How to Measure your Windows for Proper Blind Installation!

Important! Always:

• Use a steel tape for accuracy
• Measure Width and write it down, then Length and write it down
• Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch
• NEVER Take your own deductions. The factory will take necessary deductions and allowances.
• RECHECK all measurements
• On an inside mount (inside window opening), check depth requirement for product you are buying. You may want to contact us for suggestions on this topic.
• If you have any mounting depth concerns, please be sure you call CUSTOMER SERVICE at 1-800-836-4488 PRIOR TO ORDERING for information on the product.
• CHECK, CALL, RESEARCH specifications. Custom blinds can have many specifications and unfortunately, we can not post all details for the thousands of products we offer. Most manufacturer websites or sample books offer many details. So, please ask questions, research and see the product if you can locally prior to ordering. In the end, the consumer is responsible for their measurements and installation.

Inside Mount:

For all types of shades (shutter instructions may vary -call Customer Service or e-mail us for more info):

Take the exact window opening to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. It is important to measure the top, middle and bottom widths. Remember, not all windows are perfect-even in new homes! Take the smallest of the widths that you measure.Important: for horizontal wood products,  if the smallest measurement is at the bottom of the window, you may need to specify in the order comment field what the top measurement is. This will ensure a proper fitting valance.

When measuring the height, always measure in 3 places across the window. Take the longest of the three measurements.

The factory takes deductions on all Inside Mounts. The deductions are taken on the headrail and the fabric according to manufacturer specifications. Fabric is usually less than headrail size after deductions are taken. With respect to the sheer horizontal shade the fabric may be 5/8" inch narrow on one side and 1/2" on the other depending on particular product ordered.

Roller shades have generally large deductions due to the make of the product (roller and hardware) -PLEASE CALL FOR SPECIFIC FABRIC AND TUBE DEDUCTIONS. Fabric is usually minimally - 1 1/8" or more from ordered width on inside mount and can vary for an Outside Mount depending on what type of roller shade you order.

We caution ordering ROLLER SHADES inside mount due to the narrow fabric that results with a standard spring roller shade, cassette, cord loops and cordless. Deductions vary on Inside and Outside Mount roller shades. Call us before ordering for specs! This is simply the way the industry manufactures these products.

********* Bali Solar Shades Caution!!!!

Outside mount blinds and shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

1. Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 1 ½" on each side (3" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
   • For Solar Shades make sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 3" on each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.

Deductions vary with each type of product. If you have any questions on the various deductions, contact us for help PRIOR TO ORDERING!

Special note on Sheer Horizontal:

On an inside mount, fabric will come 1 1/8" less than ordered width. There will be some gapping on the sides of the product. This is because the product is made to roll inside its headrail. This is the only way an inside mount sheer horizontal is made.

A Note on Depth:

If you do not have exact inside mount flush depth required for the product you are ordering, the product will stick out - especially with wood blinds or the horizontal sheer products. For WOOD BLINDS, you can hide the top rail and brackets on an non-flush inside mount by simply ordering your valances with returns (Shallow Mount).  This is an option for all of our wood and faux wood products.We do not charge for this request if done at time of order. The returns will cover the hardware and go back toward the edge of the molding. You may need to trim off excess wood on the returns.Or, you may specify the size of return needed in the order comment field. Please note: Inside mount valances DO NOT come with returns as shown in valance style pictures-you must request them if you have a shallow mount.

Outside Mount:

Most Outside mounts will be installed to the face of the molding/trim at the top of the window.

To mount blinds to the wood frame/trim of your window, measure the exact width at the top of your window where the headrail will be installed from the outer edge of the molding to the outer edge of the molding rounding down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Measure the exact height from the outer edge of the top of the molding to the top of the window sill or to the exact finished length desired. Measure the height in 3 places (the right side, middle and left side of the window); round the measurement up to the nearest 1/8 inch.

If you are not mounting to the trim or you do not have trim, please call us for each product specs and we can help you with your measurement.

For products like Vertical blinds,for full coverage, it is recommended to add to the outside frame to frame measurement if mounting outside the window..

Width:Measure the exact width and height of the area you'd like to cover-include trim if you have trim. It is recommended that you add 4-6 inches to the width. If you do not have trim, add 6 inches (8 inches ideal-your preference) minimum to the opening width.

Height: You will need 3 inches of surface area for mounting and valance height combined on an outside mount. It is recommended that you measure the top of trim to where you would like the blinds to cover and add 3 inches. You will be mounting the vertical to the wall above the trim. If no trim, add 4 inches to the height of the opening.

For a sliding glass door , duplicate the width instruction as indicated above, but for the height measure molding to floor and add 3 inches.

Specific roller shade cautions:

Follow instructions above and note roller shade fabric is always 1 to 1 1/8 inches less than the ordered width. If the fabric is to cover the molding you need to add accordingly.

French Doors:

F rench doors are a little tricky. Most French Doors have a glass "trim" that goes around the out side of the glass. You will measure outside of that molding (trim) and add an inch to your measurement. Be sure that your measurement is not interfering with any handle on the doors. Top to bottom, measure the same outside molding and add 3 inches to that measurement. Be sure to add the free Hold Down brackets so the blind doesn't bang on the door in use.

Side Mounts:

We do not recommend a side mount for any blind over 48 inches in width. We highly recommend that you speak to or e-mail our customer service before ordering a side mount. Some products can not be side mounted and there are sizing issues you need to know prior to ordering.

Special Matching Patterns
Anytime you are ordering window treatments for the same room note that fact and the manufacturer will make every attempt to match patterns. This also applies to side by side window applications.

Special note on Sheer Horizontals:

THE FABRIC ON ANY SHEER HORIZONTAL IS ALWAYS MADE SHORTER THAN THE END TO END MEASURMMENT. REGARDLESS OF IT BEING AN INSIDE OR OUTSIDE MOUNT, THERE IS A LARGE DEDUCTION ON THE MATERIAL. IF YOU ARE TRYING TO COVER A CERTAIN WIDTH WITH MATERIAL ON AN OUTSIDE MOUNT, YOU SHOULD ADD AT LEAST 1 1/8" TO THE WIDTH. KEEP IN MIND THAT ADDING TO WIDEN THE FABRIC WILL ALSO INCREASE THE WIDTH OF THE HEADRAIL AND SPACE YOU NEED TO MOUNT IT. CALL FOR QUESTIONS!