How To Measure Windows For Shades

How To Measure Windows For Shades

SOLVANE offers custom-made window treatments designed to fit your space perfectly. Unsure how to measure your windows? Choose the type of shade you’re interested in below and follow the detailed measuring instructions.

How To Measure Windows For Roller Shades

Achieve a flawless fit with SOLVANE made-to-measure window shades. Select your preferred mount type and follow the measuring guide below.

Measurement Guide Image
Inside Mount VS. Outside Mount: Which One Should I Choose?

Before measuring your windows for blinds or shades, choose your preferred installation type: inside mount or outside mount. Both methods provide different benefits depending on your window structure and light-control needs.

Choose Inside Mount When:

  • Your window frame depth is 2 inches or more.
  • You want the shade to fit neatly inside the window frame.
  • You prefer a clean, built-in appearance.
  • Your window frame has enough support for installation.

Choose Outside Mount When:

  • Your window frame depth is less than 2 inches.
  • Your window is shallow or does not have enough recessed space.
  • You want wider light coverage and more privacy.
  • Your window frame is not stable enough for inside mounting.
Inside Mount Measuring Instructions
Inside Mount Image

Before installation, check for any obstacles inside the window opening, such as handles, cranks, locks, or other hardware that may affect shade installation.

For inside mount, measure the inside of your window frame. The shade will be made to fit within the window opening.

  1. Measure Width Top / Middle / Bottom: Measure the width in three places. Use the smallest measurement as your order width.
  2. Measure Height Left / Middle / Right: Measure the height in three places. Use the longest measurement as your order height.
  3. Order Width: Shortest measured width = whole item width.
  4. Order Height: Longest measured height = whole item height.
Tip: Round each measurement down to the nearest 1/8 inch when ordering.
Outside Mount Measuring Instructions
Outside Mount Image

For outside mount, the shade is installed outside the window frame. This option is suitable when the window frame is too shallow or when you want better light coverage.

  1. Measure Width To Be Covered: Measure the width of the area you want the shade to cover.
  2. Add Extra Width: We recommend adding 6 inches to the measured width for better privacy and light control.
  3. Measure Height To Be Covered: Measure the height of the area you want the shade to cover.
  4. Add Extra Height: We recommend adding 6 inches to the measured height.
Order Width = Measured Width + 6"
Order Height = Measured Height + 6"

How To Measure Windows For Zebra Shades

Zebra shades require accurate measurements to ensure smooth operation and proper light control. Choose inside mount or outside mount based on your window depth and installation preference.

Zebra Shades Measurement Image
Inside Mount VS. Outside Mount

Inside Mount Is Best For:

  • Window frame depth of 2 inches or more.
  • A clean, flush, built-in appearance.
  • Windows with enough recessed space.
  • Stable frames that can support installation.

Outside Mount Is Best For:

  • Shallow window frames.
  • Windows without enough inside depth.
  • Better light blocking and privacy.
  • Covering uneven or imperfect window frames.
Inside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Width: Measure the top, middle, and bottom inside width. Use the smallest width.
  2. Height: Measure the left, middle, and right inside height. Use the longest height.
  3. Order Size: Order width equals the smallest measured width. Order height equals the longest measured height.
Make sure there are no handles or obstacles that may interfere with the shade.
Outside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the width of the area you want to cover.
  2. Add 6 inches to the measured width for better coverage.
  3. Measure the height of the area you want to cover.
  4. Add 6 inches to the measured height.
Order Width = Measured Width + 6"
Order Height = Measured Height + 6"

How To Measure Windows For Roman Shades

Roman shades bring a soft, elegant look to your space. Accurate measurements help ensure the shade folds properly and fits your window beautifully.

Roman Shades Measurement Image
Inside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame.
  2. Use the smallest width as your order width.
  3. Measure the inside height at the left, middle, and right side.
  4. Use the longest height as your order height.
Inside mount is recommended when your window has enough depth and you want a clean built-in look.
Outside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the width of the area you want the shade to cover.
  2. Add 6 inches to the width for better privacy and light control.
  3. Measure the height of the area you want the shade to cover.
  4. Add 6 inches to the height.
Order Width = Measured Width + 6"
Order Height = Measured Height + 6"

How To Measure Windows For Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are designed for comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency. Proper measurements help achieve a smooth fit and clean appearance.

Cellular Shades Measurement Image
Inside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the width inside the frame at the top, middle, and bottom.
  2. Use the smallest width measurement when ordering.
  3. Measure the height inside the frame at the left, middle, and right.
  4. Use the longest height measurement when ordering.
Check that the window opening has enough depth before choosing inside mount.
Outside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the full width you want to cover.
  2. Add 6 inches to the width.
  3. Measure the full height you want to cover.
  4. Add 6 inches to the height.
Order Width = Measured Width + 6"
Order Height = Measured Height + 6"

How To Measure Windows For Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades add natural texture and warmth to your space. Measure carefully to ensure the shade fits evenly and operates smoothly.

Woven Wood Shades Measurement Image
Inside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame.
  2. Use the smallest width as your order width.
  3. Measure the inside height at the left, middle, and right side.
  4. Use the longest height as your order height.
Outside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the width of the area you want covered.
  2. Add 6 inches to the measured width.
  3. Measure the height of the area you want covered.
  4. Add 6 inches to the measured height.
Order Width = Measured Width + 6"
Order Height = Measured Height + 6"

How To Measure Windows For Outdoor Shades

Outdoor shades require stable mounting space and accurate coverage measurements. Choose a mounting method based on your installation area and coverage needs.

Outdoor Shades Measurement Image
Inside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the inside width in three places: top, middle, and bottom.
  2. Use the smallest width as your order width.
  3. Measure the inside height in three places: left, middle, and right.
  4. Use the longest height as your order height.
Confirm that the mounting surface is stable enough before installation.
Outside Mount Measuring Instructions
  1. Measure the width of the full area you want to shade.
  2. Add 6 inches to the measured width for better coverage.
  3. Measure the height of the full area you want to shade.
  4. Add 6 inches to the measured height.
Order Width = Measured Width + 6"
Order Height = Measured Height + 6"