How to Measure for Roman Shades?

Unsure how to measure windows for Roman shades accurately? Don’t worry, measuring windows for new Roman shades doesn’t have to be a chore. An easy, quick job! It takes less than 2 minutes! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to quickly measure length, width, and recess (inside mount) of the window frame.

Follow our easy step-by-step how to measure for Roman shades instructions to make sure you get the right size window coverings, ensuring perfect fit, aesthetic, and function for your windows.

This guide also includes diagrams, expert DIY tips, and tricks to help you properly and easily measure windows for Roman shades and order with confidence from Romanshades.com!

Basic Measuring Tip for Roman Shades

• Use a steel measuring tape, as it’s easy to use and the results will be more accurate.
• Measure widths and lengths to the nearest ⅛ of an inch, if the size is on ⅛.
• If the size is on a 1/16” mark, round down the recorded value to the next ⅛”.

Choosing between Inside or Outside Mount Roman Shades

Inside Mount Roman Shades

• Installed inside your window frame for a cleaner, sleeker, clutter-free look
• A space-saving option
• Maximum energy efficiency
• Most popular choice - recommended

Outside Mount Roman Shades

• Will make your window look wider and taller by covering beyond the window opening in width and height
• More privacy and light control with minimized gaps
• Recommended for windows with low depth window or with crooked (out of square) frame

Tools You’ll Need

• A metal tape measure
• Pen/pencil
• A piece of paper
• Step ladder (if necessary)
• Romanshades.com Measuring Worksheet

Pre-Measurement Do’s

• Use a steel measuring tape for accuracy and ease of handling.
• Measure the width (w), heights, and depth (d) in 3 equidistant places each.
• Double check that your measurements follow the width by height by depth format (w x h x d) to avoid mixing up recorded values.
• If you’re replacing existing Roman shades with new ones, make sure to measure the window opening itself, not the old blinds.
• If you want to mount new blinds inside the window frame, do check the minimum recess requirement on the product specifications.

Remember: With outside mount Roman shades, your product will be made to the exact specified size, without any deductions.

How to Measure for Roman Shades Inside Mount

Measuring the width

• Start measurements at the depth where mounting brackets will be installed.
• Measure the width of the window at top, middle, and bottom of the opening edge to edge.
• Use the smallest width of the 3 to the nearest ⅛”.
• For example, if the width measures 37” at the top, 37” in the middle, and 36 ¾” at the bottom, use 36 ¾” value to order new Roman shades.

Measuring the height

• Measure the height of the window top down on the left, middle, and right edge to edge.
• Use the smallest value as the actual height of your window frame or casing.
• For example, if the height measures 59 ⅝ inches on left, 60 inches in the middle, and 60 inches on the right, use 60 ⅝” value for ordering Roman blinds.

Measuring the Recess

• Accurately measure the recess (depth) of the window frame from the glass to the front of the opening.
• Double check product specifications for minimum depth or mounting surface requirements for inside mount Roman shades.

Note:

• We’ll make necessary deductions for an inside mount to ensure a perfect fit.
• Don’t go for an inside mount Roman shade if your window’s recess does not meet the minimum mounting surface requirements.

How to Measure for Roman Shades Outside Mount

Repeat the steps for width and height, as described in inside mount. Here’re some additional tips and tricks.

• Use the largest measurements for both the width and height of your window frame.
• We recommend an overlap of 3” to 4” on each side for maximum light coverage, privacy, insulation, and curb appeal.
• Skip depth measurement.

• No deductions/additions will be made for outside mount Roman shades.
• Make sure you have enough flat surface on the window molding or wall above the window for the mounting hardware of the product.
• If you have a protruding window sill, do not add extra length (overalap) to the bottom.

FAQs

Should Roman shades be wider than window?

It depends.

• For an inside mount, the Roman shade will have to be made slightly (¼”) smaller than the window width so that it can function properly. 
• For an outside mount, the shade should be at least 1 ½” longer and wider than the window itself for the best light blockage, privacy, and a neater look.

How much bigger should a Roman blind be than the window?

When fitting a Roman blind outside the window recess, we recommend adding at least 2 ¾” (7 cm) to 4” (10 cm) to each side of the recess (5.5” [14 cm] to 8” [20 cm] overall) and the same overlap above and below, to ensure that the blind gives adequate coverage of the window opening when closed.

What size blinds do I need for a 35 inch window?

If a window measures 35 inches from the far-left edge of the trim to the far-right edge of the trim, we recommend the width of the blinds to be 34.5” (half inch narrower) to comfortably fit and operate inside the 35” window opening. Deducting ¼” from the measurement will allow room to mount the end brackets onto the trim.

Need More Assistance?

Our team of experts is ready to help you with accurate measurements. Contact us using 24/7 Live Chat or call (800) 459-1168 or email us today.