How to measure your windows for cellular shades and arches

* These instructions cover the measuring of windows for 3/8" and 3/4" cellular shades and arches.

For windows (inside mount)

Measuring does not have to be done by a professional installer. The technique shown here is the same one that our installers use for our local customers.

Important: Only use a metal tape measure! Don't use a cloth measuring tape

1. measure across the window opening from edge to edge at the top, the middle, then the bottom
2. take the smallest measurement and record that as your "width"
3. measure from top to bottom on the left side and the right side
4. take the biggest measurement and record that as "Height"

IMPORTANT NOTE: The factory will automatically make deductions from either side of inside mounted cellular shades to keep them from rubbing the sides of the window opening. See individual product pages for exact deductions.

For doors (outside mount)

Measuring for doors is a little different. Since the shade will not fit inside the window frame you have the freedom of deciding how wide and how long you want it. Typically, a few inches wider than the window is fine for the width. The headrail occupies about 1-3/4" of space and the bottom rail with hold-downs occupies about 1" so add 1-3/4" to the length for an exact fit. Also, make sure that the shade will not interfere with the door handle. All of our cellular shades optionally come with hold down brackets so the shade will not bounce off the door when you open and close it.

Important tip for outside, door-mounted shades: Put the lift control on the side of the door where the hinges are. This will keep the lift cord from swinging around as the door is opened and closed.

Cellular Arches (perfect arches)

Our cellular arches are referred to as "perfect arches". A perfect arch is exactly half a circle and is always half as high as it is wide. To measure your window for perfect arch you must be sure the window arch is a perfect half-circle. You can do this fairly easily by measuring the width of the window right before the arched section and comparing it to the height of the arch. Hold a straight edge like a piece of wood or a yard stick across the window at the point just before the arch and then measure the center of the window from the straight edge to the top of the arch. If your measurement comes out to one-half of the width and looks to be a perfect arch then your ready to order your arch. Since our arches are a perfect circle you are only required to provide the width when placing your order.

Still have questions?

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