How to Measure Your Windows for Shades
Made to Measure
Window shades can be an excellent alternative to curtains, especially in rooms where you want to be able to control the light. Roman shades are great for privacy and can be the ideal choice for bedroom and living room windows.
Our roller shade range also offers options in a blackout finish which are perfect for bedrooms and a waterproof finish suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
If you're opting for shades, it's important to take specific measurements of your windows. This blog will take you through how to measure for shades, whether your windows have deep, shallow or no inside mount (recesses).
Types of shades
At Graham & Brown, we sell two of the most popular types of shades: roller shades and roman shades. The difference between these shades is the way in which they extend - roller shades can be rolled and unrolled, whereas roman shades fold upwards and downwards in pleats. They are also made from different fabrics: roller shade fabric is stiffer and has a blackout coating applied, and roman shades are soft with an extra lining to make them blackout.
You can choose between two stacking finishes when ordering shades from Graham & Brown - the stacked finish, where fabric neatly stacks behind itself, and the waterfall finish, where the fabric cascades when in the open position.
Both our roller shades and roman shades use a pulley mechanism, operated by a chain.
How to Measure:
1. Only use a metal measuring tape and record your measurements in inches.
2. Measurements must be accurate for a perfect fit. We will make the necessary allowances to ensure the blind fits the window/door*.
3. Decide on how you want the blind fitted – ‘Inside mount’ is within the window/door frame or ‘Outside mount’ is to your desired point on the wall outside of the window/door frame. If you are opting for a blackout blind and you would like it to sit as close to the wall as possible, we advise that you order an ‘Outside mount’ blind instead of an ‘Inside mount’ blind.
4. Always measure the width first (across the window) and then the drop (top to bottom) in 3 places.
5. Record your measurements in the same order.
6. Look for any obstructions such as handles and ensure you leave enough room in front and there is enough space for the blind to fit into the recess.
7. Finally, re-check your width and drop measurements to ensure accuracy. For more information on measurements and tolerances, please refer to the FAQ page.
*Please note :
- Inside mount roman shades: 1-1.2cm (0.394-0.473in) will be removed from the overall width and drop so the shade fits comfortably. Please note, the gap between the edge of the fabric and the edge of the cassette is roughly 3mm on each side.
- Inside mount roller shades: 1-1.2cm (0.394-0.473in) Cassette roller shades: the gap between the edge of the fabric is roughly 2.5cm (0.984in) on the control side, and 2cm (0.787in) on the non-control side.
- If you want your shade to be a certain length, then please choose a shade with an outside mount.
Measuring a window with a deep inside mount (recess)
If your window has a deep inside mount (recess), a shade will fit comfortably flush against the window whilst still leaving you room on the sill. However, if you have window handles or anything that protrudes on the inside of the window, you will need to leave a small space.
Deep inside mount - width measurement
Use a metal tape measure to measure the width of the inner mount (recess). Take three measurements - one inside the mount (recess) at the top, one in the middle, and one along the inside of the sill at the bottom. Take the shortest measurement as your width. Please note that your width measurement quoted is the total product width including the mechanism.
Deep inside mount - drop measurement
For the length, or drop, again take three measurements - one down the right side, one down the middle, and one down the left. Take the shortest measurement as your drop and order your shade as a inside mount measurement. Graham & Brown will then make an allowance to ensure the shade fits into the inside mount (recess).
Measuring a window with a shallow inside mount (recess) or no inside mount
If you don't have a window with an inside mount (recess), or it is quite shallow, your shades will need to hang outside the mount (recess).
Shallow or no inside mount - width measurement
Use a metal tape measure to measure the width of the window from outside the mount and add 20cm (7.874in) to the result, to allow for a 10cm (3.937in) overlap on either side. Take three measurements - one across the top, one across the middle and one across the bottom. Use the largest measurement as your width. Please note that your width measurement quoted is the total product width including the mechanism.
Shallow or no mount - drop measurement
For the drop, measure from the top of the outside of your mount, down to as far as you'd like your shades to hang. Add 10cm (3.937in) to this measurement and record the figure as your drop.
Not sure about shades? Check out our guide to measuring your windows for curtains.
