Measuring Instructions

Measuring for cellular shades requires attention to detail, the ability to read a measuring tape and a degree of organization - however, by itself it is not a complicated process. Having said that, I need to stop here and remind you that your order is custom-built to the specifications you provide and cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded or any reason other than those related to the quality of craftsmanship employed and/or components used.

The Basics

• Always use a steel measuring tape
• Always round down to the nearest 1/8th of an inch
• Always measure the opening and not the existing window coverings
• When providing your dimensions always list/record the width first
• Never take your own deductions for inside mounted shades

Choose Inside or Outside Mount

Before taking any measurements, step back from your window and decide if you want to mount the window treatment inside the window recess or outside on the wall or molding.

Whenever possible we recommend inside mount because it is more energy efficient and because it offers a more finished look.

The main concern here is whether or not the shade can be installed fully recessed within the opening (flush mount) or if part of it will project out from the opening because there's just enough depth to install the brackets (shallow mount). The chart below provides the mounting depth requirements for all lift systems offered and shades ordered with and/or without the ComforTrack Sidetrack.

Installation Video

At this point if you've decided that inside mount is the best way to go, you can skip the additional instructions below and simply watch the video. Although the video is labeled "ComforTrack Installation" it is still worth watching because the instructions for measuring/installation are the same even if you don't order the sidetracks. For outside mount shades or specialty shades scroll down for detailed instructions.

Measuring Instructions

Inside Mount

Inside Mount Width:
Measure the opening at three different places (top, middle, bottom) and use the narrowest dimension rounded down to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Do Not take your own deductions because the factory will make the shade narrower so it will not rub against the window casing.

Inside Mount Height:
Measure the height of the window from the top (soffit) down to the sill in three places (left, center, right) and use the smallest dimension rounded down to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.

Outside or Ceiling Mount:
Measure the exact height and width of the area to be covered. It is recommended that the shades overlap the window by at least 1-1/2" on each side. When installation has no sill, allow the shade to overlap the bottom of the window casing by at least 1-1/2".

Note Re: ComforTrack Sidetracks:
The widest width of the window cannot exceed the narrowest width of the window by more than 1/4".

Skylight Shades

Skylight Shades are for inside mount only and so the measuring instructions are the same as what is detailed above. As is the case with the horizontal shades you do need to make sure you have adequate mounting depth for either a shallow mount (just enough to mount the brackets) or a flush mount (shade fully recessed inside the window opening).

Required Mounting Surfaces

Soprano
• Minimum Shallow Mount: 1-1/2"
• Minimum Flush Mount: 3"

Balcony
• Minimum Shallow Mount: 1-1/4"
• Minimum Flush Mount: 2-11/16"

• The widest width of the window cannot exceed the narrowest width of the window by more than 3/8".

Window Arches

The stationary or operable Starburst Arches are available for inside or outside mount and are available as perfect arches (1/2 circles) only. A perfect arch or 1/2 circle is when the the height is equal to 1/2 the width.

Inside Mount
Measure inside the opening from left edge to right edge down to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Then in the center of the opening measure the height.

Outside Mount
Measure the area to be covered.

Required Mounting Surfaces
• Minimum Shallow Mounting Surface: 3/4"
• Minimum Flush Inside Mounting Surface: 2"
• Minimum Outside Mounting Surface: 3/4"