ALMEERS LIVING WINDOW TREATMENTS

Window Shade Measuring Guide

Measure with confidence. Learn how to choose a mount type, record accurate dimensions, understand product sizing, and prepare your window for a beautifully fitted shade.

Step-by-step instructions2D measurement diagrams3D room references
Start measuring
01

FIRST DECISION

Choose Your Mount Type

Choose the installation position before recording final dimensions. It changes the area you measure and the clearances you need to check.

Comparison illustration of inside-mounted and outside-mounted window shades
Conceptual illustration. Check the exact product and mounting hardware before ordering.
A

Inside Mount

The shade sits within the window recess for a built-in appearance.

  • Measure the clear inside opening.
  • Check usable recess depth at several points.
  • Check handles, locks, cranks, trim and other obstructions.
  • Confirm the product’s minimum depth and deduction rules.

Important: minimum depth and any deduction vary by model and hardware.

B

Outside Mount

The shade sits on an approved wall or trim surface outside the recess and covers the area you define.

  • Mark the intended left, right, top and bottom coverage points.
  • Check wall space, trim and adjacent windows.
  • Allow for handles, furniture and nearby obstructions.
  • Confirm what the supplier means by ordered width.

Planning tip: overlap is a design decision, not a universal fixed amount.

02

CHECK THE RECESS

Measure Window Depth

Make sure the chosen shade and brackets can fit and operate without hitting handles, trim or other objects.

Illustration showing how to check usable depth inside a window recess
Depth diagram — not to scale.

How to check usable depth

  1. Identify the front edge of the recess or trim.
  2. Measure back to the first obstruction or the intended hardware position.
  3. Repeat at the left, centre and right if the recess is uneven.
  4. Compare the smallest usable depth with the exact shade model’s requirements.

Check these obstructions

Handles and locksWindow cranksHingesUneven trimVentsNearby walls
03

HORIZONTAL MEASUREMENTS

Measure Width at Three Points

Keep the tape straight and level. Record every value before deciding which dimension to submit.

2D technical window diagram with width measurements at top, middle and bottom
2D technical diagram — front view.

Inside mount

  1. Measure the clear width near the top of the recess.
  2. Measure again across the middle.
  3. Measure a third time near the bottom.
  4. Record all three values in cm or mm.
  5. Use the smallest width as a reference unless the selected product instructs otherwise.

Do not guess a deduction. Submit the opening size or finished size exactly as required by the selected supplier.

Outside mount

Mark the desired left and right coverage edges, then measure the full distance between those marks. Check the planned width against walls, trim, handles and neighbouring shades.

04

VERTICAL MEASUREMENTS

Measure Height at Three Points

Use the same defined top reference and record the height at multiple points to reveal an uneven opening.

2D technical window diagram with height measurements at left, centre and right
2D technical diagram — front view.

Inside mount

  1. Measure the inside height at the left.
  2. Repeat at the centre and right.
  3. Record all three values and use the tallest as a reference unless product instructions differ.
  4. Check the sill, handles and obstructions along the shade’s travel path.

Outside mount

  1. Choose the intended top point for the headrail or shade.
  2. Choose the desired bottom point when fully lowered.
  3. Measure vertically between those two points.
  4. Include any intended coverage over trim or below the window.
05

PRODUCT DIMENSIONS

Understand Product Size Details

Opening width, coverage width, ordered width, headrail width and fabric width are related — but they are not automatically identical.

Technical diagram comparing the ordered assembly width and the fabric width of a shade
Conceptual size diagram. Actual component widths vary by product.
Opening width
The clear width inside the window recess.
Coverage width
The full area you want an outside-mounted shade to cover.
Ordered width
The dimension the supplier asks you to submit.
Headrail width
The width of the top hardware or cassette.
Fabric width
The width of the shade material, which may be narrower than the hardware.

Product-specific rule: never apply one generic deduction to every shade. Check the exact construction, cassette, control type and supplier specification.

06

CHOOSE A PRODUCT

Know Your Shade Type

Different constructions may have different depth, clearance, stack and ordering requirements.

Illustrated comparison of roller, Roman, zebra, honeycomb, and wood or bamboo shade constructions
Illustrative product families — confirm available models and specifications with Almeers Living.

Roller Shades

Check fabric coverage versus full assembly width.

Roman Shades

Check fold stack, headrail and required depth.

Zebra Shades

Check cassette size and control-side clearance.

Honeycomb Shades

Check cell depth and handle clearance.

Wood / Bamboo

Check headrail, slats and stack height.

07

NON-STANDARD OPENINGS

Special Window Scenarios

Complex openings often need extra checks. Record each section separately and share photos before ordering.

Illustrations of standard, wide, corner, bay and glass-door window scenarios
Scenario illustrations are planning aids, not scale drawings.

Corner and bay windows

Measure each opening separately. Check corner clearance, neighbouring headrails and whether adjacent shades can move freely.

Wide windows and glass doors

Check the supplier’s maximum product width, support requirements, handle movement and whether a single shade or multiple shades are more suitable.

08

QUALITY CHECK

Avoid Common Measuring Mistakes

A few simple checks help prevent incorrect ordering dimensions and avoidable installation issues.

Guide showing common window shade measuring mistakes and how to avoid them
Review each point before submitting a measurement worksheet.
Checklist progress0 of 8 complete
09

SAVE YOUR MEASUREMENTS

Measurement Worksheet

Record one window at a time. The calculated values are references for review, not a substitute for product-specific ordering rules.

Printable reference worksheet for recording window shade measurements
Reference worksheet image. Use the interactive form below to calculate reference values and copy a text summary.

Width measurements

Smallest recorded width —

Height measurements

Tallest recorded height —

Interior consultation scene for reviewing window shade choices and measurements

STEP 10 · FINAL REVIEW

Need Help Confirming Your Measurements?

Share your worksheet, window photos and preferred shade type with the Almeers Living team before placing a custom order.

Request a consultation

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I measure the window or the existing shade?

Measure the window opening for an inside mount or the intended coverage area for an outside mount. Existing shades may have different mounting and deduction rules.

Which width should I use for an inside mount?

Record the top, middle and bottom widths. The smallest width is a common reference, but the selected product’s instructions always take priority. Do not apply an unconfirmed deduction.

How do I measure for an outside mount?

Mark the intended left, right, top and bottom coverage points, then measure between those marks. Check the available wall space, trim, handles and nearby obstructions.

Are headrail width and fabric width the same?

Not always. Ordered size, headrail width and fabric width can differ by shade construction and hardware. Confirm the exact product specification before ordering.

What if the window is not square?

Record measurements at multiple points, note any differences and share clear photos with the supplier or installer before placing a custom order.

Can I use the same deduction for every shade type?

No. Deductions and minimum depth requirements vary by model, headrail, cassette, control system and supplier. Use the instructions for the exact product.