Before Measuring, Choose Between Inside & Outside Mount
Inside Mount
Clean, integrated look and the most popular choice. Window frame must accommodate the Required Minimum Depth for your desired window treatment. A common measuring mistake is not considering the depth needed when choosing Inside Mount. Depth determines which window treatment your window can accommodate with Inside Mount and how it will look when installed. To understand more about depth, see our blog.
Outside Mount
Makes windows appear larger and provides superior light control. (Chosen when Inside Mount is not an option because the window frame does not have enough depth for the window treatment).
Measuring Tips
- Do not take deductions from your measurements.
- For Inside Mount, we will make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
- For Outside Mount installed outside of the window trim, you may need extension brackets or spacer blocks to account for the trim thickness.
- Measure each window – even ones that appear identical.
- All measurements should be to the nearest 1/8 inch.
- Use a metal tape measure as cloth ones may stretch.
How to Measure Inside Mount Blinds & Shades
Step 1: Measure Width
Measure inside the window frame horizontally in 3 places to the nearest 1/8 inch: top, middle & bottom.
The shortest measurement = your width.
Step 2: Measure Height
Measure inside the window frame vertically in 3 places to the nearest 1/8 inch: left, middle & right.
The longest measurement = your height.
Step 3: Measure Depth
Measure the inside depth to the nearest 1/8 inch at the top of the window frame. Be sur to consider any Window Obstacles.
The shortest measurement = your depth.
How to Measure Outside Mount Blinds & Shades
Step 1: Measure Width
Measure horizontally to the nearest 1/8 inch between the outer-most points where you want your window treatments placed. For optimal light control, it's recommended to overlap each side of the window frame by at least an additional 3/4 inch.
Step 2: Measure Height
Measure vertically to the nearest 1/8 inch from the top of where you want the window treatment to be installed (headrail location) to the top of the window sill, or measure to point of desired length if there is no sill.
Collapsible tabs
Cellular Shades Required Minimum Depth
Operating System | Mininum Mounting Depth | Minimum Depth for Fully Recessed / Flush Mount Headrail |
Cordless | 3/4" | 2-1/8" |
Motorized | 1-1/4" | 2-1/8" |
Roller Shades Required Minimum Depth
No Valance | Fabric Insert Valance | Cassette Valance | |
Inside Mount Minimum Installation Depth | 1-1/2" | 2" | 2" |
Flush Mount Installation Depth* | 2-1/2" | 3" | 3" |
Outside Mount Extenstion Bracket Projection | 1-1/8" | 1-1/2'' | 1-1/2'' |
Zebra Shades Required Minimum Depth
Cassette Valance | |
Minimum Installation Depth | 2" |
Flush Mount Installation Depth* | 3" |
Valance Height | 3" |
Sheer Shades Required Minimum Depth
Cassette Valance | |
Minimum Installation Depth | 2" |
Flush Mount Installation Depth* | 3" |
Valance Height | 3" |
Solar Shades Required Minimum Depth
No Valance | Fabric Insert Valance | Cassette Valance | |
Inside Mount Minimum Installation Depth | 1-1/2" | 2" | 2" |
Flush Mount Installation Depth* | 2-1/2" | 3" | 3" |
Outside Mount Extenstion Bracket Projection | 1-1/8" | 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" |