Roman shade measuring guide

Measure the window before you customize

Choose the mount, record the opening in several places, and keep the numbers with a clear window photo. The selected product page remains the source of truth for required depth, deductions, clearances, and available sizes.

Bright room with a woven Roman shade installed over a window

Prepare four things before measuring

  • Metal tape measureUse one unit throughout and keep the tape level.
  • Window photosCapture the full opening, trim, sill, handles, and nearby obstructions.
  • Product pageConfirm the exact mount, control, depth, and sizing rules offered for that shade.
  • Written recordLabel every window separately and repeat each measurement.

Step 1

Choose inside or outside mount first

The mount changes where you measure. Do not assume that every Roman shade uses the same recess depth, deduction, or bracket clearance.

Inside mount Roman shade placed within the window opening INSIDE MOUNT

Inside mount

The shade sits within the opening for a built-in appearance.

  • Measure the clear internal opening, not only the trim label.
  • Check handles, locks, screens, and frame projections.
  • Confirm minimum depth and deduction handling on the selected product page.
Outside mount Roman shade covering the window opening and trim OUTSIDE MOUNT

Outside mount

The shade covers the opening and may cover part or all of the trim.

  • Choose the finished coverage area before recording width and height.
  • Check wall, trim, handle, and sill clearances across the full travel path.
  • Confirm bracket placement and available finished sizes on the selected product page.

Step 2

Record width and height in several places

Windows can be out of square. Keep all readings and apply the exact sizing rule shown for the product and mount you select.

Window width measured across the top, middle, and bottom WIDTH: TOP · MIDDLE · BOTTOM
Width

Measure top, middle, and bottom

  • Keep the tape horizontal and measure the opening at all three positions.
  • Record every result instead of rounding or averaging.
  • Use the product-page rule to determine which reading becomes the order width.
  • Do not make a factory deduction unless the selected product explicitly instructs you to do so.
Window height measured at the left, center, and right HEIGHT: LEFT · CENTER · RIGHT
Height

Measure left, center, and right

  • Keep the tape vertical and record the full distance at all three positions.
  • For outside mount, measure the planned finished coverage rather than the glass alone.
  • Confirm sill, trim, crank, handle, and furniture clearance.
  • Use the selected product's height and mount rules before entering a custom size.

Step 3

Check the details that affect fit and operation

Measurements are only one part of the order. Pair them with the exact mount, hardware, fabric, lining, and control configuration.

Frame and trim

Note uneven surfaces, projections, decorative trim, and the planned bracket surface.

Product specification

Confirm depth, clearances, deductions, size limits, and included hardware on the selected product.

Control and travel

Check handle, lock, screen, sill, and nearby furniture across the shade's full path.

Repeat and label

Measure twice, keep each window separate, and recheck the selected unit before checkout.

Tape measure on neutral fabric as a reminder to record the exact window size
Step 4

Review before entering a custom size

  • Correct window and room label.
  • Inside or outside mount selected intentionally.
  • Width and height checked against the product's sizing rules.
  • Depth, deductions, clearances, controls, lining, and power options confirmed on the product page.
  • Photos and measurements saved with the order record.

Product-specific instructions prevail. If any opening is unusual or a required specification is unclear, pause before ordering and contact Fredesigner support with photos and measurements.

Download measuring worksheet & pre-install checklist (PDF)
For planning only; use your product manual for installation.

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