Measuring Instructions
Indoor measuring instructions supplies
  • Decide whether you want the shade mounted inside the frame of the opening or outside the opening. An inside mount can look cleaner, but if there are obstructions (photo 3) if you want more complete coverage, you may want to order outside mount, or if you want to cover more than one opening with a shade.
  • Always use a steel measuring tape. (photo 1)
  • Measure to the nearest 1/8” (photo 2) Round DOWN, not UP, if it is 1/16th over.
  • Tell us raw measurements. Do not take your own deductions.
  • Always give width before height
  • IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT to take note if any of the adjoining shades meet at a 90% angle, as one or both shades may need to be cut narrower to make sure the brackets don’t conflict with one another.  We recommend that you order only one of the corner shades, and order the second one after you have installed the first one to make sure the brackets don’t impede each other.
  • And always, feel free to call us for help and email us photos of the site.
Measuring Outdoor Shades
Opening Width
  • Measure Width (inches): Measure width at the top, middle and bottom. Give the narrowest dimension especially between any protruding trim, bolts etc.
  • Please note: we don’t recommend overlapping fabric over columns when mounting from the exterior side of your structure as the wind could cause the shade to rub and wear out the fabric.
Opening Height
  • Measure Height (inches): Measure height from the top face or underside of the header beam to where you want the shade to drop. Measure heights right, center, & left.
  • For Crank operated shades we will also need to know the height from the ground to properly size a hand brace
Measuring For Indoor Shades

Inside Mount

Height and width for measuring inside mount window shades
  • Measure width at top, middle, and bottom (A) Tell us the raw measurements. Let us take the deduction for fit. We will tell you fabric width.
  • Measure the height (B) If not ordering the shade to drop all the way down, let us know.

Outside Mount

To Fit Brackets on Trim/Posts

measuring for outside mount window shades
  • Measure width of the outside of the post to the outside of the post at the top, middle, and bottom (A)
  • Measure width of the inside of the opening (B) to check for fabric overlap. We will tell you fabric width.
  • Measure the height (C) If not ordering the shade to drop all the way down, let us know.
To Order by Fabric Width
Ordering by fabric width diagram
  • Decide where you want the fabric to overlap on each side. Mark on the post/trim and measure this width (A). We will tell you how much room the shade needs to fit.
  • Measure the height (B) If not ordering the shade to drop all the way down, let us know.
To Cover Multiple Openings in a Row
wall of windows for measuring
  • Measure the width of the full span of space you have to fit the shades in at the top, middle, and bottom.
  • Measure the end to center post and center to center post widths at the top, middle, and bottom. Tell us the raw measurements. Let us take the deduction for fit.
  • Measure the width of the inside of the opening to check for fabric overlap. We will tell you fabric width.
  • Measure the height If not ordering the shade to drop all the way down, let us know.
Measuring Videos for Indoor Shades
How To Measure – Outside Frame Mount
How To Measure – Inside Frame Mount
How To Measure Wall Of Windows
Designing Energy Saving Shades since 1992