Measuring for Blinds & Shades

Learn how to correctly measure your windows for different styles of blinds and shades. Our measuring guide will cover guidelines for: blinds, window shades, cellular shades, and roman shades.

Determine the Bracket Location

Blinds and shades are typically mounted with a bracket, placed either inside or outside the window frame. The location of the bracket determines how to measure the window. 

Outside Mount – Outside mounted blinds and shades typically have brackets located on the top face, or outside trim of the window. For this style, take your measurement at the top of the window where the brackets will be placed. We recommend that the blind overlaps with the window trim on either side by at least 1.5” to ensure full coverage.

Inside Mount – For inside mounted blinds and shades, the brackets will be located on the inside ceiling of the top window frame. For this style, measure across the inside of the window in three locations: top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest of the 3 measurements to ensure the window treatment will fit properly in the window. 

Measure for Length

For both outside and inside mounted blinds and shades it is important to have an accurate length measurement. To achieve this, measure from the top of the window frame to the window sill on the left and right sides of the window. To ensure the blind or shade will fit correctly, use the larger of the 2 measurements.