Measuring, What you Need... and Need to Know

• It's essential that you use a firm, steel measuring tape to get the most complete and accurate measurements.
• Have a pen and paper ready to write down measurements.
• Whenever taking measurements, you always want to measure to the nearest eighth of an inch (1/8"). Measuring the same area multiple times to re-confirm your previous measurements is also an excellent idea to dispel any errors or doubts.

MEASUREMENT TYPES

• Some important vocabulary for measuring is the type of installation you desire. There are basically two distinct types of installation, either INSIDE MOUNT or OUTSIDE MOUNT.
• Both have similar measuring styles, but there are certain distinctions that are required when configuring your blinds online. For Inside mounts it's necessary to have enough room for the headrail to fit within the depth of the window. Outside blinds need to be measured an extra 2" (3" for Vertical Blinds) outside the window frame on both sides of measuring, whether it be the width or the length.  
                                                                                   
• INSIDE MOUNT: An inside mount is where the window covering is placed inside the esconcement or frame of the window.
• Measure the WIDTH of the window 3 times, measuring the top, middle and bottom of the window (refer to photo for pictorial instruction).
• Measure the LENGTH 3 times as well, on the left, center and right section of the window (refer to photo).
• As stated above, make sure you measure 3 times and round your measurements to the nearest 1/8" of an inch.
• Often times the 3 measurements will not be exactly the same, which is not a problem as long as the variation between the measurements has no more of a difference than 1/2" an inch.
  When placing your order or configuring your blind, always use the SMALLEST WIDTH measurement and the LONGEST LENGTH measurement. The fabricators will use these measurements and AUTOMATICALLY DEDUCT the necessary amount to fit the headrails and blind/shade within the window frame.

• OUTSIDE MOUNT: An outside mount is where the window covering is placed on the outside of the the frame or inside the recess of the window. Outside mounts are preferred for less light leakage and increased privacy.
• Measure the WIDTH of the window 3 times, extending the tape 2" BEYOND (3" for Vertical Blinds) the window pane on BOTH sides. Measure the top, middle and bottom of the window (refer to photo for pictorial instruction).
• Measure the LENGTH 3 times as well with a 2" OVER (3" over for Vertical Blinds) measurement on BOTH the top and bottom. Measure the left, center and right section of the window.
• Often times the 3 measurements will not be exactly the same, which is not a problem as long as the variation between the measurements has no more of a difference than 1/2" an inch. Use the AVERAGE BETWEEN THE 3 MEASUREMENTS for your online blind configuration.
• For outside mounts, you have the freedom to determine how long or how wide you want the blinds to be. Allow at least a couple inches for the installation brackets in the width measurement.

HEADRAIL DEPTH AND INSIDE MOUNTS

• Another important aspect of measuring inside mounts is the depth of the window. Flush mounts are when the headrail matches up snugly and perfectly along the edge of the frame with the wall. The table on the right shows sample measurement minimums for headrail fittings and flush requirements.

Type Of Blind Minimum Depth - Inside Mount Depth - Flush Inside Mount
1/2" - 1" Mini Blind                                   1"                           1"
1" Wood Blind                                          3"                     3 1/4"
2" Mini Blind                                       2 1/4"                     2 1/4"
2" Wood Blind                                          3"                     3 1/4"
2 1/2" Wood Blind                                    3"                     3 1/4"
3/4" Cellular Shade                                 5/8"                    1 3/8"
Room Darkening Cellular Shade              5/8"                    1 3/8"
Double Cell Cellular Shade                      3/4"                    1 5/8"
Room Darkening Double Cell                  3/4"                    1 5/8"
Triple Cell Cellular Shade                     1 1/8"                    2 1/4"
Pleated Shade                                      1 1/8"                    1 1/2"
Woven Wood Shade                                 2"                     2 1/2"
Roman Shade                                         3/4"                     1 1/2"
Vertical Blind                                       2 3/4"                          4"