Measuring windows for zebra shades is easy and painless. Let’s make it easier and more accurate for a first-time perfect fit with some quick tips!

Before You Start Measuring for Zebra Shades

  • Use a steel measuring tape for better accuracy and control.
  • If the size is on 1/8, narrow down the recorded measurement to the nearest 1/8” increment.
  • Keep in mind to take measurements at 3 different places for each width and height.
  • To avoid mixing up values, always use the width by height format (W x H).
  • Measure the window frame itself – and not the existing zebra shades – for a perfect fit.
  • Don’t forget to check the depth of your window for inside mount zebra shades.
  • There’re different measurement procedures for inside mount and outside mount zebra shades.

Tools You’ll Need

  • A steel measuring tape
  • Pen/pencil
  • A piece of paper
  • Step ladder (if needed)

Choose Outside or Inside Mount

Decide if you want to install your zebra shades inside the window frame or casing (Inside Mount) or above and around the window frame (Outside Mount).

Inside Mount Zebra Shades

  • Give a sleeker, cleaner, and more curb appeal to your window treatment.
  • Get better energy efficiency, light control, insulation, and privacy.
  • Highly recommended for windows with sufficient depth.

Outside Mount Zebra Shades

  • Give a bigger look to your window by covering area beyond the window opening.
  • Improve privacy and light control by eliminating or minimizing light gaps.
  • Highly recommended for windows with insufficient depth or square shape.

Measuring for Inside Mount Zebra Shades

Width

  • Measure width across the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame or casing.
  • Use the smallest/narrowest measurement as the actual width of your window.
  • For example, if the width measurements are 36 inches at the top, 36 inches in the middle, and 35 5/8 inches at the bottom, use 35 5/8 inches value when shopping zebra shades.

Height

  • Measure the height top down on the left, middle, and right.
  • Use the largest/tallest measurement as the actual height of your window.
  • For example, if the height measurements are 62 inches on left, 62 inches in the middle, and 62 1/8 inches on the right, use 62 1/8” measurement when ordering zebra shades.

Depth

  • Check and measure the depth of window frame or casing.
  • Measure the depth of the window frame from the glass to the front of the window opening.
  • Read product specifications to check if your window’s recess meets minimum depth or mounting surface requirements for inside mount zebra shades.

Note: 

  • Don’t make any deductions. We’ll do it for you at the factory.
  • If your window’s recess does not meet the minimum depth or mounting surface requirements for an inside mount, go for outside mount zebra shades.

Measuring for Outside Mount Zebra Shades

Width

  • Measure width across the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame or casing.
  • Use the largest/tallest measurement as the actual width of your window.
  • For example, if the width measurements are 32 inches at top, 32 inches in the middle, and 32 1/8 inches at the bottom, use 32 1/8 inches value when buying zebra shades.
  • Add 3 to 4” to the width for maximum light coverage.

Height

  • Measure top down on the left, middle, and right.
  • Use the largest/tallest measurement as the actual height of your window.
  • For example, if the height measurements are 64 inches on left, 64 inches in the middle, and 64 1/8 inches on the right, use 64 1/8” measurement when shopping zebra shades.
  • Add 2 to 3” above the top of the window frame for the mounting hardware.
  • Add 2 to 3” additional length to the bottom for better light control, insulation, and curb appeal.

Depth

  • You don’t need to measure window’s depth or recess for outside mount zebra shades.

Note

  • No deductions/additions will be made at the factory for outside mount window treatments.
  • Make sure you have enough flat surface on the window molding or wall above your window for the mounting hardware of the product.
  • If you have a protruding window sill, start measuring at the window sill without adding additional length to the bottom.

For Further Guidance on Window Size Measurements for Zebra Shades

  • Use 24/7 Live Chat option to seek free guidance from experts.