How to Measure for Window Blinds & Shades

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Measuring for Blinds

How to Measure Yourself

Inside or Outside Mount?

The first decision that needs to be made before you measure your windows is whether you want to mount the blind on the inside or outside of the window frame.

Blinds mounted on the inside of the window frame provide a clean look. On an inside mount the headrail will sit back in the window casing so that it will emphasize the actual size of the window and it allows your window molding to be visible. If you want your blind to fit flush with the window molding you need to make sure you have enough depth in your window to accommodate the width of the headrail (each style of blind will need a different amount of depth to fit flush but as a general rule for blinds go horizontally across your window you will need 1" to 4" and for vertical blinds you will need 3" to 4"). Even if you do not have the necessary depth for a flush mount you can still do an inside mount and the blind will just project slightly out from the window molding.

Blinds mounted on the outside of the window frame provide the illusion of a longer and wider window and it can help in hiding an unattractive window. On an outside mount a blind can be mounted either on the window molding itself or above and beyond the window molding. An outside mount always provides for greater privacy and light control. An outside mount may be your only option if the window is not deep enough to contain at least the blind mounting brackets.

Measuring for Horizontal Blinds

Inside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Steve's Blinds inside mounted horizontal wood blinds

Measure exact window width at top, middle, and bottom.
Use the narrowest width. Do not make any deductions - provide the exact measurements of the narrowest width. The factory will make the necessary deductions to accommodate for the headrail and mounting brackets.
Measure exact window height at left, middle, and right side.
Use longest height. Do not make any deductions - provide the exact measurements of the longest height.

Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Steve's Blinds outside mounted cellular shades

Measure exact width where the blind is to be placed.
Add at least 3 inches for overlap (1-1/2" per side) for optimum light control and privacy.
Measure exact height from the top of the proposed headrail location to the base of the sill. If there is no sill, measure to where the blind is to reach.
Add 1-1/2" to the height for optimum light control.

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Measuring for Vertical Blinds

Inside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Inside mount blinds are installed inside the window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. The window casing must be at least 2 3/4" deep for flush track mount or 3 3/4" deep for flush vane mount (See diagram above). Window should have a minimum recessed space of 2 3/8" for inside mount.

Measure the width of the window from the top of the opening to the sill in 3 places. Use the smallest dimension for the blind width. The factory will automatically deduct up to 1/4" - 1/2".
Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest of the three top to bottom measurements.
Measure the window diagonally in two places as shown. If the two diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal shade function and aesthetics.
Do not take deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.

Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Measure the exact width of window, including the frame/molding if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
Measure the exact height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
If blind extends to the floor (i.e. to cover patio door) measure as in step two but deduct 1/2" for clearance so the vanes do not touch the floor.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.

Vertical Blinds Stack Control Options

How to measure for vertical blind stack control options

Determine your preferred stacking option, choose from: one-way draw or split draw (See images above). Note: if ordering one-way draw select for blinds to stack on either the left or the right.
Measure the window width including molding (Referred to as "Clear Opening"). Note: Adding at least 3" to the width is recommended when ordering one-way draw.
Reference the "Vertical Blind Stacking Chart" below. Use your Clear Opening Width ("C.O." on the chart) to find the corresponding dimension found in the "Finished Blind Width" (F.B.W. on the chart). Use the Finished Blind Opening Value when ordering. Example: If determined width for One-Way Draw Clear Opening is 54 3/8", Then you will order Finished Blind Width of 63 1/8."

Vertical Vane Stacking
One-Way Draw		Split Draw		One-Way Draw		Split Draw		One-Way Draw		Split Draw
C.O.	F.B.W.	C.O.	F.B.W.	C.O.	F.B.W.	C.O.	F.B.W.	C.O.	F.B.W.	C.O.	F.B.W.
10	13 1/4	8 5/8	13 1/4	65 1/8	75	63 3/4	75	120 3/4	137 1/4	119 3/8	137 1/4
12 3/4	16 1/4			68	78 1/4			123 3/4	140 1/2
15 5/8	19 1/2	19 1/2	14 1/4	70 3/4	81 1/4	69 3/8	81 1/4	126 3/4	143 1/2	125	143 1/2
18 3/8	22 1/2			73 5/8	84 1/2			129 1/4	146 3/4
21 1/4	25 3/4	19 7/8	25 3/4	76 3/8	87 1/2	75	87 1/2	132	149 3/4	130 1/2	149 3/4
23 7/8	28 3/4			79 1/4	90 3/4			134 7/8	153
26 5/8	31 3/4	25 1/8	31 3/4	82	93 3/4	80 1/2	93 3/4	137 1/2	156	136 1/8	156
29 1/2	35			84 5/8	96 3/4			140 1/2	159 1/4
32 1/8	38	30 3/4	38	87 1/2	100	86 1/8	100	143 1/4	162 1/4	141 3/4	162 1/4
34 7/8	41			90 1/8	103			145 7/8	165 1/4
37 1/2	44	36	44	92 7/8	106	91 1/2	106	148 3/4	168 1/2	147 3/8	168 1/2
40 1/2	47 1/4			95 3/4	109 1/4			151 3/8	171 1/2
43	50 1/4	41 5/8	50 1/4	98 3/4	112 1/2	97 1/4	112 1/2	154 3/8	174 3/4	152 7/8	174 3/4
45 3/4	53 1/2			101 3/8	115 1/2			157 1/4	178
48 3/4	56 1/2	47 1/4	56 1/2	104 1/4	118 3/4	102 7/8	118 3/4	160	181 1/2	158 1/2	181
51 3/8	59 1/2			107	121 3/4			162 7/8	184 1/4
54 1/4	62 3/4	52 7/8	62 3/4	109 7/8	125	108 1/2	125	165 3/4	187 1/2	164	187 1/4
57	65 3/4			112 1/2	128			168 1/2	190 1/2
59 7/8	69	58 1/2	69	115 1/2	131 1/2	114	131 1/2	169 1/2	191	168	191
62 1/2	72			118 1/8	134 1/4

C.O. = Clear Opening F.B.W. = Finished Blind Width

Measuring for Roller Shades

Inside-Mounted Roller Shades

Inside mount shades are installed inside the window casing. To install the product flush with the window frame, a minimum window depth of 2" is required without a valance and a minimum window depth of 4" is required with a valance.

Measure inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other, at the top, middle, and bottom and use the narrowest dimension for ordering. The factory will make any appropriate deductions. Do not make any deductions. Specify if your width measurement is the total shade width you desire (tip-to-tip) or the width of the fabric (cloth-to-cloth). The cloth-to-cloth measurement is 1 3/8" less than the tip-to-tip measurement. The factory will automatically take an allowance of 1/2" for operating clearance unless you specify otherwise.
Measure height in three places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement.
Measure the window diagonally in two places as shown. If the two diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal shade function, light control and privacy. (When adding a scalloped hem, shade height is measured to the top of the scallop.)

Outside-Mounted Roller Shades

Outside mount shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

Mounting on The Wall Above an Existing Molding

Measure width to be covered, including desired overlap for light control and privacy. We recommend adding 3 inches to each side for overlap( 6 inches total). When outside mount roller shades are ordered, the size is the tip to tip of the roller tube but the fabric measurement( cloth to cloth)will be narrower between 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the ordered width( tip to tip). You can also add an additional 1 to 1 3/8 to account for this loss in addition to the above recommended 6 inches.
Measure height to be covered, including desired overlap below the window opening for light control and privacy as well as the space your mounting brackets or valance selection will need above the window opening. (When adding a scalloped hem, shade height is measured to the top of the scallop.)

Mounting Directly Onto The Surface of an Existing Molding

When ordering without a valance or with a fascia or channel panel valance( if valance options are offered). Measure width from outer edge to outer edge of trim. Do not make any additions. Please be advised, the size ordered is the tip to tip of the roller tube but the fabric measurement( cloth to cloth)will be narrower, between 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the ordered width( tip to tip). This may cause there to be inadequate coverage for optimal light control and privacy.
When ordering with a cassette valance option( if offered). Measure width to be covered, including desired overlap for light control and privacy. We recommend adding 3 inches to each side for overlap( 6 inches total). When outside mount roller shades are ordered, the size is the tip to tip of the roller tube but the fabric measurement( cloth to cloth)will be narrower between 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the ordered width( tip to tip). You can also add an additional 1 to 1 3/8 to account for this loss in addition to the above recommended 6 inches.
Measure from the top of the trim to how far down beyond the window opening you would like the shade to cover at the bottom. (When adding a scalloped hem, shade height is measured to the top of the scallop.)

Roller Shades Light Gaps

Based on your lifting system and valance selection, there can be approximately a 11/16th to 1 inch light gap on each side of shade aprroximately 11/16th to 1 inch. For optimal light and glare control, outside mount is recommended, or you may add a secondary soft window treatment (drapery or curtain) to hide the light gap on an inside mount.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Fabric width is 11/8" to 13/8" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and its components on continuous loop & motorized. Fabric width is 1" narrower than the finished shade width of the tube and components (without valance or side covers) on cordless.

Measuring for Faux & Real Wood Shutters

Inside-Mounted Shutters

Measure exact window width at top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement to 1/16" For windows with mullions (vertical dividers which provide added structural support), the panel width will remain the same if ordered with a t-post, or without.
Measure the height in three places (left, middle & right) and record the smallest measurement to 1/8". Please note: If ordering two shutter panels to be placed next to each other, please be sure that the heights of the panels are equal. If they are not this may result in a difference in louver count or rail size.
Measure the window diagonally in two places as shown. If the two diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend that you choose to mount your shutter with a frame as opposed to choosing "no-frame" to avoid uneven light gaps. If the diagonal measurements are more than 3/8" off then we recommend choosing an outside mount.

Outside-Mounted Shutters - Window with Existing Trim

Measure from outside of trim to outside of trim in three places (top, middle & bottom). Ensure the frame does not extend into the opening. Record the largest measurement to 1/16". If the chosen frame extends past the edge of the trim, then measure the width from outside of trim to outside of trim in three places (top, middle & bottom). Add it to the measurement that the frame extends past the trim oneach side. If installing around trim: Measure from outside of trim to outside of trim in three places (top, middle & bottom). Record the largest measurement to 1/16".
Measure from outside of trim to outside of trim in three places (left, middle & right). Ensure the frame does not extend into the opening. Record the largest measurement to 1/8". If the chosen frame extends past the edge of the trim, then measure the height from outside of trim to outside of trim in three places (top, middle & bottom). Add it to the measurement that the frame extends past the trim on each side. If installing around trim: Measure from outside of trim to outside of trim in three places(left, middle & right). Record the largest measurement to 1/8". Please note: If ordering two shutter panels to be placed next to each other, please be sure that the heights of the panels are equal. If they are not this may result in a difference in louver count or rail size.

Outside-Mounted Shutters - Window with No Trim

Outside mounted shutters when window does not have trim

Measure the inside width in three places (top, middle & bottom). Take the largest measurement to 1/16" and make sure to add additional to allow for the frame selected.
Measure the inside height in three places (left, middle & right). Take the largest measurement to 1/8" and make sure to add additional to allow for the frame selected. Please note: If ordering two shutter panels to be placed next to each other, please be sure that the heights of the panels are equal. If they are not this may result in a difference in louver count or rail size.

Divider Rails

If choosing to include divider rails in your shutter design first measure from the bottom of the sill or window opening to the middle of the divider rail location. Note: A divider rail is required for shutter panels 60” or more in height with a maximum of 50” between the middle of the divider rail and either top or bottom rail. Two divider rails are required for panels 90” or more in height.

Mounting shutters when window has a divider rail

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Make sure that when measuring for your new shutters that your chosen frame and louver size will function properly once installed into the opening. Ensure the chosen application will overcome any possible obstructions such as latches, cranks or windows that open into the room. If ordering for an outside mount, In order to overcome these obstacles, add the necessary frame extensions to the appropriate frame.

Measuring for RV Window Blinds & Shades

How to measure RV Pleated Shades, RV Cellular Shades & RV Roman Shades

MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS:

Please use these helpful guidelines to help ensure your window shades or blinds are a perfect fit. Measure width first, then length to nearest 1/8". Measure width from left to right and length from top to bottom. Measure carefully: shades are custom items and are not returnable.

INSIDE MOUNT MEASURING:

Inside mount shades and blinds are installed inside the window casing.

Measure the exact inside width of the window casing from left to right inside edge.
Measure the exact inside length of the window casing from top to bottom inside edge.
Do NOT take any deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure fit.

OUTSIDE MOUNT MEASURING:

Outside mount shades and blinds are installed outside the window casing. The shade or blind will cover an area larger than the window itself.

Measure the exact width to be covered. Allow enough extra coverage to ensure proper light control and privacy.
Measure the exact length to be covered. Again, allow for proper coverage.

CARING FOR YOUR SHADES:

Shades should be kept in the closed or up position when not in use, to maintain pleat retention and minimize dirt and soil build-up. Do not store shades in the down position. This may cause some loss of pleat retention if the shades are not operated on a consistent basis.

Shades can be easily cared for by simply dusting or using a vacuum cleaner attachment. Do not use spot remover, household cleaners or detergents to remove soiled spots, as these may cause damage to fabric or loss of color from fading.

NOTE: If your recreational vehicle must be stored for an extended period of time, store shades in the up position and insert temporary material inside window frame (cutout cardboard).

How to measure RV Roller Shades

STEP 1:

Determine if the shade will be mounted inside the window opening (inside mount) or outside the window opening (outside mount). Refer to illustrations at right.

STEP 2:

Record your measurements by listing the width measurement (side to side) first, then the length measurement (top to bottom). For example, a 24" wide by 36" long shade should be written like this: 24" x 36".
Recording your measurements correctly is a critical component in the ordering process. If the measurements are not in the correct sequence, the shade will not be built correctly.

STEP 3: INSIDE MOUNT OPTION

If you decide on inside mount shades:

Measure the width dimension first (A).
Measure the length dimension next (B).
Measure again and record both dimesions: Width x Length.

STEP 3: OUTSIDE MOUNT OPTION

If you decide on outside mount shades:

Measure the width dimension first (C). NOTE: Add 1-1/2" to your width dimension to allow mounting brackets to clear the window frame and give enough fabric width to cover the opening. C + 1-1/2"=___
Measure the length dimension next (D). NOTE: If the shade is going to sit above the window, be sure to measure starting where your shade will set above the window.

Record both dimensions, width first then length. Measure again to confirm: Width x Length

NOTE: On Slow Up (manual) roller shades, the fabric width is 1-1/4" less than the overall bracket-to-bracket width due to tension/position devices. on motorized roller shades, the fabric width is 1" less than the overall bracket- to-bracket width due to the motor control.

Find more information on measuring for RV roller shade cab area.

Find more information on measuring for RV Pleated Folding Doors.

Find more information on measuring RV Pleated Windshield Wrap.

We will manufacture your window covering to exactly the size you order. Make sure you measure everything correctly, so the entire window area is covered and allowances are made to assure a custom fit. After measuring your windows, call or log on for pricing. Find more information on how to measure your windows for your new window blinds or window shades. After you have ordered your new custom blinds, they will arrive at your home and you will notice that included are easy to follow installation instructions, along with brackets, and any additional hardware that you will need.