Measuring Instructions for Motorized Premium Flat Fold Roman Shades
3 minutes to measure.
What You’ll Need
- Metal tape measure
- Pen or pencil
- Paper
Inside Mount
How to Measure: Inside Mount
Let's make sure an inside mount will work for your window! Using a metal tape measure, first check if you have sufficient depth:
- Measure inside the window opening from the back of the window to the front of the opening where the shade would mount. The depth at the top of the window must be at least 2" to mount the brackets.
- To have a flush mount (meaning the shade is fully recessed in the window opening) the depth must be at least 2 1/4" on motorized shades 58" x 58" and under, or 3 ½" for motorized shades larger than 58" x 58".
- If your depth is not sufficient for mounting the brackets, please see our outside mount instructions or consider a different product.
How to Measure:
Let's start with the Width:
- Measure inside of the window opening/frame from left to right to the nearest 1/8" at three places: at the top of the opening, the middle of the opening, and then the bottom of the opening. Write down all 3 measurements and circle the narrowest. If rounding is necessary, round down to the nearest 1/8". That is your ordering width.
Now, let's do the Height:
- Measure the inside of the window opening/frame from the top of the opening to the bottom of the opening/sill to the nearest 1/8" in three places: on the left-hand side, the middle, and on the right-hand side. Write down all 3 measurements and circle the tallest. That is your ordering height. Please note that when ordering multiple shades for the same room, shades with different heights may have a different number of pleats.
Note: Always provide us with the actual measurement of the window opening. We will make the necessary deduction of approximately 1/4" to your shade's width to allow room for installation and for proper movement of the shade within the window opening. No deductions will be made to your height.
Outside Mount
How to Measure: Outside Mount
Before you start measuring, decide where above your window opening you want to mount your shade. You will need at least 1 1/2" of flat vertical space above the window to mount the brackets. The shade can be installed directly above the window opening, or higher up to give the appearance of a larger window and to have more clear space in the window when the shade is raised.
If you have trim around the window, you can mount the shade above the trim, directly on the trim (if you have the required minimum flat space for the brackets), or to the sides of the trim if you do not enough mounting space above the window or on the trim itself. See the directions below for how you'd like to install your shade.
If you do not have sufficient vertical space for mounting the brackets, please see our inside mount instructions or consider a different product.
Decide what option is better for you
Above the Window (No Trim)
Width:
- Looking at your window and surrounding wall, decide what area you would like to cover. We recommend the shade extends about 2" on each side of the window opening for the best light control and appearance.
- Using a metal tape measure, measure from left to right including your desired extra space on each side of the window—that is your ordering width. Note that outside mount shades include a valance which will extend 1/2" beyond your ordered width on each side of shade.
Height:
- Consider how far above the window you would like to install your shade but at least starting with the minimum vertical space referenced above. The shade can be positioned higher up to give the appearance of a larger window and to have more clear space in the window when the shade is raised.
- Measure from the top of where you will mount the shade on the wall down to where you want the bottom of the shade to be, using the same extra space below your window opening as you used above; if you have a protruding windowsill, measure down to the top of the sill. That is your ordering height. Please note that when ordering multiple shades for the same room, shades with different heights may have a different number of pleats.
Above the Trim
Width:
- Looking at your window and surrounding wall, decide what area you would like to cover. We recommend the shade extends about 2" on either side of the window opening for the best light control and appearance. You can also choose to have the shade the same width as your window trim.
- Using a metal tape measure, measure from left to right including any desired extra space on each side of the window—that is your ordering width. Note that outside mount shades include a valance which will extend 1/2" beyond your ordered width on each side of shade.
Height:
- Consider how far above the window you would like to install your shade but at least starting with the minimum vertical space referenced above. The shade can be positioned higher up to give the appearance of a larger window and to have more clear space in the window when the shade is raised.
- Measure from the top of where you will mount the shade on the wall down to where you want the bottom of the shade to be, using the same extra space below your window opening as you used above, or to the bottom edge of the trim if you prefer; if you have a protruding windowsill, measure down to the top of the sill. That is your ordering height. Please note that when ordering multiple shades for the same room, shades with different heights may have a different number of pleats.
On The Trim
Width:
- Confirm that the height of your trim is at least the minimum height required for installing the mounting brackets. At the top of your window, use a steel measuring tape and measure from outer edge to outer edge of the trim. That is your ordering width. Note that outside mount shades include a valance which will extend 1/2" beyond your ordered width on each side of shade.
Height:
- Measure from the top of your trim to the bottom of your trim or to the top of the windowsill if you have a protruding sill. That is your ordering height. Please note that when ordering multiple shades for the same room, shades with different heights may have a different number of pleats.
Door Mount
Width:
- Using a metal tape measure, measure left to right from the outside edge of the trim piece that goes around the glass to the other outside edge. That is your ordering width. However, if you have space, it is best to order the shade about 2" wider for better light control. Note that outside mount shades include a valance which will extend 1/2" beyond your ordered width on each side of shade.
Height:
- Consider how far above the window trim piece you would like to install your shade but at least starting with the minimum vertical space referenced above. Measure down to where you want the bottom of the shade to be, using the same extra space below the window trim piece as you used above. That is your ordering height. Please note that when ordering multiple shades for the same room, shades with different heights may have a different number of pleats.
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