How to Measure Your Window For Window Blinds

When purchasing window blinds for your home, ordering the blinds from the manufacturer is the easy part. The hard part? Learning how to measure your window for window blinds. 

You’d typically think measuring a window frame for window blinds is a straightforward task. After all, what could be so challenging about using a measuring tape across a window frame? 

However, if you fail to get accurate measuring details for your window, you could end up with blinds that don’t fit the frame. 

As such, measuring your window before purchasing your blinds is the most essential process to getting new shades for your home. 

Having said that, here’s our in-depth guide on measuring your window frame for blinds: 

Where Will You Hang Your Blinds? 

Window treatments are generally installed inside or outside-mount. Inside mount treatments fit inside the window frame, creating a neat and crisp look that snugly matches the window’s shape. 

Inside-mount treatments guarantee more light control since there’ll be little or no gaps in the window frame for light to seep into your home. 

For an inside-mount fit, you’d typically want your shades to sit comfortably within the frame of your windows, showcasing their size and moldings without leaving any gaping holes. 

To achieve this feat, you need to get accurate measurements because anything less would lead to purchasing blinds that are either too small for the window or too large to fit in. 

On the other hand, outside-mount blinds sit outside the window frame. 

Depending on your preferences, you could either fit them close to the window or extend the shades a bit to make your window look bigger. 

You could opt for an outside-mount fit if your window has any ugly spots you want to cover up or if the recess isn’t deep enough for an inside-mount fit. 

Outside-mount blinds also offer more flexibility regarding where to hang the shades and the design illusions you intend to create. 

How to Measure Your Window for Inside-mount Blinds 

What You’ll Need 

• Measuring tape 
• Step stool or ladder (if you have a high window) 
• Paper and pencil

Measuring Instructions

• Determining If an Inside Mount Fit is Ideal 

A crucial part of learning how to measure your window for blinds is determining which fit is ideal for your window treatments. 

Inside-mount blinds are ideal for your home if you have a deep window recess. However, it’s best to opt for an outside-mount fit if your window’s recess is shallow. 

• Measure the Window’s Width 

You’ll measure your window’s width at three points: the top, middle, and bottom of the recess. Take measurements to the nearest ⅛ inch. Note the smallest of the three measurements; this figure is your window’s width. 

• Measure the Height

You’ll also measure your window’s height at three points: along the left, right, and middle of the window frame. You’ll also round up measurements to the nearest ⅛ inch. The longest of the three measurements is your window’s height. 

How to Measure Your Window for Outside-mount Blinds 

• Determine the Ideal Fit 

You’ll need to determine if an outside-mount fit is ideal for your window before beginning measurements. 

If your window’s recess isn’t deep enough to accommodate an inside-mount blind, it’s best to mount the shades outside the frame. 

You should also opt for an outside-mount fit if your window has an irregular size or you intend to create a specific design illusion, such as making your window look bigger. 

Furthermore, an outside-mount fit is ideal if your window has any ugly spots you’d like to cover up. 

• Measure the Width 

Measure the window’s width depending on how wide you want it to be. Ideally, the blind should cover the entire window opening plus extra inches for maximum light and privacy coverage. 

We’d typically recommend around 1.5-3 extra inches on either side, depending on the type of shade and case moldings your window has. Solar and roller shades typically require a 2-inch overlap on either side. 

As such, if you opt for these types of blinds and you have a 36-inch window, you’d need to order a 40-inch-wide solar or roller shade, providing two extra inches on either side of the window opening. 

As always, you’ll need to round up your measurements to the nearest ⅛ inch. 

• Measure the Height 

Measure the window’s height from where you want the mounting bracket to be. You could decide to have the mounting bracket on the window molding or the wall. 

At the bottom of your window, measure to a spot slightly below the molding. Measuring this way guarantees adequate light and privacy coverage. You’ll also need to round up these measurements to the nearest ⅛ inch. 

Additional Tips for Measuring Your Window for Window Blinds 

• While writing your measurements, you should note width before height. For instance, if you want shades that are 40 inches wide and 58 inches long, the correct way to write this specification would be 40 x 58. 
• Double-check your measurements to ensure you’ve not missed anything. Blinds are custom-made; as such, if you get the details wrong, you’ll bear the costs of purchasing new ones. 
• Don’t measure existing shades or blinds. Instead, measure the window opening plus additional inches for maximum coverage. 
• Use a steel measuring tape. 
• If you’re unsure about the measurements, contact the blind company for some professional help. The window treatment manufacturer will send someone to your home to measure your window for you.

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Conclusion

Measuring your window before purchasing blinds is a relatively straightforward process, even for a beginner. 

However, you’ll need to be careful to ensure you don’t get the wrong measurements. Inaccurate measurements mean you’ll order blinds that don’t fit your window, which inevitably leads to higher replacement costs. 

If you’re still unsure about how to measure your window for blinds, you can contact us to send some assistance. 

At AAA Blind and Shutter Factory, our shades and blinds experts will execute accurate measurements for your windows and provide custom-made, fitting window treatments that suit your home’s decor. 

Contact us today to order the best window treatments for your living space.