Ordering custom shades should feel exciting—you’re so close to finishing your room! But I’ll be honest, that moment when the tape measure comes out can make any DIYer a little nervous. What if I get it wrong? The good news is that measuring for custom shades is a very manageable project. The golden rule, one that every shade company will tell you, is to always, always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer you’re ordering from. Think of this guide as your friendly primer to understand the basic concepts, so those instructions make perfect sense.
First things first, you need to decide on a mounting style. This is the most important decision you’ll make because it determines how you measure. Inside mount shades are installed within the window frame itself, giving a clean, built-in look. Outside mount shades are installed on the wall or molding above and outside the window frame, often used to make a window appear larger or to fully cover it for light control. Your choice here depends on your window’s depth, the look you want, and sometimes, the need for maximum privacy or light blockage.Now, let’s talk tools. All you really need is a sturdy metal tape measure—avoid cloth or plastic ones that can sag or stretch. A notepad and pen to write down every single measurement clearly are just as crucial. I like to sketch a little rectangle for each window and label it with the window’s location, like “Kitchen Sink Window.” Trust me, you will forget which number belongs to which window by the time you order.If you’ve chosen an inside mount, your goal is to measure the exact width and height at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening inside the frame. For width, measure from left to right in those three spots. Use the smallest of the three measurements for your order. Do the same for height: measure from the top of the opening to the sill in the left, center, and right, and again, use the smallest number. This ensures your shade won’t get stuck on a tight spot. Always measure in inches and be precise down to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. Don’t round up or down; just write down exactly what the tape says. The manufacturer will deduct the necessary “clearance” from your provided numbers so the shade operates smoothly.For an outside mount, you’re measuring the area you want the shade to cover. Typically, you want the shade to extend at least a few inches above the window and overlap the sides by an inch or more on each side for optimal light blocking. Decide how high above the window you’ll mount the bracket, then measure the total width you want the shade to span. Next, measure from your chosen mounting point down to where you want the shade to end—perhaps just below the sill or all the way to the floor. Unlike inside mount, you can use the exact measurements you take; there’s no deduction. The key here is consistency and ensuring you have enough flat surface on your wall or trim to securely mount the brackets.A few final pro tips before you click “order.” Double-check every number. It’s a great idea to have someone else read the tape while you measure, or to measure twice yourself. Note any obstructions like window cranks, handles, or trim that might interfere. And remember, the company making your shades is your best resource. If your window seems tricky or your measurements feel odd, give them a call. They’ve seen it all and can guide you. Taking a few careful minutes with your tape measure is the final, crucial step to ensuring your beautiful new custom shades fit like a glove and look like they were always meant to be there. You’ve got this
