How To: Measuring Your Windows

Should I install the shade inside the window, or outside the window frame?

Whether to fit your shades inside the window frame or outside to overlap the frame is, for the most part, a personal preference.
What sort of look do you want to achieve?

    

Outside mounted roman shade

Inside mount Alustra Woven Textures Roller  shade

 

Duette with drapery panels & valance

A few points to keep in mind, that may help you choose an inside mount:

- Inside mounted shades easily allow for additional treatments if desired, such as drapery panels and decorative valances or cornices.

- Insulating & energy-efficient shades such as Duette Architella are most effective as an inside mount.

- Shades mounted inside the frame in many cases give a more custom and tailored appearance.

- Deep sills can work better with inside mounts.

Outside mounted Luminette 

The most common installation type is inside mount but there are several situations where an outside mount could be preferred.  There are some points that may lead you towards an outside mount:

- To help with light blocking (though there are options for inside mount light blocking as well!)
- Insufficient depth for an inside mount.
- Cover or hide trim, or if there is no trim.
- Obstructions (cranks, locks etc.) can occasionally necessitate an outside mount.
- Sliding patio doors often work well with outside mount shades.
- Many vertically oriented shades are more suited to an outside mount

While you can contact Bruton's Decorating to arrange for a professional to measure your windows, if you'd like to do it yourself, below are some general guidelines:

Measuring For an Inside Mount (IB)

Measuring for inside mount.

Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, middle and bottom. The top measurement is critical because the headrail must fit! Record the actual dimension of the shortest width to the nearest one eighth of an inch. Do not make any deductions to your measurements.

Silhouette shading mounted inside frame.

Measure the height inside the window opening at left, right and center. Record the actual dimension of the shortest height to the nearest one eighth of an inch.

Also measure the window on its diagonals to ensure the window is square. If the two diagonal dimensions are not quite the same, it may be advisable to go with an outside mount for optimal fit, light control and  privacy. The staff at Bruton's can advise you whether this is necessary.

The ordered width should ensure a precise fit for the headrail and allow proper operation of the shade. If widths in the window vary, order the minimum width if necessary to allow the shade to raise and lower properly.

Note: Be sure the window opening is deep enough to install the mounting bracket. The depth required varies with the type of shade, and can be as little as 1/2 an inch!

Measuring For an Outside Mount (OB)

Measuring for outside mount

Measure the desired width and height. To minimize light leakage, the shade should overlap the window opening at least 2" on each side and at the bottom.

Outside mount Applause shades

When measuring the height, take into account the requirements for mounting the bracket attachment. As with inside mount, the space needed for the brackets varies for different types of shades.








Do's, Don'ts & Good Ideas


DO always measure each window; never assume windows are the same size, even if they look to be the same. Every window is unique!
DO use a quality steel tape measure.
                DO measure the width and write it down, then measure the height and write it down.
                DO measure to the nearest eighth of an inch.
DON'T assume a window is square.
DON'T make any deductions from your measurements. Deductions are made by the fabricator, specific to the type of shade and the mounting selected.

The staff at Bruton's are happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Don't hesitate to contact us for advice on how to go about measuring your windows.

Bruton's Decorating  located at 279 10th Street in Hanover,ON

519-364-5080 or toll-free, 1-877-278-8667

office@brutonsdecorating.com

Monday-Friday   9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday             9:00am-4:00pm
Sunday              12:00pm-4:00pm