A Better Blind | Measuring
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Note:  Factory automatically adds 12 inches to your window height for roller wrap at no charge.

Measuring Your Windows Like A Pro

Measuring for window treatments is much easier than most people think. Here are five important things to remember. Please be sure to read the specific measuring instructions linked below before ordering too.

  1. Use a steel measuring tape
  2. Measure to the nearest eighth of an inch – don’t round your measurments.
  3. On your notes, clearly indicate which measurment is the width and which is the height. It is very common to transpose measures. Please note width first, then height.
  4. Inside Mount Only – Do NOT take any deductions . Our factory takes those allowances. You need to provide us with your EXACT WINDOW SIZE OPENING, do not use the size of an existing blind in that window.
  5. Outside Mount Only – You need to provide the exact overall blind size needed (by adding the necessary coverage to the width and height of opening). Our factory makes all outside mount blinds the exact width and height you specify.

Choose Inside or Outside Mount:

Before taking any measurements, step back from your window and decide if you want to mount the window treatment inside the window recess or outside on the wall or moulding. For an inside mount, the window opening must have enough unobstructed depth to allow mounting.

Tips: 

  1. For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that no part of the blind projects out of the opening) check that you have enough depth and make sure you request the valances be made the same width as blind since they are normally made an inch or two wider.
  2. We usually recommend an inside mount when possible because it provides a cleaner look. However, an outside mount can make a window appear larger or hide an unattractive window. When you specify inside mount, we will make a size deduction to allow for operating clearance. We will deduct up to 1/4″ from each side (on vertical blinds there is also a height deduction of 1/4″). The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. If you specify an outside mount, we will not take any size deductions. Your blind will be made at the exact size you specify. So you must ADD to the opening measurement to allow for overlap and mounting brackets. Be sure to read our product specific measuring instructions before ordering. When measuring, don’t be surprised if your windows aren’t square, it probably won’t be noticeable.
Product Specific Measuring Instructions

Horizontal Blinds and Shades

Outside Mount Blinds & Shades

outsidemount

Black Arrow represents Wall Mount

Red Arrow represents Trim Mount

The factory will make the blind to your measurements, there are no deductions for an outside mount.

Width

Wall Mount: Measure the width of the window opening. If there is room, add between 3″ to 6″ on each side of the window opening to ensure a minimum light gap. Round this number to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.

Trim Mount: Measure the trim’s width from the outside edge on each side, left to right. Make sure the trim is flat and solid at the far edges because the blind mounts will be at each end of the headrail. Round this number to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.

Height

Wall Mount: Measure the height of the window opening from top to bottom and add 3″ to 6″ to this number. You must add a minimum of 2 1/2″ in height to allow for mounting brackets above the opening, the rest is added for desired overlap at the bottom.

Trim Mount: Measure the trim’s outside edge from top to bottom. Make sure the trim provides a flat space so you can mount the blind to it. Note: If the window sill protrudes at the bottom of the window, measure to the top of the sill in three places and take the maximum value.

Stack Height for Horizontal Blinds: All sizes shown below are APPROXIMATE. The stack heights include the headrail and bottom rail.

 

stackheight_1

Stack Height for Window Shades: All sizes shown below are APPROXIMATE. The stack heights include the headrail.

measure_2

 

Stack Height for Roman Shades: All sizes shown below are APPROXIMATE. The stack heights include the headrail.

measure_3

Note: Stacking height will vary by material

Inside Mount

Measuring for Inside Mount Horizontal Blinds and Shades

General Measuring Notes: Always use a steel measuring tape. You need to measure every window, even if it is in the same room. Measure down to the nearest eighth of an inch. If you have any questions about measuring be sure to call us at 1-800-627-7117.

Valances are made slightly larger than the window for Inside Mounts. This is to cover any gaps that may be present between the blind and window due to the bracket. If you are ordering a flush Inside Mount, please specify in the notes section of the order form that you want the valance smaller to fit into the window opening.

  1. Measure the Width First. Measure the opening width at the top (as shown), center and bottom recording the narrowest width. Do NOT take any deductions from that narrowest width. Our factory will take all the proper width deductions based on the window opening size you provide. Be sure to note the width first, then height. All measuring notes we use on this site are width first, then height. Be sure you don’t transpose those numbers.
  2. Next, Measure the Height. Measure the height left, right and center, recording the longest height. Our factory will take width deductions to allow for operating clearance. All horizontal blinds and shades are made to the height you specify (no deductions taken) since they are made to rest on the window sill. Remember, all of our blinds are custom made and can NOT be returned. Please be sure to measure accurately and request some free sample swatches if an exact color match is required. Special Height Note: If you are measuring for our Horizontal Window Shadings product then you need to measure to the height in three places and take the shortest value.

Several Blinds, One Window

Configure Examples:

2 blinds of equal width

severalblinds_1

2 blinds of unequal width

severalblinds_2

3 blinds of unequal width

severalblinds_3

3 blinds with 1 blind unequal

severalblinds_4

Bay Windows

Measuring for Bay Windows can be an easy task if you follow our directions. Generally, even with the most precise measurements there will be light/privacy gaps in the corners. This should not be considered a measuring mistake. It happens because when two blinds or shades meet in a corner only the front edges meet up and the blind or shade itself is normally slightly smaller in width than the headrail. To start measuring you need the depth of the bracket/headrail for the blinds type you wish to use. Select the product you are using in the Bay Window and write down the depth value associated with it.

  • 2″ & 2 1/2″ Blinds – 2 1/2″
  • 1″ Aluminum Blinds – 1 3/4″
  • Cellular Shades (Continuous Cord/Cordless) – 1 5/8″
  • Roman Shades – 1 7/8″
  • Bamboo Shades – 2 1/4″
  • Roller Window Shades (w/Clutch & Windows less than 60″ wide) – 2 1/2″
  • Roller Window Shades (w/Clutch & Windows 60″ or greater wide) – 3 1/8″
  • All Vertical Blinds – 3 1/4″
  • Illusions – 3 1/8″

mountbay1

Now to measure the widths of each blind needed for the Bay Window.

  1. Where the Left section of the window meets the Center section: From the Left window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  2. Where the Center section of the window meets the Left section: From the Center window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  3. At the point where these two marks meet is the point where the blinds will butt up against each other. This point will be point A.
  4. Where the Right section of the window meets the Center section: From the Right window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  5. Where the Center section of the window meets the Right section: From the Center window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  6. At the point where these two marks meet is the point where the blinds will butt up against each other. This point will be point B.
  7. Now Measure the distance from point A to point B. Subtract 1/8″ from this distance and that is the width of your Center blind (Shown in Yellow in Figure 1).
  8. Measure from the left side of the left wall to point A. Subtract 1/8″ from this distance and that is the width of your Left blind (Shown in Yellow in Figure 1).
  9. Measure from the right side of the right wall to point B. Subtract 1/8″ from this distance and that is the width of your Right blind (Shown in Yellow in Figure 1).
  10. IMPORTANT: Order as Outside Mount (so no deductions are taken by the Factory) and in the ‘Notes Section’ of the order page request Inside Mount Brackets if mounting to the ceiling or top of window opening.

Corner Windows

Outside Mount

Blind 1 on 1st Window (The “Pass” Blind)

  • Width: Measure from the corner of wall to desired width of the blind. This is the width of Blind 1
  • Height: Measure the height. Add a minimum overlap of 5″ height, 3″ to top and 2″ to the bottom. This will allow the blind to cover the window and allow for maximum window coverage. This is the Height of Blind 1. (Note: If the window sill protrudes then add only for allowance above the window.)

Blind 2 on 2nd Window (The “Butt” Blind)

  • Width: Measure from the corner of wall to desired width. Find the Product you are measuring for from the chart above and deduct its depth from the width you just measured. This new value will be the Width of Blind 2
  • Height: Measure the height. Add a minimum overlap of 5″ height, 3″ to top and 2″ to the bottom. This will allow the blind to cover the window and allow for maximum window coverage. This is the Height of Blind 2. (Note: If the window sill protrudes then add only for allowance above the window.)

Inside Mount

Blind 1 on 1st Window (The “Pass” Blind)

  • Width: Measure the exact width of the window opening. This is the width of Blind 1.
  • Height: Measure the height of the window opening. This is the height of Blind 1.

Blind 2 on 2nd Window (The “Butt” Blind)

  • Width: Measure exact width of the window opening. Find the Product you are measuring for from the chart above and deduct its depth from the width you just measured. This new value will be the Width of Blind 2.
  • Height: Measure the height of the window opening. This is the height of Blind 2.

Vertical Blinds

Outside Mount

outsidemount

Black Arrow represents Wall Mount

Red Arrow represents Trim Mount

The factory will make the blind to your measurements, there are no deductions for an outside mount.

Width

Wall Mount: Measure the width of the window opening. If there is room, add between 3″ to 6″ on each side of the window opening to ensure a minimum light gap. Round this number to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.

Trim Mount: Measure the trim’s width from the outside edge on each side, left to right. Make sure the trim is flat and solid at the far edges because the blind mounts will be at each end of the headrail. Round this number to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.

Height

Wall Mount: Measure the height of the window opening from top to bottom and add 3″ to 6″ to this number. You must add a minimum of 2 1/2″ in height to allow for mounting brackets above the opening, the rest is added for desired overlap at the bottom.

Trim Mount: Measure the trim’s outside edge from top to bottom. Make sure the trim provides a flat space so you can mount the blind to it. Note: If the window sill protrudes at the bottom of the window, measure to the top of the sill in three places and take the maximum value.

Inside Mount

Measuring for Inside Mount Horizontal Blinds and Shades

General Measuring Notes: Always use a steel measuring tape. You need to measure every window, even if it is in the same room. Measure down to the nearest eighth of an inch. If you have any questions about measuring be sure to call us at 1-800-825-1470.

Valances are made slightly larger than the window for Inside Mounts. This is to cover any gaps that may be present between the blind and window due to the bracket. If you are ordering a flush Inside Mount, please specify in the notes section of the order form that you want the valance smaller to fit into the window opening.

  1. Measure the Width First. Measure the opening width at the top (as shown), center and bottom recording the narrowest width. Do NOT take any deductions from that narrowest width. Our factory will take all the proper width deductions based on the window opening size you provide. Be sure to note the width first, then height. All measuring notes we use on this site are width first, then height. Be sure you don’t transpose those numbers.
  2. Next, Measure the Height. Measure the height left, right and center, recording the longest height. Our factory will take width deductions to allow for operating clearance. All horizontal blinds and shades are made to the height you specify (no deductions taken) since they are made to rest on the window sill. Remember, all of our blinds are custom made and can NOT be returned. Please be sure to measure accurately and request some free sample swatches if an exact color match is required. Special Height Note: If you are measuring for our Horizontal Window Shadings product then you need to measure to the height in three places and take the shortest value.

Several Blinds, One Window

Configure Examples:

2 blinds of equal width

severalblinds_1

2 blinds of unequal width

severalblinds_2

3 blinds of unequal width

severalblinds_3

3 blinds with 1 blind unequal

severalblinds_4

Bay Windows

Measuring for Bay Windows can be an easy task if you follow our directions. Generally, even with the most precise measurements there will be light/privacy gaps in the corners. This should not be considered a measuring mistake. It happens because when two blinds or shades meet in a corner only the front edges meet up and the blind or shade itself is normally slightly smaller in width than the headrail. To start measuring you need the depth of the bracket/headrail for the blinds type you wish to use. Select the product you are using in the Bay Window and write down the depth value associated with it.

mountbay1

Now to measure the widths of each blind needed for the Bay Window.

  1. Where the Left section of the window meets the Center section: From the Left window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  2. Where the Center section of the window meets the Left section: From the Center window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  3. At the point where these two marks meet is the point where the blinds will butt up against each other. This point will be point A.
  4. Where the Right section of the window meets the Center section: From the Right window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  5. Where the Center section of the window meets the Right section: From the Center window Section, Measure out the distance of the depth for the blind type you are using. At this point make a small mark on your ceiling demonstrated by the red line on figure 1.
  6. At the point where these two marks meet is the point where the blinds will butt up against each other. This point will be point B.
  7. Now Measure the distance from point A to point B. Subtract 1/8″ from this distance and that is the width of your Center blind (Shown in Yellow in Figure 1).
  8. Measure from the left side of the left wall to point A. Subtract 1/8″ from this distance and that is the width of your Left blind (Shown in Yellow in Figure 1).
  9. Measure from the right side of the right wall to point B. Subtract 1/8″ from this distance and that is the width of your Right blind (Shown in Yellow in Figure 1).
  10. IMPORTANT: Order as Outside Mount (so no deductions are taken by the Factory) and in the ‘Notes Section’ of the order page request Inside Mount Brackets if mounting to the ceiling or top of window opening.

Corner Windows

Outside Mount

Blind 1 on 1st Window (The “Pass” Blind)

  • Width: Measure from the corner of wall to desired width of the blind. This is the width of Blind 1
  • Height: Measure the height. Add a minimum overlap of 5″ height, 3″ to top and 2″ to the bottom. This will allow the blind to cover the window and allow for maximum window coverage. This is the Height of Blind 1. (Note: If the window sill protrudes then add only for allowance above the window.)

Blind 2 on 2nd Window (The “Butt” Blind)

  • Width: Measure from the corner of wall to desired width. Find the Product you are measuring for from the chart above and deduct its depth from the width you just measured. This new value will be the Width of Blind 2
  • Height: Measure the height. Add a minimum overlap of 5″ height, 3″ to top and 2″ to the bottom. This will allow the blind to cover the window and allow for maximum window coverage. This is the Height of Blind 2. (Note: If the window sill protrudes then add only for allowance above the window.)

Inside Mount

Blind 1 on 1st Window (The “Pass” Blind)

  • Width: Measure the exact width of the window opening. This is the width of Blind 1.
  • Height: Measure the height of the window opening. This is the height of Blind 1.

Blind 2 on 2nd Window (The “Butt” Blind)

  • Width: Measure exact width of the window opening. Find the Product you are measuring for from the chart above and deduct its depth from the width you just measured. This new value will be the Width of Blind 2.
  • Height: Measure the height of the window opening. This is the height of Blind 2.

French Doors

Glass Doors (Outside Mount)

You may choose how wide and long you want your blind since the blind will not fit inside the window frame. Just be sure to watch for obstructions like dead bolts, door knobs, etc. There needs to be room to mount hold-down brackets. Measure at least 2″ wider than the glass for width and 2″ to 5″ longer than the height (for brackets to mount above and below). To prevent your blind from bouncing off the door when opening and closing, be sure to order our free hold-down brackets.

Specialty Products

Inside Mount Perfect Arch Tops

Measuring for Perfect Arch Top Blinds and Shades is very easy. Make sure you use a steel tape measure for all measurements.Measure the width of the window opening at the bottom part of the window to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. This is the only measurement you need to make since the height is 1/2 of this width on a Perfect Arch Top. Note: The width is shown in the diagram to the right.

Custom Wood Shutters

Accurate measurements are essential for shutters to fit properly. Be sure to use a quality steel tape. Measuring all windows, even though they may appear to be identical. When specifying measurements, state width first and then height. All measurements should be in inches and measured to an accuracy of 1/8th of an inch. For outside mounts, measurements should be finished. There are several things to remember when measuring for our Custom Wood Shutters.

Measure the depth of the window to determine louver clearance, this value will be needed when ordering shutters. This depth determines which louver you can use when selecting an Inside Mount. 2 3/8″ Louvers can be used on depths of 2″ and greater where 3 3/8″ louvers can be used on depths of 2 1/2″ and greater.

When measuring for width and height, always measure in three places (along the top, middle and bottom for width and at the left, center and right for the height) and give the smallest/tightest value. This allows you to accommodate openings that are not perfectly square.

On inside mount window applications, the factory will take a specific 1/8″ deduction from the opening size.

On outside mount openings, the factory will build the shutter unit (panels and frames) to your exact width and height specifications to the outside edge of the frame.

Inside mount applications require diagonal measurements to check if the window opening is square. If the diagonal measurements differ by 1/2″ or greater, ABB recommends installing an outside mount shutter to make up for the discrepancy or consider using a Z-Frame (The Z-Frame will cover most spacing gaps caused by a non-square window opening).

It is important that exact window measurements be taken before ordering Custom Wood Shutters. Once the order is confirmed, the order may not be canceled.

Divider Rail Placement (If Required)The optimal placement for the divider rail is the exact center of the panel. Shutters that are over 60″ in height must have a divider rail. There is a minimum distance of 20″ and a maximum distance of 60″ from the center of the divider rail to the top and bottom of the shutter panel. To specify your divider rail location:

  • Outside Mounts: Measure from the bottom of where the frame will be located to the center point of the desired location of the divider rail.
  • Inside Mounts: Measure from the bottom inside of the opening to the center point of the desired location of the divider rail.
  • Three-sided Frames: Measure from the floor or sill to the center point of the desired location of the divider rail.

Note: Divider rail location may vary by 1/8″ due to computer equal spacing of the louvers.

Matching Divider Rail Locations on Windows of Different Heights

  • To match the location of divider rail across windows of different heights. Determine the desired divider rail location for all windows.
  • Mark that location on the molding or wall at the first window.
  • Carry that measurement to all the other windows and mark the molding or wall at each location.
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Other

How To Measure For Cutouts

Some of our blinds and shades have the option to get cutouts on one or both sides of them. A cutout is specified when a section of the blind needs to be cutout to allow clearance for obstacles (i.e. Door handles, window cranks, bolts, etc.) that may be in the way of the blinds.

The Image shows the outline of a blind in a window and where a cutout would be placed on that blind to avoid the window crank. The width and height are the measurements of the cutout size needed.

To specify a cutout you need to measure and note the following:

  • Measure the width the cutout needs to be (how many inches in from the wall the cutout will be, in from the side).
  • Measure the height the cutout needs to be (how many inches up from the window sill the cutout will be, up from the bottom).
  • Determine if the cutout is for the left, right or both sides.