Window measurements for blinds are simple to gather, although it can get stressful. Why? Because we’re afraid to botch up the measurements. If you want to learn how to measure your windows for blinds, fret not! All you’ll need is a pen, paper, and measuring tape to begin. Take this guide as a reference, whether replacing your old ones or learning how to install blinds.
Before you start, ask yourself: do you want your blinds to be inside-mounted or outside-mounted? Select your preferred mount before getting blinds to determine your measuring method. Once you’ve sorted that out, you can start utilising your measuring tape and following these steps. Please note that when replacing blinds, it’s advisable to measure your windows instead of the blinds to get the most accurate measurements.
Measuring Your Windows for Inside-Mount Blinds
Not all windows are perfect for inside-mount blinds. Before positioning inside-mount blinds inside your window frame, measure the depth of your window. The depth will decide whether you can install inside-mount blinds. Check with your blinds provider if your window depth can accommodate inside-mount blinds. If your window depth allows it, here’s how to measure for inside mounted blinds:
- Start with drawing a square or rectangle on a piece of paper. If you’re taking measurements for multiple windows, label the shapes accordingly. Example: Living Room Window 1, Bedroom Window 2.
- Take your tape measure and place it on the inside edge of the window frame to measure the width in three places: the top, middle, and bottom.
- Write down the measurements to the closest 1/8th inch and round down if necessary. Example: If the shortest size is 51 9/16 inches, round down to 51 1/2 inches. If it’s 51 3/8 inches, there’s no need to round down.
- Identify the smallest width from the three measurements. The smallest width will be the width of the blinds you must order.
- After measuring the width, proceed with the height. Grab your tape measure from the top inside edge until the windowsill in three places.
- Write down the measurements to the closest 1/8th inch and round up if applicable.
- Choose the tallest measurement out of the three, as this will be the height of your inside-mount blinds. Double-check the measurements afterwards.
Measuring Your Windows for Outside-Mount Blinds
If you don’t have enough window depth to install inside-mount blinds, outside-mount blinds are a good alternative. Measurement for outside-mount blinds also has more liberties with the sizes if your wall space allows it.
- Begin drawing a square or rectangle on a piece of paper. If you’re taking measurements for multiple windows, label the shapes accordingly. Example: Living Room Window 1, Kitchen Window 1.
- Take your measuring tape and measure the precise width from left to right. Get the exact measurements or how wide you want your blinds to be.
- Ideally, it’s advisable to get blinds 2-3 inches wider on both sides than your windows for sufficient light coverage, so consider that when writing down measurements.
- For the height, measure from top to bottom. Ensure that the measurement is accurate for sufficient light coverage.
- Like the width, leave a 2–3-inch allowance at the top and bottom. When ordering blinds for a 70-inch window, it’s ideal to buy blinds with a 74-inch height.
- Write down the numbers and double-check the measurements for accuracy.
Before learning how to install blinds, you must know how to measure windows for blinds. Through this guide, you won’t have to overthink about making inaccurate measurements and finally buy the blinds you’ve always wanted!