5 Tips for Measuring Your Window for Custom Roller Blinds

When it comes to finding a sleek and affordable window treatment for your home, roller blinds should be at the top of your list. They come in different options and are perfect for anyone looking to make a small splash with their window treatments. Here’s everything you need to know about roller blinds, including how to measure roller shades.

Measuring the Sizes of Roller Shades

Roller shades come in different sizes and widths, so it is important to make sure you know the exact measurement of your window.

To figure out the size you will need; first, you will need to decide whether you want to have your roller shade just inside the window casing or if you want it to hit the outside of the window casing. If you want to have it hit the outside of the window casing, you will need to add the outside mount measurement to both the width and height of the shade. If you want it to be just inside the window casing, then you will need to subtract 1 inch from both the width and height of the shade. This 1 inch is for the top and bottom stops, which are placed along the sides of the window casing.

Measuring the Inside Mount

When measuring your window for a roller shade, it is important to know that it can only be as wide as your window is long. This is because, instead of mounting into a track, like with a corded shade, roller shades loop back on themselves and fit inside the window casing. This is the “inside mount”. 

It is also important to note that the shade can only be as deep as the width of your window is wide because it needs to fit over the top and bottom stops, which are placed along the sides of the window casing.

Measuring the Outside Mount

The outside mount of a roller shade is measured from the top of the window casing, straight down to the bottom of the window casing. It will vary depending on what look you are going for, but in general, if you have wide wood trims, it is a good rule of thumb to have your roller shade at least an inch shorter than the top of your window casing. 

If you have a window casing that is only an inch or two in-depth, it is recommended that you only have your roller shade as high as your window casing is wide. This will give you the most space possible in your window and will look very custom.

Measuring the Headrail

The headrail of a roller shade is measured from the very top of the casing to the bottom of the casing. This can be tricky because most windows are not even, so the casing will not be straight across the top. 

To measure, you can either measure the way the casing is across the top, or you can measure from top to bottom. Then, you can measure from the middle to the bottom and finally subtract the two measurements.

Measuring the Bottom Rail

The bottom rail of a roller shade is measured from the top of the window up to the bottom of the window. This can be tricky because if you mount your roller shade too high, you will lose some length on your window. For example, if you have an 8ft window and you mount your shade six feet up, you will only have two feet of length. 

To avoid this, make sure to measure the inside mount of your shade and then add the appropriate amount of inches to have the shaded loop over the top and bottom stops that you will install on the window casing.

Conclusion

Roller shades are a great way to bring a casual, modern feel to your window without breaking the bank. You can choose from different patterns, different widths and different depths, and they can be made to fit any size window. To find the perfect roller shade for your windows, contact a professional like Shady Blinds today!

Based in Nuneaton, Shady Blinds supplies and install made-to-measure blinds, awnings, shutters and curtains for our clients in the Warwickshire area. Whether you need roof blinds, vertical blinds, or wooden shutters, we have it all for you. Book an appointment today, and we’ll bring our showroom to your location!