How To Measure Windows For Shades

SmartView offers custom-made window treatments designed to fit your space perfectly. Unsure how to measure your windows? Don’t worry, our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process. Simply choose the type of shade you’re interested in and click to see the detailed instructions.

How To Measure

Measuring Tips 

1. Use a steel tape measure for best accuracy.
2. Round each measurement to the nearest 1/8”.
3. Always record width (left to right) first, and then height (top to bottom)

Choose Inside or Outside Mount                                                           

Choose an inside mount to:

Give your window a clean, simple look Highlight attractive window moldings Free up the wall space that would be used when installing an outside mount

Choose an outside mount to:

Minimize light gaps and offer more privacy Choose an outside mount to: Make your window appear larger Hide windows that are crooked or unattractive Clear obstructions in the window casing (like cranks) that would interfere with an inside mount

An inside mount fits inside the window casing. An outside mount hangs above the window or on the wall surrounding the window. We recommend an inside mount whenever possible

Inside Mount

Now that you’ve selected your blind or shade, you have to make sure the window frame is deep enough to fit your product.  Measure the depth of the frame from the wall to the window glass.
• If the window frame is too shallow to accommodate your product, select an Outside Mount

Width：                                                                                                        

Start your measurement at the depth where you plan to mount your window treatment.
• Measure the exact window opening at three places: top, center and bottom.
• Record the narrowest measurement of the three, and round to the nearest 1/8”.                             

• For Shades  use the shortest measurement.

Height:                                                                                                                           

Start your measurement at the depth where you plan to mount your window treatment.
• Measure the exact window opening at three places: left, right and center.
• Record the tallest height.

• For Shades  use the shortest measurement.

Please note:
Factory Deductions: Inside mounted products have a light gap between 1/8” and 1/4” on either side of the window – this gap is required in order for the product to operate properly. Our factory will make necessary deductions to the exact window measurements you provide to ensure your product will fit perfectly in your window. Do not make your own deductions. To block more light, select an Outside Mount.
Squareness: Don’t be surprised if your windows aren’t symmetrical – many aren’t. However, If your 3 width or height measurements vary by more than 1/2”, the product may not operate properly, and the light gaps may be greater than expected. Consider an Outside Mount in this case

Note on Deduction

To ensure the shade fits correctly, take the smallest of these measurements and consider deduction requirements to get the final width measurement.For Roman Shades and Bamboo Shades, headrail width = ordered width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)
For Roller Shades and Zebra Shades, headrail width = ordered width (after deduction 3/8 inch from window frame)
For Cellular Shades and Venetian Shades, headrail width = ordered width (after deduction 1/4 inch from window frame)

Note on Side Gaps
Slight gaps on both sides of shades exist because the shade material is slightly narrower than the headrail. This design allows the shade to roll up and down smoothly without obstruction.For Roman Shades and Bamboo Shades, Fabric Width = Ordered Width
For Roller Shades and Zebra Shades, Fabric Width = Ordered Width - 1  1/2 inches
For Cellular Shades and Venetian Shades, Fabric Width = Ordered Width - 1/4 inch

Outside Mount

Since an outside mount covers more than just the window frame, there are a few additions you will need to make to your measurements. We will make the product to the exact dimensions that you specify.  

Width                                                                                              

• Measure the width of the window opening.(Frame outer edge to edge)
• It is recommended to add 2-4 inches (1-2 inches on each side) to this measurement to allow for more privacy and light blockage.                                                     

Height
• Measure the height of the window opening.(Frame outer edge to edge)
• For the top:It is recommended to mount the shade at least 10-12 inches above the window frame for the mounting brackets and allow for more privacy and light blockage aftet fully rolled up.
• For the bottom: measure to the window sill.

NOTE:

If you do plan to mount on the molding or trim,be sure the surface you’re mounting on is flat.
If you have no window sill and would like to cover the trim evenly on the bottom, add an equal amount of overlap to the bottom measurement as you do for the top.

Roller shades

Comprehensive Description

Before installation, be mindful of obstacles in the window opening, such as cranks or handles, which can impede proper shade installation.

When measuring for your roller shade, remember that the fabric width is typically around 1 3/16 inch (3 cm) smaller than the valance size (order width) provided.

For more detailed information on gaps and the space between the fabric and the window after installation, please contact us .

Inside Mount
  • Width Measurement

Order width includes the width of the valance.

Measure the top width inside the window frame and round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

ORDER AT THE EXACT OPENING SIZE WITH NO DEDUCTIONS.

Inside mounts are classified as Top Mount and Side Mount.

The default option when placing an order is Top Mount. The factory will make a small deduction of approximately 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

If you prefer a Side Mount, please include a note stating "Side Mount" when placing your order. This ensures the factory provides the corresponding brackets and applies an additional 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) deduction. If no note is provided, it may result in insufficient space for a Side Mount.

Attention: Please check if your windows have a splayed or recessed frame. If they do, measure the shortest width and use that measurement when placing your order; otherwise, the shades may not fit in the frame.

  • Height Measurement

Order height includes the height of the valance.

Measure the middle height inside the window frame and round up to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Make sure the most exact measurement for the height.

Outside Mount

  • Width Measurement
Order width includes the width of the valance.
Measure the exact width of the window frame or the desired width for the blind.
Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact width is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.
  • Height Measurement
Order height includes the height of the valance.
Measure the desired height for the blind by measuring from top to bottom.
Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact height is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.

Cellular shades

Comprehensive Description

Before installation, be mindful of obstacles in the opening, such as cranks or handles, which can impede proper shade installation.

When measuring for your cellular shade, remember that the fabric width is typically around 3/16 inch (5 mm) smaller than the valance size (order width) provided.

For more detailed information on gaps and the space between the fabric and the window after installation,please contact us .

Inside Mount
  • Width Measurement

Order width includes the width of the valance.

Measure three separate locations- top, center, and bottom widths of the window frame, round down to the nearest 1/8 inch, and use the smallest measurement as the shade width, ensuring your tape is horizontal for accuracy.

Order at the exact opening size with no deductions.

For Hazel Shades, the factory will apply a small deduction of approximately 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

For Nowa Shades, the factory will apply a small deduction of approximately 3/16 inch (5 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

Attention: Please check if your windows have a splayed or recessed frame. If they do, measure the shortest width and use that measurement when placing your order; otherwise, the shades may not fit in the frame.

  • Height Measurement

Order height includes the height of the valance.

Measure three separate locations- left, middle, and right heights of the window frame, round down to the nearest 1/8 inch, and use the smallest measurement as the shade height, ensuring your tape is vertical for accuracy.

Make sure the most exact measurement for the height.

If the order height and exact height are not consistent, the shade may not cover the window, or the fabric will stack at the bottom after adjusting the upper and lower limits.

Outside Mount

  • Width Measurement
Measure the exact width of the window frame or the desired width for the blind.Adding 2 to 6 inches (5.1 to 15.2 cm) to the exact width is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.
  • Height Measurement
Measure the desired height for the blind by measuring from top to bottom.Adding 2 to 6 inches (5.1 to 15.2 cm) to the exact height is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.

Zebra shades

Comprehensive Description

Before installation, be mindful of obstacles in the window opening, such as cranks or handles, which can impede proper shade installation.

When measuring for your zebra shade, remember that the fabric width is typically around 1 3/16 inch (3 cm) smaller than the valance size (order width) provided.

For more detailed information on gaps and the space between the fabric and the window after installation,please contact us .

Inside Mount
  • Width Measurement

Order width includes the width of the valance.

Measure the top width inside the window frame and round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

ORDER AT THE EXACT OPENING SIZE WITH NO DEDUCTIONS.

Inside mounts are classified as Top Mount and Side Mount.

The default option when placing an order is Top Mount. The factory will make a small deduction of approximately 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

If you prefer a Side Mount, please include a note stating "Side Mount" when placing your order. This ensures the factory provides the corresponding brackets and applies an additional 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) deduction. If no note is provided, it may result in insufficient space for a Side Mount.

Attention: Please check if your windows have a splayed or recessed frame. If they do, measure the shortest width and use that measurement when placing your order; otherwise, the shades may not fit in the frame.

  • Height Measurement

Order height includes the height of the valance.

Measure the middle height inside the window frame and round up to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Make sure the most exact measurement for the height.

If the order height and exact height are inconsistent, the shade may not cover the window, or the texture may not align after adjusting the upper and lower limits.

Outside Mount

  • Width Measurement
Order width includes the width of the valance.Measure the exact width of the window frame or the desired width for the blind.Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact width is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.
  • Height Measurement
Order height includes the height of the valance.Measure the desired height for the blind by measuring from top to bottom.Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact height is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.

Align Multi Blinds

Zebra shades that are highly uniform or to be installed on one wall need to be purchased together in 1 single order. It is best to make corresponding notes so that our factory can produce them from the same batch and the fabric slats will line up with each other.

Woven Wood Shade

Comprehensive Description

Before installation, be mindful of obstacles in the window opening, such as cranks or handles, which can impede proper shade installation.

When measuring for your woven wood shade, remember that the fabric width is typically around 3/16 inch (5 mm) smaller than the valance size (order width) provided.

For more detailed information on gaps and the space between the fabric and the window after installation,please contact us .

Inside Mount
  • Width Measurement

Order width includes the width of the valance.

Measure three separate locations- top, center, and bottom widths of the window frame, round down to the nearest 1/8 inch, and use the smallest measurement as the shade width, ensuring your tape is horizontal for accuracy.

Order at the exact opening size with no deductions.

The factory will apply a small deduction of approximately 5/16 inch (8 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

Attention: Please check if your windows have a splayed or recessed frame. If they do, measure the shortest width and use that measurement when placing your order; otherwise, the shades may not fit in the frame.

  • Height Measurement

Order height includes the height of the valance.

Measure three separate locations- left, middle, and right heights of the window frame, round down to the nearest 1/8 inch, and use the smallest measurement as the shade height, ensuring your tape is vertical for accuracy.

Make sure the most exact measurement for the height.

If the order height and exact height are not consistent, the shade may not cover the window, or the fabric will stack at the bottom after adjusting the upper and lower limits.

Outside Mount

  • Width Measurement
Order width includes the width of the valance.Measure the exact width of the window frame or the desired width for the blind.Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact width is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.
  • Height Measurement
Order height includes the height of the valance.Measure the desired height for the blind by measuring from top to bottom.Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact height is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.

Dual Shade

Comprehensive Description

Before installation, be mindful of obstacles in the opening, such as cranks or handles, which can impede proper shade installation.

For more detailed information on gaps and the space between the fabric and the window after installation, please contact us .

Inside Mount
  • Width Measurement

Order width includes the width of the valance.

Measure the top width inside the window frame and round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Order at the exact opening size with no deductions.

The factory will apply a small deduction of approximately 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

Attention: Please check if your windows have a splayed or recessed frame. If they do, measure the shortest width and use that measurement when placing your order; otherwise, the shades may not fit in the frame.

  • Height Measurement

Order height includes the height of the valance.

Measure the middle height inside the window frame and round up to the nearest 1/8 inch.

The order height can be slightly larger than the exact opening height, as the length can be fine-tuned by setting the upper and lower limits.

Roman Shade

Comprehensive Description

Before installation, be mindful of obstacles in the window opening, such as cranks or handles, which can impede proper shade installation.

When measuring for your roman shade, remember that the fabric width is typically around 1/8 inch (3 mm) smaller than the valance size (order width) provided.

For more detailed information on gaps and the space between the fabric and the window after installation,please contact us .

Inside Mount
  • Width Measurement

Order width includes the width of the valance.

Measure three separate locations- top, center, and bottom widths of the window frame, round down to the nearest 1/8 inch, and use the smallest measurement as the shade width, ensuring your tape is horizontal for accuracy.

ORDER AT THE EXACT OPENING SIZE WITH NO DEDUCTIONS.

Inside mounts are classified as Top Mount and Side Mount.

The default option when placing an order is Top Mount. The factory will make a small deduction of approximately 5/16 inch (8 mm) during production to ensure a safe and proper installation.

If you prefer a Side Mount, please include a note stating "Side Mount" when placing your order. This ensures the factory provides the corresponding brackets and applies an additional 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) deduction. If no note is provided, it may result in insufficient space for a Side Mount.

Attention: Please check if your windows have a splayed or recessed frame. If they do, measure the shortest width and use that measurement when placing your order; otherwise, the shades may not fit in the frame.

  • Height Measurement

Order height includes the height of the valance.

Measure three separate locations- left, middle, and right heights of the window frame, round down to the nearest 1/8 inch, and use the smallest measurement as the shade height, ensuring your tape is vertical for accuracy.

Make sure the most exact measurement for the height.

If the order height and exact height are not consistent, the shade may not cover the window, or the fabric will stack at the bottom after adjusting the upper and lower limits.

Outside Mount

  • Width Measurement
Order width includes the width of the valance.Measure the exact width of the window frame or the desired width for the blind.Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact width is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.
  • Height Measurement
Order height includes the height of the valance.Measure the desired height for the blind by measuring from top to bottom.Adding 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to the exact height is recommended to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage.

Drapery

How to Measure for Drapery

To ensure a perfect fit for your SmartWings motorized drapery, accurate measurements are crucial. Follow these steps based on your chosen mount type to achieve the best results.

Mount Type 1: Wall to Wall
  • Width Measurement

Measure the precise width from wall to wall and round down to the nearest 1/8 inch. Order at the exact opening size with no deductions. It determines the length of the drapery rod.

Note that when fully opened, the drapes will gather to about 20% of the total width (10% fabric stack on each side).

  • Height Measurement

Measure from the exact location you want the shades to cover.

The default position of the tracks is 2 inches (5 cm)above the window.

Our factory will automatically deduct 1/2 inch (1.5 cm)from the height to prevent the fabric from dragging on the ground.

Order Height = Fabric Height + 2.5 inches (6.5 cm).

Mount Type 2: Window Trim to Window Trim
  • Width Measurement

Measure the precise width of the window trim to the opposite window trim and round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Measure your windows precisely and add the following width when ordering drapes to prevent obstruction when fully opened.

For window widths between 59 - 106 inches, add 28 inches.

For window widths between 107 - 162 inches, add 36 inches.

For window widths between 163 - 220 inches, add 44 inches.

  • Height Measurement

Measure from the exact location you want the shades to cover.

The default position of the tracks is 2 inches (5 cm)above the window.

Our factory will automatically deduct 1/2 inch (1.5 cm)from the height to prevent the fabric from dragging on the ground.

Order Height = Fabric Height + 2.5 inches (6.5 cm).

Outside Mount