How to Measure for Blinds

Co-authored by Karen Parziale

Last Updated: October 28, 2022

Measuring for blinds may be somewhat daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward and easy to do. This article provides simple instructions for measuring both inside and outside windows.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring for Inside-Mount Blinds

Inside mounted blinds are mounted inside the window frame for a neater look. This is the most popular method, if the window depth allows it.

1
Be sure to measure accurately. If the window is set in a deep recess, fitting the blind inside makes for a neat finish. But mistakes in measurements can ruin them altogether.
2
Measure for width. Measure the width of the recess in three places: at the top, at the middle, and at the bottom. Make sure you hold both ends of the tape on the inside edges of the recess. Note the smallest measurement, as it will be the one you use.

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3
Measure for height. Measure the height of the window recess three times: at the left, in the center, and at the right. Make sure you hold both ends of the tape on the inside edges of the recess. Note the longest measurement, as it will be the one you use.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Measuring for Outside-Mount Blinds

Outside mounted blinds are mounted on the wall outside the window frame. This is not the preferred method, but an insufficient window depth may require this type of mounting.

1
Determine where the mount will be. It should be placed 1 ¹⁄₂ to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) above the window.
2
Measure for height. Measure from the proposed location of the mount down to 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) below the bottom of the window. This extra overlap is to block out light and ensure privacy.
3
Measure for width. For the width of any set of blinds, carefully measure the width of the window and add between 2 and 4 inches on each side.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I mount blinds on the wall above the window?

Justin Kirkman

Community Answer

Yes, you can. There should be a 4x8 header beam that runs above the entire length of the window.