Key Takeaways
- How to measure for Roman shades allows you to decorate your space to match your style perfectly.
- Gather essential tools like a measuring tape, pencil, and more. Follow a step-by-step guide on measuring for both inside and outside mounts.
- Plus, find useful tips for measuring multiple windows for a consistent look and handling unique window shapes.
How to measure for roman shades?
Step 1: Understanding Mount Types
While considering window treatment alternatives, you can ask yourself: Are inside-mount or outside-mount shades better? Each has advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before discovering how to measure for Roman shades.
Inside mount Roman shades:
Inside mount Roman shades have hardware attached to the window frame’s “ceiling.” It allows the entire shade to fit within the recess. It offers the following benefits:
- Customized look
- Stylishly sleek
- Hidden hardware
- Potential for layering with curtains
- More insulation
- Easy installation
Despite having a modern and efficient design, inside mount Roman shades may have the following drawbacks:
- Light gap
- Reduced window size
- Obstructed window functionality
- Potential for damage
- Limited fabric width
How to measure windows for Roman shades?
Outside mount Roman shades:
Mounted outside the window frames or trims, outside mount Roman shades are attached directly to the wall or ceiling. They provide unique benefits, including:
- More coverage
- Ideal for shallow window frames
- Maximum view
- More flexible application
Outside mount Roman shades may also have certain drawbacks despite providing advantages like improved light control. Here are a few limitations:
- Bulkier appearance
- Require more wall space
- Less custom fit
- Potential wall damage
- Limited to larger room aesthetics
Roman shades are the best choice for anyone who likes the softness that materials provide to their windows while also appreciating the simple lines of contemporary architecture. Below are some other factors to consider to help you determine whether inside or outside mount Roman shades are best for your area:
- Aesthetic preferences: The inside mount provides a sleek, clean, and minimalist appearance. Meanwhile, the outside mount shade offers a bolder and more dramatic look.
- Window depth: Inside mount Roman shades must be installed with enough window depth to accommodate the shade hardware. Conversely, depth is not an issue for outside mounting because the shade is outside the window frame and fixed on the wall or trim.
- Light control: Outside mount shades are the best option for controlling light because they cover the entire window and minimize gaps.
- Cost: Outside mount shades are usually more expensive than inside mount shades since they require more material.
- Installation complexity: To guarantee a tight fit, you must install the inside mount carefully and with exact dimensions. Meanwhile, outside mount shades can readily cover window frame flaws or irregularities.
Outside mount Roman shades
Step 2: Preparing Tools and Materials Needed
- Measuring Tape
- Step Ladder (if necessary)
- Pencil
- Paper
- Level
Note that fabric and plastic measuring tapes can stretch and provide erroneous readings, so use a metal measuring tape when measuring for Roman shades. A sturdy tape with clear marks ensures precise measures.
A helper is also suitable for holding the tape in place (particularly for bigger windows). They may ensure the tape stays taut and straight and prevent mistakes resulting in a poorly fitted or functioning window.
Step 3: Measuring for Inside Mount Roman Shades
- Measure width: Take note of the window opening’s width at the top, center, and bottom. To determine the width of your window, use the smallest measurement of the three and round it to the nearest 1/8″.
- Measure height: Measure the height of your window opening at the left, center, and right places. Record the biggest height of the three measures to the nearest 1/8″. If you have a few windows in a room with comparable heights, order the maximum height for every window to guarantee uniform pleat sizes. Confirm the window is square by comparing the diagonal width top and bottom. If they are not square, don’t do an inside mount.
- Measure depth: Measure the window frame’s depth from the opening’s front to the glass. This measurement is necessary to ensure that your window recess meets the minimum depth needed for an inside mount.
How to measure windows for Roman shades? Consider the window frame depth, as insufficient space may make operating difficult. Measuring at a single place is also erroneous since windows are rarely precisely square. To guarantee a tight fit, measure the width and height, often using the lowest measurement.
In addition, shades that are too broad for the frame may result from not rounding down to the closest 1/8″.
Step 4: Measuring for Outside Mount Roman Shades
Measure outside mount Roman shades
- Measure width: To determine its width, measure the window opening at the top, center, and bottom (a 1 1/2″ overlap on each side is ideal). Then, take the measurement that is the broadest of the three. If you have it, measure the furthest margins of window trim from left to right.
- Measuring height: To determine the window’s height, measure its top left, right, and center. The largest measurement is the one you will use. Depending on how much light coverage you want, add at least 2″ to the top and bottom, or more if necessary.
Regarding how to measure Roman shades, it is important to consider obstacles like moldings and handles. Doing so will ensure they cover the entire window and function properly. These obstructions may impact the mounting area by obstructing a portion of the shade or impairing its functionality.
Furthermore, avoid taking measures too near the window frame, which may lead to insufficient coverage. Also, add extra width and height to accommodate the whole window and allow for adequate overlap. Improper fit and functioning result from inaccurate measurements or from ignoring these issues.
Step 5: Recording and Double-Checking Measurements
No matter what types of Roman shades you want to measure, precise measurements are essential to guarantee a perfect fit. Thus, record each measurement on paper as soon as possible to prevent forgetting or mixing them.
How to measure for Roman shades? You should double-check your measurement by measuring again at several places to ensure consistency across the window: top, middle, and bottom for width, left, right, and center for height.
You should use a measurement worksheet to track these details systematically. It will aid in information organization and lower the possibility of mistakes. This comprehensive method guarantees that your shades will fit and perform as intended.
Step 6: Special Considerations
That is how to measure for Roman shades! Yet, Roman shade measurements for bay windows, corner windows, and other unique window shapes require careful attention to detail.
- Bay windows: Measure every part of the bay window to ensure the shades fit correctly, considering the depth differences and angles.
- Corner windows: Take precise measurements to ensure all the window space is covered without gaps in corner windows. Consider how the shades will overlap or meet at the corners.
- Other windows: Measure any irregularly shaped windows’ widest and tallest points to account for non-standard angles or dimensions. Regardless of the window’s complexity, paying attention to these aspects helps maintain a unified and practical design for your shades.
How to measure window for Roman shades?
If you need to measure many windows for Roman shades, use the same method for each window to maintain uniformity and a consistent appearance. Record the measurements and double-check their correctness. Besides, measure every window in a session to keep your method consistent. This technique ensures that every shade lines up precisely and gives the room a unified look.
Finally, measure the broadest and tallest points to account for uneven edges when measuring Roman shades with irregularities in window frames. Note these specifications and modify the shade size appropriately to guarantee a good fit. Precise measurements facilitate the adjustment of imperfections in the frame and provide a smooth appearance.
