How To Measure for Cellular Shades

Blinds.ca knows that the perfect fit for a beautiful new window treatment all starts with an accurate measurement. If you’re planning a DIY window treatment project, our How to Measure for Cellular Shades guide makes measuring easy!

You can also call our Customer Experience Center for an immediate quote once you have your measurements. Don’t forget you can always Find a Pro in your area to complete the project for you!

Get Professional Assistance

We have professionals waiting to help you with both measuring and installation. Click below or call us at 866-551-3166 to find a local professional.

Getting Started

Helpful Hints Before You Begin Measuring for Shutters:

  • For the most accurate measurements, only use a steel tape measure.
  • Don’t mix up width and height measurements. Always follow the width by height format (W x H) and mark them as such.
  • Measure down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
  • If you’re measuring for more than one window, measure each one individually – never assume that your windows are the same size, even if they look alike.

What You Will Need

  • Steel Tape Measure
  • Step Ladder (if necessary)
  • Pencil

How to Measure for Inside Mount Cellular Shades

Inside mount cellular shades are installed inside the window frame or casing – they provide a sleek, clean look which can showcase your window size and moldings. If you’re interested in measuring for inside mount cellular shades, follow these steps:

  1. Measure the depth of your window frame, from the front of the opening to the glass. You’ll need this measurement to ensure your window recess meets the minimum depth requirement for an inside mount. Refer to the Mounting Requirements section for the cellular shade you’ve chosen to ensure your window meets the requirement for an inside mount.
  2. Measure the width of each window. Record the width at the top, middle and bottom of your window opening. Circle the narrowest measurement of the three – this is the number you submit for your window’s width.
  3. Measure the height of your window opening in three places: left, center and right. Circle the tallest measurement - this is the number you submit for your window’s height.
  4. Order at the exact opening size with no deductions. The factory will take deductions when making your product.
  5. Double check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H).
measuring for inside mount blinds or shades

How to Measure for Outside Mount Cellular Shades

Outside mount cellular shades are mounted on the window molding or wall above your window. Outside mount shades are a good choice if an inside mount is not possible due to window depth or obstructions around the window frame. Outside mount cellular shades will be made at the exact size you specify. Follow these simple steps to measure your windows for outside mount cellular shades:

  1. Check the mounting requirements on your cellular shades to ensure you have enough flat surface for the outside mount.
  2. Determine the width of the cellular shades you want to order. If you have window trim, simply measure to the far edges of the trim from left to right.
  3. If your window has no trim, we recommend adding two inches on each side of your window to provide light gap coverage and privacy. Mark these additions on each side and measure the width between them in a straight line.
  4. Determine the height of the shades you will order. If you have a protruding window sill, start at the sill and measure three inches beyond the top of the window opening to accommodate for mounting hardware.
  5. If you do not have a protruding window sill, we recommend starting your measurement two inches below the sill for maximum coverage and then measure three inches beyond the top of the window opening to accommodate for mounting hardware.
  6. Double check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H). Remember, with outside mount faux wood blinds, your product will be made to the exact specified size.
measuring for outside mount blinds or shades