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.

Drapery measuring instruction（Cordless）

Simplify your curtain measuring process with our Measurement Finder first, designed to guide you through each step effortlessly for a hassle-free experience.

Step 1: Measure the Width (Determine Rod/Track Length and Placement)

If you have had the rod installed, please measure the rod length and record this measurement.

If you do not have the rod installed, first decide where you want the curtain rod to be mounted above and on the sides of the window frame. Consider how high you want the rod to create the desired visual effect.

  •  
    • Height Above the Window Frame: Typically, curtain rods are installed 6-10 inches above the window frame to create the illusion of a taller window. Mark this height lightly with a pencil or use masking tape as a guide.
    • Width Beyond the Window Frame: Add extra width (normally 6-15 inches) on each side of the window frame for the curtains stack. Mark these points lightly with a pencil or use masking tape as a guide.
  • 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