Seeking advice on picking the perfect width for your roller shade? Wondering if adding extra 3 to 4 inches to the width of your roller shade would improve the form and function of your window treatment? It depends on the mounting style and other factors.
While an inside mount requires you to cut the fabric precisely according to the measure, an outside mount style allows for extra 3” to 7” or more to both the width and height of the fabric material.
Most homeowners don’t give much thought to the size of their window treatment, but did you know there is actually a science to it?
Keeping the roller shade fabric wider than the window will give optimum light control and privacy.
Extending the blinds outside the window frame will provide space needed for the mounting hardware and help your window appear larger than it actually is.
Put it another way, if you want to keep your window covering wider than the window opening, a roller shade will be the right choice, as it can be made to fit any width.
What is a Roller Shade?
Roller shades (also called roll-up blinds or rollers) roll up neatly at the top of your window when raised to make it look sleeker, and decorate your window with beautiful fabric when lowered.
Rollers are available in a wide range of widths, from 15” to over 100”. Width can also be in the fraction of an inch, such as ⅛”, ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, ¾”, and ⅞”. Their height varies from 24” to 120” or more.
Various functional variants of roll-up shades include light filtering, blackout, sheer, and solar rollers.
Benefits of Wider Roller Shades for Your Home
Wider roll-up window covers offer several benefits over traditional narrower ones.
Greater Coverage & Control
They provide greater coverage of your window, thus blocking out more light and UV radiation. So, wider roller blinds are an ideal choice for rooms with a lot of sun exposure.
Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
If you are looking to create a more relaxed and dim atmosphere in your room, we recommend a roller shade 3 to 4 inches wider than the window, so 6” to 8” total.
Make Small Windows Look Bigger
Have smaller windows in your spacious room? They can be made to look bigger with larger and taller roller shades. This optical illusion can also be helpful in making your cramped spaces appear more open and airy.
More Stylish
Wider roller shades tend to be more stylish and modern looking than their narrower counterparts. So, they are a perfect choice for homes with a contemporary aesthetic.
3 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Width
There is no definitive answer to the question: “Should a roller shade be wider than a window?” It depends on the factors like:
- Size and shape of your window
- Style of your room
- Your personal preference
Note: Home decor experts usually recommend adding at least 3 inches to each side of the fabric (total 6 inches). This will allow for sufficient light control, privacy, and insulation.
Various Types of Wider Blinds to Choose From
Roller Shade: If you want to keep your blinds wider than the window, a roller shade should be your first priority. They come with custom size to fit any width, so you can easily buy an affordable blind that’s wider than your window.
Another advantage of wider roller shades is that they are easy to operate, which makes them a great choice for busy households.
Roman Shade:
Another good option is a wider Roman blind. Made with attractive designs, colorful patterns, and fold styles (soft fold, flat fold, front slat fold, etc.), so they can add a bit of style to your room. Plus, like their roller counterparts, Roman shades are available in a variety of widths, so you can find one that’s just right for your space.
Venetian Blind:
Homeowners and business owners also opt for wider Venetian blinds. Made from horizontal slats of wood or metal, they can be adjusted to let in just the right amount of light. Also, they are available in lots of sizes to fit the decor and functional needs of your room.
Pleated Shade:
A pleated shade consists of fabric panels that are pleated to create a convex or concave shape. It can be lowered or raised to cover or uncover the window opening. Wider pleated shades are easily available.
How to Measure for Wider Roller Shades
Follow these DIY Steps:
Accurately Measure Window
Measure the width of your window at 3 places, i.e., top, middle, and bottom, and record the largest value.
Add Extra Width
Based on the value of your window’s width, add the desired amount of extra width. For example, if the window is 72 inches wide, add at least 3 inches to it, and order blinds that are 75 inches wide.
Consider Decorative Trim
When measuring for wider window treatments, take into account any decorative trim around your window that might interfere with the covers. If there’s a lot of trim, order roller shades that’re even wider to ensure proper fit.
How to Install Wider Roll-ups?
Here is a quick DIY guide to installing your new wider roll-up shades.
Choose the Right Location: Choose a location (internally or externally) for your wider roller shades where there isn’t direct sunlight or drafts.
Measure Width and Height: Carefully measure both the width and height of your window to get the right size of roller blinds.
Install the Bracket: Drill holes for screws on the wall on the top of the window frame and install brackets that will hold the roller tube and fabric in place.
Snap the Rollers into Brackets: Once the mounting brackets are in place, simply snap the wider roller window coverings into them.
Adjust Cord Tension or Cordless Control System: If your window covers are corded, adjust the tension on the cords, so they’ll roll up and down smoothly. In the case of a motorized or cordless control system, just make it functional.
FAQs
Should roller blinds be wider than the window?
Yes, add a few inches to each side of your exact-fit roller blinds for better coverage, more privacy, greater decorative touch, and less chances of sunlight leaking through around the edges. An outside mount will allow you to keep the blinds wider and taller than the window opening.
Should blinds be the exact width of the window?
The answer is yes, if you choose an inside mount. If your new blinds are to be hung inside the recess, they should be as close to the exact width of the window as possible. But add a small margin – or make a small deduction – to enable the blinds to freely roll up or down without catching at the sides.
How wide should roller blinds be?
Measure the exact outside width of your window opening across the top, middle, and bottom, and write down the largest value. Some decor experts recommend adding an extra 70 to 80 mm to each side of the measurement you took, to get your bracket to bracket width. These extra mm means your window covers won’t let light seep in down the sides.
What if my roller blinds are too wide?
A simpler answer is: “Cut them to size”. If your roller blinds are too wide for the window opening, take the measurements of your window’s width, mark them out on your blinds, and cut away the excess fabric with a pair of scissors.
Still Unsure?
Confused whether you should add extra inches to your roller shades – if yes, how many? Contact our DIY experts for more practical tips and solutions. Use 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 now.