How to Measure Windows for Shades

You may be eager to reimagine your space. You may be tired of sunlight intruding inside at awkward times. You may long for more privacy, want to stop drafts, or appreciate the fact that a well-designed window treatment can deliver energy savings. Whatever your interest in purchasing new shades, knowing how to measure windows for shades is a simple and useful skill.

How to Measure Windows for Shades

Measuring for windows shades isn’t difficult, but it does require some preparation, a few simple tools, time, and care. Accuracy is important, so if you aren’t comfortable measuring to 1/8 of an inch, you may prefer to call a professional to handle the task. After all, if shades are ordered using your measurements, you’re assuming responsibility for their fit. Take your time. Don’t rush. Measure carefully. Consider asking a friend for help. Don’t hesitate to measure more than once, especially if something seems off.

If you’ve decided on a particular product, there may be specific instructions for measuring your window. If not, use these tips for how to measure windows for shades to get the right fit.

Preparing to Measure Your Window for Shades

When it comes to securing the right shades for your windows, preparation is crucial. Before you begin measuring windows, you have a decision to make. What style of window shades do you want? When it comes fit, there are two types of window shades:

• Inside-mount shades are installed inside the boundaries of the window casing. This tucks in for neat lines and works well with curtains and other window treatments. However, gaps between the window frame and shade allow for light intrusion, limiting the shade’s ability to block light.
• Outside-mount shades are installed outside the lines of the window casing. Although this may increase the risk of entanglement with other window treatments, it allows the shade to block out more exterior light because it provides extra coverage at the edges of the shade. It’s also the best option when casings are shallow.

After you’ve decided on a type of shade, you’ll need to gather a few tools. Start with a metal tape measure. Next, get paper and a pencil. Then, grab a sturdy stepladder or stepstool that will allow you to reach the top of the window comfortably. When you’ve got everything together, choose the set of directions for measuring the type of shade that you’ve selected.

Measuring Your Window for Inside-mount Shades

The Spruce offers simple directions for measuring a window for inside-mount shades:

1. Start by measuring for width. Width is written first, so measuring for it first helps to avoid confusion.
2. Measure the width of your window opening inside the casing in three places. Windows aren’t always square, so choose one spot at the top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom. You’ll use the smallest measurement for your shade.
3. Measure the height of your window opening inside the frame in three places. Choose a spot along the right side, a spot in the middle, and a spot along the left side.
4. Measure the depth of your window to ensure that there’s enough room for your shade to operate as an inside-mount shade. If there’s not, you’ll need to choose a different product or shift to an exterior-mount approach, which will require different measurements.

Measuring Your Window for Outside-mount Shades

If you’re measuring a window for outside-mount shades, wikiHow offers instructions:

1. Measure the width. The width should be the first measurement listed, so gathering it first helps you avoid mistakes.
2. Add 2 to 4 inches to your measurement. This ensures proper coverage, gives you more privacy and light control, and provides more space for mounts.
3. Decide how high you want the mounting hardware. Measure the height of your window from that spot to a point 2 inches below the bottom frame. Alternately, measure the height of your window from the outside of the frame. Then, add 4 to 6 inches to the measurement to provide proper coverage and space for mounting hardware.

Window shades are an affordable way to boost your window’s functionality. While learning how to measure windows is fairly easy, it can be a daunting task. With American Window Company, there’s no need to worry. When you order windows, blinds, shutters, and other items from us, you don’t just get top-quality products from trusted manufacturers at affordable prices. You also get excellent customer service. We’re there for you, from the initial measurements to the installation and beyond. Contact American Window Company today to get started.