Measuring Guide Print E-mail

Custom Blind Measuring Guide


Here’s where "almost" is not good enough. An inside mount blind that’s 1/4" too wide just isn’t going to fit no matter how hard you try. MEASURE CAREFULLY. WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN. Because our blinds and shades are made especially for you according to your order, precise measurements are essential. We have provided handy worksheets that you may print and use to write down your measurements:

The Blind Barn and the respective manufacturer will not be held accountable for incorrect measurements!

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.
Step 2 - Decide On The Type of Mounting You Want

Inside Mount


Outside Mount

Inside mounted blinds are mounted inside the window frame or casing. This offers a more finished look and shows off the molding if present.

Outside mounted blinds are mounted on either the wall above the window, or on the window casing itself. Outside mounted blinds cover the entire window including the woodwork around the window. You will need 2" above the window casing for installation of the brackets.


Step 3 - Determine Available Mounting Depth (Inside Mount Only)

Overhead Views


Measure from the front edge of the window casing back to the first obstruction the blind will encounter. This is your available mounting depth.



Flush Mount
Blind fits within window frame



Minimal Mounting Depth Available
(Blind protrudes out from window frame)

In order to mount a blind inside the window’s casing, you must have enough depth to accommodate the mounting brackets. If you do not have enough mounting depth, you will have to mount your blind outside the window frame (outside mount, see Step 2 above). Remember, window cranks, handles and other obstructions must be considered when you determine if you have enough depth to "mount inside".

If you have only minimal mounting depth, and choose to allow the blind to protrude from the window frame as in the bottom illustration, you will still need to have enough mounting depth for the brackets to be installed. This requirement will vary from one blind style to another and between manufacturers. See Chart 1 for the required depth for the product you are purchasing.


Make sure the window is square by measuring two directions diagonally as shown on the right. If the distances are not equal, the window is not square, and you should use Outside Mount only.

Chart 1 - Mounting Depth Minimums for Inside Mount
2"
Faux
Wood
2½"
Faux
Wood
2"
Wood

2½"
Wood

Honeycomb
Cellular

Honeycomb
Cellular
Cordless
Minimum
Depth
3/4" 7/8" 3/4" 1-1/4" 3/4" 3/4"
Flush
Depth
3-1/4" 3-1/2" 3" 3-1/4" 1-3/4" 2"

Step 4 - Measure Accurately - Here's How


Inside Mount

Inside mount requires the most careful measurements. Measure in the three places shown for both width and height. Always list width first. Always follow the measurement with the correct letter (w for width, h for height ie: 33"w x 56"h). Round all measurements to the nearest 1/8".

Write down the three measurements, then use the smallest one to order. Order the exact measurement you made. The factory will take the standard deductions for proper fit that your blind requires.




Outside Mount

Measure the exact area to be covered. You will want the blind to overlap the window opening so that you will have more light control and privacy.

If you are mounting on the wall above the window, be sure to measure high enough to allow for mounting the brackets. Usually, 2" is the correct distance above the molding.


Important: The factory will not take any deduction for a blind ordered as "outside mount". The blind or shade will be made to the exact measurement you order. Remember, the head rail and bottom rail will be the exact width you order, the cloth will be slightly narrower.

Chart 2 - Suggested Overlap for Outside Mount Blinds
Overlap Outside of
Molding or Casing
Wood
Blinds

Faux
Wood
Blinds
Cellular
Shades

Each Side 1-1/2"
each side
1-1/2"
each side
1-1/2"
each side
Total Overlap 3" 3" 3"