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Measuring your windows for blinds and shades is easy and we provide these measuring instructions to help make it even easier for you. If you have any questions regarding how to measure properly for our products then please contact us.

Important rules to follow while measuring your windows:

  • Always use a steel measuring tape for accuracy.
  • Write down WIDTH first then HEIGHT. Do not list them out of order.
  • Measure ALL of your windows, even if they appear to be the same size.
  • Never measure an existing blind/shade for your measurements.

There are two mount types to consider, Inside Mount and Outside Mount. Please note that mounting onto a door is considered an outside mount.

Inside Mount
Inside mounted blinds and shades are mounted within the window frame providing a clean, custom look. A great way to leave an attractive window trim exposed. Please note that if your mounting space is restricted in width or it is between two stationary objects then you will most likely need to make a deduction off the width so the shade will fit. You cannot typically just order an inside mount on a roman shade and mount it outside mount, due to differences in mounting and construction of the shade for those two different mount types.

Inside Mounting Depth
To properly mount a blind or shade inside the window's frame, your frame must be deep enough to accommodate the mounting brackets. If the depth of your window's frame is not equal to or greater than the minimum mounting depth, you will need to measure for an outside mount and mount your product outside the window frame.
Overhead view of window depth for inside mount
Minimum Inside Mounting Depth is the minimum flat depth required to mount a blind or shade inside the window opening. This depth allows for enough space for the product to be mounted. A portion of the blind or shade may protrude from the window opening.
  • Minimum Inside Mounting Depth (Hidden Cord Lift): 1 1/4"
  • Minimum Inside Mounting Depth (Front Placement Cord Lift): 1 1/4"
  • Minimum Inside Mounting Depth (Continuous Cord Loop): 2"
  • Minimum Inside Mounting Depth (Top Down Bottom Up): 2"
  • Minimum Inside Mounting Depth (Cordless): 1 3/4"
  • Minimum Inside Mounting Depth (Up-ended Headrail): 3/4"
Flush Inside Mounting Depth is the flat depth required to mount a blind so that it is fully recessed inside the window casing and no portion of the blind or shade protrudes from the window frame. Obstructions such as window cranks, handles and other items inside the window opening must be factored into your depth measurement.
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Hidden Cord Lift): 1 1/2"
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Front Placement Cord Lift): 1 1/2"
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Continuous Cord Loop (Shades under 3364 sq-in)): 2 1/2"
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Continuous Cord Loop (Shades over 3364 sq-in)): 3 1/2"
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Top Down Bottom Up): 2 1/2"
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Cordless): 2 1/4"
  • Flush Inside Mounting Depth (Up-ended Headrail): 1"
Inside Mount Measuring
Inside Mount Measuring
Width
Measure the window opening in at least THREE (3) places: top, middle, and bottom. Take the smallest of the 3 measurements (rounded down to the nearest 1/8th inch) and write it down. This is the width you will order.
Height
Measure the exact height from the top inside edge down to the window sill/window bottom in THREE places: left, middle, right. Take the largest/longest of the three measurements (rounded up to the nearest 1/8th inch). This is the height you will order.
Important: If more than one shade is in the same room and they have similar heights, then order them all with the same exact height so that they have identical pleat count and structure. Use the height of the tallest shade so they all have proper coverage.
Important: You must provide the smallest width measurement of the opening when ordering. If your window opening has a narrower width at any other location than where you measured, then measure that width.
Important: Do not take any deductions from your measurements. The manufacturing factory will make a 3/8" (+/- 3/16" variance) deduction off the ordered width for the proper installation and operation of your shade. Do not increase the measured width to reduce the manufacturer deduction.
Check for Window Square
Window Square Measuring
Measure the window opening on the diagonal from corner to corner. First from the top left corner to the bottom right corner and then from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. If the two measurements differ by more than a 1/2" then it is recommended that you switch to an outside mount.
Please note: When measuring, do not be surprised if your windows are not exactly square, many aren't. If they are a little out of square, it will probably not be noticeable.

Outside Mount
Outside mounted blinds are mounted to the wall or the window trim outside of the window opening and cover an area larger than the window itself. Provides greater light control and privacy. Perfect for windows that lack the required depth for an inside mount.

Outside Mount Measuring
Outside Mount Measuring
Width
Measure the width of the area you wish to cover (left to right). If possible, provide at least 3" of overlap beyond the window opening to ensure maximum light control, 1 1/2" to each side. This exact width will be your ordered width. no deductions will be taken by the factory.
Height
Measure the height of the area you wish to cover (top to bottom). Add at least 3" to your measured height at the top for room to mount the headrail and brackets. For coverage below the bottom of the window add additional height if you want the shade to drop down below the window if you do not have a window sill. You must have the minimum flat mounting surface space above the window opening for proper bracket mounting. Provide enough overlap to the height to accomodate the mounting space and to provide ample light control overlap below the bottom of the window.
  • Minimum Flat Mounting Surface: 1 1/8"
Please note: If you have a window sill that protrudes at the bottom of the window, adjust your height measurement so the blind rests on the sill.
Important: If more than one shade is in the same room and they have similar heights, then order them all with the same exact height so that they have identical pleat count and structure. Use the height of the tallest shade so they all have proper coverage.
Important: Continuous Cord Loop and Top Down Bottom Up shades: Due to valance side returns used on Outside Mount shades the headrail will be 1" wider than the ordered width (the shade material will be the ordered width). Please adjust your width measurement accordingly if you have obstructions on the left and/or right of the shade. For more information please view the product page for the specific lift type.