How to Measure Roman Shades

Elegant, sleek, and adaptable. 

Known for their distinct folds, roman blinds combine classic aesthetics with functionality. These versatile window treatments provide extensive light control with a touch of style that will elevate any space. 

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 roman 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? Roman 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 roman shades can be installed on any window from 20” to 115” 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

For a seamless look, mount your roman shade inside your window frame. Ensure there are no obstructions, as these can prevent your shade from fitting properly. Your window must be at least 2” to 3” deep and free of obstructions. 

It’s important to note when your roman shades are stacked, they will take about 8” to 10” of space — for a smaller window this may reduce the view and the amount of light entering your space.

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” to 3” 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” to 3” 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. Note: when your roman shades are 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 height inside your window from top to bottom on the left, middle, and right-hand sides. Jot down the smallest measurement, this will be your height. 

When the roman shades are stacked, they are about 8” to 10” in height. This may reduce the view and light entering through your window when mounted on the inside. 

Choose your control 

We offer three control options for your roman shades — cordless lift, chain, or motorized. 

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

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

If you want optimal coverage and functionality, we suggest an outside mount for your roman shades. This creates as much blackout in your room as possible without obstructing the view when the shades are up — especially if your window is less than 2” to 3” deep. 

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. 

If you want to enhance light coverage, consider adding 4” to 6” to your width measurement. This will allow the roman shade to cover the window by 2” to 3” on both sides. 

Measure the height 

Now, measure from the top of the window frame to where you want your roman shades to finish. The roman shades can finish below the frame or even further down. Jot down your height measurement. 

When the roman shades are stacked, they are about 8” to 10” in height. We suggest adding about 11” to your overall height measurement. This will ensure the shades are installed 6” to 8” above your window and 3” to 5” below your window. 

Choose your control side 

We offer three control options for your roman shades — cordless lift, chain, or motorized. 

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

If you’re ordering motorized roman shades, your roman 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 roman 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 roman 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 8” to 11” 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 to enhance 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 roman shade to end. 

When the roman shades are stacked, they are about 8” to 10” in height. We suggest adding about 11” to your overall height measurement. This will ensure the shades are installed 6” to 8” above your window and 3” to 5” below your window. 

Choose your control

We offer three control options for your roman shades — cordless lift, chain, or motorized. 

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

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