How To Measure for Horizontal Blinds Using an Outside Mount

Measuring - Outside Mount

Use a steel measuring tape.
Measure to the nearest eighth of an inch - don't round your measurements.
On your notes, clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the height. It is very common to transpose measurements. Always indicate the WIDTH measurement first, then the HEIGHT last. (W x H)
Remember one very important thing when measuring for an inside mount - Take the ACTUAL WINDOW OPENING SIZE to give to us, our factory will take all the proper allowances for it to fit into that opening.

Is an Outside Mount Right For Your Window?

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 molding. 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. For an inside mount, the window opening must have enough unobstructed depth to allow mounting. When measuring for an outside mount, be sure to allow for the height of the product's headrail in your measurements.

We will custom make your blinds to the sizes you write on the order. If these sizes are incorrect it is impossible to change the blind, so take your time and double check your measurements.

Click Here for a printable measuring worksheet

Specific Measuring Instructions Below:

For an outside mount:

Measure the opening width. If there is room, add at least 3" to each side of the window opening for minimum light gap coverage and maximum privacy.

Measure the opening height. Add a minimum of 2 1/2" in height (3" for 2" horizontal blinds) to allow space for mounting brackets above the opening plus enough overlap for the bottom. If you specify an outside mount, we will not take any size deductions - your blind will be made at the exact size you specify (+/- 1/8"). After determining the measurements that you want the blind to be, hold the tape measure up to your window and visualize what the overall size will look like on that window before proceeding.

Tip: When measuring, don't be surprised if your windows aren't square - many aren't. If they're a little out of square, it probably won't be noticeable. If your window is significantly of square, you might want to consider an Outside Mount to hide the window.