How to Measure Roman Shades

Before you start measuring for your new Roman Shades you need to decide if you want to mount them to the face of the window opening or wall (OUTSIDE mount) or within the window reveal (INSIDE mount).

A couple of things to consider when making this decision (note that we recommend a OUTSIDE mount where possible):

1. Functionality - if you're looking to create as much blackout in your room as possible, then a OUTSIDE mount is what you'll be looking for.
2. The size and depth of your window reveal. In some instances you may prefer a INSIDE mount, but you need to remember that you need at least 2-3in of depth within you window reveal. Also when fully open a Roman Shade is still going to take up about 8-10in of space which in a smaller window will blockout out a lot of light and the view when full open.

OUTSIDE MOUNT

For a Outside mount you will need to measure the window reveal opening and then add to the width and drop so that your shade fits nicely to blackout your room when closed and sit off the window when open.

It is important when measuring for a face fit that you ensure you have ample space above the window for the shade to sit.

1. For the WIDTH measurement, measure the window opening from left to right and add 6in. This will be your width measurement and will allow your shade to cover the window by 3in on each side to enhance the light block.

2. For the DROP, measure the opening of the window from top to bottom and add 11in. This will be your drop measurement. The 11in you add on will allow the top of your Roman Shade to be mounted 8in above the top of the window opening and the shade to finish 3in below the window. 

NOTE: If your window has a SIL at the bottom you will need to account for this with the amount you add on. In this situation it would be best to measure from the top of the window to the window sil and only add an additional 8in for the shade to sit above the window. 

INSIDE MOUNT

For a INSIDE mount you need to measure the exact width and drop of your window reveal. 

1. For the WIDTH, measure from the left hand side of the window reveal to the right hand side at the top, middle and bottom of the reveal to the nearest 1/8in (rounded down). Record the smallest measurement, this will be your width measurement.

2. For the DROP, measure the height of the window reveal on the left, middle and right hand side of the window to the nearest 1/8in (rounded down). Record the smallest measurement, this will be your drop measurement for your order.

Important Design Tips

Outside mount Romans are great for blocking out light. Because they are mounted above the window, they are able to clear the window almost completely when open to allow as much light to come in when required.

Inside mount Romans are great if you want a layered look, i.e., two Roman Shades per window - blackout Roman as a face fit and Sheer fabric as a recess fit. The thing to note is that there will as much as 12in of Roman Shade taking up your window reveal when the recess fit shade is fully open.

For Roman Shades above 84in x 84in you can choose motorization so that your shades are still Child Safe.

Things to remember

• Always take measurements to the closest 1/8in. For Inside mount measurements round down. For Outside mount measurements round up.
  
  
• Always use a metal tape measure.
  
  
• Keep an eye out for obstructions like door handles, skirting boards or tiles within a reveal. If you're unsure about how they might impact your shade feel free to send us an email to hello@shadeit.com and we'll be sure to help.
  
  
• When working at heights make sure you are safely using a suitable ladder.
  
  
• If you are finding it difficult controlling the tape measure (especially when you're up a ladder), make sure you ask someone to help.