How to measure for blinds and shades

A steel tape measure (cloth tapes stretch), a pencil, and somewhere to write width and height for each window. Measure every window separately — two windows that look identical rarely are.

We build to the measurements you enter, to the eighth of an inch, so write the fraction down rather than rounding to the nearest inch.

An inside mount sits within the window opening for a clean, built-in look. It needs a reasonably square opening and enough depth for the product. An outside mount fixes to the wall or trim above the opening and covers it — the choice for shallow frames, out-of-square openings, or when you want to block more light.

Our inside vs outside mount guide goes deeper. The rule that matters here: for an inside mount you measure the opening and we take the deductions; for an outside mount you measure the area you want covered and we make it to that exact size.

Width: measure the inside of the opening at the top, the middle and the bottom. Write down the smallest of the three. Height: measure at the left, the center and the right, and write down the smallest. Enter those two numbers — do not subtract anything; the workroom makes the allowances so the product fits and operates.

Check the depth too. Measure from the glass to the front edge of the frame; the configurator and product pages note the depth each product needs for a flush inside mount.

• Width at top, middle, bottom → use the smallest
• Height at left, center, right → use the smallest
• Enter exact opening sizes; we take the deductions
• Note the depth from glass to frame edge

Decide how far past the opening you want the product to extend. Overlapping the frame by about 1.5 to 2 inches on each side and above reduces light leaks around the edges — widen it if light control matters. Measure that total width and height; that is the finished size we make.

Check that the wall or trim where the brackets will go is flat and solid, and that nothing — a handle, a crank, a wall lamp — sits in the way of the shade when it is down.

Every size field on the product page takes whole inches plus a fraction in eighths (1/8, 1/4, 3/8 … 7/8). A measurement of 36 and a bit over 1/8 is entered as 36 1/8; a bit under is 36. If a tape reading falls between eighths, round down for an inside mount (it still fits) and up for an outside mount (it still covers).

The configurator shows the size window for the options you pick — for example, cordless lift on a faux wood blind runs from 10 to 96 inches wide — so you will know before checkout if a choice does not suit the window.

Send us the window: rough size, inside or outside, and anything odd about the frame. A real person will reply, usually within one business day, and walk you through it. There is no charge for asking.