How to Measure Roman Shade and Curtain Window Treatments

How to Measure Roman Shade and Curtain Window Treatments [Complete Guide]

A Brief on Precision Measurements

My guest today has over 10 years of experience in the window treatment industry and it is his goal toget each one of our windows looking great. Whether you’re installing elegant Roman shades or luxurious curtains, a set of accurate measurement methods can prevent excessive light gaps and enable smooth operation, while providing the look you want. This complete Roman shades and curtains measuring guide will teach you how to measure Roman shades or curtains for an inside mount, as well as outside mounting.

The Inside or Outside Mount Type

When Measuring and hanging window coverings your first decision in your measurement process is deciding whether you want to go with an inside mount or an outside mount. Which Has Its Advantages:

Inside Mount:

Pros: Your window molding takes center stage with a clean, minimalist look.

Notes: Must fit neatly in the window opening. 2 or more inches deep

Outside Mount:

Pros: This is the best way to get as much light as possible and to visually increase the window size.

Bonus Points: Great for too shallow of a window frame or if it is obstructed in some way.

Inside mounts for Roman shades offer a sleek look, as do outside mounts, which will also direct light more efficiently when they extend beyond the window’s framing.

How to measure Roman shades

Step 1: Measuring the Length

Inside Mount: measure the height of the window from top to sill three points (left, center & right ). Make sure the shade will fit inside the frame by measuring to the smaller size. From where the top of the shades will be when you install them (usually 2-3 inches above your window frame) to slightly below the bottom of your window for an outside mount

Step 2: Measuring the Width

When inside mounted, bust out your tape measure and check the width of the window frame at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom; use this narrowest measurement to avoid having a shade that is too wide. Outside mount — 2-3 inches on each side of the window frame, this extra space helps prevent light seepage and gives complete coverage.

Remember: if you need a wide Roman shade, you may have to seam certain widths of fabric together vertically. Common practice in the industry, especially for shades over 50 inches.

graph TD;
A[Choose Mount Type] --> B[Inside Mount];
A --> C[Outside Mount];
B --> D[Measure Width & Height];
C --> E[Measure Extended Area for Coverage];
D --> F[Choose Brackets];
E --> F;
F --> G[Order Custom Roman Shades];

How to Measure for Drapes/Curtains

Step 1: Measuring the Length

For Curtains: In case of curtains, most importantly you decide the area where you would like your curtains to fall. Standard options include:

Above the floor: A standard for cleanliness-suited people

This results to a plush, dramatic and lux folded puddle on the floor.

To Measure: Measure top of the curtain rod to where you want it to hang, for an inch or two longer if the rod will be mounted above your window frame.

Step 2: Measuring the Width

Generally, the width of your curtain should be a minimum of 2 to 3 times the width of your window for fullness. When treating a large window or door, go with extra-wide curtain panels over multiple narrow panels that can detract from the look and feel. Larger panels mean clean sweeps of coverage and a placement of the rod with an addition 12-24 inches beyond the window that improves both form and function.

Heavier fabrics require heavier rods and easy-glide rings in order to prevent bending from the weight, as well as give it an easy glide open or close (Pro Tip).

Roman shades and curtains have a few key considerations:

Window Protrusions: If the sill is protruding from a window, having shades or curtains installed should stop at that level to prevent any interference with opening and closing.

Curtains Fullness Factor: If you want very full, lush curtains multiply the fabric width by two or even three times over the width of your window. This will make your curtains hung down more luxurious and improve insulation and sound guard.

Use grommet-style curtains or add rings on the rod to help heavier fabrics glide smooth across the room.

Wrap Up It Just The Way You Like It

Whether you are dressing every window in the house with elegant Roman shades or hanging theatrical curtains on a wall of large windows, taking exact measurements and considering metallic finishing at least as much detail as your fabric color and print shapes will make your window elements function reliably while supporting the design of your living space. We have great tips and all the info you need to ensure your custom blinds and curtains are not only perfect for your home, but also stylish.

If you follow our tips in this guide, not only can you avoid the usual problems that so often occur with hanging curtains and blinds, but also ensure your new window treatments will last long and truly work in a professional way.