How To Measure For Custom Blinds

Gina from Atlanta wrote in asking for advice on how to measure for custom blinds. I've pulled together a few easy steps below that may help you based on my own personal experience measuring for for clients.


"I am hoping that you can give me some help me on a small project that my husband and I are about to embark on this weekend. We are renovating part of our new condo and plan to install blinds in two rooms. My question is, how the heck do you measure for these things? I don't want to order custom blinds and have them arrive not fitting properly. Any quick advice? Oh and do you know of places online that I can check out blinds and maybe even order them?" -Gina

Sure Gina. Here's a little guide I've written just for you!

How to Measure for Custom Blinds

1) First of all, look at the type of window casing you have and also notice the architectural details that surround that window. This may dictate whether or not you want to mount the blinds on the inside or on the outside of the frame. You wouldn't want to hide arch details with a shade. In this case, I'm guessing your windows are pretty basic since it's a condo...

2) If you plan to mount on the inside, measure the width of the window from one edge to the other (outside of the casing). It's a good idea to measure the top part of the window, the middle, and then towards the bottom since some windows (especially in older homes) are not always uniform in width. To measure the height of the window, start at the top inside edge of the window and extend the measuring tape all the way to the top of your window sill.

3) If you've decided to mount your blinds on the outside, measure the width from one side of the outer most edge of the window casing to the other side. You may want to add 1/2" on each side of this measurement because if you don't, you may have gaps which certainly won't allow for much privacy! Next step is to measure the height. Start at the top edge of the casing and measure to the lowest point that you'd like to see the blinds cover. Keep in mind that most blind manufacturers already compensate for all the various window lengths out there by adding extra materials (like wood) or fabric into the design of the blinds at either the top or the bottom.

In addition, here are a few places online that I suggest shopping for blinds:

American Blinds + Wallpaper

Just Blinds

Smith + Noble- my favorite, although in some cases, a little more expensive but worth it if you want something different. They also send you lots of free samples and offer beautiful shades and blinds trimmed in modern fabrics. They also have the best fashion solar roman shades out there.

Thanks for writing in, Lisa!


If anyone else would like some quick design advice, please send me an email at decor8blog[at]yahoo[dot]com.

(images from smith + noble)

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