Measuring Instructions

How to measure your windows

1-800-847-5208 / local 301-847-7000

Measuring instructions for ALL PRODUCTS on our site. "Plantation Shutters, Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds, Honeycomb shades, and Bamboo Woven wood shades". If you need help with your shutter order, please feel free to call our shutter expert. Measure like a professional.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Only use a metal tape measure! Don't use a cloth tape.
The factory will automatically deduct approximately 1/4" from either side of inside mount blinds to keep the blind from rubbing the sides of the window opening. A different deduction amount is taken out for plantation shutters. Please give us measurements from left to right of your window for inside mount and top to bottom for height, the manufacturer will take off the necessary deductions.

Choose Inside or Outside Mount:

Before taking any measurements, step back from your window and decide if you want to mount the window treatment inside the window recess or outside on the wall or molding. For an inside mount, the window opening must have enough unobstructed depth to allow mounting. Be sure to look for obstructions like window locks, window cranks, or other objects that may be in the way.

Tip: For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that no part of the blind projects out of the opening) check that you have enough depth and make sure that if a valance is included that we make it slightly smaller than the window opening width since they are normally made an inch or two wider.

Tip: We usually recommend an inside mount whenever possible because it provides a cleaner look. However, an outside mount can make a window appear larger or hide an unattractive window. When you specify inside mount, we will make a size deduction to allow for operating clearance. We will deduct up to 1/4" from each side (on vertical blinds there is also a height deduction of 1/4"). The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. If you specify an outside mount, we will not take any size deductions. Your blind will be made at the exact size you specify. So you must ADD to the opening measurement to allow for overlap and mounting brackets. When measuring, don't be surprised if your windows are not square. It's not uncommon and probably won't be noticeable.

For doors (outside mount)
Measuring for doors is a little different. Since the blind will not fit inside the window frame you have the freedom of deciding how wide and how long you want it. Typically, a few inches wider than the window is fine for the width. The headrail ocupies about 2-1/4" of space and the bottom rail with hold-downs occupies about 1" so add 2-1/4" to the length for an exact fit. Also, make sure that the blind will not interfere with the door handle. All of our blinds come with a wood valance and hold down brackets so the blind will not bounce off the door when you open and close it.

Measuring for a French Door

When ordering for a French door blind select Outside Mount and give the exact measurements that you want the blind or shade to be mounted, not the size of the window or glass. The overall size of the blind or shade is up to you, just make sure you avoid any obstructions such as lever door handles (see obstructions in picture on right) and allow for proper window light coverage. We also recommended you order hold down brackets to prevent your window blind from swinging around when you open and close the door.

One other important note: Stand back and look at the door from the inside of your home. Note which side is hinged and which side has the door knob/handle. Be sure to specify that all controls be located on the hinged side if at all possible. If the controls are not ordered on the hinged side of door then it's possible that the lift cords, etc may swing out into door opening and get slammed into the closure when closing the door. Example: Picture on right shows the lever handle on right side of door so you would want to order your controls on the left for this application.

How to Measure for an Inside Mount Bay Window

Be sure to give enough room between A and B where the headrails meet at the bay curve.

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