Measuring Instructions for Blinds and Shades

Welcome to Longtermhouse.com’s comprehensive guide to measuring for blinds and shades. Accurate measurements are essential to achieving a polished look and optimal functionality. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just starting, our step-by-step guide will simplify this process. Let’s get started!

Choose Your Mount: Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Before measuring, decide where you want your blinds or shades to mount.

Inside Mount

An inside mount for window shades or blinds means installing the window treatment within the window frame itself. This approach creates a sleek, seamless look since the blinds sit flush inside the frame and the decorative trim remains visible. Inside-mounted blinds also save space and complement modern, minimalistic decor by keeping window coverings neatly contained. It’s a great choice if you want a clean, built-in appearance that highlights your window’s architecture. To enjoy these benefits, you’ll need accurate measurements – and this guide will walk you through exactly how to measure your windows for an inside mount, step by step.

Choose Your Mount: Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Before measuring, decide where you want your blinds or shades to mount.

Outside Mount

An outside mount refers to installing your blinds or shades on the wall or window molding outside the window frame. This mounting style offers key benefits: it can make your windows look larger and allow your window treatments to cover the entire window and frame for better light control and privacy. By extending the blinds or shades beyond the window opening, an outside mount minimizes light gaps and provides a high degree of privacy – ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where darkness is desired. In short, an outside mount gives you flexibility and maximum coverage, ensuring your custom shades or blinds fit any window with a neat and stylish appearance.

Inside Mount Measuring Guide

Width: Measure inside window width at top, middle, and bottom. Use narrowest measurement, rounded down to nearest 1/8 inch.

Height: Measure inside height at left, middle, and right, from top of inside frame to sill. Use tallest measurement, rounded to nearest 1/8 inch.

Depth: Measure depth of window frame from front inner edge to glass. Compare to minimum inside-mount depth of chosen window covering.

Outside Mount Measuring Guide

Width: Measure window width including frame, add 1-3 inches per side, round to nearest 1/8 inch.
Height: Measure from desired mount point to desired bottom, add 3-4 inches above window, round to nearest 1/8 inch.
Note: Ensure 2 inches flat surface above window for brackets, consider molding placement.

Tools You’ll Need:

Steel measuring tape

Pencil and notepad

Ladder, if necessary

When to Choose Inside Mounts for Blinds and Shades

Inside mounts are a great option for many windows, but they aren't suitable for every situation. Consider an inside mount for your window if it meets a number of the following criteria:

Your window frame has adequate depth:
The frame must be deep enough to fit the mounting hardware for the blind or shade inside it. (Check the manufacturer's minimum depth requirement.)
You want a clean and modern look:
Inside mounts create a streamlined appearance, with the blinds recessed inside the window opening and minimal visible hardware.
You want to keep your window trim exposed:
Inside mounts don't cover the window trim or molding.
Your window frame is strong and sturdy:
It must be able to support the mounting brackets and the weight of the blinds. (Wood or metal frames are usually fine.)
Your window opening is a true rectangle:
Inside mounts are best suited to windows that are evenly shaped and have right angles. (Gaps may appear if the frame is skewed or not level.)
Your window sill extends outward:
If you have a deep or projecting sill, an inside mount avoids interference and looks more natural.

If several of these conditions apply to your window, an inside mount is likely the best option.

Deduction Instructions

To achieve a perfect fit for your shades, measure the width at multiple points of your window frame and select the smallest measurement. Then, apply the appropriate deduction listed below to determine the final ordering width:

Roman & Bamboo Shades: Deduct 3/8 inch from window frame width.
Roller & Zebra Shades: Deduct 3/8 inch from window frame width.
Cellular & Venetian Shades: Deduct 1/4 inch from window frame width.

Final Headrail Width Calculation:

Roman & Bamboo Shades: Ordered Width = Frame Width - 3/8 inch
Roller & Zebra Shades: Ordered Width = Frame Width - 3/8 inch
Cellular & Venetian Shades: Ordered Width = Frame Width - 1/4 inch

Side Gaps Information

Note that shades have slight gaps on each side because the shade material is narrower than the headrail. This ensures smooth operation when raising and lowering shades.

Roman & Bamboo Shades: Fabric Width = Ordered Width
Roller & Zebra Shades: Fabric Width = Ordered Width - 1 1/2 inches
Cellular & Venetian Shades: Fabric Width = Ordered Width - 1/4 inch

Inside Mount Measuring: Additional Tips

To ensure a smooth inside mount installation and accurate measurements, keep these tips in mind:

Obstacles: If your window has handles, cranks, or locks that stick out into the frame, you should consider an outside mount instead.
Steel Tape Measure: For accurate measurements, always use a steel tape measure. Cloth or flexible tape measures can stretch and sag, resulting in incorrect readings.
Double-Check: Measure each dimension twice to ensure consistency and accuracy. Also, measure every window, even if they appear identical, as slight size differences are common.
Width x Height: When recording your measurements, always list the width first, followed by the height (W x H).
Verify: Before ordering, double-check your measurements against the product specifications to confirm they meet the inside-mount requirements and that you haven't mixed up the width and height.

By following these tips, you can confidently order custom blinds or shades that will fit perfectly, install easily, and look great.

When to Choose Outside Mounts for Blinds and Shades

Outside mounts are a great solution for windows that have:

Shallow window casings: When there's not enough space for inside mount hardware.
Irregular shapes or crooked frames: Outside mounts cover the entire window and hide imperfections.
Unattractive trim: Outside mounts cover old or damaged trim for a cleaner look.
Need for maximum light-blocking: Outside mounts extend beyond the window to minimize light seepage.
Fragile or shallow frames: Outside mounts avoid stress on delicate frames.
Need for increased privacy: Outside mounts eliminate gaps for better privacy.

Also consider outside mounts to:

Create an illusion of larger windows: Mounting higher and wider makes windows appear bigger.
Keep windows unobstructed when open: Headrail mounts above the window, so the shade doesn't block the view when rolled up.

Outside Mount Measuring: Additional Tips

Ideal for bedrooms & bathrooms: Outside mounts are perfect for rooms requiring maximum light blocking and privacy, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, as the shade completely overlaps the window.
Check for obstructions: Ensure the area around your window is free of obstructions that could interfere with the blind or shade, such as furniture, window handles/cranks, door knobs, or thick molding. If there are any protrusions, spacer blocks or extension brackets might be necessary.
Use a steel tape measure: Always use a steel tape measure for the most accurate results. Measure to the nearest 1/8-inch and don’t round down, as manufacturers may make slight adjustments based on your measurements.
Double-check measurements: Re-check all width and height measurements to confirm they are correct and consistent. Also, verify you wrote down the width and height correctly (in the format W x H).

By following this Outside Mount Measuring Guide for shades and blinds, and with accurate measurements and the right mounting choice, your new window coverings will provide the coverage, style, and functionality you need, and achieve a proper fit and a professional look

Measuring FAQs

Don’t worry! Choose the narrowest width for inside mounts and the longest height for outside mounts. Our blinds and shades are customizable, and precise measurements will ensure the best fit.

If your frame depth doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, consider an outside mount for a secure and stylish fit.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need help during the measuring process, our team is here to assist. Reach out to our Customer Support for guidance to ensure you get the right fit.

With this easy guide, measuring your new blinds and shades will be a breeze! Follow each step closely to enjoy perfectly fitted window treatments that enhance your space’s style and functionality. At Longtermhouse.com, we’re here to make your experience as smooth and satisfying as possible. Happy measuring!

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