How to Measure for Blinds

There are many ways to incorporate your style into a room but adding blinds is one of the best ways to transition that style to your windows.

Blinds are available in a variety of distinctive designs. The ones you choose and how you install them can really bring the whole room together. However, based on the type of blinds you choose, you may have to mount them differently to accommodate the style you want to achieve. To make this home improvement project easier for you, we’ve assembled a helpful guide that should make the measuring and mounting process go a little smoother. First, we’ll review how to measure each type of mounting option and recommend the design style that is best suited for that option.

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How to Measure for Blinds—Inside Mount

Using an inside mount means the blinds will sit inside the window frame and casing. Therefore, you’ll need to measure the following:

• Measure the width of the window frame from the inner edge of one side to the other. Each mount will be attached directly to the inside of the window casing. So, it’s important to make sure this measurement is as accurate as possible. Even a 1/8 of an inch will is significant when it comes to making sure the blinds fit correctly.
• The depth from the outermost edge of the window casing to the edge of the pane. If your blinds are too wide, they will extend beyond the front of the window casing, which defeats the advantages of an inside mount.
• The height of your window casing. Since the blinds will only be able to extend to the bottom of the casing, you’ll need to make sure that too much of the blind isn’t bunched at the bottom when they are lowered (meaning the blinds are too long for the window). Although the blinds can be adjusted after installation, it’s much easier and recommended to get an accurate measurement before installation.

An inside mounted blind offers a few advantages. For example, the mounting brackets are less visible when mounted on the inside of the window casing. Here are some of the best design styles for blinds using an inside mount:

• Modern Farmhouse
• Minimalist
• Rustic

How to Measure for Blinds Using an Outside Mount

When it comes to mounting blinds outside the window casing you have a bit more leeway in terms of measurements because you can adjust the brackets based on your personal design style.

You can also place your outside mount slightly above the top of your windows, which can create an illusion of taller windows. The higher-placed mount also means your window isn’t obstructed at all when the blinds are fully recessed. For this style of mount, you’ll want to make sure you:

• Measure at least 2 inches beyond the top of your window trim to make sure you have enough space to properly mount the blinds. If you intend to do a higher mount, you’ll want to make sure you have more than 2 inches.
• Because these blinds will sit over your windows, you’ll want to make sure you measure at least 1.5 inches beyond the edge of the window casing to make sure the sun doesn’t come in around the blinds.
• For height, you will want to decide how far below the window you would like the blinds to rest. Measure from the bracket to the windowsill or lower to make sure you will have enough blind to cover the full length of the window opening.

Much like an inside mount, certain design styles work better with outside mounts. Here are some that work well with this mounting option:

• Transitional
• Traditional
• Contemporary
• Midcentury Modern

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Install Your Blinds

Once you decide on the mounting option and take the measurements, all that’s left to do is select the style of blinds you’d like and install them. Although measuring and installing blinds is not overly complicated, it can be a frustrating DIY project. If you have questions, need advice, or would like help installing your new blinds, your local Mr. Handyman can help. And with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, you can be assured the job is done right the first time. To get started, give us a call or schedule an appointment online.