Drapery. Roman shades. The finishing details.A home, in its own time.
The Linen Trees

Measuring for Roman shades

First choose where the shade sits: inside the window recess, or outside it on the wall or trim. Each needs a different set of measurements.

Step 1

Check the window first

Use a steel tape and record inches to the nearest ⅛ inch. Label each window and measure it individually. Note handles, cranks, locks, tile, trim and anything that enters the shade’s path.

A Roman shade has its own headrail and lifting mechanism. K-Rail and Architrac curtain tracks are not Roman shade headrails.

Step 2

Inside mount: measure the opening

Measure the inside width at the top, middle and bottom. Record all three and mark the narrowest. Measure inside height at the left, center and right; record all three and mark the longest.

Give exact opening measurements. Do not subtract your own manufacturing allowance. The finished shade will need an approved deduction for clearance.

Measure the unobstructed recess depth at the intended mounting point. Check that the headrail, folded stack and controls will clear the window. Minimum depth and the final deduction for The Linen Trees are still being confirmed; do not assume a flush fit.

Three widths, three heights 123ABC
Record all six readings. Mark the narrowest width and longest height. Do not make your own deductions.

Step 3

Outside mount: measure the coverage

Mark the proposed top mounting line. Measure the total area you want the finished shade to cover, not only the glass. Record that width and the drop from the top line to the intended bottom edge.

Allow overlap beyond the opening where space permits; 2–3 inches at the sides is a starting point, not an automatic addition. Check the available wall or trim and the desired privacy. Outside-mount measurements must already include your chosen overlap.

Allow space above the window for the raised fabric stack if you want more glass exposed. Stack height depends on shade size, fabric and the final headrail; it is not yet a fixed dimension for planning.

Measure the finished coverage Finished coverage widthFinished dropInclude your chosen overlap
Measure from the chosen top mounting line. Include overlap once, not twice.

Step 4

Plan access and safe operation

Record the preferred operating side and any access constraints. Do not infer a control specification from a room photograph. The final Roman control system and child-safety details will be approved before ordering.

Keep beds, cribs and climbable furniture away from window cords. Never leave an accessible cord loop unsecured. If the approved system uses a loop, its supplied tensioning device must be installed and used exactly as instructed; do not operate it with that device missing.

Before you finish

These are planning measurements, not final cut sizes. The published headrail depth, manufacturing deductions and control instructions for The Linen Trees must be available before you order.