How to Measure Blinds
Learn how to measure windows for blinds, shades and shutters with our user-friendly guides. Follow along with quick video tutorials, or view step-by-step written instructions.
Prefer to let a pro handle your measuring and installation? Find professional blinds installers near you in just a few seconds!
Overview
Inside Mount
Important Note: For all measurements, record the exact size of the window opening. Do NOT make any deductions.
- Make sure your window has enough depth for the product you have chosen (see the "Mounting Requirements" section for your product). If your window does not have sufficient depth, select another product or an outside mount.
- Measure width. For Roller Shades, Sheer Shades and Vertical Blinds, record the width at the top of the window only. For all other window coverings, record the top, middle and bottom measurements, using the smallest of the three for your width.
- Measure height at the left, middle and right sides. Use the shortest measurement of the three for Sheer Shades, Vertical Blinds and Shutters.
Outside Mount
- Measure the width and height of the area you want your blinds to cover. Your product will be made to the exact measurements you specify. For roller shades, consider adding more width than with other products.
- Include additional height for the mounting brackets, which are up to 2 1/2" tall.
- Take note of obstructions like alarm systems, molding, doorknobs and deadbolts that might get in the way of your window covering. Some products are available with spacer blocks or extension brackets to help clear these obstructions.
View General Installation Instructions by Category
Blinds
Shades
Shutters
Draperies
By Window Type
Blinds
Fabric Blinds Shop Now
Fabric blinds combine the functionality of traditional blinds with the soft elegance of fabric shades—the perfect marriage of good looks and easy operation.
Faux Wood Blinds Shop Now
Offering the look of real wood at a lower price, faux wood blinds are a hit among window decorators. These popular blinds are moisture-resistant and work well throughout the home, especially areas of high humidity.
Mini Blinds Shop Now
Mini blinds are inexpensive and durable while providing excellent light control. These sleek blinds come in a variety of colors and options to suit any space.
Panel Track Blinds Shop Now
A common dressing for large windows and sliding glass doors, sliding panels provide easy light control and a range of décor-enhancing styles.
Vertical Blinds Shop Now
Ideal for patios and sliding glass doors, vertical blinds are made from vinyl, fabric or faux wood. Choose from a range of fashionable colors and textures.
Wood Blinds Shop Now
Bring the elegance and warmth of real wood right into your living room, or any other room in your home. Genuine wood blinds feature top-notch craftsmanship and timeless appeal.
Vinyl Blinds Shop Now
Versatile and resistant to wear and tear, vinyl blinds make a great addition to any space. Compared to aluminum, the vinyl slats are quieter and more malleable, making them a popular alternative to aluminum blinds!
Shades
Cellular Shades Shop Now
Light control, energy efficiency, understated good looks and plenty of options—cellular shades have it all. Also known as honeycomb shades, they’re a smart choice for any decorator.
Dual Sheer Shades Shop Now
Dual shades consist of a single piece of fabric that has alternating stripes of sheer and light-filtering material looping continuously around a roller system, enabling you to block light or create a distinctive “zebra” pattern filtering into your room.
Outdoor Shades Shop Now
If you have a patio, deck or sunroom, you want to maintain your view while guarding against harmful UV rays. Outdoor shades, made from woven, all-weather fabrics, are the perfect solution.
Pleated Shades Shop Now
Decorative fabrics with clean lines make pleated shades a star in terms of looks and texture. Choose from a variety of colors, sizes, opacities and upgrades to make your shades stand out even more.
Roller Shades Shop Now
Versatile and effortlessly attractive, roller shades are a great choice for modern décor. With a broad spectrum of light control options, you can perfectly balance privacy with your ability to see outside, all while guarding against sunlight.
Solar Shades Shop Now
Versatile and effortlessly attractive, solar shades are a great choice for modern décor. With a broad spectrum of light control options, you can perfectly balance privacy with your ability to see outside, all while guarding against sunlight.
Roman Shades Shop Now
Roman shades (or Roman blinds) layer the look of handcrafted fabric on top of the sleek design of a window shade. Affordably priced and easy to operate, Roman shades are great for any home.
Sheer Shades Shop Now
Sheer shades consist of horizontal vanes suspended between two fabric sheers, giving you the inviting warmth of soft fabric and the functionality of blinds.
Sheer Vertical Shades Shop Now
Give your large windows or sliding glass doors a soft, chic look with sheer vertical shades.
Vertical Cellular Shades Shop Now
Get the insulation and light control of cellular shades in vertical form—perfect for sliding glass doors and large windows.
Woven Wood Shades Shop Now
If you seek a textured, back-to-nature appearance, woven wood shades are a fantastic fit. Take advantage of the various styles, colors and options to add a touch of intrigue to your décor.
Shutters
Wood and Faux Wood Shutters Shop Now
The ultimate luxury window treatment, shutters offer excellent light control on top of classic beauty and top-notch craftwork. Make a long-term investment in your home with wood or faux wood shutters.
Draperies
Custom Draperies Shop Now
Ready for a real eye-catcher? Custom draperies add dramatic, flowing beauty to your window while giving you more light control and decorative layering options. Drapes are the perfect piece to tie your décor together.
Drapery Hardware Shop Now
Complete the look of your custom draperies with exquisite drapery hardware, available in wood and metal and a range of adjustable options.
By Window Type
Angle Tops Shop Now
These non-traditional windows can be a challenge to cover because of their odd shape, but don’t worry, you can dress your angle tops to perfection with our helpful guides. Start by getting the perfect measurements:
Arches Shop Now
Also called sunbursts, these unique windows pay homage to the classic arch shape that’s been an architectural staple for millennia. Despite their odd shape, arches are relatively easy to measure!
Skylights Shop Now
Skylights allow an abundance of beautiful sunshine into your home, but you won’t always want the light pouring in. Consider skylight shades or blinds to maintain light control—they’re attractive and easy to operate.
