How To Measure Roller Shades

Functional, versatile, and private.  

Whether you’re creating the perfect sleep environment or want to control your home’s temperature, roller shades are a smart option. They provide optimal privacy and lighting, all while looking good, too.

 

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 roller 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? Roller shades can be installed on most surfaces, including wood, aluminium, 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 roller shades can be installed on and window from 24" to 118" wide and 24" to 120" high.

    

 

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

Mount your roller shade inside the window frame for an integrated and seamless look.

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, the brackets will be installed at 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 side

Make a mental note of what side you want the roller shade control to sit on. For easy access, choose a side with no obstructions for the chain to hang. 

 

If you’re ordering motorized roller shades, your roller 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 roller 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

If you’re looking for the ultimate sleep setup, mount your shades outside on your window frame. The outside mount provides blackout shades with optimal coverage and light control.

 

We recommend an outside mount if your window is less than 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 brackets will be installed at 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 roller shades to finish. The roller shades can finish below the frame or even further down. The choice is yours! Jot down your height measurement.

 

Choose your control side

Make a mental note of what side you want the roller shade control to sit on. For easy access, choose a side with no obstructions for the chain to hang. 

 

If you’re ordering motorized roller shades, note that your roller 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 roller 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 roller shades outside on the wall surrounding your frameless window.

 

For full coverage of your window, we recommend adding 4" to 6" to the width and 6" to 8" 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 4" to 6" 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 roller shade to end. Don’t forget to add 6" to 8" to the drop.

 

Choose your control side

Make a mental note of what side you want the roller shade control to sit on. For easy access, choose a side with no obstructions for the chain to hang. 

 

If you’re ordering motorized roller shades, your roller 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 roller 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.