Have you ever ordered window treatments online, only to find they don't quite fit when they arrive? Avoid the frustration of ill-fitting Roman shades by taking accurate measurements from the start. Precise measurements are critical for a seamless installation and ensure your shades function properly, providing the light control and aesthetic appeal you desire. A properly fitted Roman shade will enhance your home's style and last for years to come, while a poorly fitted one will be a daily source of annoyance.
Measuring for Roman shades might seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process with the right guidance. Whether you're aiming for an inside mount for a clean, recessed look or an outside mount for added light blockage and visual impact, understanding the nuances of measuring is key. This guide breaks down the steps to help you achieve the perfect fit for your windows.
What are the key considerations when measuring for inside vs. outside mount Roman shades?
What's the best way to decide between inside or outside mount before measuring?
The best way to decide between an inside or outside mount for your Roman shades is to consider the depth of your window frame, the level of light blockage you desire, and your overall aesthetic preference. If you have sufficient window frame depth and want a cleaner, more recessed look with potentially better light control, an inside mount is preferable. If your window frame is shallow, obstructed, or you desire the shades to appear larger or completely block light, choose an outside mount.
Expanding on this, an inside mount offers a streamlined appearance as the shade fits snugly within the window frame. However, you need a minimum depth (usually specified by the shade manufacturer) to accommodate the shade's hardware. Insufficient depth will necessitate an outside mount. Consider obstructions like window cranks, decorative molding, or tiles that might prevent a flush inside mount. Outside mounts, on the other hand, are mounted on the wall or trim surrounding the window, offering greater flexibility. They can cover the entire window frame and even extend beyond it, making windows appear larger and providing enhanced light blockage, which is crucial for bedrooms or home theaters. Finally, think about the overall look you want to achieve. An inside mount can create a minimalist, built-in feel, while an outside mount can serve as a decorative element, especially when paired with attractive hardware. If you are going for a very clean, modern look, an inside mount may be preferable. If you wish to highlight the window covering as a feature in the room or need to cover unsightly window frames, an outside mount would be the better option.How do I measure for light gaps on the sides of my roman shades?
Measuring for light gaps on the sides of your roman shades primarily involves understanding the mounting style you choose (inside or outside mount) and then accounting for the necessary hardware clearances. For an inside mount, the light gap is often unavoidable and inherent to the operating mechanism and the small space required for the shade to move freely within the window frame. For an outside mount, you have more control in minimizing light gaps by extending the shade's width beyond the window frame.
To accurately assess potential light gaps with an inside mount, measure the width of your window opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest of these measurements as your shade width. Be aware that the actual fabric width will be slightly less than this ordered width to accommodate the mounting hardware and operating mechanism inside the frame. This difference, often ranging from ¼ to ½ inch on each side, will create a small light gap. Keep in mind that the depth of your window frame must also be sufficient to allow the shade to fully retract without protruding past the frame. For an outside mount, carefully measure the width of the area you want the shade to cover. To minimize light gaps, extend the shade's width beyond the window frame by at least 1-3 inches on each side, or even more if desired. The wider the extension, the less light will filter through the sides. Visualize how the shade will look when mounted and consider any obstructions like moldings or walls. For both inside and outside mounts, blackout liners can significantly reduce light transmission through the fabric itself, even if side gaps exist.Should I deduct anything from my window measurements for an inside mount?
Yes, you should typically deduct a small amount from your window measurements for an inside mount to ensure a proper fit and smooth operation. The exact deduction varies by manufacturer, but a common rule of thumb is to deduct 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the width to account for the shade's hardware and to prevent it from rubbing against the window frame.
The reason for this deduction is crucial for functionality. If you provide exact window measurements without accounting for the shade's mechanism or slight variations in the window frame, the shade may be too wide to fit properly inside the opening. This can lead to difficulties in installation, make it hard to raise and lower the shade smoothly, or even prevent the shade from being installed altogether. Leaving a small gap on either side allows the shade to operate freely and provides a cleaner, more professional look.
Always consult the specific instructions provided by the Roman shade manufacturer or retailer. Their recommendations will offer the most accurate guidance for their particular product line, specifying the exact deduction required. Some manufacturers may even handle the deduction themselves, requesting your exact window opening dimensions and then automatically adjusting the shade's size accordingly. However, it is always best to double-check their process to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure a perfect fit.
How accurate do my measurements need to be (down to the nearest what)?
Your measurements need to be accurate to the nearest 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) for Roman shades. This level of precision is crucial for a proper fit, ensuring the shade operates smoothly and looks aesthetically pleasing within your window frame or mounting area.
While a slight rounding error might seem insignificant, even a small discrepancy can lead to problems. If your Roman shade is too wide, it might not fit within the window opening, or it could rub against the sides, hindering its operation. Conversely, if it's too narrow, it can leave unsightly gaps, compromising light control and privacy. The fabric's natural give and take is not enough to compensate for an inch or two of measurement error. Additionally, the hardware involved requires precision to function properly.
Therefore, invest in a good quality metal measuring tape and double-check your measurements. It is always better to measure multiple times and take the smallest measurement if there's a slight variation. When ordering, specify your measurements precisely, indicating fractions of an inch clearly. Some manufacturers may have their own guidelines, so it’s always best to clarify their preferred method of receiving measurements to guarantee a perfect fit.
How does the fabric I choose affect the measuring process?
The fabric's characteristics, particularly its thickness and opacity, directly impact how precisely you need to measure for your Roman shades. Thicker fabrics require slightly more generous measurements to accommodate the bulk when folded, while looser weaves or very lightweight fabrics may benefit from a tighter measurement to prevent excessive sagging or gaps.
When dealing with thicker fabrics like upholstery blends or heavily textured materials, consider adding a small allowance (perhaps 1/8 to 1/4 inch) to your width measurements, especially if you're opting for an inside mount. This ensures the shade smoothly operates within the window frame without binding. Conversely, thin, sheer fabrics are more forgiving. However, if you desire minimal light gaps with these fabrics, precise measurements are crucial. Inside mount installations using sheer fabrics benefit from tight measurements to minimize light leakage around the edges. Also, patterns in your fabric influence measurement. If using patterned fabric, especially stripes or large-scale designs, meticulously measure and plan your cuts to ensure pattern alignment across the shade's panels. Extra fabric might be needed for pattern matching, influencing the overall amount you purchase. If precise pattern matching is critical, it may be wise to consult with a professional drapery maker before cutting or ordering the fabric.What's the correct way to measure for a continuous loop lift system?
The key to accurately measuring for Roman shades with a continuous loop lift system is to consider the *total* drop length you need, *including* the extra length needed for the loop operation. Measure the window height (or desired shade length) as you would for a standard Roman shade, then add the extra length needed to accommodate the continuous loop mechanism, typically around half the total drop, ensuring comfortable operation without the loop dragging on the floor.
To elaborate, the measurement process begins like any other Roman shade installation, whether you're mounting inside the window frame (inside mount) or outside the frame (outside mount). For an inside mount, measure the exact width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom, taking the narrowest measurement as your width. For an outside mount, determine how much you want the shade to overlap the window frame on each side (usually 1-3 inches) and add that to the window width for your final width measurement. The height is measured from the top of the window opening (or above the frame for outside mount) to the bottom sill (or desired drop). The crucial addition for a continuous loop system is considering the operating loop length. Because the cord continuously moves to raise and lower the shade, a portion of the cord will always be hanging. To ensure the loop doesn't drag on the floor when the shade is fully raised, adding extra length is necessary. A general rule of thumb is to add approximately half the total drop (the height you measured) to the cord length. This will give you a comfortable length for the loop. Some manufacturers might specify a different formula; always check their specific instructions. If unsure, it's better to err on the side of slightly longer rather than too short; excess cord can always be managed with a cord cleat. Finally, when ordering your shade, specify the exact width and the *total* drop measurement, clarifying that it includes the extra length for the continuous loop. This ensures the manufacturer provides a shade with the appropriate cord length for smooth and convenient operation.What if my window isn't perfectly square - how do I compensate?
If your window isn't perfectly square, take multiple measurements (width at the top, middle, and bottom; height on the left, right, and center) and use the smallest width and the longest height for an inside mount. For an outside mount, use the largest width and longest height, adding your desired overlap.
When dealing with out-of-square windows for inside mount roman shades, prioritizing a proper fit within the frame is crucial. Using the *smallest* width measurement ensures the shade will actually fit inside the opening without getting wedged. Similarly, using the *longest* height measurement ensures the shade will fully cover the window opening. A slight gap may be visible on one side due to the non-square nature of the window, but this is preferable to a shade that doesn't fit at all. You may also consider consulting with a professional installer, who can offer specific recommendations or adjustments. For an outside mount, you'll want the shade to adequately cover the entire window opening, even at its widest and longest points. Therefore, using the *largest* width and *longest* height measurements and adding your desired overlap will ensure full coverage. The overlap helps prevent light gaps and enhances privacy. If the out-of-square issue is significant, consider increasing the overlap on the problematic side to further minimize light leaks. This option provides more flexibility because minor imperfections in the window shape are less noticeable with an outside mount.And that's all there is to it! Measuring for Roman shades might seem a little daunting at first, but we hope this guide has made the process clear and easy. Thanks for trusting us with your window treatment journey! We're here to help every step of the way, so feel free to browse our other articles and resources, and come back anytime you need a little inspiration or guidance.