How to Measure for Window Blinds

Horizontal Blinds - Inside Mount

Inside Mount

Inside Mount Example

The mount (the hardware supporting the shade/blind) sits in the opening of the window’s frame, allowing the shade or blind to look flush or nearly flush with the frame or walls. This creates a "cleaner" look and allows you to see the natural beauty of the window frame.

Window Depths and Inside Mounts

The depth from the window to the frame or wall must be large enough to accommodate an inside mount. A completely flush inside mount (fully recessed so the top of the blind doesn’t jut out from the space) depends on the depth of the window and the shade or blind you’ve chosen.

Take you window’s fixtures into account when planning for an inside mount. If you have crank handles which jut out from the window, they may keep the window shade from being fully lowered or they may push the shade out at the bottom. Take the handles’ length into account when measuring for proper depth for your inside mount.

Measuring for the Inside Mount

Inside Mount Example
  1. Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, middle and bottom to the nearest 1/8 inch. Record the narrowest width.
  2. Measure the height inside the window opening at the left, right and center. Record the tallest measurement.
  3. Record your measurement as WIDTH × HEIGHT.
  4. Do not take any deductions. The factory will determine the proper deduction based on the shade you’ve chosen. The factory normally deducts between 1/16" and 3/8" from the width on each side and between 1/4" and 1/2" from the height.
  5. Measure the window opening (recess) to make sure there is enough room to install the mounting brackets. Most window blinds and shades require a minimum of a 1.5" opening. If your space is only 1.5", please consult with our customer service representatives to ensure the space is adequate for the shade or blind you intend to purchase for the space.
  6. NEVER measure existing blinds or use their specifications (from their packaging, invoices, or shipping materials) as the basis for your new blinds.
  7. Double check your measurements! There are no refunds or returns based on incorrectly measured, recorded or conveyed measurements.