How to measure for roman shades
Perfect fit for a beautiful window starts with accurate measurements. Once you’ve decided whether you’d like to mount your custom roman shades inside or outside the window frame, use our handy guide below to measure for a flawless fit.
Mount Type
Outside mount roman shades cover the window molding and are mounted either on wall above the window, on the ceiling or on the molding surface surrounding the window frame. These are a good choice if an inside mount is not possible due to window depth or obstructions around the window frame.
ALSO READ: Outside Mount Roman Shades: What, When & Why
Before you start…
- For the most accurate measurements, use a steel tape measure.
- Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. Never round up or down to the nearest half or whole inch.
- If you’re measuring for more than one window, measure each one individually – never assume that your windows are the same size, even if they may look alike.
- Our brackets and hardware are the same for both inside and outside mount roman shades. Their placement – whether face or top fixed – changes based on your chosen mount type and surface.
- Our hardware needs at least 2 inches of flat mounting surface.
Step 1: Measure Length
To determine shade length, measure the vertical height of the area you wish to cover. We recommend extending the shade at least 2-3″ on the top and bottom of the window frame to minimise light leakage.
If the window has a protruding sill, the shade may have to stop at sill level rather than dropping below it, as this will obstruct the smooth operation of the blind.
If you have several windows in a room that are all similar in height, please order all of them at the largest height to ensure similar pleats.
Step 2: Measure Width
Measure the horizontal width of the area you wish to cover. We recommend letting your roman shade extend at least 2”-3” on each side of window to avoid light seepage. So whatever is the width of your window from frame to frame, add total of 4”-6” to that.
Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all roman shades more than about 50 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard across all fabrics/suppliers, and it’s not possible to stitch wide shades without such joins. READ MORE.
Of Note:
- ‘Length Fraction’ and ‘Width Fraction’ in our roman shade ordering pages refer to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order shades that are 36.50 inches long, please choose “36” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” from “Length Fraction” dropdown.
- When ordering outside mount shades, the measurements you give will be the exact finished size of your blind (within a few mm tolerance). We will not make any deductions from the measurements provided.
Inside mount roman shades are installed inside the window frame or casing. They offer a clean, minimalist look allowing you to show off your window moldings.
Before you start…
- For the most accurate measurements, use a steel tape measure.
- Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. Never round up or down to the nearest half or whole inch.
- If you’re measuring for more than one window, measure each one individually – never assume that your windows are the same size, even if they may look alike.
- When ordering inside mount shades, please measure frame to frame per guidance further down below. Do NOT make any deductions at your end as we will take necessary deductions into account. We make a deduction of 10 mm (.40 inch) to width measurement specified in an order.
- Our brackets and hardware are the same for both inside and outside mount roman shades. Their placement – whether face or top fixed – changes based on your chosen mount type and surface.
- Our hardware needs at least 2 inches of flat mounting surface. If your window frame (inside) is not deep enough, please consider an outside mount roman shade.
Step 1: Measure Length
To determine shade length, measure the vertical height of inside of the window frame in three locations: starting at left, then moving to the center, and then measuring from the top right to the window sill. Find the largest measurement of those three and round up to the closest 1/8”. Please use this number in your order specifications.
If you have several windows in a room that are all similar in height, please order all of them at the largest height to ensure similar pleats.
Step 2: Measure Width
To determine shade width, measure the horizontal width inside of the window frame in three locations: starting at top, then moving to the center, and then measuring at the bottom, left to right. Record the narrowest measurement of those three and round down to the closest 1/8”. Please use this number in your order specifications.
When ordering inside mount shades, please measure frame to frame per above. Do not make any deductions at your end as we will take necessary deductions into account. We typically make a deduction of 10 mm (.40 inch) to width measurement specified in an order.
Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all roman shades more than about 50 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard across all fabrics/suppliers, and it’s not possible to stitch wide shades without such joins. READ MORE.
Of Note:
- ‘Length Fraction’ and ‘Width Fraction’ in our roman shade ordering pages refer to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order shades that are 36.50 inches long, please choose “36” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” from “Length Fraction” dropdown.