It can be quite a task for homeowners to measure their windows properly to order window blinds that fit perfectly. Not everyone realizes there are no “standard sized” windows. They come in different widths and lengths, and even in specialty shapes. Big box stores only carry a handful of sizes, which may not fit quite right. Taking proper measurements based on the width and height can help you decide on your new window treatments.
Taking Window Measurements Like a Pro
Learn how to measure for window treatments like a pro! When windows are built into a new home, they are not always perfectly plumb or square because the walls and ceilings are not always perfectly square either. Your best bet to secure window treatments that will fit the best is to take multiple measurements and choose the best ones to make your window blinds fit as well as possible.
Measuring for Inside Mount Blinds of all Types
Professional window treatment companies measure your windows in a specific manner to ensure a perfect fit for custom window treatments. First, measure the window’s width at the top of the window, the center, and the bottom, and write down all three measurements. Then you measure the height of the window at the left, center and right side and write down all three measurements. Then circle the smallest measurement of the three for the width and the length. Record it by width by height for your new window blinds.
These are standard procedures for inside-mount window blinds that are horizontal blinds or vertical blinds of any type, including aluminum blinds, metal blinds, wood blinds, or faux wood blinds. The same process is used when measuring inside-mount window shades of all types.
How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds
If you prefer your blinds to be outside mounted–meaning that they are mounted on the wall outside your window frame, the measurements are a bit different. You’ll likely want outside mount blinds for windows that get a lot of sunlight and heat in them or for windows that need privacy, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or windows that face the street or neighbors. These blinds will block more sunlight without slight gaps around the window frame and give you complete privacy when they are down, and the vanes are closed. It can create a room-darkening effect for you.
Sometimes an inside mount for blinds isn’t possible because the window is too narrow in depth or there are obstructions around the window frame. In these cases, outside mount blinds are your solution.
First, ensure you have enough mounting surface for the blinds on your wall for the mounting hardware to fit. Then determine the width by measuring the far edges of the window trim from one side to the other horizontally.
If your window has no trim, add two inches to each side of the window to make sure there are no light gaps.
To determine the height of your outside mount blinds, measure from the bottom of the window sill to the top of the window and add three inches to accommodate the mounting hardware. If you have no window sill that protrudes at the bottom, add two inches to the bottom of the actual window size in height and three inches above the top to allow room for the hardware to be mounted.
How To Measure for Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds were actually invented for large windows and sliding glass doors to operate more smoothly and have less weight on the opening mechanism. Very large expanses of glass with horizontal blinds will make the lifting mechanism fail prematurely because of the weight, but vertical blinds simply have the weight of each of the vertical vanes supported by the mounting hardware at the top of the window or door, and they slide open from side to side.
Inside mount measuring for vertical blinds are measured the same as inside mount horizontal blinds. However, if they are going to fit on a sliding glass door or patio door with a handle to open and close it, you will need custom window treatments with a cut-out for the handle to fit correctly and look beautiful. Otherwise, the blinds will overlap the door handle, and when you open and close the door, the blinds will slap against the door, creating an irritating noise, and they will wear out prematurely from the abuse.
Measuring for Bay Window Blinds
Measuring a bay window for blinds is another task, indeed. They are specialty-shaped windows that are an architectural delight in homes and should be showcased as such. Window blinds of all types will help you make these windows a focal point in any room of your home.
Measuring bay window blinds is a bit intimidating for most homeowners because they won’t look appropriate if they are not precise in size.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to take some cardboard or poster board and press it into each window as a template. The front corners and the long edges should rest against the glass in the individual glass pieces; tape the templates to the glass to hold them steady.
Measure from the first template on the left intersection point with the center window to the left intersection point and the same with the right window. Then measure the center window by putting your measuring tape across the intersection points.
Lastly, measure the height of all three windows and use the smallest measurement to order the size of your window blinds.
Trust the Professionals with Your Window Blinds
It can be confusing when trying to DIY your window blinds and make sure they fit perfectly and operate properly. Your best bet is to contact a professional window treatment company such as Tampa Blind Pro to ensure perfection. We guarantee your window blinds will fit perfectly, and we offer guarantees on our work and our high-quality products from the best manufacturers in the country. Contact us today for a FREE in-home consultation for your new window blinds or any other type of custom window treatments you are interested in!
