Custom Made Blinds & Shades

Bay Window Measuring Guide

Print these instructions (.pdf)

Measuring Bay Windows requires special considerations.

First of all, you must accept the fact that there will be gaps between the blinds where they meet. Since head rails are slightly wider than the fabric or slats, when the head rails are butted together, the body of the blinds will not meet. Due to the construction design of any brand of blind, it is not possible to avoid this issue. For some, this may create a privacy issue to be considered.

We suggest you print the PDF copy of these instruction for easy reference while measuring.

Important: Measurements must be taken at the location where the front of the head rail will be, NOT at the back of the head rail nearest the window as you would with a conventional straight window. Notice in Figure 1 how the back of the head rail has a wide gap while the front of the head rail butts with the adjoining shade.

Step 1 - The Basics

• Use only a steel tape. 3/4" to 1" wide is best. Never use a cloth tape.
• Round each measurement to the nearest 1/8".
• Measure every window. Windows that appear to be the same size frequently aren’t.
• Write everything down. Double check every measurement.

It is important that you understand how to measure for this special type window and proceed carefully without error. Remember, neither the Blind Barn nor the respective manufacturer with be responsible for measuring errors.

Step 2 - The Measuring

1. Cut two pieces of cardboard the exact thickness (depth) the blind head rail will be and approximately 12 inches long. See Chart 1 - Head Rail Depth and Minimum Bracket Depth for Bay Window Measurements.
2. Determine where your mounting surface will be. Make sure there is enough space for the brackets. See Chart 1 for the minimum bracket space needed for the appropriate brackets for your shade.
3. Position the pieces of cardboard so the front edges meet as if they are the actual blind head rails. See the drawing above.
4. Make a pencil mark on the woodwork at the back of the card board where the head rail will end. If you do not wish to mark on the woodwork, put a small piece of masking tape at the location and mark on it.
5. Measure the left and right blinds from the place you made the mark to the outside where you want the head rail to end. Measure the center blind between the marks. Round all measurements to the nearest 1/8".
6. Write everything down. Check everything twice.
7. Order blinds marked as Inside Mount.