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How To Measure For Blinds and Ensure a Perfect Fit: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Discover the tools and materials needed to measure your window space accurately—don’t start without these!
  • Learn the foolproof method to ensure a perfect fit for your blinds—plus, a secret trick to guarantee flawless results every time. Scroll down now! 

How to Measure Windows for Blinds? Prepare Tools & Materials

  • Tape Measure
  • Drill With Bits
  • Ladder
  • Saw
  • Cutting Guide
  • Scissors

Measuring for Inside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

How to measure for blinds? Here’s a guide to measuring inside-mounted horizontal blinds for windows with or without molding or trim.

Step 1: Measure the Width

Start by measuring the window frame’s width at the top, middle, and bottom. This accounts for any variances in construction.

– Use the smallest measurement, such as the window width, to ensure that the blinds clear the sides of the window frame.

Step 2: Measure the Height

Next, measure the height inside the window frame at the left, middle, and right locations. This also allows for any construction variances.

– Round down the measurements to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

– Use the largest measurement to ensure the blinds cover the entire window opening.

Step 3: Measure Diagonally

Measure the window diagonally from corner to corner.

– If the two diagonal measurements differ significantly, consider ordering outside-mounted blinds for better light control and privacy.

– Measure the window area precisely. The factory will include all necessary mounting and operating clearance allowances on inside-mounted blinds.

Step 4: Select Your Inside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Take these precise measurements to choose your inside-mounted horizontal blinds.

By following these steps to measure blinds, you can ensure that your inside-mounted horizontal blinds are measured accurately for a perfect fit.

Measuring for inside-mounted horizontal blinds and outside-mounted ones

Measuring for Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Step 1: Measure the Width

Measure the width between the outermost points where the blinds will be installed down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Good to Know: For optimal light control, ensure the blinds extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side.

Step 2: Measure the Height

Measure the height between the highest and lowest points where the blinds will be placed, also to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

Good to Know: For best light control, have the blinds extend 1-1/2 inches above the window opening. If there is no sill, measure to the desired endpoint of the blinds.

Step 3: Select Your Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Take your precise measurements to choose your outside-mounted horizontal blinds.

Step 4: Get Extension Brackets if Needed

Consider getting extension brackets if you plan to mount your blinds on a wallboard.

How to measure window size for blinds? By following this guide, you can ensure accurate measurements for your outside-mounted horizontal blinds.

Measuring for Inside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are ideal for windows that are wider than tall or for sliding doors.

They can be installed as either inside-mounted or outside-mounted. However, doors are recommended for outside-mount installation since inside-mounted vertical blinds won’t work.

How to measure your windows for blinds? Keep scrolling to understand 3 easy steps to measure for your inside-mounted verticle blinds.

Step 1: Measure the Width

Measure the width inside the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Round down each measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Use the smallest measurement to ensure the blinds clear the sides of the window frame.

Step 2: Measure the Height

Measure the height inside the window frame from the top of the opening to the sill at the left, middle, and right. Similarly, round down each measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Use the shortest measurement to ensure the blinds fit within the opening.

Step 3: Select Your Inside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Take these exact measurements to Lowe’s to choose your inside-mounted vertical blinds.

This process ensures that you get perfectly fitting vertical blinds for your window.

Measuring for Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Step 1: Measure the Width

How do you measure windows for blinds? Start by measuring the width of the window or door.

For optimal light control, add 4 inches to each side, adding 8 additional inches to the overall width.

Step 2: Mark the Location of the Blinds

Mark the spot where you’ll install the headrail of the window blinds.

Graber suggest installing the headrail at least 3 inches above the window or door opening.

Step 3: Measure the Height

Measure the height from the marked headrail location down to the sill, taking measurements on the frame’s left, middle, and right sides.

Use the smallest measurement to ensure accuracy.

Step 4: Allow for Operating Clearance if Necessary

If the blinds will extend to the floor, subtract 1/2 inch from the height measurement to allow for operating clearance.

Step 5: Select Your Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Take these precise measurements to Creative Windows’ to choose your outside-mounted vertical blinds.

This approach ensures a perfect fit for your outside-mounted vertical blinds.

Measuring for Vertical Blinds for Patio Doors

Measuring for vertical blinds for patio doors

Step 1: Measure the Width

Measure the width inside the window frame at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Round each measurement down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Use the smallest measurement to ensure the blinds clear the sides of the window frame.

Step 2: Measure the Height

Measure the height from where the top of the blinds will be mounted to the floor, taking measurements on the left side, middle, and right side of the glass section of the door.

Ensure the blinds overlap the top of the glass by at least 3 inches.

Step 3: Deduct for Operating Clearance

Subtract 1/2 inch from the height measurement to allow for operating clearance.

How to measure blinds for windows? By following these steps, you’ll obtain accurate measurements for installing blinds on your patio doors.

Ready to transform your space with the perfect blinds? Follow our comprehensive guide on how to measure for blinds to ensure precise dimensions. Once you have your measurements, visit our shop, where our expert designers can assist you. They’ll walk you through the wide range of options and provide a rough estimate based on your measurements. 

Don’t leave your window treatments to chance—let our professional team help you achieve a flawless fit and stunning results. Contact us today and start your journey towards beautifully dressed windows!

Stacy Jacob

Stacy Jacob

Experienced Sales Manager with 12+ years in window design. Dedicated to exceptional customer experience and team leadership. I also enjoy reading, learning, and fostering kittens and helping them find their forever homes.

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