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HOW TO MEASURE WINDOWS
Always use a steel measuring tape. (Photo #1)
Measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. (Photo #2)
Specify exact measurements. Width always comes first.
Decide whether you want the window treatment inside the window frame (or recessed window) or outside of the window frame. (Photo #3) Inside frame mounts are preferable because they provide a cleaner look. However, if there are obstructions inside the frame like locks or alarm sensors you will need to do an outside frame mount. Outside mounts can make windows look larger or hide bad windows or uneven windows.
Photo # 1
Photo #2
Photo #3
When placing an order you will need to supply the width and exact opening height dimension or how far you want the shade to pull down. To avoid mistakes use a pencil and piece of paper to draw a picture of your window(s) and mark the width and height on your drawing.
Place the tape measure inside the window casing. Make sure to add the size of measuring tape's casing to inside measurements.
Width: Measure the inside frame width at the top, middle and bottom to see if your window is in square. Tell us if your window is not square. The top measurement where the brackets are to hang is the most important.
For inside mounts, always measure where the brackets are to be installed. The width at the top can be different from the width at the bottom. DO NOT TAKE YOUR OWN DEDUCTIONS. WE DO IT FOR YOU.
It is important that the width dimensions you give for an inside window frame mount are accurate to within 1/8" of an inch. (See photo #2 above) We do not take measurements in 1/16" of an inch. Therefore, always round down to the nearest 1/8" of an inch. For example: 3/16" would round down to 2/16" which is the same as 1/8" inch. Rounding up could result in a shade that is too wide for the window opening.
Height: Measure the height in three places also (left side, middle and right side) and use the longest dimension.
Depth: For a flush inside mount (the shade is completely recessed) make sure you have enough depth. The needed depth will vary depending on the size of the window, type of fabric, control mechanism, and the inclusion of fascia or valances. For more information read: How Much Depth is Required
Width: Measure the exact distance between the outermost points at the top where the shade is to be placed. It is best to have the tips of the rollers overlap the window by 1 1/2" to 3" per side. (See photo #4 above.)
If you specify an outside frame mount the factory makes no deduction from your width measurements. When you call us to order, it is helpful to know not only the opening width, but how much space you have to mount the brackets, as well as an idea of how much fabric overlap you would like to have.
Height: Place the end of your tape measure where the top of the roller will be and measure down to where you want the shade to pull down to. Measure the height in three places also (left side, middle and right side) and use the longest dimension. (See photo #5 above.)
Measure the height of the window. Add at least 3" above and at least 3" below the window and give those dimensions. For more information read: How Much Depth is Required
For Light Blocking Shades add at least 3" per side to both the width and height making your shade at least 6" wider and higher than your window opening.
First, measure the full span of the wall; we will use this measurement to make sure the shades you order will all fit with their brackets.
Then, start at one corner, and measure from there across the glass of the first window, to the center of the first mullion. (A mullion is a vertical divide between windows or doors) This is called an "end to center" measurement. Proceed across the wall, taking "center to center" mullion measurements until you get to the last one, which will be a "center to end" measurement. To make sure the brackets will fit in your finite space we will deduct 3/8 of an inch from each shade width and call it an outside frame.
Measure the height of each window FROM THE POINT YOU ARE MOUNTING THE BRACKETS to the place you want the shades to pull down to.
Also measure the width of the glass openings. When the shades are ordered, your confirmation will tell you how far apart the tips of the rollers are and how wide the material of the shade will be. You will need to double check to make sure the glass openings are adequately covered.
You must tell us if the row of windows is enclosed on each end by returns (or perpendicular walls)—in other words, if all of them are in one big “opening”. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT to take note if any of the adjoining shades meet at a 90% angle, as one or both shades may need to be cut narrower to make sure the brackets don’t conflict with one another. We recommend that you order only one of the corner shades, and order the second one after you have installed the first one to make sure the brackets don’t impede each other.
Width: Measure the inside frame width at the top, middle and bottom. (See photos above) Use the narrowest of the three dimensions for the width.
Measure Left Side
Measure Middle Height
Measure Right Side
Height: Measure the height of the left side, middle and right side. (See photos above) Use the longest dimension.
Windows whose left and right side heights are different might require cutting of the side channels since they are made to fit the tallest dimension. If there is more than a 1/2" difference in widths between the top and the bottom dimensions you need to use a Modular Light Sealed System.
Add a minimum of 2" to each side of the window widths if you are using the 1.75" side channels or add 2.75" to each window width if you are using the 2 1/2" side channels. Add 4" to the height for the light blocking fascia.
North Solar Screen: Solar Shades & Outdoor Shades
Rely on our team of solar shades experts. For questions about our custom shades or to order shades call 866-230-4700
