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DECORATING & DESIGN TIPS
Measuring & Installation Tips

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Inside or outside mount?
How to Measure for Standard Aluminum, PVC and Wood Blinds
How to Measure for Standard Shades
How to Measure for Vertical Blinds
How to Measure for Patio Doors

Things to Consider

Inside or outside mount?

Depending on your preference and the window design, blinds may be mounted inside or outside the window casing. For the most accurate measurement be sure to use a wooden or metal rule or a steel tape.

For inside mount the exact measurements of your window are necessary so the manufacturer/fabricvator can make the necessary deductions for the mounting bracket.

How to Measure for Standard Aluminum, PVC and Wood Blinds

Inside Mount Installation

To find width:

Measure the exact distance to the nearest 1/8-inch between the inside surfaces of the window frame. Take three measurements: one at the top, one across the middle and one across the bottom. Use the narrowest width. Do not make any width deductions.

To find length:

Measure the exact distance to the nearest 1/8-inch from the inside surface at the top of the window to the window sill. Take three measurements: one along the left side, one up and down through the middle and one along the right side. Use the longest length. If you'd prefer the blind not to touch the window sill, deduct 1/4-inch for the length. If there is no window sill, measure the length to the point where you want the blind to reach.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width:

Measure the exact distance to the nearest 1/8-inch between the outermost points where the blind is to be placed. For optimum light control, this measurement should extend 3/4-inch beyond the window opening on each side (for a total of 11/2 inches for the entire width).

To find length:

Measure the exact distance to the nearest 1/8-inch from where the top of blind will be located to the top of the window sill. If there is no window sill, or if the blind is to overlap the window frame, measure to the point you want the blind to reach.

How to Measure for Standard Shades

Inside Mount Installation

To find width:

Measure the exact distance between the inside surfaces of the window frame. Take three measurements: one across the top, one across the middle and one across the bottom. Use the narrowest width. Do not make any width deductions.

To find length:

Measure the exact distance from the inside surface at the top of the window to the window sill. If you'd prefer the blind not to touch the sill, deduct 1/4-inch. If there is no sill, measure the length to the point where you want the shade to reach.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width:

Measure the exact distance between the outermost points where the shade is to be placed. This measurement should overlap each side of the window by at least 1 1/2 inches. The factory makes no deductions from your fabric width dimensions.

To find length:

Measure the exact distance from where the top of shade will be located to top of the window sill. If there is no sill, or if shade is to overlap the window frame, measure to point you want the shade to reach.

How to Measure for Vertical Blinds

Inside Mount Installation

To find width:

Measure the opening across the top of the opening where the headrail is to be installed from the inside of the jamb on the left to the inside of the jamb on right. Round the measurement down to the nearest 1/8-inch.

To find length:

Measure from the inside top of the opening to the window sill or floor. Take three measurements: along the left of the opening, up and down through the center, and along the right side. Round the measurement down to the nearest 1/8-inch and note the smallest measurement. Do not make any allowances. The factory will make all adjustments so the headrail will fit the opening properly and the vanes will clear the sill or floor by 1/4- to 1/2-inch.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width:

Measure the width of the area to be covered to the nearest 1/8 inch at the place where the headrail will be installed. Blinds should overlap opening at least 4 inches on each side to ensure privacy.

To find length:

Measure the length of the area to be covered and round down to the nearest 1/8-inch. Blind should extend at least 3 inches above and 3 inches below the window opening or window molding. For ceiling-to-floor installations, make adequate allowance for carpeting. Specifying outside mount measurement means the factory makes no deduction allowances.

How to Measure for Patio Doors

To find width:

Measure the width of the area to be covered to the nearest 1/8-inch at the place where the headrail will be installed. Blind should overlap opening at least 4 inches on each side to ensure privacy.

To find length:

Measure the length of the area to be covered and round down to the nearest 1/8-inch. Blind should extend at least 3 inches above the opening or window molding. For ceiling-to-floor installations, deduct 1/2-inch for proper clearance. Specifying outside mount measurement means the factory makes no deductions allowances. To ensure easy access through the door and to allow adequate overlap, consider the stack width.