Measuring Guide
Accurate measurements are the most important part of getting blinds that fit perfectly. Here's how to do it right.
What You'll Need
- A steel tape measure (cloth tape measures can stretch and aren't accurate enough)
- A pencil and paper, or your phone notes app
- A step stool, if needed for taller windows
Measure each window individually, even if they look identical. Older homes especially can have windows that vary by a 1/4" or more — and that difference matters for a clean fit.
Inside Mount
Inside mount fits the shade inside the window frame for a clean, built-in look. You'll need at least 1.5–2" of mounting depth inside the frame, depending on the product.
1. Measure the width in three places
Measure the width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Window openings are rarely perfectly square — use the narrowest of the three measurements. This ensures the shade will fit even at its tightest point.
2. Measure the height in three places
Measure the height of the window opening on the left side, center, and right side. Use the longest of the three measurements so the shade fully covers the window.
3. Check the mounting depth
Measure how deep the window frame is (front to back). Make sure there's enough clearance for the headrail and any obstructions like window cranks or handles.
4. Enter your exact measurements — don't round down
Enter the exact width and height you measured, down to the 1/8". We account for the small manufacturing deductions needed for the shade to operate smoothly inside the frame — you don't need to subtract anything yourself.
Outside Mount
Outside mount is mounted on the wall or trim above the window — a good option for shallow frames, or when you want to minimize light gaps or make a window look larger.
1. Decide on side overlap
For good light blockage, plan to overlap the window opening by about 2–3" on each side (more for blackout). Measure the width of the window frame and add your overlap on both sides.
2. Decide on top mounting position
Decide how high above the window frame the headrail will be mounted — typically 3–4". Make sure the surface you're mounting to is flat and can support the bracket hardware.
3. Measure total height
Measure from your chosen mounting position down to where you want the shade to end — typically the windowsill, or the floor for a longer drop.
4. Enter your exact measurements
Enter the total width and height you'd like the finished shade to be — this is the actual size of the shade itself, no deductions needed.
Want extra peace of mind?
Choose Measure + Install at checkout and our team will confirm every measurement before production — backed by our measurement guarantee.
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