How To Measure Windows
Measuring Guidelines That Show You How To Measure Blinds
This page is from our How-To section where you can learn about measuring and installing window coverings.
MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. Be extremely careful and precise with your measuring as measurements must be exact to ensure a correct fit. We will not be held accountable for incorrect measurements. So please be sure to read how to measure windows below.
How To Measure Windows: Do’s and Don’ts
- Always use a metal tape measure
- Always measure the exact window that the blind/shade is intended for, as each window can be different by as little as 1/16th of an inch and thus may not fit windows that are “supposed to be the same size”.
- Measure the width first and write it down. The width is the horizontal measurement. Then measure the length and write it down. The length measurement is the vertical measurement. Always give measurements in “width X length” format.
- Measure to the nearest 1/8”.
- DO NOT TAKE ANY DEDUCTIONS AS FACTORY DEDUCTIONS WILL VARY ACCORDING TO PRODUCT AND MOUNTING SELECTION.
How To Measure Blinds: Measuring for Inside Mount
Take 3 measurements for the width and 3 measurements for the length, for each blind.
Measure the width of the inside opening of the window at the top, the middle and the bottom and use the smallest of the 3 measurements for ordering the width. Measure the length at the left side, the centre and the right side and use the shortest of the 3 measurements for ordering length. When ordering vertical type blinds deduct ¼” from length to allow unobstructed operation at the bottom of the window.
How To Measure Blinds: Measuring for Outside Mount
Measure the width and length to the outside edge of trim. For efficient light control and privacy, 2” should be added to each side of the width measurement. To align the fabric or slats (on a roller shade or horizontal blind) with the outside edge of the side of the window, add ½” on each side.
Add 2” to the length measurement at the bottom of the window and add sufficient for the vertical measurement of the headrail of the specific window treatment that you are ordering. Most headrails will require 1 ½” to 3 ½” added to the length measurement.
As you begin to think about how to measure windows remember that if you are ordering vertical type blinds, add 3” to each side of the outside frame width of the window and 2” to the length for the brackets at the top. If you would like the vertical blind to stack back off the glass, add extra width for this. E-mail us to inquire how much “stack back” space will be required for the width of your window, as this measurement changes according to the width of your window. As you learn how to measure windows please remember when you take the measurements to confirm that there is sufficient available wall space to accommodate the extra “stack back” measurement before actually placing your order.