
Solar shades, cellular shades, vision shades and panel blinds Custom manufactured at factory-direct prices to you

Window Shade Measuring Guide

No single aspect of the window coverings impacts your satisfaction more than measuring. Accurate measurements are essential! These are general measuring instructions for both solar shades and panel blinds, however special situations may arise where the following instructions do not apply. Please feel free to any questions you may have.

Measuring Basics
• Always use a steel tape measure, preferably 3/4" to 1" wide.
• Measure the width first, then the height. Width is listed first when you order the window covering, so it's a good habit to measure it first to help prevent transposing the two measurements.
• Record all measurements immediately after you make them. Don't rely on memory.
• Measure each window separately, even if they appear to be the same size.
• Examine the window opening for potential trouble spots, such as protruding window cranks or handles.
• Decide if you are going to mount the shades on the inside of the jamb or outside on the molding.

Solar & Vision Shade Cloth Deduction
• Note that on all solar shades and vision shades the fabric is 1 3/8" narrower than the width you order. This allows for the controls and brackets. This means on inside mounts there will be a gap on each side of the shade. If this is an issue we recommend that you consider an outside mount instead.
Solar Shade Cloth Deductions

Cellular Shade Cloth Deduction
• Note that on all cellular shades the fabric is 3/8" narrower than the width you order. This allows for the controls and brackets. This means on inside mounts there will be a gap on each side of the shade. If this is an issue we recommend that you consider an outside mount instead.

Measuring for Inside Mounts
• Make three measurements for each dimension.
• Measure the window opening width at the top, center, and bottom.
• Measure the window opening height at the left, center, and right.
• Record the smallest width and height measurements, rounding down to the nearest 1/8".
• Measure the exact size of your window opening. Do not take any deductions. Our factory will take allowances for clearance.
• Measure the window opening on the diagonals. If the two diagonal dimensions are not exactly the same, you may wish to specify an outside mount for optimal privacy and light control.

Inside Mounting Depth
• A minimum of 3/4" depth is required for inside mounting. If the window covering cannot be fully recessed, please be aware that a certain portion will protrude outside the window opening. Remember to add any extra amount required to clear obstructions such as window latches or cranks to the minimum mounting depth.

Measuring for Outside Mounts
• Measure from the outside of your trim the width and height at the center of the window opening.
• When recording your measurements, round them to the nearest 1/8".
• For a panel blind we recommend adding at least 2" to each side (4" total) for additional privacy.
• If the window has molding around it and you are not mounting onto the molding, be sure your height measurement allows for the mounting of the shade above the molding.