Measuring guide

How to measure your windows

Pick how to mount your shade. Then follow three quick steps.

  • Measure every window
  • Nearest 1/8 inch
  • Label each one

First: drill or no drill?

No-Drill Inside Mount Inside the frame Presses on the sides of the frame, so there are no holes. Needs at least 3 in of depth. Measure for no drill Traditional Bracket Outside Mount On the wall above the window Drill the brackets into the wall above the window. Often needed on doors. Measure for drill

Less than 3 in of depth, or a door with no room inside the frame? Go with drill and brackets.

No-Drill Inside Mount

Measure inside the frame

  1. A tape hooks on the window frame. A finger marks where it reads at the front edge. You need at least 3 inches.

    Check the depth

    The frame needs at least 3 in of depth. Hook the tape on the window frame. Read it at the front edge.

    If a lock or crank sticks out, measure to that instead.

  2. 35 ½ in35 ⅜ insmallest35 ½ in

    Measure the width

    Top, middle and bottom. Use the smallest.

    Why three widths?

    Frames can be a bit less wide in one spot. The smallest width helps your shade fit from top to bottom.

  3. 60 ¼ inOne height, down the middle

    Measure the height

    Once, down the middle, from the top of the opening to the sill.

Do not subtract anything. Pick the exact size of the opening. Each shade is made to the size you pick.

Traditional Bracket Outside Mount

Measure around the frame

  1. 40 in shade36 in opening+2 in+2 in

    Measure the width

    Opening width plus 2 in on each side.

    Blackout: add 3 in on each side for more cover at the edges.

  2. HeightTop of the shade to the sill

    Measure the height

    Measure once. Start where the top of the shade will go. End at the sill, or where you want the shade to stop.

    Extra-wide window? Measure the height at both ends and use the longer one.

  3. Crank in the way

    Clear the way

    Make sure handles, cranks and trim won't block the shade.

Before you order

  • Each window has a room label
  • Width and height are not mixed up
  • Check each fraction (3/8 is not 5/8)

Follow this guide and your shade still does not fit? We fix it free.

Choose your shade Questions? Email us

Measuring questions

Do I measure the glass or the opening?

The opening. For a no-drill shade, measure from side to side in the frame. Do not measure just the glass.

Do I subtract anything for a no-drill shade?

No. Pick the exact size of the opening. Do not subtract anything.

Can I round to the nearest inch?

No. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. Pick the exact size you measured.

What if my window isn't square?

Measure the width in three places and use the smallest. Take one height down the middle.

How much bigger should a bracket shade be?

Add 2 inches on each side of the opening. For blackout, add 3 inches on each side.