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Measurement Guide
Measure With Confidence — We'll Review Before Production
You do not need to be a shutter expert to start your quote request. Measure your windows, add photos if helpful, and submit what you have. A shutter specialist will review your request before final quote approval or production.
Photos welcome · Multiple windows accepted · Specialist review before final approval
Not Sure If You’re Measuring Correctly? You’re Not on Your Own.
Custom shutters depend on accurate measurements, but that does not mean you have to figure everything out alone.
Rough measurements are acceptable for a preliminary quote. Final exact measurements are required before your order can be approved for production. Because shutters are custom made, final measurements should be reviewed carefully before you approve your order.
The quote request is the starting point — not the final production approval.
Before You Measure
A little preparation makes the quote process much easier. Before you start, gather a few basics.
What You'll Need
A metal tape measure
A pencil and paper or notes app
Your phone for window photos
The room name or window location
Width and height measurements for each window
Notes about anything unusual, like arches, trim, doors, or deep window frames
Helpful Tip: Measure each window separately, even if two windows look the same. Homes have a funny little habit of being “almost symmetrical.” Charming, but rude.
How to Measure for Your Quote
Follow these four simple steps for each window. Your numbers don't have to be perfect — we review every measurement before production.
01
Measure the Width
Measure across the window opening from left to right. For the most helpful quote, measure in three places: near the top, middle, and bottom of the window.
02
Measure the Height
Measure from the top of the window opening down to the bottom. For best results, measure in three places: left side, center, and right side.
03
Measure the Depth
Measure how deep the window recess is, from the glass to the front edge of the frame. Inside-mount shutters need at least 21⁄2" of depth. Less than that? Choose an outside mount.
04
Take Photos
Photos are not required for every quote, but they are extremely helpful if you are unsure about mount type, trim, frame depth, specialty shapes, or anything unusual.
Print It and Measure Like a Pro
Free Printable Measuring Worksheet
Take the guesswork out of measuring. Our two-page worksheet gives you a simple place to record width, height, depth, and notes for every window — perfect to print or pull up while you measure.
Free · No email required · Two pages · Print or save to your phone
Watch How to Measure Your Windows
Under 2 minutes. No experience needed.
Prefer to read? Download the Measurement Worksheet above.
Which Mount is Best?
Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount
Two ways to mount your shutters. Here's the difference — and don't worry, we'll confirm the right one for you.
Inside Mount
An inside mount means the shutter fits inside the window opening. This can create a clean, tucked-in look, but the window opening needs enough depth and clearance.
Not sure if your window has enough depth? Inside-mount shutters need at least 21⁄2" of depth. Less than that? Choose an outside mount.
Outside Mount
An outside mount means the shutter frame attaches outside or around the window opening. This can be helpful when the window opening does not have enough depth or when trim details need to be considered.
If your window has existing trim, casing, or an unusual frame, include a side photo so the team can review the setup before quoting.
Don’t Know Your Mount Type? That’s Okay.
You do not need to choose the final mount style before submitting your quote request. Include your measurements and photos, and a shutter specialist can help review which approach may make sense for your window.
Measuring for Arched Windows
Arched windows require additional measurements beyond standard width and height. In addition to your standard measurements, provide:
The width and height of the full window opening
The measurement from the bottom of the window to where the curve begins on the left side
The measurement from the bottom of the window to where the curve begins on the right side
The measurement from the bottom of the window to the highest point at the center of the arch
Photos are strongly recommended for all arched windows.
Measuring for Doors, French Doors & Sliding Doors
Most doors can be reviewed for custom shutters, but doors require additional information beyond standard window measurements. Provide:
The glass area dimensions (width and height of the glass opening)
The available space around the glass of all sides
Notes on any handles, locks, raised trim, tile, molding, or other obstructions
Important: Steel doors cannot be shuttered. Doors with less than 1" of free space around the glass may not have enough room for shutters. Include close-up photos of the door hardware and surrounding area with your quote request.
Photos That Help Us Review Your Quote
Three quick photos tell us almost everything we need. No professional photography required.
01
Straight-On Photo
Take one photo directly facing the window. This helps us see the overall shape, layout, trim, and any special features.
02
Side Angle Photo
Take one photo from the side so we can better understand depth, casing, trim, and how the window sits in the wall.
03
Close-Up Detail Photo
Take a close-up of the frame, sill, trim, crank, lock, handle, or anything that may affect installation.
For arched windows, French doors, unusual trim, or specialty shapes, more photos are always better. Think “helpful evidence,” not “professional photography.”
Measuring More Than One Window?
You can include multiple windows in one quote request. Just label each one by room and number, such as “Living Room Window 1” or “Primary Bedroom Left Window,” and include the width, height, helpful photos, and any notes for each window. Even if two windows look the same, measure both — small differences can matter with custom shutters.
Have Arches, French Doors, or Unusual Windows?
Specialty windows may need extra review, and that is completely normal. If your window is arched, angled, oversized, part of a door, or shaped differently than a standard rectangle, include photos and notes with your quote request.
Specialty Details That Help:
Straight-on photo
Close-up of trim or frame
Approximate width and height
Notes about handles, locks, cranks, or door hardware
Any existing window treatments you are replacing
What Happens After You Submit Your Measurements
01
We Receive Your Quote Request
Your measurements, photos, product interests, and notes are submitted through the quote form.
02
A Shutter Specialist Reviews the Details
Your request is reviewed for missing information, measurement questions, specialty window needs, and product options.
03
We Follow Up If Anything Needs Clarification
If something is unclear, we will contact you. You are not expected to have every technical detail perfect on the first try.
04
You Receive Your Custom Quote
Once the details are clear enough to quote, we prepare your custom shutter quote based on your project.
No order moves into production until final details are reviewed and approved.
Still Not Sure?
Measurement Questions
Do I have to measure perfectly before requesting a quote?
Your measurements should be as accurate as possible, but the quote request is the starting point. If you are unsure, submit photos and notes. A shutter specialist will review your request before final quote approval or production.
Should I measure every window separately?
Yes. Even windows that look the same can have small differences. Measure and label each window separately so your quote request is easier to review.
Should I round my measurements?
No. Write down the measurement as accurately as you can. Do not round up or down to make the number look cleaner.
What if I don’t know whether I need inside mount or outside mount?
That is okay. Include photos of the window from the front and side, and a shutter specialist can help review mount considerations before final quote approval.
Can I upload photos with my quote request?
Yes. Photos are encouraged, especially if you are unsure about window depth, trim, existing casing, specialty shapes, French doors, arches, or anything unusual.
What if my window is arched or unusually shaped?
Specialty windows can be reviewed during the quote process. Include photos, approximate measurements, and notes about the window shape so the team can evaluate the project.
How do I measure for an arched window?
Arched windows require your standard width and height measurements plus three additional arch measurements: the height from the bottom of the window to where the curve begins on the left side, where it begins on the right side, and the height to the center/top of the arch. Photos are strongly recommended.
Can doors be shuttered?
Most doors can be reviewed for custom shutters. Steel doors cannot be shuttered, and doors with less than 1" of free space around the glass may not have enough room. Include photos of the glass area, surrounding trim, hardware, and any obstructions with your quote request.
Ready to Start Your Custom Shutter Quote?
Share your window details and preferences, and we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
Factory-direct custom interior shutters. Made in Alabama. Guided from quote to delivery.
ShuttersDirectUSA helps homeowners order factory-direct custom interior plantation shutters with guided support from quote to delivery. Made in Alabama and shipped ready to install.
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