how to measure for shades and blinds
how do you measure for custom shades and blinds?
Here are a few guidelines on how to measure for custom roman shades, dual sheer shades, roller shades, bamboo and woven woods shades. Although we provide complimentary measuring service for shades installed in NJ and NYC, we can use your measurements to provide you with an online / virtual estimate.
DETERMINE IF YOU WANT AN INSIDE OR OUTSIDE MOUNT
An inside mount fits perfectly within the window frame. This type of mounting for a shade or blind showcases the window size and molding while giving it a clean look. You can opt for an inside mount when you have 2.5-3” of casing depth to ensure that your blinds don’t stick out. Even with 1″ of depth, a shade can be installed inside the frame. Just remember that it will stick out.
An outside mount is installed on the window molding or on the wall above your window casing. It covers light gaps and provides more privacy. They are a good choice if your windows are not square or if there are obstructions on your window frame. Frame mount installation are done on the top of your window molding. For wall mount shades or blinds, you must have at least 3” of space above the window frame.
how to measure for an inside mount
You know the old adage- measure twice, cut once. For each window you want to take six measurements:
– Measure the width at 3 places: top, middle and bottom. Take the shortest measurement.
– Measure the height at 3 places: left, middle and right. Take the longest measurement
– Measure the depth. You need at least 1″ of depth to install a roller shade, dual sheer shade, woven woods or blinds, and 2″ of depth for a roman shades. If you do not want the headrail to stick out, you need between 2 1/2″ and 3″ of depth.
A deduction will be taken from the exact measurement, so that the shade or blind not rub against the molding. Measuring for an inside mounted window shade is needs to be precise, so that it nestles perfectly inside the window. Wherein the outside mounted can be a bit more forgiving.
how to measure for an outside mount
If you are mounting your shades directly to the frame of the window, measure the exact width and height of the wood frame itself, from outer edge to outer edge. Or, for maximum privacy and light control, go above and beyond the window frame, and mount it on the wall.
For a roman shade installed on the wall above the window frame, we recommend adding 5″ to the height. The stacking of a roman shade when raised is around 10″ to 12″. For the width, we recommend measuring from the ends of the bottom sill (often 1″ wider than the molding). For other shades and blinds installed on the wall above the molding, add 3″ to account for installation above the window frame.
There will be no additions or deductions made to outside mount specifications.
About us: KOPA Drapes is a custom curtain manufacturer serving New Jersey and New York. Our products are handcrafted in Belleville, NJ since 1957. We offer complimentary at-home design consultation and measure for our curtains and custom shades in NJ and NYC. We offer complimentary measurement service for the custom shades and draperies we manufacture in NJ.