How to Measure for Outside Mount Shades
Outside mount shades are installed on the wall above the window frame rather than within it, covering the frame entirely and extending beyond it on all sides. This mounting style is ideal for windows with limited depth, windows without attractive trim, or any room where maximum light blocking is a priority, since the shade can extend well beyond the frame to eliminate light gaps at the edges.
This guide walks you through exactly how to measure for Shade Love's outside mount shades.
The Key Difference Between Outside Mount and Inside Mount Measurements
Outside mount measurements work differently from inside mount in two important ways. First, you measure the outside of the frame rather than the inside. Second, you round up rather than down, and then add extra width to ensure full coverage. The goal is a shade that is larger than the window opening, not one that fits within it.
Not sure which mount is right for your windows? Explore our inside mount measuring guide.
Step 1: Measure the Outside Width
Measure the outside width of your window frame, from the outer left edge to the outer right edge, at three points: the top, the middle, and the bottom.
Record all three measurements and use the largest of the three. Round up to the nearest ⅛ of an inch.
Then add 2 to 4 inches to your measurement, 1 to 2 inches on each side. This overlap ensures your window is fully covered and no light shows through the edges of the shade.
Why add extra width? Unlike inside mount shades, which fit within the frame, outside mount shades need to extend beyond the window opening on both sides to block light effectively. The extra width also creates the visual impression of a larger window.
Step 2: Measure the Outside Height and Mounting Height
Measure the outside height of your window frame, from the top edge to the bottom edge, at three points: the left side, the center, and the right side.
Record all three measurements and use the largest of the three. Round up to the nearest ⅛ of an inch.
Then determine your mounting height; the distance from the top of the window frame to where you plan to mount the shade bracket on the wall above. Shade Love recommends a minimum mounting height of 5 to 6 inches above the top of the frame.
Why mount above the frame? Mounting higher above the window frame makes the window appear taller and gives the room a more elevated, finished look. It also allows the shade to stack above the glass when raised, maximizing the amount of natural light that enters the room.
Your final height measurement is the outside height of the window plus your chosen mounting height above the frame.
Entering Your Measurements
Once you have your final width and height, including the added overlap and mounting height, you're ready to configure your shade. Enter these dimensions directly into the Shade Love configurator. Unlike inside mount shades, no automatic deduction is applied to outside mount orders since the shade is made to the exact dimensions you specify.
Ready to configure? Design your custom roller shades, Roman shades, or woven wood shades.
FAQs
Q: What is an outside mount shade?
A: An outside mount shade is installed on the wall above the window frame, covering the frame and surrounding wall area rather than sitting within the frame. This creates a larger visual presence and allows the shade to extend beyond the window opening on all sides, which improves light blocking and makes windows appear larger.
Q: When should I choose outside mount over inside mount?
A: Outside mount is the better choice when your window frame is less than 2½ inches deep, when your window trim is not attractive and you prefer to cover it, when maximum light blocking is a priority, or when you want to make a small window appear larger. Inside mount is better for showcasing attractive window trim and creating a recessed, architectural look.
Q: How much wider should an outside mount shade be than the window?
A: Shade Love recommends adding 2 to 4 inches to your window width, 1 to 2 inches on each side, to ensure full coverage and prevent light from showing through the edges of the shade.
Q: How high above the window should an outside mount shade be installed?
A: Shade Love recommends a minimum mounting height of 5 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame. Mounting higher, up to 10 or 12 inches above the frame, makes windows appear taller and allows the shade to stack above the glass when fully raised, letting in maximum natural light.
Q: Do I round up or round down for outside mount measurements?
A: Round up to the nearest ⅛ of an inch for outside mount shades. This is the opposite of inside mount, where you round down. For outside mount, a slightly larger shade is preferable to one that is too small to cover the window fully.
Q: What is the difference between inside mount and outside mount shades?
A: Inside mount shades sit within the window frame, creating a recessed, clean look that highlights the window architecture. Outside mount shades are installed on the wall above and around the frame, covering it entirely. Outside mount offers better light blocking, works for shallow frames, and can make windows appear larger. Inside mount works best for deep frames with attractive trim.
