How to Measure for Roman Shades

Roman shades can add function and style to your home all at the same time. Whether you are ordering online, from a catalog, or having custom shades made, you will want to make sure you have the measurements right, the first time.

The roman shade was designed to be an inside mount. What this means is that they are made to fit inside your window, close to the glass. This will leave you with other options as far as decorating your window. You will still be able to add decorative panels, and the topper of your choice. The roman shade will not interfere with any other window treatments you decide to use if you mount it on the inside of the window.

To measure for an inside mount roman shade, first measure the width. Place your tape measure on the inside of the window frame and measure across to the other side. Be sure to measure it at the top of the window where the shade top would be rather than measuring it at the window sill, or in the middle. This will ensure that your roman shade will fit properly when installed. Sometimes, especially in older homes, windows are not the same width all the way down. The critical part is the head rail that will be used for mounting. It will be a solid piece of wood or plastic that will not give at all. If you were to order your shade with a width of 30 inches and the top of your window is actually 29 ¾, it will not fit, and there are generally no returns on orders for shades. Always measure the width at the top of your window. Let the company you are ordering from know that is an inside mount by indicating an IM with your width size. They will allow for the room needed for it to fit correctly, so give them your exact sizes.

Now to measure the length, place the end of your tape measure at the inside top of the window and simply measure how far it is to the where you would like the shade to stop, normally at the top of the window sill. It is always best to add a half inch to this measurement before ordering so you are sure not to get a light gap at the bottom. This measurement will be your length.

When placing an order for roman shades, always indicate the width first and then the length. Your measurements should look like this: IM-30W x 63L.