How To Measure Blinds for Skylight Blinds and Shades

Everything you need to correctly measure for skylights

Getting Started

Tips before you get started:

Shop American Blinds for skylight window coverings—choose from cellular or pleated shades
Always use a steel tape measure for the most accurate measurements on your skylight windows
If you're considering an Inside Mount, make sure your window has enough depth to accommodate it undefined
Always measure width (left to right) first and height (top to bottom) second
Record all measurements to the closest ⅛", making sure to clearly identify which is your width and which is your height—it is very common to get them mixed up

Tools you will need:

Steel Measure Tape
Step Ladder
Pencil/Paper

Determine Inside Mount or Outside Mount

Skylight shades that are inside mounted will be cut to hang entirely within the window

We recommend inside mount whenever possible
Neat, streamlined look
Usually best for energy efficiency

Skylight shades that are outside mounted will hang outside the window opening, overlapping the edges

We recommend outside mount for out-of-square windows, and for windows with minimal mounting depth or obstructions within the frame
Minimizes light gaps, giving you better light control and privacy

Measuring for Inside Mount

Notes:

Specify your exact measurements, making no deductions. The factory will apply the necessary deductions when making your product.

All corners of the window must be 90 degrees. If not, you will have to outside mount your skylight shade.

If the window is out of square by ¼"" or more, you will have to outside mount your skylight shade. To determine if your window is out of square, take both diagonal measurements, from one corner to its opposite. If the difference between the two is ¼" or more, the window is out of square.

First, ensure that your skylight window has enough depth for mounting. Skylight window coverings usually need a minimum depth of 1 ½" to install brackets and mount the product.
Width: Measure the top, middle and bottom of the window, from edge to edge inside the window opening. Take the narrowest measurement as your width.
Height: Measure the left, center and right portions of the window, from edge to edge inside the window opening. Take the shortest measurement as your height.

Measuring for Outside Mount

Note:

Order your product in the exact measurements, making no deductions. The factory will make your product at exactly the size you order it.

To outside mount skylight shades, you need at least 1" of flat surface on all sides of the window.
Width: Measure the width of the opening at any location on the window. Add 2" per side, for a total of 4". Take this measurement as your width.
Height: Measure the height of the opening at any location on the window. Add 2" to the top and bottom, for a total of 4". Take this measurement as your height.

Other Notes about Skylights

Side tracks must be mounted for both inside mount and outside mount, except in cases where the shade doesn't come with side tracks.
Side mount is not available for skylight shades.