How to Measure Windows for Blinds

This is a basic guide to take measurements of your windows for installing blinds.

Before you can start with the process of measuring windows for blinds, you need to become familiar with a few specifications.

Step 1: Know about your outlet window

You need to know what kind of an outlet window you have as you will order and fit the blinds according to it. There are many types, that is, skylights, bifolds, conservatories, or simple traditional windows.

This demonstration will be for simple traditional windows.

Step 2: Outside mounting vs. inside mounting

You have to know whether you want to mount the blinds on the outside of the window frame or on the inside.

There is a difference as the blinds mounted on the inside of the window frame provide a cleaner look as compared to the outside of the window frame. It requires your windows to open outwards and for your windows to have a depth of at least 6 cm.

However, if your windows open inwards and the depth of your frame is less than 6cm, then you have to go for an outside mount. Moreover, it can be used to hide an unappealing window and is used to add an illusion of longer and wider windows. It also offers better privacy and light control.

Step 3: Choose between horizontal and vertical blinds

You will be asked to choose the kind of blinds you want. They are either vertical blinds or horizontal blinds. Horizontal blinds are the better choice if you are concerned about privacy. However, vertical blinds tend to allow light to pass through more conveniently.

Step 4: Gather measuring apparatus

You need a simple apparatus consisting of a measuring tape, a piece of paper, a pen or a pencil. Alternatively, you can also use a measuring worksheet from a website.

Step 5: Now take measurements for your blinds

First of all, measure the overall length and width of your window.

a) For inside mounted blinds

Start taking measurements not from the edge of the window panel of window frames, rather measure all the way to the window recess itself.

Take three measurements just in case the frame is not completely square.

For accurate width:

Measure across the top, middle, and bottom from the inside frame. The smallest of the measurement is the actual width. Round it down to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

For accurate height:

Now similarly take three measurements for the height as well.

To get it right, measure from top to bottom on the left, in the middle, and on the right, from inside of the frame of the window. The largest of the three measurements is your accurate height. Now round it up to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.

Thus, order your blinds using the smallest width, and largest height of the window. However, for vertical blinds, use the smallest height, instead of using the largest.

b) For outside mounted blinds

Now, proceed with measuring the exact width of your window frame.

Measure the width across the top of the window frame, then across the middle of the window frame, and then finally across the bottom of the window frame. You have to choose the longest width. Now for maximum light coverage, add at least three to four inches to the longest width.

Now, measure the exact height of your window frame.

Measure from the top to the bottom of the frame of the window. Repeat this on the right side of the window, in the middle of the window, and finally on the left side of the window. You have to choose the tallest height measurement. Add at least two to three inches above the top of the window for the mount.

You can add additional inches at the bottom depending on how you want the blind to hang past the window sill. In most cases, however, outside mounted blinds are sized exactly according to the measurements provided and the factories offer no further adjustments.

These measurements are all you need to select new blinds for our windows.

Outside mounted vertical blinds are best the best choice for wider windows as well as for sliding doors.

Some Additional Tips for measuring your windows for blinds:

• When you are replacing old blinds, make sure to measure the windows for a better fit instead of measuring the old blinds.
• As the depth requirements fluctuate for every product, first and foremost check the minimum depth specifications mentioned on the product. And match it with the depth of your window. If it is not deep enough, you will only have the option of outside mounting.
• Accuracy is key. The more accurate your measurements are the better fitting od the blinds.

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