Butt and Bypass- FAQ- GENERAL FAQ

Frequently Asked Roller Shade Question:

How do I measure for a butt and bypass?

First, what is a butt and bypass?

“Butt and bypass” is a term commonly used for corner shades or where two shades meet in the corner.

This configuration involves two shades. The “BYPASS” shade fits flush against the corner while the “BUTT” falls short of the corner and “butts” up to the bypass shade.

There are several very specific details to pay close attention to when assisting a customer with this type of installation.

1. Product Type
   • Roller Shades, Dual Sheer Shades and Natural Roller Shades are the recommended product type for this style of installation due to the product not having a stack depth.
   • Natural Roman Shades and Fabric Roman Shades are not recommended for this type of install! These require more knowledge and planning due to the stack depth, the two shades will bump into each other which can lead to fabric damage over time.
2. Light Control
   • Ensure that the customer is aware that there will be a gap between the two shades.
     • If the customer wants room darkening shades, there will be a very distinct light gap between the shades. Using a light filtering material will help minimize the boldness of the light gap. (see image)
3. Measuring needs to be very precise!
   • Inside vs Outside Mount
     • Outside mount is an easier approach (less deductions, more wiggle room for installation)
   • Total headrail depth (shade/top treatment + brackets)
     • Bypass shade is total width of opening
     • Butt shade measurements = total opening MINUS the bypass shades overall projection (headrail + bracket)
   • Check to see if there are any window handle cranks or obstructions.

How to assist the customer:

• Confirm which product they are interested in ordering (recommend rollers, dual sheers and natural roller shades)
• Light filtering or Black out (light filtering is preferred)
• Inside or Outside Mount (outside mount is easier, less deductions to take into consideration)
• If ordering a shade with a box valance – this required a modified installation! (another butt and bypass situation for the box valance)

Steps:

1. Determine product and confirm total projection depth
2. Measure the bypass shade window first
3. Measure the butt shade second and subtract the bypass projection from the overall width

Rule of thumb:

Which direction do you enter the room and walk towards the window most often? You want the light gap to be facing the OPPOSITE direction of this. A gap is inevitable, but when placed properly in in the window it does become less of an eyesore.

Butt and Bypass can also be ordered like the below photos!