How-To Measure Your Windows for Custom Blinds and Shades

Have you recently decided to order new window blinds for your home? Ordering online can be a convenient, cheap alternative to big-box blind stores, but measuring for your new shades can be an intimidating process. Here you'll find a detailed guide that will assist you in taking measurements and placing your order for horizontal blinds, pleated, cellular, and roller shades.

Step One: Determine whether you are going to use an inside/recessed or outside mount for your new blinds. Recessed mounting will allow the blinds to hang inside the frame of the window without covering the moulding that surrounds your windows. An outside mount will attach the blinds to your wood trim or above it, so using that style will cause your trim to be covered. Both types of mounting are acceptable for many different styles of window shades and blinds.

Step Two: Gather your equipment. You'll need a metal tape measure to guarantee that your measurements will be exact. You'll also need a pencil and paper on which to record your window treatment measurements. Sketching out your windows before measuring can provide you with an easy place to record each dimension.

Step Three: For recessed mounting blinds, start at the inside edge of the trim and measure the width to the opposite inside edge. For outer mounting blinds, measure the exact width of your windows including the trim. Measure in inches only, and round your calculations down to the closest 1/8th of an inch. Record this number on your pad, then use the same technique to measure the height of your windows. Stop at the window sill for inside mounting and just below the window sill for outside mounting blinds. For recessed blinds, you will also need to measure the depth of your windows. This measurement will allow you to determine acceptable cell sizes for cellular window shades.

Step Four: Measure each window in the room. Even if they look the same size, there may be slight variations that could prevent your custom made window blinds from fitting properly. You will also want to double check each measurement you take for accuracy.

Now you all you need to do is select your materials and find the best prices for blinds online. With the measurements you've taken, you are all set to order your real wood window blinds, custom roller shades, soft fabric cell shades, and aluminum mini blinds with confidence!