Measuring Guide - Roman Shades

Exact measurements are key to a beautiful and proper fitting roman shade.  For a convenient measurement form, please click Here.

Inside mount

Inside mounted shades are contained within your window frame. It gives the window a tailored, finished look and can then be paired with side panels. You will need to determine if the window frame has adequate depth to fit the hardware. You will need at least 2” of flat surface for proper installation.

We recommend an outside mount if:

• There is less than 2” flat surface
• If the window is out of square and the width or height measurements vary greatly
• If there are obstacles like window handles in the way

Determine the finished width

• Measure the inside width of the window (W) in three places (top W1, middle W2, and bottom W3).
• Take the narrowest width.
• For order width, deduct 1/4” from narrowest width.

Important: We do NOT take any deductions, so remember to deduct ¼” from your measurement when placing your order (online system has a reminder to do so). We will ship the exact width you enter on your order.

Determine the finished height

Measure the inside height of the window (L) in three places (left L1, center L2, right L3).

Take the longest measurement. By choosing the longest length, the roman shade will hit the sill. However, when a window sill is not level, there is the chance the shade will touch the sill unevenly.

Outside mount

 Outside mounted romans are mounted outside on your window frame or above your window on the wall. You will need approximately 2” of flat surface to mount the Roman. Choose an outside mount Roman if you want to make a small window appear larger, hide an unattractive window or if you windows are not square. To help block light leakage extend the width of your outside Roman by 6-8” and the length by at least 4” below the sill.

Determine the finished width

• Measure the width of the window from outside frame to outside frame (W) in three places (top W1, middle W2, and bottom W3). Take the widest measurement.
• Add at least 4 inches to the width for full coverage if space allows. We even suggest adding up to 8 inches for better light control.

Determine the finished height

• Measure the height of the window from outside frame to outside frame (L) in three places (top L1, middle L2, and bottom L3). Take the longest measurement.
• Add 2 inches to the height for installation clearance.
• Add an additional 4-8 inches of height for stack clearance, when desired and spacing allows.
• Add 4 inches to height for bottom light blockage, if desired.