How to Measure Window Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to measure window blinds like a pro! Get accurate measurements for inside mount, outside mount, and more with our easy-to-follow guide.

Ever stared blankly at your window, tape measure in hand, wondering where to even begin when it comes to measuring for new blinds? You’re not alone! Accurate measurements are the cornerstone of a perfect window treatment installation. A mistake can lead to blinds that are too short, too wide, or simply won’t fit, resulting in frustration, wasted money, and a less-than-ideal aesthetic for your space.

Getting the right size blinds not only ensures a polished look, but it also contributes to optimal light control, privacy, and energy efficiency in your home. Whether you’re replacing old blinds, installing new ones in a new home, or simply upgrading your existing window coverings, understanding how to measure correctly is crucial for a seamless and satisfying experience. It’s an investment in the functionality and beauty of your living space that pays off every time you adjust your blinds.

What tools will I need, and how do I measure for inside vs. outside mounts?

How do I measure for inside mount vs. outside mount blinds?

Measuring for inside mount blinds requires precise measurements of the window opening’s width and height, while outside mount measurements involve determining the desired blind size to cover the window and overlap the surrounding wall.

For inside mount blinds, use a steel measuring tape and measure the width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest width; this is the width you’ll provide to the manufacturer. Next, measure the height of the window opening on the left, center, and right sides. Record the longest height. Precise measurements are crucial for a clean, snug fit inside the window frame. Remember to check for any obstructions inside the window frame that may interfere with the blind’s operation. The window depth is also important; many blinds require a minimum depth for a proper inside mount. When measuring for outside mount blinds, decide how much you want the blinds to overlap the window opening on all sides. A common recommendation is 3-4 inches on each side for better light control and privacy. Measure the width of the window opening and add the desired overlap on each side to determine the total width of the blind. Similarly, measure the height of the window opening and add the desired overlap at the top and bottom to determine the total height of the blind. Outside mount blinds can be useful when there’s not enough window depth for an inside mount or when you want to make the window appear larger.

What’s the best way to measure if my window isn’t perfectly square?

The most accurate way to determine if your window isn’t square is to measure the diagonals. If the measurements of both diagonals are exactly the same, the window is square. If they are different, the window is out of square.

To elaborate, use a tape measure and extend it from the top left corner of the window opening to the bottom right corner. Note this measurement. Then, measure from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Compare the two measurements. A significant difference (more than ΒΌ inch, or even less depending on your tolerance) indicates the window is not square. This is crucial for proper blind installation, as a severely out-of-square window can cause blinds to bind, not hang properly, or even be impossible to install without adjustments. Once you’ve determined the window is out of square, note the longest and shortest measurements for both width and height, in addition to the diagonal measurements. When ordering your blinds, provide these measurements to the manufacturer or installer. They can then make necessary adjustments to the blind size to compensate for the window’s irregularities, ensuring a better fit and smoother operation. Some manufacturers also offer shims or other hardware to help compensate for out-of-square windows during installation.

How much extra width should I add for outside mount blinds?

For outside mount blinds, it’s generally recommended to add 2 to 4 inches to both the width and height of your window opening. This ensures sufficient light blockage and provides a more aesthetically pleasing overlap onto the wall.

When deciding on the exact amount to add, consider the desired level of light control and privacy. Adding more width provides greater light blockage when the blinds are closed, particularly important for bedrooms or media rooms. Also, consider the window trim and surrounding wall space. You want the blinds to extend beyond the trim for a cleaner look and to avoid light gaps. Be mindful of any obstructions like door handles or adjacent walls that might limit how far you can extend the blinds. Finally, think about the overall appearance you’re aiming for. A larger overlap can make a window appear larger and more prominent. Conversely, a smaller overlap provides a more subtle and minimalist look. Always measure accurately and note any potential obstructions before placing your order to ensure a perfect fit and optimal functionality.

What’s the proper way to measure window depth for inside mount?

The proper way to measure window depth for an inside mount is to measure from the front of the window casing (the part closest to the room) to the window glass. This measurement determines how much space you have for the blind or shade to recess fully or partially within the window frame. You will also need to check the manufacturer’s minimum depth requirements for their specific product to ensure a proper fit and function.

To elaborate, window depth is crucial because it dictates whether your chosen blinds or shades will sit flush with the wall, protrude slightly, or require an outside mount altogether. Most manufacturers provide minimum depth requirements for their products to operate smoothly and have a clean, finished appearance. These requirements vary depending on the type of blind or shade; for example, a Venetian blind typically needs less depth than a cellular shade. It’s highly recommended to measure the depth at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. Often, window frames are not perfectly square or consistent. If your measurements vary, use the shallowest measurement when determining if the window meets the minimum depth requirement. If the depth is insufficient for a full inside mount, consider a “partial inside mount” where the blind sits partially recessed, or opt for an outside mount where the blind is installed on the wall or trim surrounding the window.

Should I round up or down when measuring for window blinds?

Generally, for inside mount blinds, you should round down to the nearest 1/8 inch. This ensures a proper fit within the window frame without the blinds being too wide to install. For outside mount blinds, where the blinds hang outside the window frame, round up to ensure adequate coverage.

When measuring for inside mount blinds, precision is key. Rounding down allows for slight imperfections in the window frame and ensures the blinds will fit without being forced. If you round up, the blinds might be too wide to fit properly, requiring you to return or modify them. Most manufacturers will also deduct a small amount (typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch) from the width you provide to guarantee a smooth operating fit inside the frame. For outside mount blinds, rounding up is beneficial because it provides better light control and privacy. The extra width allows the blinds to cover the entire window opening, minimizing gaps around the edges. When measuring for length, adding a few inches to the overall length ensures the entire window is covered, even when the blinds are fully extended. Consider the overlap you desire on either side of the window frame when rounding up the width measurement.

How do I measure for blinds in a bay window?

Measuring for blinds in a bay window requires precise individual measurements for each window section, accounting for angles and overlaps to ensure a seamless fit. Treat each window pane as a separate entity and note the inside recess dimensions, paying special attention to any obstructions or depth limitations.

When measuring the depth of your bay window recesses, it is crucial to ensure you have sufficient space for the blind hardware. Different blind types require varying minimum depths for proper installation. If your window recesses are shallow, you may need to consider outside mount blinds, which are installed on the wall surrounding the window frame. When measuring for the width of each blind, measure from the inside edge of the recess to the opposite side. Deduct a small amount (typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch) from each width measurement to ensure the blinds don’t rub against the side walls, allowing for smooth operation. Pay particular attention to the angles of your bay window. The angle between the windows determines how much overlap will be needed between the blinds to prevent light gaps. More acute angles will require greater overlaps. Consider using a professional installer, particularly if you are unfamiliar with bay window blind installation or have complex angles. This will ensure accurate measurements and a professional-looking finish.

What if I want to layer shades and blinds; how does that affect measuring?

Layering shades and blinds means you’ll be measuring for two separate window treatments, each with its own specific mounting requirements. The key is to consider which treatment will be closer to the window (typically shades) and which will be further out (typically blinds). Measure each layer independently, accounting for any overlap or clearance needed to ensure they operate smoothly without interfering with each other.

When measuring for layered window treatments, start with the treatment closest to the window. This will typically be an inside-mount shade. Measure for the inside mount shade using the standard width and height measurements, ensuring you have enough depth for proper installation. Next, consider the outside-mount blinds. When measuring for the blinds, you’ll need to factor in any overlap you desire on either side of the window frame and above/below the window. This overlap is crucial for privacy and light control. Remember that the depth of your window frame is important. The inside-mount shade needs adequate depth to be installed correctly. Then, the outside-mount blinds need to be mounted far enough out to clear the shade completely when it’s lowered. If you’re unsure about clearances or mounting depths, it’s always best to consult with a professional installer before ordering. They can assess your window and advise on the best measurements to ensure a perfect fit and optimal functionality of both your shades and blinds.

And there you have it! Measuring for window blinds might seem daunting, but hopefully, this has made the process a little easier. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you’ll come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!