Ever ordered something online only to be disappointed when it doesn’t quite fit? When it comes to window treatments, an ill-fitting blind can be more than just an inconvenience – it can let in unwanted light, look awkward, and even be a pain to operate. Accurate measurements are the crucial first step in ensuring your new blinds look fantastic and function perfectly in your space. Investing a few minutes in precise measuring will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run, guaranteeing a polished and professional look for your windows.
Whether you’re replacing existing blinds or outfitting a brand-new window, understanding how to measure correctly is essential. The type of blind you choose and whether you intend to mount it inside or outside the window frame will impact the measurements you need to take. Getting these details right from the start will prevent costly mistakes and ensure a seamless installation. Don’t let confusing jargon or ambiguous instructions get in your way!
What Kind of Measurements Do I Need for My Blinds?
How do I measure for inside mount vs. outside mount blinds?
Measuring for blinds depends on whether you want an inside mount (blinds fit inside the window frame) or an outside mount (blinds are mounted on the wall or trim outside the window frame). For an inside mount, measure the exact width and height of the inside of the window frame, taking the narrowest width measurement and the longest height measurement. For an outside mount, measure the desired width and height you want the blinds to cover, extending beyond the window frame on all sides for optimal light control and privacy; adding a few inches to both width and height is recommended.
For an inside mount, precision is key. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening, and use the smallest of these three measurements as your width. Similarly, measure the height on the left, center, and right sides, and use the longest measurement as your height. Most manufacturers will make slight deductions to ensure a perfect fit within the frame, so don’t worry about subtracting anything yourself unless specifically instructed. Ensure your window frame has enough depth to accommodate the mounting hardware for an inside mount, which varies depending on the product. For an outside mount, consider how much you want the blinds to overlap the window opening. A general recommendation is to add at least 3 inches to both the width and height to minimize light gaps. If you’re mounting on a door, be sure to account for any handles or obstructions. When measuring for width, ensure the added inches provide adequate coverage and consider architectural details like molding. Remember to use a steel measuring tape for accuracy, and double-check all measurements before ordering to avoid costly mistakes.
What’s the best way to measure window width and height accurately?
The best way to measure window width and height accurately for blinds is to use a steel measuring tape, measure to the nearest 1/8 inch, and measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening and the height on the left, center, and right. Use the smallest width and the largest height to ensure the blinds fit properly inside the frame or completely cover the outside mount area.
When measuring for inside mount blinds (blinds that fit inside the window frame), precision is key. Measuring in multiple locations accounts for any irregularities in the window frame. Record all measurements, but use the smallest width measurement to order the blinds, preventing them from being too wide to fit. Conversely, use the largest height measurement to ensure the blinds fully cover the window opening when lowered. Remember that the manufacturer will typically make a small deduction from the ordered width to ensure a proper fit and allow for smooth operation.
For outside mount blinds (blinds that mount outside the window frame), the measurements are typically more forgiving, but accuracy is still crucial. Determine how much you want the blinds to overlap the window frame on each side and at the top and bottom. Add this overlap to the window opening’s width and height measurements. This overlap ensures adequate light control and privacy. It’s also worth noting the location of any obstructions, like window cranks or decorative molding, that might impact the placement or functionality of the blinds.
Should I round up or down when measuring for blinds?
Generally, you should round down to the nearest 1/8 inch when measuring for inside mount blinds and round up to the nearest 1/2 inch when measuring for outside mount blinds, especially for the width. This accounts for slight variations in window openings and ensures a proper fit without obstructions.
For inside mount blinds, rounding down is crucial. If you round up and your blinds are even slightly too wide, they won’t fit within the window frame. A small gap on either side is far preferable to blinds that simply won’t install. Be particularly precise when measuring the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window, as window openings are often not perfectly square. Use the narrowest width measurement you find and round down from that. For outside mount blinds, rounding up provides adequate coverage. The blinds will be mounted on the wall or molding surrounding the window, so extending slightly beyond the window frame is desirable to minimize light gaps and maximize privacy. When measuring for height, rounding up ensures the blinds fully cover the window even if mounted slightly lower than anticipated. However, avoid excessive rounding up, as it can result in the blinds looking disproportionate to the window.
How do I account for window obstructions like cranks or handles?
When measuring for blinds, carefully measure the depth of any window obstructions like cranks or handles. Note this depth, as it will impact the necessary clearance for your blinds to operate freely and avoid contact with the obstruction.
The key is to ensure your blinds, when fully lowered or tilted, don’t collide with the crank or handle. If the obstruction protrudes significantly, you may need to increase the mounting depth of your blinds. Consider opting for an outside mount, where the blinds are mounted on the wall or window frame outside the recess, to provide ample clearance. Alternatively, if you prefer an inside mount, ensure the blind’s headrail or any operating mechanisms have enough space to function without interference.
Specifically, after measuring the window width and height as usual, measure the distance the obstruction protrudes from the window frame or wall. Add this measurement to the required depth for your blind’s headrail. This total depth will determine if an inside mount is feasible. If the total depth is greater than the available depth of your window recess, an outside mount is necessary. When ordering, communicate these obstruction measurements clearly to the blind manufacturer or retailer. This will help them recommend the most suitable mounting hardware and blind dimensions for your specific situation.
How many measurement points should I take on each window?
You should take at least three measurement points for both the width and the height of each window: at the top, middle, and bottom for width, and on the left, center, and right for height. Use the smallest measurement for width and height when ordering your blinds to ensure a proper fit, especially for inside mounts.
Taking multiple measurements is crucial because window frames are rarely perfectly square. Even slight variations can impact how well your blinds fit. By measuring at different points, you’ll identify the narrowest width and shortest height, which are the critical dimensions for an inside mount. Using the smallest measurement ensures that the blinds will fit within the window opening without rubbing or getting stuck. For outside mount blinds, while absolute precision is less critical, taking multiple measurements is still beneficial. It helps you determine the average width and height needed to achieve the desired overlap onto the wall surrounding the window. Slight variations can inform your decision on how much extra coverage to add, ensuring optimal light control and privacy. Consider keeping a record of all the measurements. This will save time and effort if you need to reorder or replace blinds in the future. Having a clear and accurate record also helps prevent mistakes during the ordering process.
What’s the difference between ordering size and actual blind size?
The ordering size is the overall measurement you provide when purchasing blinds, intended to cover your window opening as desired. The actual blind size refers to the physical dimensions of the blind itself, which are often slightly smaller than the ordering size to allow for proper operation and installation within the window frame or mounting brackets.
When ordering blinds, you specify the dimensions you need the blinds to *cover*. This includes considerations like the desired overlap onto the window frame (for outside mounts) or fitting snugly within the frame (for inside mounts). Manufacturers then take these ordering dimensions and make necessary deductions to the actual blind size. These deductions are crucial because blinds need a small amount of clearance to be installed and to move freely. Without these deductions, the blind might be too tight, rub against the frame, or be difficult to raise and lower. The amount of deduction varies depending on the manufacturer, the type of blind, and whether it’s an inside or outside mount. For inside mounts, deductions ensure the blind fits completely inside the window frame without binding. Outside mounts often require a larger ordering size (greater width and/or length) to provide adequate light control and privacy, extending beyond the window frame itself. The manufacturer will still make minor deductions to the physical blind to accommodate the mounting hardware. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for their specific deduction policies before ordering to avoid any surprises or fitting issues.
And that’s all there is to it! Measuring for blinds might seem daunting, but with these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect fit for your windows. Thanks so much for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon for more helpful tips and tricks to make your home even more beautiful!