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How to Measure Your Window for Cellular Shades
How to measure your window for Cellular Shades
These measuring tips will guarantee your cellular shades are a perfect fit!
Start From Square One Decide Where to Mount the Cellular Shade
Before you pick up your measuring tape, decide whether you want to install your cellular shade inside the window frame or on the outside (either on the outside face of the frame/molding or on the wall). An inside mount is often preferable since it looks cleaner, but outside mounts are useful if there's not enough depth to mount inside the frame or if you wish to block even more light.
See the sections below for depth requirements and full details for each application!
Items You'll Need
- Metal Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Paper or our handy Measuring Guide
Inside Mount
So you're an Insider! This means your honeycomb shades will be installed on the inside of the window frame, as shown in this image.
1
Measure the inside width at 3 locations - at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom. Record the smallest of the 3 measurements. This is your ordering width. Please provide the actual window opening size when you place your order. We will take care of any necessary deductions.
2
Measure the height at 3 locations - on the left side, in the middle, and on the right side. Record the largest of the 3 measurements if you are not ordering side tracks. Record the smallest of the 3 measurements if you are ordering side tracks. This is your ordering height.
For inside mounts:
Measure the inside of the window frame in 3 places for width and height.
| Measurement | Measure #1 | Measure #2 | Measure #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Width (Inches): Circle Narrowest | |||
| Inside Height (Inches): Circle Longest |
Please see Complete Measuring Instructions, below, for important measuring details.
Depth Requirements for Inside Mount
Inside Mounts are the most common application, but they can only be done if you have enough depth from the front of the window frame to the nearest obstruction (such as a crank handle, mullion, lock, hinge, or the window itself). Please click below for specific depth requirements.
There are two different types of Inside Mounts: Shallow and Flush.
A shallow mount means that there is enough space to mount the shade inside the frame, but the front portion of the shade will protrude outside the window frame because there is not enough depth to mount it fully recessed. If you were to run your hand along the wall or window frame, it would bump into the shade.
A flush mount means that there is enough space to mount the shade entirely inside the window frame. If you were to run your hand along the wall or window frame, your hand would not bump into the shade.
Please refer to the chart below to learn how much depth is required for each lift option and each Inside Mount application:
| Minimum Shade Mounting Requirements | Standard & Top Down Bottom Up (with strings) | Smoothy Cord Loop, Cordless & Motorized* |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow Inside Mount | 3/4" | 1/2" |
| Flush Inside Mount | 2" | 2 1/4" |
| Shallow Inside Mount with Energy Saving Side tracks | 1 1/2" | 1 5/8" |
| Minimum Flush Inside Mount with Energy Saving Side tracks | 2" | 2 1/4" |
Measuring for an Inside Mount
- Use a steel measuring tape
- Be sure to clearly indicate which measurement is width and which is height. Please mark the width first, then the height.
- Width - Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the inside of the frame. Write down all three measurements and circle the narrowest width.
- Height - Measure the height at the left, middle, and right of the inside of the frame, from the top of the the frame, all the way down to the sill. Write down each measurement. If you are not getting side tracks, circle the longest length. If you are getting side tracks, circle the shortest length.
- Production takes a slight deduction from the width of the fabric. Please provide the actual window opening size when you place your order. Our Production team will take the proper deduction to ensure the shade doesn't bang against the window frame or other shades.
- Measure to the nearest eighth inch. If necessary, round down for width. Round up for length if you aren't getting side tracks, but round down if you are getting side tracks (so the side tracks aren't made too long!)
- Always double check your measurements!
- Feel free to download our measuring guide. It's tried and true!
Click Here forComplete Measuring Instructionsfor Inside Mounts
Outside Mount
So you're someone who thinks outside the box! This means your shade will be installed on the wall or on the outside of the window frame, as shown in this image.
1
Measure the width (side to side) between the two outermost points of the window frame, or the area which is to be covered. We take no deductions for outside mount shades. The width you give us is the width your fabric will be. Due to the end caps on the headrail at the top of the shade, it will be just sliightly wider than your measurement.
2
Measure the height (top to bottom) of the outermost point of the frame to the window sill of the bottom of the frame, or from where ever you want your shade to begin to where you want it to end.
For outside mounts:
Measure the outside of the window frame in 3 places for width and height.
| Measurement | Measure #1 | Measure #2 | Measure #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Width (Inches): Circle Narrowest | |||
| Outside Height (Inches): Circle Longest |
Please see Complete Measuring Instructions, below, for important measuring details.
Depth Requirements for Outside Mount
Outside mounts may not be your first choice, but they still do an extraordinary job insulating while also providing a nice, finished look. Outside mounts are commonly seen on doors, or if there just isn't enough depth to do an inside mount. They are beneficial if you want to make a window look larger, and they also blanket out more light. Please click below for specific depth requirements.
So, is there enough room around your window for an outside mount? The chart below describes how much room you need either on the outside of the window frame or on the wall over the window to install an outside mounted shade.
| Minimum Shade Mounting Requirements | Standard & Top Down Bottom Up (with strings) | Smoothy Cord Loop, Cordless & Motorized* |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Mount | 3/4" | 7/8" |
Measuring for an Outside Mount
The key thing here is to measure exactly to where you want the shade to cover.
- Use a steel measuring tape
- Be sure to clearly indicate which measurement is width and which is height. Please mark the width first, then the height.
- You may want to pencil a mark where you want the headrail to rest at the top of the frame to guide your measurements.
- Width - Measure the top, middle, and bottom of the outside of the frame. You may want to add a few inches the sides for maximum light coverage. Write down all three measurements and circle the narrowest width.
- Height - Measure the left, middle, and right of the outside of the frame from the top of the frame, all the way down to the sill. Write down each measurement and circle the longest length. If there is no window sill, measure at least 1 1/2" longer than the bottom of the window.
- Production does not take deductions from outside mounted shades.
- Measure to the nearest eighth inch.
- Always double check your measurements. Production makes every shade exactly to order.
- Feel free to download our measuring guide. It works like a charm!
Click Here forComplete Measuring Instructionsfor Outside Mounts
Skylight Window Shade (Inside Mount Only)
To ensure a snug fit, make sure that you measure the diagonal measurements of your skylight (top right corner to bottom left corner and top left corner to bottom right corner). If these measurements differ by more than a ¼” you will have to shim your skylight opening to make room for the shade and retainer track.
1
Width: Measure the exact inside measurement of the window at the Top, Middle and Bottom. Write these measurements down, and then circle the narrowest width measurement.
2
Height: Measure the exact inside distance from top of the window to the sill at the Left, Middle and Right. Write down your measurements and then circle the shortest height measurement.
For skylight window shades:
When measuring for a skylight shade, make sure you measure the diagonal measurements (top right corner to bottom left corner and top left corner to bottom right corner). If those measurements differ by more than ¼” you will need to shim your window to accommodate the track system.
| Measurement | Measure #1 | Measure #2 | Measure #3 | Diagonal Measurements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width (Inches): Circle Narrowest | Top Left to Bottom Right Measurement: | Top Right to Bottom Left Measurement: | |||
| Height (Inches): Circle Narrowest | |||||
Advanced Measuring Guide for Skylight Shades
For a more comprehensive guide for measuring for skylight shades, download our complete skylight measuring instructions PDF.
Other Resources:
Energy Saving Side Track System
If you are adding Energy Side tracks to your window shades, always measure the window’s diagonal measurements. This is the top right corner to the bottom left corner and the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Doing this will help you figure out how square your window is.
If your diagonal measurements are within 1/4" of each other, then your window is square enough for side tracks! If your diagonal measurements are different by more than 1/4", you will need to shim your window to make it square before you can install the tracks.
1
Measure the inside width at 3 locations - at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom. Record the smallest of the 3 measurements. This is your ordering width. Please provide the actual window opening size when you place your order. We will take care of any necessary deductions.
2
Measure the height at 3 locations - on the left side, in the middle, and on the right side. Record the smallest of the 3 measurements. This is your ordering height.
Once you have all your measurements written down, check and see that your three widths are within 1/4" of each other. If the widths are too different, you will want to shim any uneven parts to make them closer in measurmenet. Otherwise, there will be gaps between the fabric and the tracks, and no one wants that!
Always double check, and if you’re still unsure, triple check your measurements!
For Side Track System:
| Measurement | Measure #1 | Measure #2 | Measure #3 | Diagonal Measurements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width (Inches): Circle Narrowest | Top Left to Bottom Right Measurement: | Top Right to Bottom Left Measurement: | |||
| Height (Inches): Circle Narrowest | |||||
Please see Complete Measuring Instructions, below, for important measuring details.
Additional Resources
Measuring Guide for Energy Saving Side Track System
Measuring for side tracks is very similar to the regular measuring process, but with a few exceptions.
If you are adding Energy Saving Side Tracks to your window shades, always measure the window’s diagonal measurements. This is the top right corner to the bottom left corner and the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Doing this will help you figure out how "square" your window is.
If your diagonal measurements are within 1/4" of each other, then your window is square enough for side tracks! If your diagonal measurements are different by more than 1/4", you will need to shim your window to make it square before you can install the tracks.
- Width - Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the inside of the frame. Write down all three measurements and circle the narrowest width.
- Height - Measure the height at the left, middle, and right of the inside of the frame, from the top of the the frame all the way down to the sill. Write down each measurement and circle the shortest length.
- Production takes a slight deduction from the width of the fabric. Please provide the actual window opening size when you place your order. Our Production team will take the proper deduction to ensure the shade fits with your side tracks.
- Measure to the nearest eighth inch. If necessary, round down.
Once you have all your measurements written down, check and see that your three widths are within 1/4" of each other. If the widths are too different, you will want to shim any uneven parts to make them closer in measurmenet. Otherwise, there will be gaps between the fabric and the tracks, and no one wants that!
Always double check, and if you’re still unsure, triple check your measurements!
Click Here forComplete Measuring Instructionsfor Side Track System
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Free Consultation, Measure & Install Help
We're here to guide you every step of the way to finding the perfect fit for your home & style. We eliminate the guesswork when buying cellular shades online. We help you find which cellular shade right for you. During the online consultation or estimate, we help determine the best window treatments for your needs and budget. We encourage you to take advantage of our experience, knowledge, opinions & ask questions.