The short version: For a roller-shade estimate, measure width at the top, middle, and bottom, then height at the left, center, and right. Use a steel tape and record to the nearest 1/8 inch. Custom Shade & Shutter professionally confirms every opening before ordering its motorized, cordless, or chain-operated roller shades.
Custom Shade & Shutter offers custom interior roller shades in motorized, cordless, and chain-operated configurations, with blackout, light-filtering, screen, zebra, and woven-wood fabric options depending on the operating system. The measuring principles below can start a planning estimate, but final manufacturing measurements should be taken by the team responsible for the order.
What tools do you need to measure a window?
- A rigid steel tape measure, not a flexible sewing tape.
- A pencil and a window-by-window worksheet.
- A step stool that lets you reach the top safely.
- A level or straightedge for questionable trim.
- Photos of each full opening, close-ups of trim, handles, and obstructions.
Record every measurement as width × height and label the room and window. Never round a custom measurement up to the nearest whole inch.
Should you choose an inside mount or outside mount first?
An inside mount sits within the window opening for a built-in look. It requires enough unobstructed depth and a reasonably square opening. An outside mount attaches to the wall or trim and covers the opening. It can hide uneven trim, reduce light gaps, make a window appear larger, or clear shallow frames.
| Mount | Measure | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Inside / reveal mount | Width at top, middle, bottom; height at left, center, right; depth and obstructions | The smallest width and height for planning; manufacturer deductions are product-specific |
| Outside / face mount | The area the finished treatment should cover, including overlap | Final ordered width and height depend on product, bracket, cassette, and desired light control |
How do you measure for an inside-mount shade?
- Measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom.
- Measure the inside height at the left, center, and right.
- Measure unobstructed depth at the shallowest point.
- Note cranks, locks, tile, alarms, screens, and trim that reduce clearance.
- For a planning quote, record the smallest width and height. Do not make your own product deduction unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.
Custom Shade & Shutter’s measuring guidance uses the same three-point method and states that standard deductions are taken for products made to fit inside the opening.
How do you measure for an outside-mount shade?
Measure the full area you want the treatment to cover, not only the glass. Decide how far the fabric and hardware should extend beyond the opening. More overlap can improve privacy and reduce light gaps, but nearby walls, crown molding, door handles, outlets, or furniture may limit it. The cassette or fascia also needs enough flat mounting surface above the window.
What measurement mistakes cause the most problems?
- Measuring only once.
- Writing height first on one window and width first on another.
- Using a soft tape that sags.
- Ignoring window handles, mullions, tile, or shallow depth.
- Assuming two windows that look identical are identical.
- Taking a deduction twice: once at home and again at the factory.
- Measuring the glass when the treatment must cover the frame.
When should you call a professional?
Call a pro for Custom Shade & Shutter’s motorized roller shades, very wide or tall windows, corner or bay windows, doors, linked shade groups, dual-shade cassettes, shutters, drapery, exterior patio shades, and aluminum shutters. Professional measurement is also the right move when a made-to-order product is nonreturnable after fabrication.
Approximate measurements can start a quote. Professional field measurements should start the order.
What should you send for an initial quote?
Provide room names, approximate width and height, total window count, photos, preferred product, desired opacity, control type, and any timing requirement. That is enough to begin a useful conversation without pretending a homeowner measurement is a final manufacturing specification.
Explore Custom Shade & Shutter’s motorized, cordless, and chain-operated roller shades, then request a professional quote and field measurement.
Sources
- Custom Shade & Shutter, interior roller-shade products, sizes, mounts, controls, and specifications.
- Custom Shade & Shutter, installed interior-shade project gallery.
