Measuring for Blinds and Shades

Guidelines for a Perfect Fit

• Measure each window individually, as size variances are common.
• Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/8".
• Measure width from left to right, height from top to bottom, using a steel tape measure. Do not use a cloth tape.

Choose Inside or Outside Mount:
Before taking any measurements, step back from your 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. Be sure to look for obstructions like window locks, window cranks, etc.

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 and make sure that if a valance is included that we make it slightly smaller than the window opening width since they are normally made an inch or two wider.

Tip: We usually recommend an inside mount whenever 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. With most products we will deduct up to 1/4" from each side. Roller shades also have a rather large fabric and roller tube deduction (see product specs tab on product pages). For 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 are not square. It's not uncommon and probably won't be noticeable.
 

Horizontal Blinds and Shades

Follow these instructions when measuring for Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Natural Shades, Roman Shades, Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds and Horizontal Blinds.

Inside Mount
Inside-mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window casing. Minimum depth requirements vary by product and headrail type or by tube size for Solar Shades.

1. Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
2. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement. Solar Shades should be measured at the top only.
3. Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.
4. Measure the window diagonally in two places, as shown. If the diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal function and aesthetics.

 

Inside-mount Depth Requirements

Cellular Shades	Minimum Depth	Minimum Depth for Flush Mount
3/8" Single Cell and Double Cell
Standard Shade & Bottom Up/Top Down Corded	3/4"	1 7/8"
Continuous-loop Lift, Cordless, Motorized & Bottom Up/Top Down Cordless	3/4"	2 1/8"
3/4" Single Cell
Standard Shade and Bottom Up/Top Down Corded	1 1/8"	2 1/8"
Continuous-loop Lift, Cordless, Motorized & Bottom Up/Top Down Cordless	3/4"	2 1/8"

Additional Information for Measuring Solar Shades and Roller Shades

1. On continuous-loop inside mounts, there is up to 3/4" light gap per side. On cordless inside mounts, there is approximately 1" of light gap on the right and just over 1/2" on the left.
2. For optimal light and glare control, outside mount is recommended, or you may add a secondary soft window treatment (drapery or curtain) to hide the light gap on an inside mount.
3. Fabric width is 1 1/8"–1 3/8" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and its components on continuous-loop shades.
4. Fabric width is 1"–1 1/4" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and components (without valance or side covers) on cordless shade.

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

1. Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 1 1/2" on each side (3" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
   • For Solar Shades, make sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 3" on each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
   • For Horizontal Shadings, factory adds 3/16" to Headrail, and deducts 3/16" from fabric width.
   • Call our customer service for complete details.
2. Measure exact height to be covered, including desired overlap (typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one).
3. The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.

 

 

Measuring for a French Door When ordering for a french door blind select Outside Mount and give the exact measurements that you want the blind or shade to be, not the size of the window or glass. The overall size of the blind or shade is up to you, just make sure you avoid any obstructions such as lever door handles (see obstructions in pic on right) or window cranks and allow for proper window light coverage. We also recommended you order hold down brackets to prevent your window blind from swinging around when you open and close the door. One other important note: Stand back and look at the door from the inside of your home. Note which side is hinged and which side has the door knob/handle. Be sure to specify that all controls be located on the hinged side if at all possible. If the controls are not ordered on the hinged side of door then it's possible that the lift cords, etc may swing out into door opening and get slammed into the closure when closing the door. Example: Picture on right shows the lever handle on right side of door so you would want to order your controls on the left for this application.   Width: To minimize light gaps, measure the width of the glass pane and add some additional width but make sure that it will be free from any obstructions. Our recommendation is to add at least 2” to the width (1" on each side past the glass pane or trim if possible). Height: Measure the height of the window glass/trim and add at least 2 1/2” at the top to allow room for mounting hardware and 2” below the bottom of the glass/trim to ensure proper coverage and to allow for the hold down brackets to be mounted. Your total height addition should be at least 4 1/2" to allow for proper coverage.

How to Measure for an Inside Mount Bay Window Measuring for Bay Windows can be an easy task if you follow our directions. Generally, even with the most precise measurements there will be light/privacy gaps in the corners. This should not be considered a measuring mistake. It happens because when two blinds or shades meet in a corner only the front edges meet up and the blind or shade itself is normally slightly smaller in width than the headrail. To start measuring you need the depth of the bracket/headrail for the blinds type you wish to use. Select the product you are using in the Bay Window and write down the depth value associated with it. Product: Depth Value: 2" & 2 1/2" Blinds 2 1/2" 1/2" & 1" Aluminum Blinds 1 3/4" 1" Wood Blinds 1 7/8" 3/4" Cellular Shades (Std. Lift) 2 1/4" 1/2" Cellular Shades (Std. Lift) 1 7/8" 3/8" Cellular Shades (Std. Lift) 1 7/8" Cellular Shades (Premium Lift/Cordless) 1 5/8" Pleated Shades 1 1/2" Roman Shades 1 7/8" Bamboo Shades 2 1/4" Roller Shades (w/Clutch & Windows less than 60" wide) 2 1/2" Roller Shades (w/Clutch & Windows 60" or greater wide) 3 1/8" Sheerweave Shades (Windows less than 60" wide) 2 1/2" Sheerweave Shades (Windows 60" or greater wide) 3 1/8" All Vertical Blinds 3 1/4" Window Shadings 3 1/8" Now measure the widths of each blind needed for the Bay Window. 1. Where the Left section of the window meets the Center section: From the Left window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1. 2. Where the Center section of the window meets the Left section: From the Center window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1. 3. At the point where these two marks meet is the point where the blinds will butt up against each other. This point will be point A. 4. Where the Right section of the window meets the Center section: From the Right window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1. 5. Where the Center section of the window meets the Right section: From the Center window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1. 6. At the point where these two marks meet is the point where the blinds will butt up against each other. This point will be point B. 7. Now Measure the distance from point A to point B. Subtract 1/8" from this distance and that is the width of your Center blind (Shown in Light Blue in Figure 1). 8. Measure from the left side of the left wall to point A. Subtract 1/8" from this distance and that is the width of your Left blind (Shown in Light Blue in Figure 1). 9. Measure from the right side of the right wall to point B. Subtract 1/8" from this distance and that is the width of your Right blind (Shown in Light Blue in Figure 1). 10. Order as Outside Mount (so no deductions are taken by the Factory) and in the 'Notes Section' of the order page request Inside Mount Brackets if mounting to the ceiling or top of window opening.   How to Measure for a Corner Window Listed below is the headrail depth for all the products on our website. • 1" Wood Blinds - Depth: 1 7/8" • 2" and 2 1/2" Blinds - Depth: 2 1/2" • 1/2" and 1" Aluminum Blinds - Depth: 1 3/4" • 3/4" Cellular Shades with Standard Lift - Depth: 2 1/4" • 1/2" Cellular Shades with Standard Lift - Depth: 1 7/8" • 3/8" Cellular Shades with Standard Lift - Depth: 1 7/8" • All Cellular Shades that have Premium Lift or Cordless option - Depth: 1 5/8" • Roman Shades - Depth: 1 7/8" • Bamboo Shades - Depth: 2 1/4" • Pleated Shades - Depth: 1 1/2" • Roller Shades (windows less than 60" wide) - Depth: 2 1/2" • Roller Shades (windows 60" or greater wide) - Depth: 3 1/8" • Sheerweave Shades (windows less than 60" wide) - Depth: 2 1/2" • Sheerweave Shades (windows 60" or greater wide) - Depth: 3 1/8" • All Vertical Blinds - Depth: 3 1/4" • Window Shadings - Depth: 3 1/8"   Inside Mount: see picture on right ----> Blind 1 on 1st Window (The "Pass" Blind) • WIDTH: Measure the exact width of the window opening. This is the width of Blind 1. • HEIGHT: Measure the height of the window opening. This is the height of Blind 1. Blind 2 on 2nd Window (The "Butt" Blind) • WIDTH: Measure exact width of the window opening. Find the Product you are measuring for from the chart above and deduct its depth from the width you just measured. This new value will be the Width of Blind 2. • HEIGHT: Measure the height of the window opening. This is the height of Blind 2.   Outside Mount: see picture on right ----> Blind 1 on 1st Window (The "Pass" Blind) • WIDTH: Measure from the corner of wall to desired width of the blind. This is the width of Blind 1 • HEIGHT: Measure the height. Add a minimum overlap of 5" height, 3" to top and 2" to the bottom. This will allow the blind to cover the window and allow for maximum window coverage. This is the Height of Blind 1. (Note: If the window sill protrudes then add only for allowance above the window.) Blind 2 on 2nd Window (The "Butt" Blind) • WIDTH: Measure from the corner of wall to desired width. Find the Product you are measuring for from the chart above and deduct its depth from the width you just measured. This new value will be the Width of Blind 2 • HEIGHT: Measure the height. Add a minimum overlap of 5" height, 3" to top and 2" to the bottom. This will allow the blind to cover the window and allow for maximum window coverage. This is the Height of Blind 2. (Note: If the window sill protrudes then add only for allowance above the window.)