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Roller shades are a little different in measuring than for most other blinds because the roller shades fabric is actually narrower than the roll mechanism at the top. The fabric is actually 1 3/8” narrower than the top of the roller shades.
To measure for roller shades going inside a window opening, the top width is the most important. Measure the top of the window opening for the width to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. When in doubt, you can round down to the nearest 1/4th of an inch. The factory only takes 1/8th of an inch off on the width for roller shades. For the height, do the same but round up in the height. You can be slightly long on roller shades and the blind will still operate correctly.
If you are going to go over the entire window opening, you need to take in account of the fabric being narrower than the top of the roller shades. If you have the space, three inches added to the width give you plenty of overlap with the roller shades fabric and 4 inches to the height gives you plenty of clearance. These measurements will add overlap on the fabric where there is no light seepage but remember the headrail of the roller shades will be wider by 1 3/8”.
Lawren Gournay is the owner of <a href="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com">Shades, Shutters and Blinds</a>, a leading online seller of blinds and other window treatments.
