Measuring Instructions for Blinds and Shades

Guidelines For a Perfect Fit

• Measure each window individually as size variances are common.
• Record width first, length (height) second to the nearest 1/8".
• Measure width from left to right and length from top to bottom using a steel tape measure. DO NOT use a cloth tape.

Select your window fashion type and then follow instructions below:

Horizontal Blinds and Fabric Shades, including Roller and Solar Shades

Inside Mount:

Inside mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window casing. Minimum depth requirements vary by product and headrail type or tube size (for roller and solar shades). See product details for requirements.

• Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places (top, middle, bottom). Record the narrowest measurement. Solar and roller shades should be measured at the top only.
• Measure the exact height from top of opening to top of sill in three different places (left, middle, right). Record the longest measurement.
• Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.
• Note on Solar and Roller Shades: On continuous loop inside mounts, there is a ¾" light gap per side. On cordless inside mount, there is approximately 1" total light gap on the right and just over ½" on the left. For optimal light and glare control, outside mount is recommended, or you may add a secondary soft window treatment (drapery) to hide the light gap on inside mount.

Outside Mount:

Outside mount blinds and shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

• Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 1 ½" on each side (3" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy. For solar and roller shades make sure the measurement overlaps the window by at least 2 ¼" on each side (4 ½" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
• Measure exact length (height) to be covered, including desired overlap (typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill, if there is one).
• The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.

Vertical Blinds

Inside Mount:

Inside mount blinds are installed inside a window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. The window casing must be at least 2 ¾" deep for track flush mount or 3 ¾" deep for louvers flush mount.

• Measure the exact inside width of window casing or door from one inside edge to the other in three different places (top, middle, bottom). Record the narrowest measurement.
• Measure the exact height from top of opening to bottom, or top of sill if there is one, in three different places (left, middle, right). Record the shortest measurement.
• DO NOT take deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.

Outside Mount:

Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

• Measure the exact width of the window, including frame if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
• Measure length (height) of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
• If the blind extends to the floor (e.g., to cover a sliding glass door), measure length (height) in three places, take the smallest measurement, and deduct at least ½" for clearance so the louvers do not touch the floor.
• The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.

Drapery Panels

In most cases, drapery panels are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

Finished Width

• Measure the width of the window, including the frame if there is one. Add 4" on each side (8" total) to ensure light control and privacy.
• If you want the entire window uncovered when the drape is fully open, calculate stackback by adding 40% of your window size to determine your new rod face width.
• For overdrapery, add a minimum of 4" to the rod face width of the underdrapery to determine treatment width.

Finished Length