How to Measure Blinds

Tutorial How to measure for blinds Contents Page 2

Introduction

Page 3

Horizontal Blinds

Page 4

Vertical Blinds

Page 5

Roller Shades

Introduction Inside or Outside Mount?

The first decision that needs to be made before you measure your windows is whether you want to mount the blind on the inside or outside of the window frame.

Blinds mounted on the inside of the window frame provide a clean look. On an inside mount the headrail will sit back in the window casing so that it will emphasize the actual size of the window and it allows your window molding to be visible. If you want your blind to fit flush with the window molding you need to make sure you have enough depth in your window to accommodate the width of the headrail (each style of blind will need a different amount of depth to fit flush but as a general rule for blinds go horizontally across your window you will need 1” to 4” and for vertical blinds you will need 3” to 4”). Even if you do not have the necessary depth for a flush mount you can still do an inside mount and the blind will just project slightly out from the window molding.

Blinds mounted on the outside of the window frame provide the illusion of a longer and wider window and it can help in hiding an unattractive window. On an outside mount a blind can be mounted either on the window molding itself or above and beyond the window molding. An outside mount always provides for greater privacy and light control. An outside mount may be your only option if the window is not deep enough to contain at least the blind mounting brackets.

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Horizontal Blinds Inside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

1. Measure exact window width at top, middle, and bottom.

2. Use the narrowest width. Do not make any deductions - provide the exact measurements of the narrowest width.

3. Measure exact window height at left, middle, and right side.

4. Use longest height. Do not make any deductions - provide the exact measurements of the long-

Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

1. Measure exact width where the blind is to be placed.

2. Add at least 3 inches for overlap (1-1/2" per side) for optimum light control and privacy.

3. Measure exact height from the top of the proposed headrail location to the base of the sill. If there is no sill, measure to where the blind is to reach.

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Vertical Blinds Inside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Inside mount blinds are installed inside the window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room.

1. Measure the width of the window from the top of the opening to the sill in 3 places. Use the smallest dimension for the blind width. The factory will automatically deduct up to 1/4" - 1/2".

2. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest of the three top to bottom measurements.

3. Measure the window diagonally in two places as shown. If the two diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal shade function and aesthetics.

4. Do not take deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.

Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

1. Measure the exact width of window, including the frame/molding if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.

2. Measure the exact height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.

3. If blind extends to the floor (i.e. to cover patio door) measure as in step two but deduct 1/2" for clearance so the vanes do not touch the floor.

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Roller Shades Inside-Mounted Roller Shades

Inside mount shades are installed inside the window casing.

1. Measure inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other, at the top, middle, and bottom and use the narrowest dimension for ordering. Do not make any deductions. Specify if your width measurement is the total shade width you desire (tip-to-tip).

2. Measure height in three places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement.

3. Measure the window diagonally in two places as shown. If the two diagonal dimensions are not equal, recommend an outside mount application for optimal shade function, light control and privacy.

Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Outside mount shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

1. Measure width to be covered, including desired overlap for light control and privacy. (Add 3" to each side for overlap, 6" total).

2. Measure height to be covered, including desired overlap for light control and privacy.

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