Inside-mount roller shades look sleek and built-in. They sit neatly within the window frame, show off your trim, and give a room a clean, modern finish. But there is one catch: they only look that good if they fit.
Learning how to measure for inside-mount roller shades takes about ten minutes per window. Skip a step, though, and you could end up with a shade that rubs the frame, leaves wide light gaps, or will not fit at all.
This guide walks you through the exact process, the tools you need, and the mistakes we see most often.
What You Need Before You Measure
- A steel tape measure (cloth tapes stretch and give wrong readings)
- A pencil and notepad, or your phone
- A small step stool for tall windows
Label each window as you go, such as "Kitchen left" or "Bedroom east." It sounds simple, but mixed-up measurements are one of the most common ordering errors.
How to Measure for Inside-Mount Roller Shades, Step by Step
Step 1: Check the Frame Depth
Measure from the front edge of the frame to the glass or any obstruction, such as a window crank. Roller shades need enough depth for the bracket to sit flat. Most need at least 2 inches, though some slim systems need less. If your frame is too shallow, an outside mount may be the better choice.
Step 2: Measure the Width in Three Places
Measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Write down all three, to the nearest eighth of an inch. Use the smallest number. Frames are rarely perfectly straight, and the narrowest point is where the shade must fit.
Step 3: Measure the Height in Three Places
Measure from the top inside of the frame to the sill on the left, centre, and right. This time, use the longest number so the shade reaches the sill everywhere.
Step 4: Do Not Make Deductions
Give your exact measurements. Manufacturers subtract a small amount from the width so the shade clears the frame. If you subtract too, the shade will end up too narrow, with large gaps on each side.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring only once. One width reading can miss a crooked frame.
- Rounding up. Even a quarter inch too wide means the shade will not fit inside.
- Forgetting handles and cranks. Check that the shade can roll down without hitting hardware.
- Ignoring tile or trim edges. In kitchens and bathrooms, tile returns can reduce usable width.
- Measuring the glass instead of the frame. Always measure the opening where the shade will sit.
When to Choose an Outside Mount Instead
Inside mounts are not right for every window. Choose an outside mount if your frame is too shallow, very uneven, or if you need maximum darkness. An outside-mounted blackout roller shade overlaps the frame and blocks the light that slips around the edges.
The same steps apply to zebra shades and silhouette shades, though silhouette shades often need more depth. Skylight shades have their own process, so we recommend a professional measure for those.
Not sure you want to measure yourself? At My Home Blinds, our team will measure every window for free during your consultation and guarantee the fit. It is part of the customer service our clients count on, along with high-end products and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gap is normal on an inside-mount roller shade?
A small gap of about a quarter to half an inch on each side is normal. It lets the fabric roll freely without rubbing the frame.
Should I measure in inches or centimetres?
Either works. Just stay consistent and note which one you used for every window.
What if my three width measurements are very different?
A difference of more than half an inch means the frame is out of square. An outside mount may give a better result.
Can motorized roller shades be inside-mounted?
Yes. Most motorized roller shades fit inside the frame, though some motors need slightly more depth.
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