How to Take Measurements for Blinds

Dncurtains knows that the perfect fit for a beautiful new window treatment all starts with an accurate measurement. If you’re planning a DIY window treatment project, our How to Measure Blinds guide makes measuring blinds easy!

How to Measure for Inside Mount Blinds

Inside mount blinds are installed inside the window frame or casing – they provide a sleek, clean look that can showcase your window size and moldings. If you’re interested in measuring for inside mount cellular shades, follow these steps:

Measure the depth of your window frame, from the front of the opening to the glass. You’ll need this measurement to ensure your window recess meets the minimum depth requirement for an inside mount. Refer to the Mounting Requirements section for the cellular shade you’ve chosen to ensure your window meets the requirement for an inside mount.
Measure the width of each window. Record the width at the top, middle, and bottom of your window opening. Circle the narrowest measurement of the three – this is the number you submit for your window’s width.
Measure the height of your window opening in three places: left, center, and right. Circle the tallest measurement - this is the number you submit for your window’s height.
Order at the exact opening size with no deductions. The factory will take deductions in production.
Double-check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H).

How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds

Outside mount blinds are mounted on the window molding or wall above your window. Outside mount blinds are a good choice if an inside mount is not possible due to window depth or obstructions around the window frame. Outside mount wood blinds will be made at the exact size you specify. Follow these simple steps to measure your windows for outside mount wood blinds:

Check the mounting requirements on your wood blinds to ensure you have enough flat surfaces for the mounting hardware.
Determine the width of the blinds you want to order. If you have window trim, simply measure to the far edges of the trim from left to right.
If your window has no trim, we recommend adding two inches on each side of your window to provide light gap coverage and privacy. Mark these additions on each side and measure the width between them in a straight line.
Determine the height of the blinds you will order. If you have a protruding window sill, start at the sill and measure three inches beyond the top of the window opening to accommodate for mounting hardware.
If you do not have a protruding window sill, we recommend starting your measurement two inches below the sill for maximum coverage and then measure three inches beyond the top of the window opening to accommodate for mounting hardware.
Double-check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H). Remember, with outside mount wood blinds, your product will be made to the exact specified size.
***Be sure to add up to an additional 3" to help minimize light gaps.