Measuring and Ordering Window Blinds

Window Blinds

Window blinds have become one of the most appealing window treatment options available for privacy, décor, and shielding both your carpet and furnishings from the harmful UV rays of the sun. We hope the following window blind measuring information provides the reader with the necessary information needed in purchasing or ordering their custom or made to measure window blinds whether they be vinyl, wood, or aluminum. Most blinds are available in a variety of slat widths. Popular slat width sizes include 1/2-inch micro, 1-inch mini, 2-inch, 2-1/2 inch with some manufacturers having slight variations and/or larger widths available. Inside mounting of your window blinds as described below require you to take special care when measuring and choosing the slat size for ordering your window blinds online.

Some of the most popular manufacturers of window blinds include Hunter Douglas, Kirsch, and Levolor.

Measuring For Your Horizontal Window Blinds

When measuring for your custom or made-to-measure window blinds, make sure you use a metal tape measure, yardstick, or other non-flexible measuring device to insure accuracy of your measurements. There are two basic mounting methods for your window blinds – inside mount and outside mount.

Measuring Outside Mounted Blinds

Outside mounted blind hardware is positioned and mounted to your window casing in most instances. When measuring for your outside mounted window blinds make sure to measure where your blinds will be mounted and positioned from. Outside mounted blinds require only the width and length as the included hardware allows for differences in the actual window blind slat size. All window blinds measurements are taken to 1/8-inch accuracy.

Measuring Inside Mounted Blinds

Inside mounted window blinds require more precise measurements and also require you to take into consideration these measurements when choosing your desired blind slat width/size. The length or height measurements should be taken from the left, middle, and right sides between the window jamb header and the window sill. Use the largest measurement rounded up to the next 1/8 inch when ordering your blinds. Inside mounted blind hardware is mounted directly to the inside of the window jamb. When measuring the inside width of your blinds make sure to measure at the top, middle and bottom opening of the window jamb. Measuring in these three places may give you different measurements as all windows and their jambs are square. Make sure to use the smallest measurement when ordering your blinds. Normally when ordering window blinds online the blind manufacturer will automatically deduct a small amount from the inside measurement for clearance.

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• Always allow an extra ½ inch (1-1/2 inches for a 1-inch mini blind slat size) in total jamb and casing depth (see photo) for your vinyl, wood, or faux wood blinds to be mounted flush with your outside casing.
• Always allow an extra ¾ inch (2-3/4 inches for a 2-inch aluminum blind slat size) in total jamb and casing depth (see photo) for your aluminum blinds to be mounted flush with your outside casing.
• Always round down to the closest 1/8 inch on window blind width measurement.
• Always round up to the closest 1/8 inch on window blind length/height measurement.

Use the above information when ordering your window blinds and always double check with the store on any measurement adjustments or special considerations for the particular style and material of window blinds you may be ordering.

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