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In-home measure & install within 100 miles of Millersburg, Ohio
Free SamplesHow to Measure(330) 674-2590

How to measure

How to measure for custom roller shades, step by step

Measuring for custom shades is easier than it looks, and you don’t have to get it perfect alone. Give us exact numbers and our workroom handles the deductions. We look over every order before we cut it, and we’re a phone call away if a number looks off.

Rather we measure?(330) 674-2590
Bathroom with a light filtering roller shade beside an arched mirror
  • You’ll needA steel tape measureNot a cloth tape or a yardstick
  • Write downWidth, then heightEvery window, even ones that look the same
  • TimeAbout 5 minutesPer window, one at a time

First, choose your mount

Inside mount or outside mount?

Decide this before you measure, because you measure each one differently. Not sure? Inside mount is the most common; outside mount is best for blackout.

  • Diagram: shade mounted inside the window frame

    Inside mount

    The shade sits inside the window frame for a clean, built-in look that shows off your trim.

    • Best for light filtering, solar, and Vision
    • Needs enough depth in the frame
    • Leaves a small light gap at the sides
  • Diagram: shade mounted above and overlapping the window frame

    Outside mount

    The shade mounts on the wall or trim above the window and overlaps it on every side.

    • Best for blackout and privacy
    • Works on shallow frames
    • Makes a window look larger

Step by step

Measuring, one mount at a time

Use a steel tape and measure each window on its own. Width first, then height.

Inside mount

  1. 01
    Measure the widthMeasure inside the frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Write down the narrowest, to the nearest 1/8 inch.
  2. 02
    Measure the heightMeasure inside the frame at the left, center, and right, from the top of the opening to the sill. Write down the longest, rounded up to the next whole inch.
  3. 03
    Check the depthMake sure the frame is deep enough to mount the shade, and that cranks or locks won’t get in the way. [PLACEHOLDER: minimum mount depth.]
  4. 04
    Enter your numbers as measuredDon’t subtract anything. Our workroom makes the small clearance deduction so the shade fits inside the frame.

Outside mount

  1. 01
    Measure the width to coverMeasure the opening, then add 2 to 3 inches on each side for privacy and light control (more if you like the look). Write it down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
  2. 02
    Measure the heightMeasure from where the brackets will go, about 2 to 3 inches above the opening, down to where you want the shade to stop. Round up to the next whole inch.
  3. 03
    Check for a flat mounting surfaceThe brackets need a flat spot on the wall or trim, clear of door handles, cranks, and vents.
  4. 04
    Enter the finished sizeFor outside mount, enter the exact size you want the shade to be.

Write it like this: width × height, for example 35 1/8 × 60. Measure every window, even ones that look identical; older homes are rarely square.

Special windows

Doors, big windows, and outdoor openings

Some openings need a different shade or a quick call first. Here’s where to start.

Got your numbers?

Measured? Design your shade

Enter your measurements in the online designer, pick your fabric and options, and we’ll look over your order and build it by hand in Millersburg.

Design Your Shade

Within 100 miles of Millersburg

Rather we measure for you?

We’ll come to your home, measure every window ourselves, and install the finished shades. A paid service, quoted per project.

Request a visit

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