How Do You Measure a Window for Shades & Blinds? | Design 5

How Do You Measure a Window for Shades and Blinds?

Custom window treatments are tailor-made to the exact numbers you provide, so measuring correctly is crucial for ensuring a perfect fit. A measurement that's off by even a fraction of an inch can leave you with unwanted light gaps, a poor fit, and a costly custom piece you can't return.

Luckily, at Design 5, we’re experts when it comes to knowing how to measure for window shades and blinds and are here to show you how to do it right.

What You Need to Know Before You Start Measuring Your Windows

Before measuring, it’s vital to have the right tools. We recommend a steel tape measure for maximum accuracy, and measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. Next, you’ll want to measure every window separately, even the ones that look identical, as it’s rare for every window to be a perfect square, no matter if it’s an older home or a new-build modern tropical space.

As a helpful tip, always write your measurements in the order of length, width, and height.

Additionally, you need to decide whether you want an inside mount or an outside mount. An inside mount for window treatments sits neatly inside the window frame. Conversely, an outside mount is installing the blinds or shades directly to the wall, covering the window and frame, as well as portions of your wall and window trim.

How Do You Measure a Window for Shades?

For an inside-mount shade, start with the width. Measure inside the window frame in three spots, at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest of the three. This strategy ensures your shade clears the frame on both sides.

Next, measure the height in three spots, at the left, center, and right, from the top of the opening to the sill. For most shades, you'll use the longest of the three heights so that the shade fully covers the window.

Your window frame also needs sufficient depth to hold the shade cleanly, so measure the depth at the top of the opening. If your frame is shallow, an outside mount may be the better option.

For an outside-mount shade, measure the area you want the shade to cover, then add overlap on each side, usually at least a few inches total, to block light and boost privacy.

How Do You Measure a Window for Blinds?

Measuring for new window blinds follows the same framework, with a couple of important differences. For an inside mount, measure the width inside the frame at the top, middle, and bottom, and again use the narrowest measurement so the slats and headrail clear the frame. Then measure the height at the left, center, and right, from the top of the opening down to the sill.

Depth is especially essential with blinds. The headrail and tilt mechanism need adequate room to sit inside the frame and operate smoothly, so check the depth at the top of the window and compare it against the product's minimum requirement.

For an outside-mount blind, measure the width and height of the area you want to cover and add overlap on all sides.

Find Professional Window Treatment Installation Near Honolulu, HI

Getting your window treatment measurements right ensures a perfect fit and avoids costly do-overs. At Design 5, we’re proud to offer professional window treatment installation, so you can rest easy knowing your new windows will look great the first time around.

Contact us online or call (808) 955-8111 to schedule your consultation, and let's find the perfect fit for your windows.

Design 5 is a Hunter Douglas window treatment gallery that proudly serves the entire island of Oahu, including Honolulu, Kahala, Waialae Iki, and Hawaii Kai.