Roman Blind Measuring Guide for Custom Roman Shades
Learn how to measure roman blinds for inside mount and outside mount installation.
This guide helps you measure width, height, recess depth, window clearance, and finished blind size before placing a custom order.
Roman blind measuring guide – Inside Mount vs Outside Mount
Inside Mount
Outside Mount
Outward-opening window
Inward-opening windowt
Sliding window
Inside Mount vs Outside Mount for Roman Blinds
Before measuring, choose whether your roman blind will be installed inside the window recess or outside the window frame.
The right mounting style depends on your window type, recess depth, clearance, and the level of light control or privacy you want.
Inside Mount
Inside Mount: Installed inside the window recess for a clean, built-in, and tailored look.
This option works best when the recess depth is sufficient and there is enough clearance for the blind to operate smoothly.
Window type notice:
Inside Mount is best suited for sliding or outward-opening windows.
For inward-opening or tilt & turn windows, please check the clearance carefully to make sure the blind will not interfere when the window opens.
Outside Mount
Outside Mount: Installed on the wall or above the window frame for better coverage.
This option is ideal when the recess depth is limited, or when you want to cover trims, gaps, uneven edges, and improve light control and privacy.
Inside Mount (Recess Fit) Measuring Guide for Roman Blinds
This inside mount measuring method is designed for custom Roman blinds and can also be used as a general reference for roller blinds, honeycomb shades, and similar window coverings.
Best for:
Fitting the blind inside the window recess for a clean, built-in look.
Window type notice:
Inside Mount is ideal for sliding or outward-opening windows.
For inward-opening or tilt & turn windows, please check that the blind will not interfere with the window when it opens.
1) Blind Width (W)
▪ W = Inside width of the window recess
▪ Measure left to right inside the recess.
▪ Take measurements at top / middle / bottom.
Use the smallest measurement as W, as window recesses are not always perfectly straight.
Clearance note:
To ensure smooth operation, a small clearance may be required.
If you are unsure, submit your measurements and we will confirm the best finished blind size before production.
2) Blind Height / Drop (H)
▪ H = Inside height / drop of the window recess
▪ Measure from the top inside edge of the recess down to the sill or bottom inside edge.
▪ Take measurements at left / centre / right.
▪ Use the smallest measurement as H for a safe fit.
Hardware & obstacles note:
If there is a handle, latch, sensor, or any hardware inside the recess, please allow the required clearance so the blind will not rub or hit the obstacle.
3) Recess Depth (D)
▪ D = Depth of the window recess
▪ Measure from the front edge of the frame back to the deepest point.
Minimum depth requirement:
▪ D ≥ 5 cm / 2 inches (depth requirements may vary by blind system)
▪ If D < 5 cm / 2 inches, we recommend Outside Mount for the best result.
Quick Tip
If your window recess is uneven, which is common in older homes, always follow the smallest width and smallest height measurements to avoid fitting issues.
Tiled Recess Tip (Kitchens & Bathrooms)
If your window recess is partially tiled, the space between the tiles is often the narrowest point.
Please measure the width between the tiles to make sure your blind/shade will fit.
In these situations, brackets are often installed using top-fix (ceiling mount) or face-fix (wall mount). Our brackets are universal for both methods, so no extra hardware is required.
Outside Mount Measuring Guide for Roman Blinds
This outside mount measuring method is designed for custom Roman blinds and can also be used as a general reference for roller blinds, honeycomb shades, and similar window coverings.
Best for:
Outside mount installation on the wall or above the window frame. It provides better coverage, improved light blocking, and can make the window look visually larger.
1) Measure the Width (W)
▪ Measure the full outside width of the window frame, from the left edge to the right edge.
▪ Record this measurement as W.
Recommended Finished Width:
Finished Width = W + 20 cm / 8 inches
This adds about 10 cm / 4 inches on each side for better coverage and a neater appearance.
2) Measure the Height (H)
▪ Measure the outside height of the window frame, from top to bottom.
▪ Record this measurement as H.
Optional Finished Height:
Finished Height = H + 10–20 cm / 4–8 inches
▪ Add 10 cm / 4 inches for a cleaner look.
▪ Add 20 cm / 8 inches for more coverage and better light control.
Tip
If you want maximum privacy and stronger light blocking, choose +20 cm / 8 inches at the bottom.
Roman Shade Installation Guide
1.Measure and mark with a pencil.
2. Drill a hole at the marked point with a power drill.
3. Insert the wall plug into the drilled hole.
4. Secure the mounting bracket with screws.
5A. Top-Fixing: Secure the bracket to the ceiling with screws.
5B. Face-Fixing: Secure the bracket to the side wall with screws.
5C. Snap the headrail into the brackets until it clicks. Installation complete.
Measuring Guide FAQ
1) Should I choose Inside Mount or Outside Mount?
Inside Mount gives a clean built-in look but requires enough recess depth and clearance. Outside Mount offers better coverage and is best if the recess is shallow or you want improved light control and privacy.
2) My window is inward-opening (tilt & turn). Can I do Inside Mount?
Sometimes yes, but you must check clearance. If the blind/shade may interfere when the window opens, choose Outside Mount or allow extra clearance.
3) What if my recess is not perfectly square?
Measure in three places (top/middle/bottom for width; left/centre/right for height). Use the smallest measurement for a safe fit.
4) Do I need to deduct a clearance for Inside Mount?
A small clearance is usually needed for smooth operation. If you’re unsure, submit your measurements and we’ll confirm the best fit.
5) My recess is partially tiled—what should I measure?
Measure the narrowest point, often the width between tiles, to ensure the blind/shade will fit.
6) What if there’s a handle, latch, or hardware inside the recess?
Allow enough clearance so the blind/shade won’t rub or hit the hardware. If unsure, send us a photo and your measurements.
7) For Outside Mount, how much extra should I add?
We recommend +10cm each side for width (Finished Width = W + 20cm). For height, you can add +10–20cm at the bottom depending on your preferred coverage.
8) I’m not sure about my measurements—what should I do?
No worries. Send us your width/height (and a photo if possible), and we’ll help confirm the correct size before you order.