How to Measure for Roman Shades: Inside vs Outside Mount
Inside Mount: The Sleek, Integrated Look
An inside mount means your Roman shade will fit perfectly within the window frame. This is a popular choice for homeowners who want to highlight beautiful window casing or achieve a clean, modern aesthetic. When done correctly, an inside mount feels like an integrated part of the architecture, providing a tidy and sophisticated appearance. To ensure your shade fits exactly, you must measure the width of your window in three places: the top, the middle, and the bottom. Always use the narrowest of these three measurements as your primary width. This ensures the shade won't rub against the frame when it's being raised or lowered, even if your window is slightly out of square, which is quite common.
For the height, measure from the inside top of the window frame down to the sill. Unlike the width, you don't need to take multiple measurements for the height—just the one that reaches the sill is sufficient. When ordering an inside mount, manufacturers will typically make a small deduction of about 1/4 inch from each side (for a total of 1/2 inch) to allow for smooth operation and prevent the fabric from fraying against the frame. Do not make these deductions yourself; provide the exact window measurements and let the experts handle the technicalities. Providing the manufacturer with your raw measurements is the safest way to ensure the final product is built to their specific tolerance standards.
Outside Mount: Maximum Coverage and Versatility
Outside mounting involves installing your Roman shade on the wall above the window or directly onto the window molding. This approach is highly versatile and is the go-to solution for windows that aren't deep enough for an inside mount or for windows with aesthetic flaws you'd like to conceal. To measure for an outside mount, start with the width of the window frame itself. It is recommended to add 3 to 4 inches to each side (for a total of 6 to 8 extra inches). This additional width ensures that the entire window is covered, which significantly improves privacy and prevents annoying light leaks from the edges. It also creates a more grand, expansive look for the window area.
For the height, measure from the point where you intend to mount the shade—usually 2 to 3 inches above the window frame or even higher if you want to create an illusion of height—down to approximately 3 to 4 inches below the window sill. This overlap provides a complete, finished look and ensures that the shade effectively blocks out external light when closed, making it ideal for bedrooms or media rooms. If your window has no sill, you can extend the height even further down for an elegant floor-to-ceiling appearance that makes the entire wall feel taller. When calculating your final outside mount dimensions, remember to factor in the total size of the headrail and the stacked fabric so you don't accidentally block more of the window than you intended.
How to Choose Between Inside and Outside Mount
The decision between an inside and outside mount often comes down to both functionality and style. The most important technical factor is the depth of your window frame. For an inside-mounted Roman shade, you generally need at least 2 inches of depth for the headrail to sit flush within the frame. If your windows are shallow or have obstructions like cranks, handles, or deep molding, an outside mount will be necessary. Outside mounts are also superior for blackout needs because they eliminate the small gaps that are inherent to inside-mounted shades. This makes them the preferred choice for those who are sensitive to light when sleeping.
From an aesthetic perspective, an inside mount is sleek and unobtrusive, making it ideal for minimalist or contemporary spaces where clean lines are a priority. On the other hand, an outside mount can be used strategically to hide unattractive window frames or to make a small window appear much larger and more imposing. Consider the overall style of your room—if you have beautiful, ornate trim that you want to show off, an inside mount is the way to go. If your trim is plain or damaged, an outside mount can cover it up beautifully while adding a layer of fabric and texture to your walls. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your window's physical limitations and the visual impact you want to create.
Stacked Fabric Allowance and Special Cases
One unique aspect of Roman shades is the 'stack.' Unlike roller shades that disappear into a tube, Roman shades fold up on themselves when raised. This stack of fabric will naturally block a portion of the window's view even when the shade is fully open. Typically, the stacked fabric will take up about 20% to 30% of the shade's total drop. This is an important consideration for windows with a great view. If keeping your view completely clear is a priority, consider an outside mount that is installed high enough above the window so the stack sits on the wall rather than the glass. This 'high mount' technique is a favorite among interior designers for maximizing both light and style.
Special windows, such as arched or bay windows, require a bit more attention. For an arched window, a Roman shade is usually mounted just below the arch, or a custom sunburst shade can be used for the top portion. For bay windows, treat each section as an individual window, but be careful with the measurements in the corners where the facets meet. Ensure that the outside-mounted shades won't bump into each other in the corners. If you're unsure about measuring for an unusual window shape or a particularly large expanse, taking a photo and sending it to the manufacturer for advice is always a smart move. With the right measurements and consideration of the stack height, your Roman shades will provide years of beauty and function, perfectly tailored to your home's unique needs.
Shop Curtains from Joydrape
Ready to find the perfect curtains? Browse our collection and order a free swatch before you commit.
