4” to your width measurement for optimal coverage. Jot down your width measurement. 

Measure the height 

Measure the height of your window by setting the measuring tape on the top edge of your window to where you’d like the cellular shade to end. Don’t forget to add 4” to 6” to the drop.

Choose your control

We offer two control options for your cellular shades — cordless lift or motorized. 

If you’re ordering motorized cellular shades, your cellular shades will need to be charged. We recommend you choose a side easily accessible at the top of the window where your charging port will be located. 

Place your order

Don’t forget to double-check all your measurements! Now, you can confidently order your cellular shades. Make sure to browse our selection of fabrics & colors and request free samples to find the perfect shades for you. Hold tight to your measurements. You’ll need to enter them in our customization tool.  

One last thing before you go 

• Take measurements to the closest 1/8in. Round down for inside mounts and round up for outside mounts. 
• Use a metal tape measure for accurate results. 
• Be mindful of any obstructions, such as door handles, skirting boards, or tiles within a reveal. 
• When you’re working with heights, please use a suitable ladder safely. 
• If controlling the tape measure feels tricky, especially on a ladder, be sure to ask someone for help. 

Questions? Email us at hello@shadeit.com, and we’re happy to help. No shade.