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Window Blinds - The Task of Measuring
  Window blinds are a wonderful thing, except for that part about measuring for them. Let BlindCentralOnline.com give you a few tips on how to measure for new vertical and wood blinds, cellular shades, custom blinds, pleated shades and roller window shades. We’ve posted several different how-to’s below so you can make proper measurements for your new blinds.

In addition, we can help you decide between a cellular shade and a set of wood vertical blinds. Tell us what you’re trying to achieve with your décor and lifestyle and we’ll tell you the differences between vertical window blinds and a custom wood window blind, or any other window treatment you’re considering.

Once you’ve decided on which blinds you want, read our tips and tricks on how to properly take window measurements for the style of window blinds or shades you have chosen. We include tips for how to measure for horizontal blinds with either an inside or outside mount. If you have questions about how to measure for blinds, just ask us. You can also call us whenever you have a question about our custom window blinds.
   
Printable Version
 
Horizontal Blinds
Vertical Blinds
Cell/Pleated/Natural/Roman Shades
Roller Shades
Sheer Shades
Special Measuring Situations

 
 
  Measuring Instructions for Horizontal Blinds Including:
1/2 Inch Micro
1 Inch Miniblinds
2 Inch Macroblinds
1 Inch Basswood Blinds
2 Inch Basswood Blinds
2 Inch Fauxwoods
  Use these guidelines to help ensure your window treatments are a perfect fit. Remember the old adage “measure twice, order once.” If you need assistance, please call us at 1 (877) 424-9595. Measure each window individually as size variances are common. Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/8 inch. Measure width from left to right and height from top to bottom, using a steel tape measure. (Do not use a cloth tape measure.)
  Inside Mount
Inside horizontal blinds (aluminum and wood) are installed inside the window casing. Minimum depth requirement varies by product and headrail type. Depth charts for above products are shown in Chart A. They include minimum depth to install product and also flush mount depth to have product fully recessed and flush (even with window casing). (See Figure 1)
 
Width:
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places, usually top, middle and bottom. Record the narrowest measurement (rounded to the nearest 1/8 inch).

Height:
Measure the exact height in three places, usually left, middle and right. This time take the longest (largest) measurement (rounded to the nearest 1/8 inch). Do not take any deductions. Allowances are made at the factory from each side to allow room for the mounting brackets and also to provide space for proper product operation. (See Factory Standard Width Deductions on Inside Mount in Chart A.)

Outside Mount (With Molding)
Outside mount horizontal blinds (aluminum and wood) are installed on the window molding. This is usually done when there is no room to mount product inside of frame.
(See Figure 2)
 

Width:
If the shade is to be mounted to trim or framing around the window, measure from the trim's outside edge, left to right, in the three places (top, middle and bottom). Once you determine the desired width (rounded to the nearest 1/8 inch) write this measurement down. This is the width you will order. The factory will make no deductions or additions to your measurement on outside mount blinds.

Height:
Basically, there are two types of windows with molding. One has molding on three sides, a window sill and an apron at the bottom. (See Figure 2) The second is a window with four sides of molding, also called "picture framed." (See Figure 3) For the first type of application, you must measure the length in three places (left, middle and right). Take the longest measurement to nearest 1/8 inch and measure from top edge of molding to top of sill (height "B"). If you want it to go below sill, use (height "C").
Please note: If your window sill protrudes outside the window opening at the bottom greater than 2 inches, it is better to have the blind rest on the sill rather than cascading over a sill that is protruding into the room. This is length that you will order. The factory will make no deductions or additions to your measurements on outside mount blinds.


If your window has four sides of molding, commonly called "picture framed,"
measure length from top edge of molding to bottom edge of molding in three places (left, middle and right). Take longest length to nearest 1/8 inch. (See Figure 3)
This is the length that you will order. The factory will make no deductions or additions
to your measurements on outside mount blinds.
 
Outside Mount (No Molding On Outside Frame and No Depth for Inside Mount)
 

Width:
Some newer homes or condominiums have windows that have no molding or casing around the window frame. (See Figure 4) If you are unable to inside mount your window treatment (see Product Depth Requirement Chart A). You can outside mount on the wall. You should measure the window opening width in three places (top, middle and bottom) to the nearest 1/8 inch and then add a total of 4 inches to this width -- 2 inches width overlap on each side of window .
 

Height:
Measure the length in three places (left, middle and right). Take the longest length to the nearest 1/8 inch and add 4 inches -- 2 inches width overlap on both top and bottom. (See Figure 4) This is your total length. This will allow enough space for your mounting brackets above the opening and enough overlap at the bottom and sides to avoid a light gap. (See Figure 4) The factory will make no deductions or additions to your measurements on outside mount blinds.
   
 
CHART A
Product Minimum Depth
Requirement For
Inside Mount		 Depth For
Flush Inside		 Factory Standard
Width Deductions
for Inside Mount
1" Wood Blinds 1/2" 2" 1/2"
2" Wood Blinds 1 1/8" 3" 1/2"
2 1/2" Wood Blinds 1 1/8" 3" 1/2"
2" Fauxwood Blinds 1 3/8" 3 1/4" 1/2"
1/2" Aluminum Blinds 1/2" 1" 1/2"
1" Aluminum Blinds 1/2" 1 1/2" 1/2"
2" Aluminum Blinds 3/4" 2 3/4" 1/2"
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