Measuring blinds is the first step in tackling one of the most impactful living space upgrades possible. The stylistic power of blinds and their influence on natural light levels make upgrading or installing blinds both a fashionable and functional investment. Reshape your space quickly and easily when you know how to measure your windows for blinds correctly.
How Do You Measure a Window for Blinds?
It’s not as easy as simply measuring your window, recording the dimensions, and grabbing blinds off the hardware store shelf. To measure for curtains, drapes, or blinds, you’ll first need to decide between inside-mounted blinds and outside-mounted blinds.
How to Measure Inside Mount Blinds
As the name suggests, inside-mounted blinds will be mounted inside the window frame. For this type of blind, you will measure the window vertically and horizontally at its narrowest points. This means you’ll be measuring your window inside any trim; think of measuring the recessed portion of the window. If you order custom blinds, you do not need to account for the mounting brackets, as the manufacturer will make those adjustments for you.
Measure your window twice:
- Top-to-bottom
- Left-to-right
How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds
Measuring for outside-mounted blinds is slightly more challenging. Instead of focusing on the recessed portion of the window, you’ll need to measure the width of the blinds as they’ll need to hang.
- Start by measuring the location of the headrail. The headrail is the horizontal rod from which the blinds hang and where the blind roller mechanism is located. The headrail should be 1½ inches to 3 inches above the top of the window trim.
- Next, measure the width of the window. Add at least 1½ inches of overlap to each side. Additional overlap may increase the price of the blinds slightly but will also offer better coverage and privacy.
- If a window measures 25 inches wide, we’d recommend ordering your blinds at least 28 inches wide for better light control.
- At the bottom of the window, measure from the headrail position to the bottom of the windowsill. If your window doesn’t have a sill, measure an additional 1½ inches below the window.
Related Topic: Which Window Treatment Is Best For Your Region?
Are Blinds Standard Sizes?
Homeowners debate the benefits of custom or standard blinds. In most cases, the choice is determined by the presence of standard-dimension windows in your home. Certain window styles have a range of standard heights and widths. Instead of standard blind sizes, it is easier to look at some standard window sizes. Having some common benchmarks can make measuring blinds less intimidating and ensure you’re on the right track.
Picture window standard dimensions – Most residential picture windows range from 2 to 8 feet. Picture window windows typically increase at 1-foot intervals from 2 to 8 feet wide.
Double-hung windows – Standard double-hung windows are between 36 and 72 inches wide and 24 to 48 inches tall.
Why You Should Go Custom
One size may fit some windows, but it never fits all. There are drawbacks to choosing standard window blinds, even if your home happens to have windows that appear to fit.
Uniformity – Standard blinds are made in massive quantities, and quality may suffer. Lengths and widths can vary, differing from the dimensions listed on the package by an inch or more.
Performance – To lower costs, standard blinds and curtains are often unlined. Custom blinds can be lined with UV protection to prevent fading, reflect sunlight to improve energy efficiency, and even offer limited insulative properties.
Heavy Load – Standard blinds that are too long for the window they cover are often heavy and difficult to open and close.
It’s not just window dressing. Blinds are both an aesthetic choice and a functional element of your home. Consider blinds, solar screens, and window tinting as other quality window treatment options.
A Clear Choice
For decades, homeowners and small businesses have trusted Window Genie for their window, tinting, gutter, and pressure washing needs. With locations across the United States, every locally owned Window Genie offers the same high level of service and professionalism. See what we can do for you. Call us or request a quote today!
