Choose an inside mount if you want the shade tucked within the window opening and the frame left visible. Choose an outside mount if you want the shade to overlap the opening, hide an out-of-square frame and block more light. Decide before measuring, because each mount needs different measurements. The depth inside your frame also helps settle the choice.
What does each mount look like?
An inside mount sits within the window opening. It gives the shade a clean, built-in look and leaves the surrounding frame on show. If you like the frame, this keeps it part of the window’s appearance. It also leaves an out-of-square frame visible.
An outside mount is fixed to the wall above the opening. The shade overlaps the opening and hides an out-of-square frame. That overlap also blocks more light. You measure for the area you want the shade to cover, including the overlap.
The fabric style gives you another choice. Zebra shades have alternating sheer and solid bands on one roller. Line the bands up for privacy or offset them for filtered light. A roller blind has one panel of fabric with no bands. Shangri-La shades have soft fabric vanes between two sheer layers. Their chain tilts the vanes open or closed, then rolls the shade up.
How much depth do I need for an inside mount?
Check for at least 2 inches of flat depth inside the frame for the cassette to sit in. Take this step before choosing your mount or entering your measurements.
If you have less than 2 inches, choose an outside mount. It will look better than a cassette that sticks out. Even if you prefer the built-in appearance, the available depth needs to guide the decision.
Think about the frame you want to leave visible, too. An inside mount keeps it exposed. An outside mount gives you overlap to hide an out-of-square opening. The frame’s appearance and its available depth are separate things to check.
How do I measure for an inside mount?
Measure the width first, then the height, always to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. For an inside mount, give us the exact opening measurements. We make the factory deduction ourselves, so do not subtract anything.
Measure the opening’s width at the top, middle and bottom. Write down the narrowest of the three measurements. Windows are rarely square, and that narrowest width is the only one guaranteed to clear the frame. Then measure from the top of the opening to the sill at the left, middle and right. Use the longest height so the shade covers the full drop without a gap at the bottom.
If you are ordering for several windows, measure them all in one pass with the same tape. Measure every opening separately. Keep the width before the height in your notes so you can enter each window’s measurements in the same order.
How do I measure for an outside mount?
Choose the outside mount before taking your measurements. The shade will sit on the wall above the opening and overlap it. Allow at least 2 inches each side and 2 to 3 inches above the opening.
Measure the opening at the top, middle and bottom, and record the narrowest width. Measure from the top of the opening to the sill at the left, middle and right, and record the longest height. Use those opening measurements when allowing for the overlap. Write the finished width first, then the height, to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.
The overlap is part of the shade’s finished size. Keep it in your measurements when you price the window. Measuring only the opening would leave out the extra coverage you chose the outside mount to provide.
How much will my made-to-measure shade cost?
Every shade is priced from the measurements of the window it is for. These are examples of common window sizes. A chain-operated zebra shade at 24 by 48 inches is $150.20. A chain-operated zebra shade at 60 by 60 inches is $361.00. A roller blind at 24 by 48 inches is $103.80. These prices are before tax and include shipping in Canada.
Any shade can be motorized for $115.00 more. One remote costs $50.00 and runs up to 15 shades. A motorized shade has no chain. With chain operation, you choose which side the continuous-loop chain hangs on. We set its drop length in the workshop. The chain is sold shrouded and anchored to the wall with a tension device.
We make your shades to order in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We dispatch within three working days of a confirmed order. Transit time is on top.
What to do next
Choose your mount, measure your window and enter its width and height on our website to see its price. You can order free material samples on the site before buying. If you need installation, our team works within 75 km of Elgin Mills and Yonge in Richmond Hill.
Made to measure in Richmond Hill and shipped free anywhere in Canada. Or ring us on (289) 210-3254.