How to Measure for Roman Shades

Accurate measurements help your Roman shade fit, operate smoothly, and cover the window as intended. Use a rigid steel tape measure, record every dimension in inches to the nearest 1/8 inch, and measure twice before ordering.

Important: For a manually measured inside mount, subtract 3/8 inch from the smallest opening width before entering the order width.

Before You Measure

Use a rigid steel tape measure, not a cloth or flexible sewing tape.
Record width first, then height: W × H.
Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. Do not round to a whole inch.
Check for handles, locks, screens, trim, tile, or other obstructions.
Confirm the mount type and the selected Roman shade model before ordering.

Step 1: Choose the Mount Type

Inside Mount

The headrail sits within the window opening for a clean, built-in appearance. An inside mount requires a reasonably square opening and at least 2 1/2 inches of clear, unobstructed depth for the current Roman shade headrail, unless the selected product page states otherwise.

Outside Mount

The shade mounts on the wall or trim and covers an area larger than the window opening. This option works well for shallow or uneven openings and can provide additional coverage around the window.

Step 2: Measure an Inside Mount

Width

Measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening.
Use the smallest of the three measurements.
For manual measurement, subtract 3/8 inch from that smallest width. Enter the result as the order width.
Example: If the smallest opening width is 40 inches, enter 39 5/8 inches as the order width.

Height

Measure from the top inside edge of the opening to the sill at the left, center, and right.
Use the largest of the three measurements as the order height.
Do not deduct from the inside-mount height.

Tap or click the diagram to view it at full size.

Check the Window Depth

Measure the clear depth at the top of the opening, from the front edge to the nearest obstruction. Handles, locks, screens, or projecting trim reduce the usable depth. The current Roman shade headrail requires at least 2 1/2 inches of clear depth unless the selected product page lists a different requirement.

Allow for Normal Side Gaps

The shade fabric may be slightly narrower than the headrail so the shade can operate without rubbing against the frame. Small side gaps are normal for an inside-mounted Roman shade.

Step 3: Measure an Outside Mount

Choose and mark the planned headrail position above the window.
Measure the finished width you want the shade to cover, including the intended overlap beyond the opening or trim.
As the current product-page starting point, measure the full window width including the moulding and add 1/2 inch. For stronger light control and privacy, allow up to 1 1/2 inches of overlap per side when space permits, then enter the resulting finished width.
Measure from the planned top of the headrail to the desired bottom edge of the finished shade. The current product-page starting point is the full window height including the moulding plus 3 inches.
If you plan to mount the headrail higher to keep more of the glass visible when the shade is raised, include that extra distance in the finished height.
Confirm that the mounting surface is flat, strong enough for the brackets, and clear of handles or other obstructions.
Do not apply the 3/8-inch inside-mount deduction to an outside-mount shade.