SW Tips and Tricks-Measurement 101

Measuring for new shades does not need to be difficult. Shade Works Measurement 101 provides you with step- by- step guidelines for accurately measuring your windows. Our instructions are user- friendly and easy to follow!   Shade Works Window Fashions Expert Measuring Advice 1. Always use a steel measuring tape. 2. Round DOWN to the nearest 1/8″ for width. 3. Round UP to the nearest 1/8″ for height. 4. Always note your width measurement first, then the height [“width X height”] 5. Never measure existing blinds.

Remember, it’s best to measure twice and order once! [tabs tab1=”Step 1: Select A Mount Type” tab2=”Step 2: Measuring For Fabric Shades and Horizontal Blinds” tab3=”Step 3: Measuring For Vertical Blinds”] [tab id=”tab1″] Inside Mount Features

• Mounted within the window frame
• Provides a clean, built-in look
• Great way to leave attractive woodwork exposed
• Minimum depth of 3/4″ required for a secure installation
• For a flush-mount installation (aligned with the wall plane), minimum depth is 2″ for Roman shades, 2 1/4″ for roller and solar shades and 2 7/8″ for wood blinds
• If your window frame depth is less than 3/4″, please refer to Outside Mounts Features

   Outside Mount Features

• Great alternative when there is not enough depth for an inside mount
• Outside mount blinds and shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.
• Mounted to the wall, ceiling or molding surface surrounding the window
• Often used to make the window appear larger or to hide a less attractive window or door
• No minimum depth requirement

  [/tab] [tab id=”tab2″] Please follow the instructions below for all Fabric Shade and Horizontal Blind measurements.   For Inside Mounts:

1. Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places (Top, Middle and Bottom). Record the narrowest measurement.
2. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill (Left, Centre and Right). Record the longest measurement. Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit (Approx. 1/8”)

Note: Roller/Solar shade fabrics will be approximately 1/8″ narrower than your ordering width to allow for brackets. If concerned over resulting light gap, please select outside mount.    For Outside Mounts:

1. Measure the exact width (left to right) to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 1-1/2″ on each side (3″ total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
2. Keep in mind that the valance will be about 2″ wider that the width ordered, so make sure to add to your measurement.
3. Measure exact height (top to bottom) to be covered, including desired overlap (typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one). Keep in mind that this measurement will include the headrail, if applicable.

  Please note: You will want to mount the headrail above the window frame and we recommend that you add 3-4 inches to your number to ensure maximum light gap coverage to cover the window completely. The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount. [/tab] [tab id=”tab3″] Inside Mounts   Inside mount vertical blinds are installed inside a window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. The window casing must be at least 2-3/4″ deep for track flush mount or 3-3/4″ deep for louvers flush mount. Otherwise, an angle bracket may be necessary.

1. Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places (Top, Middle and Bottom). Record the narrowest measurement.
2. Measure the exact height in three different places (Left, Centre and Right) from top edge of opening to bottom, or top edge of sill if there is one. Record the shortest measurement.

Note: Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit. Outside Mounts Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

1. Measure the exact width of window, including frame if there is one. Add 3″ for each side (6″ total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
2. A) Measure height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3″ to allow for adequate mounting area above the window. B) If the blind extends to floor (i.e., to cover patio door), measure height in three places, take the smallest measurement and deduct at least 1/2″ for clearance so the louvers don’t touch the floor.

  Note: The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.   [/tab] [/tabs] Please refer to the Shade Works Window Fashions Measurement Guide prior to placing your order. For any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a member of the Shade Works team via email at help@shadeworks.ca