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  • Arch Tops & Skylights

    Measuring - Inside Mount

    First, measure the base width inside the arch opening.

    Then measure the height at the middle (tallest) point inside of the arch opening.

    Other suggestions:

    Keep in mind that if you are ordering an arch, the height of your arch must be half the width. You will have a perfect semi-circle. If your window arch is not perfect, please call a representative to discuss your options (1-).

    Measuring Guidelines - SKYLIGHTS

    With skylight shades, the procedures for outside mounts are the same as for standard rectangular shades.

    With inside mounted shades:

    • Measure the width and height inside the window opening in at least three locations each.
    • If the window opening is longer than 96", measure the width every 48".

    Order the narrowest width and the shortest height.

    Round your skylight inside mount measurements up to the nearest 1/8", not down as with other inside mounts. The factory deductions take into account the application of compressible foam tape (rail seal) to the outside of the rails.

    For fully recessed inside mounts, a 2" minimum mounting depth of the window opening is required. Non-flush mounted inside mounts are not recommended; but if necessary, a sklight shade may protrude up to 1/2". Note that mounting depths must take ino account any obstacles to shade movement, such as window cranks or handles.

    Outside mounts require only a 1/2" flat surface for bracket attachment.

    In addition to shade measurements, the angle of the window should also be noted on the order form.

    Five Steps to an Accurate Template

    1. Tape butcher paper or heavy wrapping paper over the window opening, allowing plenty of overlap. Use paper that has never been folded; a template can have no folds or creases.
    2. Draw an exact outline of the window opening by carefully tracing over the inside edge of the window frame with a fine tip pen or marker.
    3. Remove the paper from the window opening. If the shade is an outside mount, add the desired amount of overlap to the window outline and draw a second outline around it to match the shape of the finished shade.
    4. Mark the shade dimensions on the template. Check that the template dimensions match your measurements of the actual window opening. It is easiest to verify by cutting out the template and repositioning in the window opening.
    5. Identify the template and its orientation. Write your name on the template, and mark the "ROOM SIDE" and "TOP". Roll up the template and place it in a mailing tube to include with the order. Do not fold the template.

    Measuring - Outside Mount

    First, measure the base width inside the arch opening.

    Then measure the height at the middle (tallest) point inside of the arch opening.

    Other suggestions:

    Keep in mind that if you are ordering an arch, the height of your arch must be half the width. You will have a perfect semi-circle. If your window arch is not perfect, please call a representative to discuss your options (1-).

    Measuring Guidelines - SKYLIGHTS

    With skylight shades, the procedures for outside mounts are the same as for standard rectangular shades.

    With inside mounted shades:

    • Measure the width and height inside the window opening in at least three locations each.
    • If the window opening is longer than 96", measure the width every 48".

    Order the narrowest width and the shortest height.

    Round your skylight inside mount measurements up to the nearest 1/8", not down as with other inside mounts. The factory deductions take into account the application of compressible foam tape (rail seal) to the outside of the rails.

    For fully recessed inside mounts, a 2" minimum mounting depth of the window opening is required. Non-flush mounted inside mounts are not recommended; but if necessary, a sklight shade may protrude up to 1/2". Note that mounting depths must take ino account any obstacles to shade movement, such as window cranks or handles.

    Outside mounts require only a 1/2" flat surface for bracket attachment.

    In addition to shade measurements, the angle of the window should also be noted on the order form.

    Five Steps to an Accurate Template

    1. Tape butcher paper or heavy wrapping paper over the window opening, allowing plenty of overlap. Use paper that has never been folded; a template can have no folds or creases.
    2. Draw an exact outline of the window opening by carefully tracing over the inside edge of the window frame with a fine tip pen or marker.
    3. Remove the paper from the window opening. If the shade is an outside mount, add the desired amount of overlap to the window outline and draw a second outline around it to match the shape of the finished shade.
    4. Mark the shade dimensions on the template. Check that the template dimensions match your measurements of the actual window opening. It is easiest to verify by cutting out the template and repositioning in the window opening.
    5. Identify the template and its orientation. Write your name on the template, and mark the "ROOM SIDE" and "TOP". Roll up the template and place it in a mailing tube to include with the order. Do not fold the template.
  • Faux Wood / Wood Blinds / Alumnium Blinds
    Learn More - Play Video

    Measuring - Inside 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 Inside 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 inside mount:

    Measure the opening width at the top, center and bottom, recording the narrowest width. Always measure to the nearest 1/8", and be sure to use a steel tape measure. See tip below.

    Measure the height left, right and center, recording the tallest height.

    When you specify inside mount, the factory will make your blind slightly narrower than you specified to allow for operating clearance. They will deduct between 1/16" and 3/8" from the width on each side. The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. So do not take the deduction yourself. Provide the exact window opening width.

    For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that the top of the blind does not project out of the opening) check that you have enough depth.

    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.

    Learn More - Play Video

    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 outside mount - Add at least 3" to each side of the window opening for minimum light gap coverage and maximum privacy.

    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. 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.

  • Horizontal Shadings
    Learn More - Play Video

    Measuring - Inside 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 Inside 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 inside mount:

    Measure the opening width at the top, center and bottom, recording the narrowest width. Always measure to the nearest 1/8", and be sure to use a steel tape measure. See tip below.

    Measure the height left, right and center, recording the tallest height.

    When you specify inside mount, the factory will make your blind slightly narrower than you specified to allow for operating clearance. They will deduct between 1/16" and 3/8" from the width on each side. The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. So do not take the deduction yourself. Provide the exact window opening width.

    For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that the top of the blind does not project out of the opening) check that you have enough depth.

    Learn More - Play Video

    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 outside mount - Add at least 3" to each side of the window opening for minimum light gap coverage and maximum privacy.

    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. For an outside mount we will not take any deductions off the tip to tip width, but one inch will be deducted off the fabric. 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.

  • Plantation Shutters
    Learn More - Play Video

    BE PRECISE

    Always measure with a steel tape. Never use a cloth tape. Measure sizes to the nearest eighth of an inch (1/8"). Don't be surprised if your windows are not perfectly square. Most aren't. You probably won't notice.

    On your notes clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the height. It is very common to transpose measurements. Try to always measure the width first, then height.

    All shutters come with frames for easy mounting.

    Louver Sizes
    We have four louver sizes available 1 7/8", 2 1/2", 3 1/2" & 4 1/2". For a more contempory look or for less view obstruction choose a larger louver size. For a more traditional design you should choose a smaller louver size. The 2 1/2", 3 1/2" & 4 1/2" louver sizes are shown below (the 1 7/8" is not shown) and can be used as a guide to see how they compare against each other when looking through them.


    INSIDE MOUNT (recessed within your window opening)

    We recommend an Inside Mount whenever possible for a neater look. Minimum depth required for an inside mount is 1 1/2".

    When you specify an inside mount, provide us the exact window opening size. DO NOT TAKE A DEDUCTION!

    The manufacturer will automatically deduct approximately 1/4" so your shutters will operate properly and not rub against your window frame.

    FOR WIDTH, measure in three places and use the narrowest width.
    FOR HEIGHT, measure in three places and use the shortest measurement.

    Below is a diagram showing how an inside shutter will mount.

    OUTSIDE MOUNT (mounted on your molding or drywall)

    Outside mounts hang outside the window opening either on the wood frame or above and beyond the wood frame. That will make your window appear bigger and hide unattractive windows. Outside Mounts are necesssary whenever your window openings are too shallow to place a shutter.To ensure shutter will mount properly, add at least 1 ½” inch on each of the four sides.

    For outside mounts, specify the exact width and exact height you want the product to be. We will make your product the exact size you specify and we will not take any deductions.

    Below is a diagram showing how an outside shutter will mount.

    MEASURING EXAMPLES (for Rectangular Full-Height Shutters)

    For an inside mount:

    To measure the width for an inside mount rectangular window measure in three locations across the top, the middle, and the bottom. Note the narrowest of these measurements.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration A)

    To measure the height for an inside mount rectangular window measure up and down the window at the left, the center, and the right. Note the shortest of these measurements.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration B)


    For an outside mount:

    To measure the width for an outside mount rectangular window measure across the window extending onto your trim or wall. Measurement must extend at least 1" wider than the window on both sides to accomodate the frame.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration C)

    To measure the height for an outside mount rectangular window with a protruding sill measure up the window from the sill extending onto your trim or wall. Measurement must extend at least 1" taller than the top of your window to accomodate the frame.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration D)

    To measure the height for an outside mount rectangular window without a protruding sill measure up and down the window extending onto your trim or wall. Measurement must extend at least 1" taller than the window at both the top and bottom to accomodate the frame.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration E)




    Illustration A



    Illustration B



    Illustration C



    Illustration D



    Illustration E
    Learn More - Play Video

    BE PRECISE

    Always measure with a steel tape. Never use a cloth tape. Measure sizes to the nearest eighth of an inch (1/8"). Don't be surprised if your windows are not perfectly square. Most aren't. You probably won't notice.

    On your notes clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the height. It is very common to transpose measurements. Try to always measure the width first, then height.

    All shutters come with frames for easy mounting.

    Louver Sizes
    We have four louver sizes available 1 7/8", 2 1/2", 3 1/2" & 4 1/2". For a more contempory look or for less view obstruction choose a larger louver size. For a more traditional design you should choose a smaller louver size. The 2 1/2", 3 1/2" & 4 1/2" louver sizes are shown below (the 1 7/8" is not shown) and can be used as a guide to see how they compare against each other when looking through them.


    INSIDE MOUNT (recessed within your window opening)

    We recommend an Inside Mount whenever possible for a neater look. Minimum depth required for an inside mount is 1 1/2".

    When you specify an inside mount, provide us the exact window opening size. DO NOT TAKE A DEDUCTION!

    The manufacturer will automatically deduct approximately 1/4" so your shutters will operate properly and not rub against your window frame.

    FOR WIDTH, measure in three places and use the narrowest width.
    FOR HEIGHT, measure in three places and use the shortest measurement.

    Below is a diagram showing how an inside shutter will mount.

    OUTSIDE MOUNT (mounted on your molding or drywall)

    Outside mounts hang outside the window opening either on the wood frame or above and beyond the wood frame. That will make your window appear bigger and hide unattractive windows. Outside Mounts are necesssary whenever your window openings are too shallow to place a shutter.To ensure shutter will mount properly, add at least 1 ½” inch on each of the four sides.

    For outside mounts, specify the exact width and exact height you want the product to be. We will make your product the exact size you specify and we will not take any deductions.

    Below is a diagram showing how an outside shutter will mount.

    MEASURING EXAMPLES (for Rectangular Full-Height Shutters)

    For an inside mount:

    To measure the width for an inside mount rectangular window measure in three locations across the top, the middle, and the bottom. Note the narrowest of these measurements.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration A)

    To measure the height for an inside mount rectangular window measure up and down the window at the left, the center, and the right. Note the shortest of these measurements.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration B)


    For an outside mount:

    To measure the width for an outside mount rectangular window measure across the window extending onto your trim or wall. Measurement must extend at least 1" wider than the window on both sides to accomodate the frame.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration C)

    To measure the height for an outside mount rectangular window with a protruding sill measure up the window from the sill extending onto your trim or wall. Measurement must extend at least 1" taller than the top of your window to accomodate the frame.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration D)

    To measure the height for an outside mount rectangular window without a protruding sill measure up and down the window extending onto your trim or wall. Measurement must extend at least 1" taller than the window at both the top and bottom to accomodate the frame.
    (For a diagram of this see illustration E)




    Illustration A



    Illustration B



    Illustration C



    Illustration D



    Illustration E
  • Roller / Solar Shades
    Learn More - Play Video

    Measuring - Inside 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 Inside 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 inside mount:

    Measure the opening width at the top, center and bottom, recording the narrowest width. Always measure to the nearest 1/8", and be sure to use a steel tape measure. See tip below.

    Measure the height left, right and center, recording the tallest height.

    When you specify inside mount, the factory will make your blind slightly narrower than you specified to allow for operating clearance. They will deduct approximately 1/2" on each side of the material only. The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. So do not take the deduction yourself. Provide the exact window opening width.

    For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that the top of the blind does not project out of the opening) check that you have enough depth.

    Learn More - Play Video

    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 outside mount - Add at least 3" to each side of the window opening for minimum light gap coverage and maximum privacy.

    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. For an outside mount we will not take any deductions off the tip to tip width, but one inch will be deducted off the fabric. 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.

  • Shades - Cell / Honeycomb / Pleated / Roman / Woven Wood
    Learn More - Play Video

    Measuring - Inside 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 Inside 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 inside mount:

    Measure the opening width at the top, center and bottom, recording the narrowest width. Always measure to the nearest 1/8", and be sure to use a steel tape measure. See tip below.

    Measure the height left, right and center, recording the tallest height.

    When you specify inside mount, the factory will make your blind slightly narrower than you specified to allow for operating clearance. They will deduct between 1/16" and 3/8" from the width on each side. The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame. So do not take the deduction yourself. Provide the exact window opening width.

    For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so that the top of the blind does not project out of the opening) check that you have enough depth.

    Learn More - Play Video

    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 outside mount - Add at least 3" to each side of the window opening for minimum light gap coverage and maximum privacy.

    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. For an outside mount we will not take any deductions off the tip to tip width, but one inch will be deducted off the fabric. 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.

  • Special Measurement Considerations

    French doors

    The wider and taller you specify your product, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. You also need room (2" to 3-1/2") for the mounting brackets at the top, and the optional hold-down brackets (about 2") at the bottom. Consider mounting the window treatment a bit higher than you’d think so when the blind is raised it blocks less of your view. Add at least 3" at the top.

    For the width, add at least an inch or two on both sides of the glass. Usually the deadbolt latch, however, will constrain the width you’d prefer. The product will usually fall just inside the deadbolt. In the case of a lever handle, certain products will slip between the handle and the door.

    All products will work on either a wood or metal door. For metal doors, you’ll probably need "metal screws" designed for attaching to metal doors, which are normally hollow.

    Measuring for a Window with Trim or Molding

    If you are using an outside mount and your window has trim, you should measure from the far left side of the trim to the far right side of the trim (so as to cover all trim from the start of one side to the end of the other). Give that measurement as your width. If you would like for your window trim to show, then give us the measurement of the window opening. If you want some trim covered but not all, add that amount to the width and be sure to add for both sides (exmaple - you want to cover 2" of trim, so you would take the window opening width, and add 4 inches (2 inches of trim to cover x 2 sides). For the height, measure from the top of the trim to the bottom of the trim or sill. If you wish to mount above the trim, measure starting 2” above the molding to the bottom of the trim or sill, and that will be your height.

    Tile and wood obstructions

    Sometimes tile or trim wrap around into the window, usually several inches up from the bottom. This is common near kitchen sinks (back-splashes) and bathtubs. Most products can be cut by the manufacturers on the products’ sides to accommodate this. There is a slight surcharge depending on the product and whether the cutout is on one or both sides.

    Measure so that your product hangs in front of the crank. Consider adding an inch or so to mitigate the slight bulge the product will make as it hangs in front of the crank. Also, the crank can usually be removed or re-positioned to point upwards, which minimizes its projection and obstruction. You may also be able to find a crank replacement device that looks like a wing-nut, and has a tiny projection.

    Sliding Doors

    Verticals can be specified to mount either within the door frame or over it on the wall. When determining this, consider whether the handle is an obstruction, and the amount of depth available. There is sometimes molding or trim near the baseboard which may have to be removed, or at least taken into consideration when determining width. For an outside mount it is normally sufficient to measure about 4 inches wider on both sides. The wider you specify, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. For the height, specify about 3 to 5 inches above the top of the frame. A typical height for a vertical is 84"; however, whatever you prefer is fine. Blinds and shades can be specified as two-on-one headrail. This allows you to raise one while leaving the second one lowered. There is a surcharge for this. You can just order separate products.

    Arches

    First, measure the base width inside the arch opening.

    Then measure the height at the middle (tallest) point inside of the arch opening.

    Other suggestions: Keep in mind that if you are ordering an arch, the height of your arch must be half the width. You will have a perfect semi-circle. If your window arch is not perfect, please call a representative to discuss your options (1-866.551.3166).

    Windows without a top (arched/angled top)

    There is no special measuring required, but you'll need to ask for side-mount brackets.

    Shallow sill depth

    See our charts regarding the manufacturer's minimum sill depths required to fasten the brackets, and the minimum depth necessary for a flush mount (where the product does not protrude into the room. It has been our experience, however, that only 5/8" to 3/4" is all that is necessary to securely anchor most brackets; you'll need to angle the screw back towards the glass and occasionally add one extra bracket. Blinds.com will not be responsible for products which are not within the manufacturers' specifications. Give us a call, or email for further explanation.

    Corner windows

    When two outside mount verticals meet in a corner, or when other inside mount products meet in a corner where there is only glass (no sheet rock), there can be a privacy problem. That's due to a gap where the products "meet". In order to minimize the problem, consider making one product bypass the other, then specify the other product to butt into the first. (See illustration below.)

    Bay Windows

    You will need poster board to help you correctly assess the measurements for your bay windows. First determine the depth of the product you are mounting and use this for the width of your poster board. You can obtain this depth on product pages or through customer service at 1-866.551.3166.

    Next cut out two pieces of poster board that are the width of the product depth by 12" long. If extra clearance requires the use of extension brackets or spacer blocks, include the extra clearance to the width dimension of the poster board.

    Place the strips you have cut as shown below. Position strip "A" in the left angle first, then bring together strips "A" and "B" until the front corners of the poster board meet. This will give you the correct angle. Mark points "A" and "B". Repeat for strips "C" and "D".

    Measure from the left corner of "B" to the right corner of "C" to determine the width measurement of the center window treatment. Measure from the right corner of "A" outward to the desired width to determine the width measurement of the left window treatment. Measure from the left corner of "D" outward to the desired width to determine the width measurement of the right window treatment.

    The height of the window treatments are determined by standard horizontal blind guidelines.

  • Vertical Blinds / Vertical Alternatives
    Learn More - Play Video

    Vertical Blind Measuring - Inside Mount

    • Use a steel measuring tape and measure down to the nearest 1/8".
    • 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.
    Be Confident: Inside or Outside Mount-Which To Choose?
    • Decide which you want BEFORE you take any measurements.
    • We usually recommend an inside mount because it provides a cleaner look.
    • However, an outside mount can make a window look larger or hide an unattractive window.
    • If you want an inside mount, make sure the window opening has enough unobstructed depth to allow for mounting.
    • If you want an outside mount, be sure to allow for the height of the product's headrail in your measurement.

    Always remember: 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:

    Measuring for INSIDE MOUNT:

    Measure the width top, center and bottom, recording the narrowest width. Measure the height left, right and center recording the shortest height. When you specify inside mount, we will make your blind slightly smaller than specified to allow for operating clearance. We will deduct between 1/16" to 3/8" from the width on each side, and 1/4" to 1/2" from the height. For a flush inside mount (the blind completely recessed so the top of the blind does not project out of the opening) check that you have enough depth.

    Learn More - Play Video

    Vertical Blind Measuring - Outside Mount

    • Use a steel measuring tape and measure down to the nearest 1/8".
    • 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 outside mount - Add at least 4" on each side of the window opening to ensure minimum light gap.
    Be Confident: Inside or Outside Mount-Which To Choose?
    • Decide which you want BEFORE you take any measurements.
    • We usually recommend an inside mount because it provides a cleaner look.
    • However, an outside mount can make a window look larger or hide an unattractive window.
    • If you want an inside mount, make sure the window opening has enough unobstructed depth to allow for mounting.
    • If you want an outside mount, be sure to allow for the height of the product's headrail in your measurement.

    Always remember: 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:

    Measuring for OUTSIDE MOUNT:

    Measure the opening width. If there is room, add at least 4" on each side of the window opening to ensure minimum light gap. Measure the opening height. Add a minimum of 2 1/2" in height to allow for mounting brackets above the opening and add your desired overlap for the bottom. If your window treatment will hang down to the floor, please allow at least 1/2" clearance on the bottom for proper operation. If you specify an outside mount, we will not take any size deductions - your blind will be made at the exact size you specify.

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866-551-3166