MEASURING YOUR WINDOWS LIKE A PRO
Download a measure sheet template
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.
- Use a steel measuring tape
- Measure to the nearest quarter of an inch – don’t round your measurements.
- Write down the location of your window first – for example, Kitchen Sink or Living Room – Left.
- Clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the height. For example – W 53 1/4″ H 65 1/2″.
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 molding. For an inside mount, the window opening must have 1 5/8″ of depth to fit.
Inside Mount – Things to Consider
We usually recommend an inside mount when possible because it provides a cleaner look.
When you select Inside Mount, Blind Ambitions will deduct up to 1/4″ from each side for horizontal blinds. The deductions are made so that the blind will not rub or scratch your window frame.
With this in mind, Provide the EXACT measurement of the window opening when you order your blinds.
Outside Mount – Things to Consider
An outside mount can make a window appear larger or hide an unattractive window.
If you specify an outside mount, Blind Ambitions will NOT take any size deductions. Your blind will be made at the EXACT size you specify.
You must ADD at least 3″ to the window opening measurement to allow for overlap and mounting brackets.
START MEASURING – INSIDE MOUNT:
When you measure for an inside mount blind, you MUST measure in three places for both width and height.
This is important because your window openings may not be perfectly square even if you have a brand new house. Don’t worry, it likely won’t be noticeable if only off by a 1/2″ or less.
Measure the Width (W) First – Inside Mount
Measure the top, center and bottom of your opening. Write down the narrowest width next to your window name. For example if the top was 36 1/4″ W, the middle was 36 1/2″ W and the bottom was 36 1/2″ W, the width of your window opening is 36 1/4″ W. Do NOT take any deductions from that narrowest width.
Measure the Height (H) Second – Inside Mount
For Height (H) measure the left side, center and right side of your opening. Write down the longest height next to your window name. For example if the left was 65 1/4″ H, the center was 65 1/2″ H and the right was 65 1/4″ H, the height of your window opening is 65 1/2″ W. Do NOT take any deductions from the longest height measurement.
START MEASURING – OUTSIDE MOUNT:
Blind Ambitions will make your outside mount blinds to the EXACT measurements you provide. No deductions are taken on outside mount since they are outside your window frame and cannot scrape the inside of the frame when moving up and down.
Measure the Width (W) First – Outside Mount
Measure the Width (W) of the center of your window opening. Round that number to the nearest 1/4″. Add at least 6″ to that measurement – for a total of 3″ overlap on each side to ensure a minimum light gap.
Measure the Height (H) Second – Outside Mount
Measure the Height (H) of the center of your window opening. Round that number to the nearest 1/4″. Add at least 6″ to that measurement – for a total of 3″ overlap on the top and bottom to ensure a minimum light gap.