Measuring Instructions
Accurate measuring is the most important step when buying window coverings. It is for this reason that it is also the step that causes the most anxiety. RELAX - if you can read a ruler and you follow the instructions on this site - you'll do fine.
Note: Your shades are made to the specifications you provide. If you make a mistake here there's no refund or return policy to protect you. If the shade is made too large we can cut it down for you for a fee. If the shade is too small we can make you a new shade at a discounted price but the short shade will have to be returned to the manufacturer. So accuracy and precision is a must.
To that end we have everything you need below to help you be precise. And if you have questions, please call us at 1-800-262-6081 and we'll help you. It's to no one's advantage if the product doesn't fit - so don't hesitate to call.
Things to remember ...
- Always use a steel measuring tape, as cloth tapes will stretch.
- Always round each measurement to the nearest 1/8” of an inch.
- Always measure the window–never the existing window treatment.
- Measure all windows even if they appear to be the same size.
- Never take your own deductions
Inside Mount
Inside mounted treatments are mounted within your window frame. An inside mount provides a more finished built-in look without covering the window molding. It is also more energy efficient to mount window shades inside the window opening than outside.
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Width Measure the exact width (A) in three places (top, middle, bottom) and then record the narrowest width rounded down to the nearest 1/8" of an inch. Do not take your own deductions. NOTE: With Roller Shades & Vertical Blinds provide the top measurement rounded to the nearest 1/8" of an inch.
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Factory Deductions & Privacy
When considering an inside mount keep in mind that there are small light gaps on each side of the blind/shade. This light gap varies with product type and manufacturer. Mini Blinds, Wood Blinds, Cellular Shades and Bamboo Blinds average a 1/4" deduction on each side to ensure the slats or fabric do not rub against the inside frame. Roller Shades can have up to 9/16" light gap on each side. If you are looking for absolute privacy consider an outside mount.
Depth RequirementsCheck the depth specifications for each product to determine the minimum windowsill depth needed for an inside mount, and the minimum needed for your shade to be flush against the window frame.
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Inside Shallow Mount
Shallow mount blinds are installed inside the window casing where
there's enough room to install the brackets but there is not enough room for the
blind to be installed fully within the window frame.
Inside Flush Mount
Flush mount is when the blind is mounted completely within the window frame and
no part of the headrail/blind protrudes from the window frame
Outside Mount
An outside mount refers to blinds or shades that are mounted outside the window frame, usually because the windows are not square or there is not enough depth to mount the hardware/product inside the window frame opening.
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Width: Measure the width of the area you wish to cover. For optimum privacy the blind/shade should cover the window opening by at least 2" on each side.
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Depending on the type of hardware selected (Spring or Clutch) the fabric will
have 1" to 1-1/4" deducted from the width. This is to ensure that the fabric
does not rub against the installation brackets or control mechanism. It is
recommended that you add 1-1/2" to 2" of overlap on each side for ultimate light
and privacy control.
Mounting Considerations ...
Patio Doors
Measure the width of the area to be covered at the place where
the headrail will be installed to the nearest 1/ 8”. The blind
should overlap the opening by at least 4” on each side to ensure
privacy. Measure the length of the area to be covered and record
to the nearest 1/ 8". The blind should extend at least 3" above
the opening or window molding. For ceiling-to-floor
installations for outside mounts on patio doors, deduct 1/ 2"
for proper clearance. To ensure easy access through the door and
allow adequate overlap, consider the stack width.
French Doors
To protect against light seepage, measure the width of the glass
pane and any additional space that is available without
interfering with the door handles. Usually you can go at least
1” on either side past the glass pane. Ideally, add 2 inches on
each side, a total of 4 additional inches to the width. Measure
the height of the window glass and add at least 2” at the top to
allow room for mounting hardware and 2” below the bottom of the
glass to ensure proper coverage. Thus, the total height will be
the height of the window glass plus at least 4”.
Wide Windows (Multiple blinds on one headrail)
Measure the width of the window and divide it by the number of
blinds. Most of the products are configured for easy ordering of
2-on-1 blind configurations but not for 3-on-1. If you reach a
shopping cart that is not configured for ordering of 2-on-1 or
you need 3-on-1 configuration, please call our sales department
at 800.262-6081.
Window Cranks
When you are measuring, it’s important to remember window cranks
that may interfere with the blind resting completely on the
sill. T Handles
are available to replace window cranks that interfere in this
manner. T-Handles also helps to improve the energy efficiency of
the shade when the shade’s bottomrail can rest properly on the
bottom sill.
