How to measure for custom roller shades
The correct measurement method depends on where the shade will mount. Inside mounts use the clear opening. Outside mounts use the finished coverage you want on the wall or trim.
Quick answer
Use a steel tape and record every dimension to the nearest 1/8 inch. For an inside mount, measure the opening in three places across and three places down, without making your own factory deduction. For an outside mount, measure the total area the finished shade should cover.
Choose the mount before recording the order size.
An inside mount sits within the window opening for a built-in appearance. It needs enough unobstructed depth for the selected hardware. An outside mount attaches to the wall or trim and can extend beyond the opening for more coverage.
Do not switch methods after measuring. An opening measurement and a finished coverage measurement describe different products.
| Mount | Measure this | Do not do this |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | The clear opening | Do not subtract a factory allowance yourself |
| Outside | The total finished coverage | Do not report only the glass or opening size |
Measure the opening in six places.
Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom of the clear opening. Then measure height at the left, center, and right. Record each result before deciding what to enter in the builder.
Check the available depth at the top of the opening and note handles, locks, cranks, tile, or trim that could interfere with the shade or bottom bar. An opening can be wide enough and still lack the depth required for the chosen top finish.
- Keep the tape level and straight rather than following the trim.
- Record to the nearest 1/8 inch; do not round to a convenient whole number.
- Use the narrowest width as the cautious ordering reference unless the reviewed product instructions say otherwise.
- Use the longest height as the cautious ordering reference unless the reviewed product instructions say otherwise.
- Submit all differing measurements when the opening is visibly out of square.
Measure the coverage, not just the opening.
Decide where the brackets can fasten securely and where the shade should stop on each side. Measure the complete width and height of that planned coverage area.
Extra overlap can reduce visible edge gaps, but it does not make every roller shade a sealed blackout system. Confirm that the fabric roll, cassette or valance, window trim, sill, and nearby walls leave room for the finished shade to travel.
- Mark the intended bracket line before measuring.
- Check that both bracket locations have a sound mounting surface.
- Include the overlap you intentionally want in the finished width and height.
- Confirm that doors, handles, furniture, and trim will not block the shade.
Measure twice, then label the window.
Give each opening a room name and window label, photograph unusual trim or obstructions, and repeat the measurements before ordering. For a group of similar windows, measure every opening rather than assuming they are identical.
Riser Shade can review unusual conditions, but the customer-provided dimensions remain the basis for a made-to-measure order unless professional measurement is included separately.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I deduct anything for an inside-mount roller shade?
- No. Record the exact clear opening. Do not make your own factory deduction; the final product allowances are applied after the configuration is reviewed.
- Why should I measure the width and height three times?
- Window openings are not always perfectly square. Measurements at the top, middle, bottom, left, center, and right reveal differences that one measurement can miss.
- How precise should roller shade measurements be?
- Record dimensions to the nearest 1/8 inch with a steel tape. Avoid rounding to the nearest inch.
- Do I need to measure every window if they look the same?
- Yes. Framing, trim, and installation tolerances can make apparently identical windows different enough to matter for a custom shade.