Do you want to learn how to measure for blinds like a professional? When we talk about window coverings, the aesthetic appeal of your space and the practical benefits high-quality roller blinds, vertical blinds, and other types of shades offer depends on both style and size. In other words, getting the right measurements is essential—and this guide provides all the details for you to get started.
How To Measure for Blinds – A Simple Guide
There is no one-size-fits-all when you are ordering window blinds. Choosing the fabrics, colours, and hardware for blinds is the fun and simple aspect. How to measure blinds—that is the real challenge to get the perfect fit. As a result of proper sizing, the blinds align well and do not scuff walls.
When imperfect in size, no matter how beautifully-crafted, blinds will ruin the aesthetics of your space, and even hinder functionality.
It is important to note that there are two ways for installing blinds: inside mount and outside mount installations. The choice depends on the structure of your windows, plus your preferences. One of the key differences between the two is that measuring for blinds occurs with some distinctions. We will cover this in detail later below.
No matter what your choice is from different styles of blinds, taking and providing correct dimensions is crucial. We have put together simple steps to make the task easier. Learn how to measure for your new window coverings—whether you need inside mount or outside mount blinds.
– Tools for Measuring Window Blinds Sizes
How to measure for blinds in a hassle-free way. Start by having all your supplies for measuring blinds within reach to stay focused and avoid errors. Here is what you will need:
- A Steel Measuring Tape (do not use clothes tape, as it can stretch)
- A Pencil (add marks for mounting brackets (headrails) to ensure precise dimensions)
- A Step Ladder (take sizes at eye-level for higher and larger windows)
It will save you a lot of time to get tools together beforehand. It will save you even more effort to take ALL the sizes before you place an order for window blinds.
– Blinds Measurements for Inside Mount
When you place an order for custom inside-mounted window blinds, it means that you want to install these ‘inside’ the window sill (recess). The height and width will not be that out outside the frame, but inside the recess.
As for the depth, it is the space between the window pane and the inside wall. It is important to know that you cannot have inside mount blinds for window recesses with curves.
When inside mount blinds go inside the recess, the final result is very clean. Ideally, you should go for measurements with trusted blinds manufacturers to avoid errors and get the best-fitting custom blinds. With an inside mount blind, there is always some chance of a gap between your window blinds and the recess edges. An expert can help you minimise the chance of any gaps.
Measuring Window Height, Width, and Depth
Measuring for blinds is fairly simple when you take width, height and depth sizes—as long as you are diligent about accuracy. You need to take three different measurements for each window you need blinds for.
- For the window height take your tape and measure left, center, and right.
- For the window width, measure the top, centre, and bottom.
- For the depth, extend the tape inside the recess towards the window pane. Note the number where the recess ends. If there is a frame on the inside wall, take that into account as well.
Round off to the nearest 1/8th of an inch for each measurement. This way, you can avoid any gaps.
Note: In case you are placing an order for same windows, you need to measure each of your windows separately. Though ‘similar’, the dimensions may differ by a bit—and the slightest difference matters for a proper fit.
– Blinds Measurements for Outside Mount
How to measure for blinds that go over the window recess (or window frame)? These are outside mount which you choose because you either like the style, or you may not have enough recess space. If you have put interior window bars, then an outside mount is necessary. Outside mount blinds are also ideal when you need excellent light control—such as with blackout roller blinds.
You only need to take window blinds sizes for height and width. Here is how you go about measuring these:
- Take the width size of the window horizontally from the outer edge, from left to right.
- Place your tape measure about an inch more outside the edge to ensure perfect light control.
- Does your window have a wood or metal frame? Start measuring the width where the frame starts.
- For vertical measurements, start at the top, and allow some space for the headrail.
- Again, if there is a window frame, it is best to start measuring a couple of inches above it.
With outside mount binds you may not get as perfect an alignment with the window as an inside mount. However, the risk of gaps is negligible, you may get better light control, and this style looks quite aesthetically pleasing too.
Professional Blinds Measurement by Queen Blinds
You need to know how to measure for blinds to ensure flawless privacy and light control. Well-fitting blinds also offer other benefits such as preventing harsh sunlight, keeping indoor temperature intact, and lining up well with the furnishings.
If you are unsure about your measurement skills, got for professional blind fitting support with our experts. You can reach out to Queen Blinds for a free consultation for window blind measurements. We can also send over a specialist from our team to take these measurements for you.
If you already have the sizes for your window blinds, then contact us today for a free quote!