Measuring Horizontal Blinds

Before you measure for your horizontal faux wood blinds (or any horizontal blind), determine which mount you prefer, an inside or outside mount. While measuring for your horizontal blinds is easy, it is different for the two types of mounts.

Inside mount:

The mount sits in the opening of the window's frame, allowing the horizontal blinds to look flush or nearly flush with the frame or walls, in both directions (left – right and top – down). This creates a “cleaner” and modern look.

Outside mount:

The mounting brackets sit outside and above the window. With this mount, the horizontal blinds cover the window frame as well as the window. The outside mount is often chosen to hide an unattractive window, create the illusion of a larger window, or to help ensure there is no light gap at either side of the window.

Measuring Horizontal Blinds for the Inside Mount

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 should 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 the manufacturer 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!

Measuring Horizontal Blinds for the Outside Mount

1. Measure the width across the window where you want the blind to cover. You can typically add 4 to 6 inches (2 to 3 inches on each side) to the actual width of the window to ensure that the sunlight doesn’t peak through the ends and to improve insulation. Record the measurement. (Caution: if you add an excessive amount to each side, creating a blind much longer than the window's width, your blind may appear overly large when the blind is raised and the window frame beneath can be seen.)
2. Measure the height of the window where you want the blind to cover. Record the tallest measurement.
3. Record your measurement as WIDTH × HEIGHT.
4. The manufacturers not typically take any deductions from your measurements. Deductions are usually only taken for inside mounts. Your blinds should arrive with the exact measurements you provide.
5. Blinds stack at the top. If you do not want the blinds to obstruct your view when fully stacked, allow enough room above the window for the stacking.
6. Double check your measurements!