How to Measure Windows for Blinds & Shades

Learn how to measure your windows for custom blinds and shades with our easy-to-follow guide and How to Measure videos. Required minimum depth by category below. For custom shutters, visit here.

Before Measuring, Choose Between Inside & Outside Mount

Inside Mount

Clean, integrated look and the most popular choice. Window frame must accommodate the Required Minimum Depth for your desired window treatment. A common measuring mistake is not considering the depth needed when choosing Inside Mount. Depth determines which window treatment your window can accommodate with Inside Mount and how it will look when installed. To understand more about depth, see our blog.

 

Outside Mount

Makes windows appear larger and provides superior light control. (Chosen when Inside Mount is not an option because the window frame does not have enough depth for the window treatment).

How to Measure Inside Mount Blinds & Shades

Step 1: Measure Width

Measure inside the window frame horizontally in 3 places to the nearest 1/8 inch: top, middle & bottom. The shortest measurement = your width.

 

Step 2: Measure Height

Measure inside the window frame vertically in 3 places to the nearest 1/8 inch: left, middle & right.
The longest measurement = your height.

*For Banded & Sheer Shades, always order the SHORTEST measurement to allow full rotation of the bottom rail.

 

Step 3: Measure Depth

Measure the inside depth to the nearest 1/8 inch at the top of the window frame. Be sur to consider any Window Obstacles. The shortest measurement = your depth.

How to Measure Outside Mount Blinds & Shades

Step 1: Measure Width

Measure horizontally to the nearest 1/8 inch between the outer-most points where you want your window treatments placed. For optimal light control, it's recommended to overlap each side of the window frame by at least an additional 3/4 inch.

 

Step 2: Measure Height

Measure vertically to the nearest 1/8 inch from the top of where you want the window treatment to be installed (headrail location) to the top of the window sill, or measure to point of desired length if there is no sill.

Measuring Tips

  • Do not take deductions from your measurements.
  • For Inside Mount, we will make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
  • For Outside Mount installed outside of the window trim, you may need extension brackets or spacer blocks to account for the trim thickness.
  • Measure each window – even ones that appear identical.
  • All measurements should be to the nearest 1/8 inch.
  • Use a metal tape measure as cloth ones may stretch.

Review the measurement instructions in our brochure for additional details.

How to Measure Videos

How-to Videos

How to Measure for Inside Mount Custom Blinds & Shades

How-to Videos

How to Measure for Outside Mount Custom Blinds & Shades

How-to Videos

How to Measure for Inside & Outside Mount Custom Blinds & Shades

Cellular Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Roller Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Banded Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Sheer Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Solar Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Faux Wood Blinds Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Real Wood Blinds Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Natural Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Roman Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Vertical Blinds Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Soft Vertical Blinds Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Panel Track Shades Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth
Metal Blinds Product Specifications & Required Minimum Depth