Measure
How to Measure It is fairly easy to install your own blinds and shades by following the instructions below. Many people are comfortable installing blinds and shades and choose to measure and install them on their own. Measurement and Installation of plantation shutters requires more precision and more often, customers use a professional for shutter installation. If you do not have the time or if you would feel more comfortable having a professional measure and install for you, please click here for Professional Measurement and Installation.
When measuring:
Always use a metal tape measure for accuracy and record measurements to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.
Please do not take any allowances: the factory will make all necessary deductions.
Always measure each window you plan to cover. Windows of different sizes can appear deceptively similar.
Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Measure width from left to right, height from top to bottom.
We highly suggest clicking here to download our Window Measurement Log in .pdf format for easy downloading and printing. This document has an overview of the measurement process for reference when you are measuring and a log for you to record your measurements. You can use this log as an order form if you prefer to contact us with you order instead of ordering online.
Determine if you would like Inside Mount or Outside Mount:
An inside mount is when the blind, shade, or shutter fits inside of the window opening. Mounting as an inside mount generally has a cleaner, neater look.
An outside mount can be used if there isn't enough depth to mount the product inside the opening. Sliding glass doors and wood cased shallow windows are popular outside mount choices.
Please click on the item you would like to measure for:
Horizontal Blinds and Fabric Shades
Inside mount :
Inside mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window casing. Minimum depth requirements vary by product and headrail type. Ask your designer or sales associate for details.
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement.
Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.
See the window sill depth chart below for the depth needed for inside mounts and the minimum needed for the product to be flush mounted with the windows front molding. The column, "For Installation" shows the amount in inches needed to install the product. The "For Flush to Front" column shows the depth needed inside the casing for the product to be flush to the front. Often, these products protrude slightly into the room, so the flush to front depth is not a requirement.
Casing Depth Requirements (inches)For inside Mounting
Product
For Installation
For Flush to Front
1" Wood Blinds
1
2-1/4
2" Wood Blinds
1-1/2
3
Woven Woods
3/4
1-3/4
Roller Shades
3/4
Depends on Length
Window Shadings
3/4
3-1/4
Verticals
1-1/2
4-3/4
1" Mini Blinds
3/4
1-1/2
1/2" Mini Blinds
3/4
1-1/2<
With a Flush Inside Mount, the Valance does not have a Return and mounts flush with window molding. The mounting brackets will not be visible. With a non-flush inside mount, the valance does not have Returns and the mounting brackets may be slightly visible from the side.
Horizontal Blinds and Fabric Shades
Outside mount :Outside mount blinds and shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.
Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 1-1/2" on each side (3" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
Measure exact height to be covered, including desired overlap (typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one).
The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.
Outside mounts are more attractive if a valance with Returns is used. Many of our valances offer Returns. The Standard inside length of the returns are 2 1/2". If you prefer a longer or shorter Return, we will gladly customize the Return for you. Please specify this in your order comments.
Vertical Blinds
Inside mount:
Inside mount blinds are installed inside a window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. The window casing must be at least 2-3/4" deep for track flush mount or 3-3/4" deep for louvers flush mount. Otherwise, an angle bracket may be necessary.
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to bottom, or top edge of sill if there is one. Record the shortest measurement.
Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.
Vertical Blinds
Outside mount
Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.
Measure the exact width of window, including frame if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
Measure height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
If blind extends to floor (i.e., to cover patio door), measure height in three places, take the smallest measurement and deduct at least 1/2" for clearance so the louvers don't touch the floor.
The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.
Plantation Shutters
Before you begin measuring, choose whether the shutter will be mounted inside the window opening or outside the window opening.
Inside mount shutters attach and hang inside the window opening for a flush, clean look that highlights decorative window trim.
Outside mount shutters hang outside the window opening, either on the window trim or above and beyond the window frame. Outside mounting can make a window appear larger, or hide an unattractive window. To maintain a tilt and clean feature on your windows you may need to use an outside mount.
If the diagonal measurements inside your window opening vary by more than 1/4" we strongly suggest an outside mount
(see illustration to left).
Outside Mount Windows without Molding or Trim (Installation on Wall) First measure the width of the window opening in three places top, middle, and bottom. Add 2 inches to the widest measurement and order this width. Next, measure the height of the window opening in three places left center and right. Add 2 inches to the tallest measurement and order this height. NOTE: You must add 2 to both width and height to allow for the shutter frame.
Outside Mount Windows with Molding
(Installation on Trim or Molding)
First measure the width of the window molding in three places top, middle, and bottom. Order the widest measurement. Next, measure the height of the window trim in three places left, center and right. Order the tallest measurement. The size ordered for this mounting option will include the shutter frame. (Please note that the installation is easier if the window molding is at least 1 1/8 wide.)
Outside Mount Window with Molding (Installation Surrounding or Beyond Molding) First, measure the width of the outer edge of the molding in three places top, middle and bottom; add 2 1/4 to the widest width. Order this width. Next, measure the height of the outer edge of the molding at three places right, center and left; add 2 1/4 to the tallest height. Order this height.
NOTE: You must add 2 1/4 to both the largest width and height so the shutter frame will clear the molding on all sides.
Inside Mount (Installation Inside Window Opening) First measure the width of the window opening in three places top, middle, and bottom. Order the narrowest or smallest measurement. Next, measure the height of the window opening in three places left, center and right. Order the shortest measurement.
NOTE: A minimum window depth of 2 is needed for an inside mount to be installed flush with the surrounding wall or trim. This depth is not necessary if the shutter is to protrude slightly out from the window opening. The factory will take the appropriate deduction in width and height. DO NOT MAKE ANY DEDCUTIONS or ALLOWANCES.