MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS

Guidelines For A Perfect Fit

• Measure each window individually, as size variances are common.
• Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/4".
• Measure width from left to right, height from top to bottom, using a steel tape measure. Do not use a cloth tape.

 

Horizontal Blinds and Shades

Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Natural Shades, Roman Shades, Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds and Horizontal Blinds

Inside Mount


Inside mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window casing. Minimum depth requirements vary by product and headrail type, or by tube size for Solar Shades.

• 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. Solar Shades should be measured at the top only.
• Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.
• Measure the window diagonally in two places, as shown. If the diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal function and aesthetics.

Additional Information for Measuring Solar Shades and Roller Shades

• On Continuous Loop inside mounts, there is up to 3/4" light gap per side. On Cordless inside mounts, there is approximately 1" of light gap on the right and just over 1/2" on the left.
• For optimal light and glare control, outside mount is recommended, or you may add a secondary soft window treatment (drapery or curtain) to hide the light gap on an inside mount.
• Fabric width is 1 1/8"-1 3/8" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and its components on Continuous Loop shades.
• Fabric width is 1"-1 1/4" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and components (without valance or side covers) on Cordless shade.

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 ½" on each side (3" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
• For Solar Shades make sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 3" on each side (6" 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.

 

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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 ¾" deep for track flush mount or 3 ¾" deep for louvers flush mount. Otherwise, an angle bracket may be necessary.

• Measure the exact inside width of the 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.

 

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.
• If you want the entire window uncovered when the blind is fully open, you may need to add more than 6" to the width.

 

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Cellular and Solar Shades

 

Inside Mount


Inside Mount shades are installed inside the window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. For inside mount recess requirements, please contact us.

• 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.
• Measure the window diagonally in two places, as shown. If the diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal function and aesthetics.
• Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.

 

Outside Mount


Outside mount shades 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 shade extends to floor (i.e. to cover patio door), measure height in three places, take the smallest measurement.
• Do not take deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.
• If you want the entire window uncovered when the shade is fully open, you may need to add more than 6" to the width. 

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Drapes/Curtains - Measuring The Width Needed:

 
"Finished Width" - Definition = The Finished Width of a curtain or window treatment is the "overall" width measurement of the item laying flat, not installed / or hanging on the rod.
 

This is the measurement you see by your selected item.
 

This finished width measurement is not the actual size/width of a window that it will accommodate, but rather the overall measurement of the item laying flat.
 

On most curtains & window treatments, it takes one and a half to three times more material/curtain to provide the proper fullness in appearance when installed/hanging on rod than the actual window width.
 

To help you we provide information in the description of each and every product as to "what size window each curtain/window treatment will accommodate".
 

For more information on figuring out what width curtain or window treatment you might need, please read the information below...
 

With the empty curtain rod hanging in window, measure the width of the rod from left to right(or vice-versa).
 

 A common rule for displaying curtains (excludes drapes) properly is the curtains finished width should be at least 1 1/2 - 3 times the width of your window to achieve a look of proper fullness in appearance.

Example: If your window measures 40" wide ( window width x 1.5 = minimum width needed / x 3 = maximum width needed), you should need a curtain ( or curtain set/pair) with a width between 60" - 120 wide to properly cover your windows width, and achieve it's proper appearance. A few inches narrower or wider should not make a difference. 

Drapes/Curtains - Measuring The Length Needed:

*Important Note about Rod Pocket Size and measuring lengths...
 

Window coverings made with a 1 1/2 inch rod pocket are measured overall. Measure length from the top edge of the curtain to the bottom edge (longest point) of the curtain.
 

Window coverings made with a 3 inch rod pocket are measured from the top stitch line of the rod pocket to the bottom edge (longest point) of the curtain.

Pinch Pleated Drapes & Patio Door Dapery Panels (have no rod pocket) are measured overall. Length is measured from the top edge of the drape to the bottom edge (longest point) of the drapery.
 

How to measure...
 

With just the curtain rod hanging on your window, measure from the top of the curtain rod down to the top edge of the sill.
 

Example; if this area measures 63", you would need to order a 63" long curtain if you desired it to hang down this long.
 

Curtains are made to fit these common window lengths, 24", 30", 36", 38", 45", 54", 63", 72", 81" or 84", & 95".
If you have a window that falls in between these sizes, you could use curtains that are a little longer, or a little shorter, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.

Example; if your window measures 60", you could use a 63" long curtain which would hang 3" longer than window sill, or a 54" long, which would hang 6" above window sill.
 

You can move your curtain rod hardware to accommodate for the difference in lengths if possible, or order a customized length from us.
 

Pinch Pleated Drapes / Patio Door Drapes

 This window covering does not get gathered on a curtain rod (no rod pocket), so the width of your window or patio door / or drapery rod is  the width size you would need. With patio doors (sliding glass doors), a little extra width may be needed beyond the actual width of the door frame. With traverse rods (open & close with draw string) you will want the drapery panel or panels to open completely to the side to allow the door to open without drapery in the way.
 

If you already have a drapery rod already installed on your window or patio door, measuring the length from the rod down to where you would like them to hang will give you the length needed.