Measuring for Cellular or Pleated Shades

How to Measure: Cellular and Pleated ShadesPrint Now

Instructions for:

Bamboo Shades (aka woven wood blinds), Cellular Shades, Roman Shades, Sheer Shades, Pleated Shades 

Items Required:

  • Writing tool and paper.
  • A measuring tape in inches with a minimum 1/8" increment. (metal measuring tape is the best for accuracy)

First you will need to decide if you want the shade to be inside or outside mount.  An inside mount will go within a recess or framework and will highlight an attractive molding or window.  Outside mounts will hang outside the opening of a recess, either on the frame or above and beyond the frame.  If you outside mount, you can make a window appear larger or hide an unattractive window.

Inside Mount Outside Mount

Outside Mount

If you are mounting your blinds directly to the frame of the window, measure the exact width and height of the wood frame itself, from outer edge to outer edge.  Or, for maximum privacy and light control, go above and beyond the window frame.  We recommend adding between 3” and 6” to your width measurement.  Also add 2” to your height measurement to allow enough room for the mounting brackets above the opening.

There will be no additions or deductions made to your outside mount specifications.

Inside Mount

When mounting inside of a window, there must be enough depth to accommodate the mounting brackets. To view the specific depth requirements of your product, on the product page click the tab in the lower part of the screen that says 'Details' 


A flush mount means that the shade will be fully recessed within your window if you have the amount required by the specific product you are selecting.  If you have less than the flush mount requirements or the minimum depth requirements, then your blind will protrude a bit beyond the frame of the window.  If you have less than the minimum depth requirement, you will not be able to mount inside the window.  You will want to consider an outside mount.

Measure the width in several places, as windows are often not even from side to side.  We recommend taking at least three measurements for the width-top, middle, and bottom.  Write down those three measurements and circle the smallest one.  That will become the width measurement that you provide.

Measure the height in several places as windows are often not even from top to bottom.  We recommend taking at least three measurements for the height- left, middle, and right.  Write down those three measurements and circle the largest one.  That will become the height measurement that you provide.

Do not make any deductions or additions to those exact measurements, as our factory will do this for you.  Most deductions are between 3/8” and ½”, depending upon the product you choose and the options that you add on.  If you want to know the exact deduction that will be made on your shade, give one of our Customer Support Specialists a call Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm EST.  Or, you can send us an email via contact us form .Please note that a +/- 1/8” tolerance is considered normal. 

Paylessdecor.com /
Payless Decor 6580-C Jimmy Carter Blvd 30071 United States Peachtree Corners
1-800-925-4635 po@paylessdecor.com