How to Measure Your Windows Like a Pro

Measuring for window treatments is much easier than most people think. Just follow these tips:

Use a steel measuring tape. Measure to the nearest eighth of an inch - don't round your measurements. On your notes, clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the height. It is very common to transpose measurements.

We will custom make your blinds to the sizes you write on the order. If these sizes are incorrect, it is impossible to change the blind, so take your time and double check your measurements. If you have any questions when measuring, Please Call Us.

Choose Inside or Outside Mount

Before taking any measurements, step back from you window and decide if you want to mount the window treatment inside the window recess or outside on the wall or molding. For an inside mount, the window opening must have enough unobstructed depth to allow mounting.

Tip - For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that no part of the blind projects out of the opening) check that you have enough depth. 

Tip - We usually recommend an inside mount when possible because it provides a cleaner look. However, an outside mount can make a window appear larger or hide an unattractive window. When you specify inside mount, we will make a size deduction to allow for operating clearance. We will deduct up to 1/8 from each side (on vertical blinds there is also a height deduction of 1/4').

The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. If you specify an outside mount, we will not take any size deductions. Your blind will be made at the exact size you specify. So you must add to the opening measurement to allow for overlap and mounting brackets. When measuring, don't be surprised if your windows aren't square. Many aren't. If they're a little out of square, it probably won't he noticeable.

Tip - If your window is a lot out of square, consider an outside mounting to hide the window.

Horizontal Blinds

Inside Mount (IB): Measure the opening width at the top, center and bottom recording the narrowest width. Measure the height left, right and center, recording the longest height. We will take width deductions to allow for operating clearance. Outside Mount (OB): Measure the opening width. If there is room add at least 3" to each side of the window opening for a minimum light gap and maximum privacy.

Measure the opening height. Add a minimum of 2 in height to allow for mounting brackets above the opening and add your desired overlap for the bottom.

Vertical Blinds
Inside mount: Measure the width top, center and bottom, recording the narrowest width. Measure the height left, right and center recording the shortest height. We will take size deductions to allow for operating clearance. Outside Mount: Measure the opening width. If there is room, add at least 4" on each side of the window opening to ensure minimum light gap. Measure the opening height. Add a minimum of 2 1/2" in height to allow for mounting brackets above the opening and add your desired overlap for the bottom.