Most windows, no measuring anxiety required
Mado shades are designed to fit real homes, not just perfect ones.
Instead of choosing an exact width, each C-Series shade covers a range. You size it to your window during installation using the TrueFit Bar and trim it to match. That means small variations in window size are expected and handled as part of the process.
If your window falls within the supported width range listed for each shade size (S, M, L, XL), it will fit. You do not need to get the measurement exactly right before you start.
Inside mount vs outside mount
There are two common ways to install a shade: inside the window frame or outside of it.
An inside mount places the shade within the frame itself. This gives a clean, built-in look and is what most customers would prefer to do when installing window shades in their homes. It works best when your window has enough depth for the shade to sit securely.-
An outside mount places the shade above or outside the frame. This is useful if your window is shallow, has obstructions, or if you want to block more light around the edges.
Both approaches work with Mado. The right choice depends on your window and your preference.
What makes a good inside mount
For an inside mount, depth matters.
Your window should have enough inset depth for the shade to sit flat and secure inside the frame. In most homes, this is not an issue. If your window frame is at least about 1 to 1.5 inches deep, it will generally support an inside mount.
Flat, solid side surfaces also help. The TrueFit Bar presses outward to hold the shade in place, so it needs consistent contact on both sides.
If your window has trim, curves, or obstructions that prevent a flat surface, an outside mount is usually the better option.
When an outside mount makes more sense
Outside mounts are more forgiving.
They work well when:
the window frame is too shallow for an inside mount
there are obstructions inside the frame
you want to reduce light gaps around the edges
you prefer the look of a shade that sits above the frame
With an outside mount, you are no longer fitting the shade inside the opening. Instead, you are covering it.
That means your measurement is based on how much area you want the shade to cover, not just the width of the glass. Most customers extend a bit beyond the window on each side for better coverage.
A note on window shapes
Mado is designed for standard rectangular windows.
If your window is square or rectangular, the system will work as intended. For arched, angled, or irregular shapes, the shade may not be a good fit.
If you’re unsure, a quick way to check is this: if the top of your window is flat and the sides are parallel, you’re in good shape.
What the system handles for you
Traditional shades require you to get and do everything up front. You need to measure each window ahead of time to get an exact size for a custom fit and once measured, the shades need to be cut to size, which can take weeks.
Mado shifts that work into the installation process:
the TrueFit Bar adjusts to your window width
the PerfectTrim Tool lets you match the final size
the ClickLock Mounts secure everything in place
You are not trying to achieve precision before you start. The system is designed to get you there step by step.
What to expect
Most customers find that their windows are a straightforward fit.
If your window is within the listed size range of the small, medium, large, and extra large Mado C-Series shade sizes, and has a flat surface to mount against, the installation process will guide you the rest of the way.
And if you need to adjust along the way, that is expected. The product is designed to accommodate that.