How to Measure for a Printed TV Cover Shade
A custom printed TV cover shade must completely conceal your television when lowered while fitting proportionally within your room. This guide walks you through every measurement needed to ensure your TV cover shade fits perfectly and operates smoothly.
Before measuring, decide on your mounting method (ceiling, wall, or recessed), and consider whether you want to cover just the TV or also include a soundbar or other equipment below the screen.
Essential TV Measurements
TV Screen Dimensions
Measure the actual width and height of your TV including the frame/bezel—not the advertised screen size. A 55-inch TV (measured diagonally) typically measures approximately 48 inches wide by 28 inches tall including the bezel, but this varies by manufacturer and model.
Recommended Overlap
For complete concealment, add 2-3 inches on each side of the TV (4-6 inches total width) and 2-3 inches above and below (4-6 inches total height). This overlap ensures no part of the TV is visible when the shade is lowered, even with slight fabric movement.
Example Calculation
If your TV measures 48 inches wide and 28 inches tall: Ordering width = 48 + 6 (3 inches each side) = 54 inches. For height, measure from your mounting point to your desired stopping point (see mounting height below).
Complete Measurement Process
Step by step for accurate sizing
Measure TV Width
Measure the full width of your TV from edge to edge of the frame. Record the exact measurement in inches.
Add Width Overlap
Add 4-6 inches to the TV width for complete coverage. This is your ordering width.
Determine Mounting Height
Identify where the shade will mount—ceiling, wall above TV, or recessed pocket. Measure the distance from this point to the top of the TV.
Determine Bottom Stop Point
Decide where the shade bottom should stop when lowered. Options: just below TV, at the mantel/console, or extending to the floor.
Calculate Total Height
Add: mounting-to-TV-top distance + TV height + distance below TV bottom. This is your ordering height.
Check Clearance Above TV
Verify there is 3-4 inches of clear space above the TV for the rolled-up shade. If ceiling height is limited, consider outside-edge roll orientation.
Mounting Options
Choose the right mounting method for your situation
Ceiling Mount
Brackets mount to ceiling above TV. Cleanest appearance with shade hanging straight down. Requires ceiling anchor access.
Wall Mount
Brackets mount to wall above TV frame. Easier installation. Works even when ceiling access is difficult.
Recessed Pocket
Shade hides in a ceiling pocket when rolled up. Most seamless appearance but requires construction work.
Special Considerations
TVs Above Fireplaces
For TVs mounted above fireplaces, the shade typically mounts to the ceiling or wall above the TV and stops at the mantel level when lowered. Measure from your mounting point to the mantel surface. Ensure the rolled-up shade will not block the TV or interfere with heat from the fireplace.
Including a Soundbar
If you want the shade to cover both TV and soundbar, measure to include both. Add the soundbar height to your total, plus 2-3 inches below the soundbar for overlap. Alternatively, many customers prefer to leave the soundbar exposed for constant audio access.
Rolled Diameter Clearance
When fully raised, the shade rolls up to approximately 3-4 inches in diameter depending on shade length. Ensure this diameter will clear the top of your TV when mounted. For very large shades, the roll may be 5-6 inches in diameter.
Measurement FAQs
For TVs in alcoves, measure the alcove opening for an inside mount shade, or measure beyond the alcove for an outside mount that covers the surrounding wall. Inside mount provides a cleaner look when the alcove dimensions work with your TV size.
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Advanced Measurement Considerations
Beyond basic measurements, several advanced considerations ensure your printed TV cover fits perfectly and functions optimally. Understanding frame depth, mounting hardware clearance, and viewing angle requirements helps avoid common fitment issues.
Frame Depth and Projection
Modern TVs vary significantly in frame depth, from ultra-thin OLED panels measuring less than one inch to older LCD models exceeding four inches. When measuring for a TV cover, account for the deepest point of your television—typically the center where electronics concentrate. Your cover must accommodate this depth while maintaining proper tension for clean rollup operation.
For wall-mounted televisions, measure the total projection from wall surface to screen face. This includes the mounting bracket depth plus the TV thickness. Covers designed for wall-mounted applications require different mounting solutions than those for entertainment centers or built-in installations.
Hardware and Cable Clearance
The rear of your television features numerous connections—HDMI ports, power cables, audio outputs, and antenna connections. Your TV cover measurements must account for cable management and allow access when the cover is raised. Consider measuring not just the TV itself but the space required for cables to remain connected during cover operation.
Many professional installations incorporate cable management channels or recessed outlets behind the television. If your installation includes these features, measure from the wall surface rather than the TV backing to ensure adequate clearance. Remote control receivers and sound bars also affect measurement requirements—document all components in your viewing area.
Viewing Angle and Tilt Considerations
Some TV mounts allow tilting or articulating the screen for optimal viewing angles. If your mount adjusts, measure in both the neutral position and your typical viewing position. The cover must fit properly in the position used when the cover is closed—usually the flat-against-wall position for articulating mounts.
For above-fireplace installations where TVs often tilt downward, verify that your measurements reflect the tilted position. The cover mechanism mounts independently of the TV, so understanding the relationship between TV position and cover mounting location is essential for proper fit.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from common measurement errors helps ensure your project succeeds the first time. These mistakes occur frequently enough that we want to highlight them specifically:
Mistake: Measuring only the screen diagonal. The advertised screen size (55", 65", etc.) represents the diagonal screen measurement and tells you nothing about the actual television dimensions. Always measure the physical frame width and height including bezels.
Mistake: Ignoring the frame bezel. Television frames—the borders around the screen—vary from nearly invisible to several inches wide. Your cover must accommodate the total frame dimensions, not just the visible screen area.
Mistake: Forgetting vertical clearance. Television covers require space above the TV for the rolled-up shade. Verify that your ceiling, cabinet, or architectural features provide adequate clearance for both the mounting hardware and the rolled shade diameter.
Mistake: Not accounting for growth. If you plan to upgrade your television in the future, consider ordering a slightly larger cover that can accommodate your next TV. Well-designed covers can work with smaller TVs but not larger ones.
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