How To Measure For Your New Blinds

Understandably, you want to make the very most of your home’s unique windows and your new blinds, and this starts with a simple, but very important measuring process, as detailed below.

As you work through these quick steps, make sure you use a non-flexible measuring device such as a tape measure or a yardstick to ensure the accuracy of the measurements. Using a more flexible measuring tool may result in less accurate measurements.

How Do You Want Your Blinds Mounted?

How you measure your window for blinds depends on whether the blinds will hang inside of the window frame (which is known as inside mount or recessed mount) or outside of the window frame (which is known as outside mount).

Recessed mounting will allow the blinds to hang inside the frame of the window without covering the window frame or moulding that surrounds your windows.  An outside mount will attach the blinds to your wood trim or above it, so using that style will cause your trim to be covered.  Both types of mounting are acceptable for many different styles of   window shades and blinds.

Once you have determined which installation method you prefer, you simply grab your tape measure, a pencil and something to write on. Many people find it beneficial to sketch out a rough drawing of the window and write the measurements in. This is up to you.

If you are measuring for recessed mounting (inside mounting) blinds, you will want to start the measurement at the inside edge of the trim and measure the width to the opposite inside edge. 

For outer mounting blinds, measure the exact width of your windows including the trim; hence why this method is called “outer” mounting. You are actually measuring the outer part of the entire window and it’s frame.

When it comes to measuring blinds, you will want to measure in inches only and then round your calculations down to the closest 1/8th of an inch. 

Note: To ensure an accurate measure, you can take three measures, measuring side-to-side in three places – the top, the middle, and the bottom. This will help you determine a more accurate single measurement because few windows are perfectly square.

Once you have measured, write the number down and then use the same technique to measure the height of your windows. 

When measuring for inside mounting, you will want to stop at the windowsill for inside mounting and just below the windowsill for outside mounting blinds. 

Note: For recessed blinds, you will also need to measure the depth of your windows, working to determine the best slat size for wood, faux wood and aluminum blinds or cell size for cellular window shades.  

Need More Help?
Let us help you find a local installer who will handle the measuring and installing of your new window blinds for you.