How to Measure Your Windows

General Overview:

Rule 2. Measure down to the nearest eighth of an inch and do not round your measurements. Meaning don't measure 35 3/8" and call it 35" or 36".

Rule 3. When writing down your measurements be sure to indicate which measurement is the width and which is the height and ALWAYS note the width first, then the height. A common mistake customers make is transposing the numbers. Be sure not to get them backwards. Since these are custom made products it's generally very hard to have a size modified and can get costly to have them remade.
Measuring Example: your window is 36 3/8" wide by 60 1/4" high (tall). Think of it in these terms, Width is horizontal (horizon) left to right and height is vertical top to bottom. Your written measurements would look something like this... 36 3/8" x 60 1/4"

Rule 4. Inside Mount Only - Do NOT take any deductions . Our factory takes those allowances. You need to provide us with your EXACT WINDOW SIZE OPENING, do not use the size of an existing blind in that window. If you take your own deductions and then order as an inside mount you will get a double deduction when the factory also takes an allowance meaning your window treatment will not fit properly and you will have a larger gap between the treatment and the window opening.

Rule 5. Outside Mount Only - You need to provide the exact overall blind size needed (by adding the necessary coverage to the width and height of opening). Our factory makes most outside mount blinds the exact width and height you specify. NOTE: The height includes the OVERALL blind which includes the headrail, etc. One of the few exceptions are roller shades which the width is generally made as a tip-to-tip size. Meaning the fabric width is generally smaller than the width of the roller tube and bracket tabs. Since there is generally no deductions made on outside mount blinds, do not order your blinds as an outside mount if you are installing them inside a window opening as they will not fit. The blind cannot be the same exact size as the window it will be installed in as there must be room for hardware and clearance. Outside mount applications are usually used for windows that do not have an inside area, like a patio sliding glass door for example.

Choose Inside or Outside Mount:

Before taking any measurements, step back from your window and decide if you want to mount the window treatment inside the window recess or outside on the wall or molding.

Inside mount: the window opening must have enough unobstructed depth to allow mounting. Be sure to look for obstructions like window locks, window cranks, etc.

Outside Mount: In all cases make sure you measure top middle and bottom for height and left, right and middle for width. The reason is windows are often uneven.

How to Measure Horizontal Blind or Shade

Inside Mount

• Width: Measure from the inside frame of the window, from left to right. You will be taking 3 measurements from the top, center and the bottom. Measure to the nearest 1/8 and record the smallest measurement (DO NOT USE The LARGEST MEASUREMENT) your blind or shade will not fit. Be sure to right your measurement down right away. Do not try to memorize it. The width is always the first measurement, do not take any deductions. The factory will take the necessary deductions according to the type of blind or shade that you are ordering. Be sure to check the product specifications for the amount of mounting space needed inside the window sill. This is necessary to accommodate the hardware and proper fit of the blind or shade. Double check your measurements.
• Height: Measure from the inside frame of the window. Measure from the top & bottom. You will be taking 3 measurements from the left, center and the right. Measure to bottom of the sill and use the largest measurement to the closest 1/8 of an inch. Do not take any deductions, the factory will take the necessary deductions needed according to the blind or shade that is being ordered. Be sure to record your measurement as soon as you take it. The height should always be the second measurement. Always double check your measurements.

Outside Mount

• Width: Measure the window in three area’s top, center and bottom on the outside of the frame. Measure the exact area that you want covered from left to right. We recommend at least 2 to 3 inches for each side. Make sure there is adequate amount of space for the additional inches that you are adding. There are no deductions for an outside mount. The measurement you order, is what you will receive. Record your measurement right away. The width is always the first measurement.
• Height: Measure from the top to the bottom of the window sill in three areas from the left, center and the right. Measure from the top of the window to the sill, then add the desired amount to cover the entire window. General rule is to add 2 to 3 inches to the top and the bottom of the blind or shade. Make sure there is adequate amount of room for the extra inches that are being added. The height is always the second measurement.

Check product specifications for mounting requirements

How to Measure Woven Wood Shades

Inside Mount

• Width: Measure from the inside frame of the window, from left to right. You will be taking three measurements, from the top, center and the bottom. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch and record the smallest measurement (Do not use the largest measurement) your shade will not fit. Be sure to right your measurement down right away. Do not try to memorize it. The width is always the first measurement. Do not take any deductions. The factory will take the necessary deductions according to the type of blind or shade that is being ordered. Be sure to check the product specifications for the amount of mounting space that is needed inside the window sill. This is necessary to accommodate the hardware and a proper fit of the blind or shade. Double check your measurements.
  The factory will make a 1/2" deduction on the width for an inside mount. DO NOT MAKE ANY Deductions. There will be 1/8 deduction on each side of the shade.
• Height: Measure the inside of the window frame. Measure the left, center and the right side. Use the largest measurement. Record the measurement . Length tolerance can occur with woven woods and therefore the length could vary from -1/4 to -+ 1 1/2 inch due to the pattern repeat of the shade.

Outside Mount

• Width: Measure the window on the outside of the frame. Measure the exact area that you want covered from left to right. . If your window is 60” in width we recommend at least 2 inches for each side, making the measurement 64 inches. Make sure there is enough room for the extra measurement. There are no deductions on an outside mount measurement. Therefore you will receive the exact measurement.
• Height: Measure the from the top to the bottom of the window in 3 areas from the left, center and right. Measure from the top of the window to the sill, then add the desired amount to cover the entire window. General rule is to allow 2 to 3 inches for the top and the bottom.
  Example if your measurement is 60” add 2 inch for the top and 2 inches for the bottom giving you a total measurement of 64 inches. Make sure there is enough room for the additional inches that you are adding. You also want to make sure the headrail is mounted above the window frame, if there is any trim be sure to measure above the trim. Length tolerance can occur with woven woods and therefore the length could vary from -1/4 inch to -+ 1-1/2 inch due to the pattern repeat of the shade.

Check product specifications for mounting requirements

How to Measure Vertical Blinds

Inside Mount

• Width: Measure the inside of the window frame to the nearest 1/8 inch. Measure from the top, center and the bottom. Record the smallest measurement. Do not round up or take any deductions. The factory will take the deductions for you. The width is always the first measurement width x height. Always double check your measurements. Be sure to check the product specifications most verticals require at least 3 inches in depth for the mounting brackets.
• Height: Measure the inside of the window frame to the nearest 1/8 inch. Measure from the top to the bottom left, center and right. Record the largest measurement. Do not round up or take any deductions. Always double check your measurements.

Outside Mount

• Width: Measure the width, area that will be covered where the headrail will be installed. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. The vertical should overlap the sides by 2 inches(minimum if possible) on each side. You will add 4 inches to the measurement (granted if there is enough space) If there is enough wall space you can extend the measurement to the desired width. This is generally done when your blind is opened completely the stacking will be on the wall VS on the glass for larger views. No Deductions will be made by the factory. The size ordered will be the exact size of the vertical.
• Height: Measure the length of the entire area that will be covered and where the headrail will be installed. Remember to measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. The vertical should overlap the top of the window by 3 inch al least. If there is any trim around the window you need to measure 3 inches above that trimmed area. You want to stay within that 3 inch mark to ensure that you are installing into a header(wood) for a secure installation. If you are measuring from the ceiling to the floor make sure you take in account for any carpet. Also if you have an area that has half carpet & half tile or wood floors. You will want to take the smaller measurement on the length carpet vs. flooring. There are no deductions on an outside mount measurements by the factory.

Check product specifications for mounting requirements

How to Measure Horizontal Sheer Shades

Important Measuring Guidelines
Precise width and length measurements are critical. Fabric width cannot be altered after the shading is fabricated. Please use a metal tape measure for accuracy from home to factory. The headrail must be installed perfectly level and installed evenly to ensure smooth operation. On an inside mount, it is recommended that you check to see that the mounting surface is level and consistent. If your soffit needs to be leveled, this should be done before measuring.

Length Considerations

We will fabricate your sheer shades to the exact length ordered, when the vanes are in the open (or view-through) position. When the vanes are rotated to the closed position, the shading will become 3/8" longer.

When closed on an inside mount, a slight puckering may occur on the lower most sheer section because of contact with the sill. To compensate, slightly raise the shading until the rail begins to lift off the window sill. If preferred, the shading can be ordered 3/8" less than the measured length of the window opening. In this case, the bottom rail will be positioned 3/8" above the sill when the vanes are in the open position. Rotating the vanes closed will cause the bottom rail to touch the window sill, closing any space.

Inside Mount

Measure across the width of your window opening in three different places - top, middle and bottom. Measurements should be taken within the window jamb. Provide the smallest of the three measurements. The factory will make the necessary deductions to fit the window opening. Measure the length of the window opening from the underside of the soffit to the surface of the window sill in two places - use the smallest of these two measurements.

Outside Mount

Measure the exact width and length of the area to be covered. On the width, allow at least 1-1/2" of an overlap on each side. An overlap of 3" on each side is recommended. Be sure to take into consideration any obstructions such as window trim, molding, locks and window cranks.

Check product specifications for mounting requirements

How to Measure Blinds & Shades for Cut Outs

Cut outs are done when there is an obstruction that will interfere, not allowing the blind or shade to lower properly. There is an easy solution for this. Measure the blind or shade as normal width & length.

Then you will need to measure each side where there is an obstruction (tile or molding). Measure the height of the obstruction from the bottom to wear the obstruction ends, allow at least 1/8 to a 1/4 extra to insure clearance ( for each side if necessary).

Then you will need to measure width of the obstruction from left to right as shown above. The obstruction measurements can be noted in the comment box, or you can call customer service for special assistance in ordering.

You can download this Cut-Out Worksheet, print it and use it to enter information about the cut outs.

Measuring for a French Door

Width:To minimize light gaps, measure the width of the glass pane and add some additional width but make sure that it will be free from any obstructions. Our recommendation is to add at least 2” to the width (1" on each side past the glass pane or trim if possible).

Height:Measure the height of the window glass/trim and add at least 2 1/2” at the top to allow room for mounting hardware and 2” below the bottom of the glass/trim to ensure proper coverage and to allow for the hold down brackets to be mounted. Your total height addition should be at least 4 1/2" to allow for proper coverage.

How to Measure for an Inside Mount Bay Window

Measuring for Bay Windows can be an easy task if you follow our directions. Generally, even with the most precise measurements there will be light/privacy gaps in the corners. This should not be considered a measuring mistake. It happens because when two blinds or shades meet in a corner only the front edges meet up and the blind or shade itself is normally slightly smaller in width than the headrail.

To start measuring you need the depth of the bracket/headrail for the blinds type you wish to use. Select the product you are using in the Bay Window and write down the depth value associated with it.

How to Measure for a Corner Window