How to Measure Skylights for Motorized Shades
Learn how to accurately measure skylights and windows for motorized skylight shades. This step-by-step guide covers inside mount vs. outside mount measurements, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to ensure a perfect custom fit.
3 Easy Steps to Measure for Skylight Shades
Step 1: Measure the Recess Depth of Your Skylight
Before measuring the width and height of your skylight or window, check the usable depth inside the window or skylight frame to ensure your motorized shades will fit properly.
Minimum Required Depth: 1¾" (4.5 cm)
How to Measure:
- Measure from the front edge of the window or skylight frame to the back of the recess where the shade will sit.
- If the recess has angled or uneven surfaces, measure only the flat area where the shade frame can be installed.
- If there are variations in depth, record the smallest measurement to ensure your shade fits perfectly.
Watch for Obstructions
Common obstructions inside the window recess may include:
- Window handles
- Latches or locks
- Winder mechanisms or cranks
Measuring Skylight with Obstructions
Even with a deep skylight frame, handles, locks, or cranks can interfere with shade installation or prevent it from fully closing. To ensure a perfect fit:
- Measure total recess depth: From the front edge of the skylight frame to the back of the recess.
- Measure obstruction depth: Measure how far any obstacles (handles, locks, cranks) extend into the recess.
- Calculate unobstructed space: Subtract the obstruction depth from the total recess depth to find the space available for your shade.
Important: You need at least 1¾" (about 4.5 cm) of unobstructed recess space for smooth operation.
How to Measure Based on Opening Direction
The measurement method depends on the opening direction of the shade.
Please confirm the opening direction first, then measure accordingly.
1. Bottom to Top or Top to Bottom (Vertical Opening)
- Measure the inside width of the window as Width
- Measure the inside height of the window as Length
2. Left to Right or Right to Left (Horizontal Opening)
- Measure the inside height of the window as Width
- Measure the inside width of the window as Length
In short:
The direction the shade moves determines which side is Width and which is Length.
Step 2: Measure Width
Because skylights and windows aren’t always perfectly square, measure the width in three places:
- Top of the recess
- Middle of the recess
- Bottom of the recess
Use the smallest measurement to ensure the shade fits the narrowest part of the opening.
Note: No need to adjust the measurement yourself. During production, we’ll reduce the width by about ⅛" (≈3 mm) to make installation easier.
Step 3: Measure Length / Height
Measure the length (for skylights) or height (for windows) in three places to account for any uneven surfaces:
- Left of the recess
- Middle of the recess
- Right of the recess
Use the smallest measurement to ensure the shade fits the shortest part of the opening.
Note: No need to adjust the measurement yourself. We’ll reduce the length (or height) by about ⅛" (≈3 mm) during production for an easy fit.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t measure on an angle. Always measure straight across the inside of the window frame for the most accurate results.
- Keep your tape straight and flat. A bent or sagging tape can lead to inaccurate measurements.
Ready to order your custom skylight shades?
You’ve completed your measurements—now it’s time to bring your perfect shades to life. Order today and enjoy effortless light control, a flawless fit, and the convenience of motorized operation!
FAQs
Q1: How to measure for motorized skylight Shades?
Q1: How to measure for motorized skylight Shades?
A: To measure for motorized skylight shades, first check the recess depth of your skylight or window frame. Make sure there’s enough space for the frame — at least 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) deep.
Next, measure the width of the inside recess in three spots — top, middle, and bottom — and record the smallest measurement.
Then, measure the length (or height) of the recess in three spots — left, center, and right — and again record the smallest measurement.
These steps ensure your custom skylight shades fit precisely and operate smoothly.
Always measure straight across, never on an angle, and keep your measuring tape flat and straight for accurate results.
Q2: Can I use an inside mount or outside mount for skylight shades?
Q2: Can I use an inside mount or outside mount for skylight shades?
A: Kurlax motorized skylight shades are designed for inside mount only.
Before measuring, make sure your skylight recess has sufficient depth — at least 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) — to accommodate the frame and motor housing.
Measure the width and length (or height) of the recess accurately (see “How to Measure for Motorized Skylight Shades”) to ensure a perfect fit.
Q3: What tools do I need to measure skylight shades?
Q3: What tools do I need to measure skylight shades?
A: You’ll need a steel measuring tape, a pencil, and a step ladder if your skylight is overhead.
Avoid using flexible fabric tapes — they can bend and distort your readings. For accuracy, it’s best to have someone help you hold the tape in place.
Q4: How accurate do my skylight shade measurements need to be?
Q4: How accurate do my skylight shade measurements need to be?
A: Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch (≈1.6 mm) — don’t round up or down.
Kurlax will make precise factory adjustments (about 1/8 inch / 3 mm deduction) to ensure your motorized skylight shades fit perfectly within the recess and operate smoothly.
Q5: Can I use the same measurement steps for regular windows?
Q5: Can I use the same measurement steps for regular windows?
A: Yes, the same skylight shades measurement steps apply to horizontal windows too.
Simply measure the window recess depth, width, and height in three positions and record the smallest size. Whether for a skylight or a standard window, accurate measurement is key for motorized shade installation.
Q6: What if my skylight has handles or obstructions?
Q6: What if my skylight has handles or obstructions?
A: If your skylight or window has handles, cranks, or hinges, measure the unobstructed recess depth — the space free from interference.
This ensures your motorized skylight shades operate smoothly and don’t get caught when opening or closing.
Q7: Can Kurlax help confirm my measurements before ordering?
Q7: Can Kurlax help confirm my measurements before ordering?
A: Absolutely! If you’re unsure about your skylight or window shade measurements, send your details to service@kurlax.com.
Our team will review your numbers and confirm before production to guarantee your custom motorized skylight shades fit perfectly.
💡 Tip: Include a photo of your skylight or window recess with your measurements. This helps our team quickly verify depth, width, and height for an accurate fit.
Need More Help?
If you’re unsure about your measurements, our support team is here to guide you through the process.
Contact us at service@kurlax.com
or visit our Installation Guide to see how easy it is to set up your new motorized shades.