If you are planning to install new blinds at home, measuring your windows is essential to figuring out the required blind sizes. Exact window measurement matter as ill-fitting blinds affect the look of your room. This blog guides you on how to measure your windows accurately in order to install various types of blinds, mainly inside mount and outside mount.
How to Measure Windows for Inside Mount Blinds
Inside mount blinds are known for their visual appeal. As they fit inside the frame perfectly, they give your room a clean look. If you want to show off your window frame’s beautiful woodwork, install inside mount blinds.
Steps to measure your windows to fit inside mount blinds:
- Measure the window width: As inside mount blinds hang within the window frame, you need to measure the frame interior. For an accurate result, measure three widths and round the narrowest one to the nearest 1/8’’ which is considered the final width measurement. Rule of thumb says you should never round up inside mount measurements as the blinds will not fit.
- Measure the window frame depth: The distance between the window frame end and glass is termed as the frame depth. A large number of blind styles have certain depth requirements, so you need to measure the depth of your window frame accurately. When measuring window frame depth, do not ignore defects such as cracks or bends. Are your windows extremely narrow? Do they not meet the minimum depth requirements? Then choose outside mount blinds instead of inside mount blinds.
How to Measure Windows for Outside Mount Blinds
Outside mounted blinds look great on almost every type of window and add a dramatic look to your home. Do your windows have small frame depths? Installing outside mounted blinds will enhance their look. As outside mount blinds go around your window and a minimum depth measurement is not needed, they are easy to measure.
Steps to measure windows to install outside mount blinds:
- Measure the width of window space to cover: As outside mount blinds are highly flexible, you can decide how much window area you want to cover. You can keep the width of your blinds flush to the edge of your window or extend it further to make them look larger. Although you can choose window width as per your preferences, it is advisable to include at least 1 to 1.5” extra on each side. The extra space blocks sunlight and gives privacy.
- Measure the height of window space to cover: Like the width, you can also decide on the height of the window area to be covered. Does your window have a sill? Then end your measurement at the top of the sill. If not, measure from the point where you want the blind to end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Windows for Blinds
When you do not measure your windows correctly, the blinds will not fit properly into the brackets and may fall out. People tend to make certain mistakes when they measure their windows for blinds on their own. Below are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when measuring your windows:
- Considering all windows to be similar sizes. A ‘standard size’ window is a myth so you need to measure every window separately.
- Measuring the size of your preferred blinds and not the window opening. Take exact measurements of your window opening size to fit blinds perfectly.
- Not measuring width and height of windows in three places (top, middle, and bottom). As no windows are absolutely square, taking all three measurements is essential.
- Using a cloth tape measure, yardstick or a ruler instead of a proper steel measuring tape. A steel tape is necessary to take accurate window measurements.
- Ignoring the measurements of window depths. It is important to measure depth to determine if blinds poke out of your window or can be mounted fully.
- Not adding extra inches to the width of outside mount blinds. If you do not add extra inches, there will be gaps in your window coverings which will let sunlight pass through.
- Not checking window measurements twice. When you double check your measurements, you do not mix up height and width.
A Few Tools You Need to Measure Windows for Blinds
To measure your windows accurately for blind installation, you need to have certain tools ready before getting started. A rigid steel tape measure makes it easy to take correct measurements (as cloth or wood tape measures are not hard enough for proper window measurements). Carry a pen and paper to take down measurements, and use a highlighter for the most important numbers. Using differently-coloured writing tools or an extra pad lets you more easily distinguish between crucial information.
Inside and outside mount blinds add style to your home, protect you from harmful sunrays and give you privacy. No matter which type of blinds you decide to install, accurate measurements are a prerequisite. Arrange the necessary tools to get started and avoid the above-mentioned mistakes to take correct window measurements. However, if you do not have the required measuring tools, it is better to hire window treatment professionals for the task.
