How To Measure Blinds for Windows and Doors

New window blinds can give any room a great new look, control light coming in, and provide privacy. Selecting the best type of blinds and measuring for your installation are easy first steps toward enjoying decorative and functional window blinds in your home.

Selecting Window Blinds for Your Home

There are numerous types of window blinds from which to choose:

Horizontal blinds have tilted slats to control sunlight.- Vertical blinds are popular installations for sliding glass doors and large windows.
Energy-efficient blinds keep cool air in during the summer and cold air outduring the winter.
Blackout shades block nearly 99% of sunlight from entering a room.
Cordless blinds are available for child safety.
Some blinds have remote controls to easily adjust for more or less light.

TIP: Lowe's can cut many blinds to custom-fit your windows at no additional cost. Bring inyour measurements and we’ll prepare your blinds while you shop. You can even special order just about anything you need for your installation.

There are two ways to install window blinds:

Inside mounted blinds are installed within the window.
Outside mounted blinds are installed to cover the window frame or attach to the wall.
If the window frame is sufficiently deep to attach the mounting brackets inside the window frame, you can choose inside or outside mounting. If not, you’ll have to use an outside mount.
Outside mounts require a sturdy wall surface or trim for attachment, which makes it the ideal installation method for standard doors. Inside mounted vertical blinds won't work on standard doors.

The following is a chart of minimum inside mounting clearances for many popular blinds. Refer to your window blind packaging and instructions for specific measurements or requirements for the blinds you choose. Or ask a Lowe's associate for assistance.

Minimum Inside Mounting Clearance (for most brands)

CELLULAR SHADES
Standard & Top Down/Bottom Up	5/8"
Cordless/Continuous Cordloop	1/2"
ROMAN SHADES
Standard & Top Down/Bottom Up	5/8"
Cordless/Continuous Cordloop	1/2"
NATURAL SHADES	3/4"
ROLLER SHADES	3"
METAL BLINDS	1/2" or 5/8" depending on design

VERTICAL BLINDS	2-7/8"
WOOD AND FAUX WOOD BLINDS
1" slat	1/2"
2" slat	3/4"
2-1/2" slat	1-1/4"
PANEL TRACK
2 panels	1-1/2"
3 panels	2-1/4"
4 panels	3"
5 panels	3-3/4"

Measuring for Inside Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Measure the width inside the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom
to allow for variances in construction.

Use the smallest measurement as the window width to make sure that the blinds clear the sides of the window frame.

Measure the height inside the window frame at the left, middle, and right to
allow for variances in construction.

Round the measurements down to the nearest 1/8".

Use the largest measurement as the window width so the blinds cover the entire opening.

Make a rough sketch of your windows to give to a Lowe’s associate.

Take these exact measurements to Lowe's to select your inside mounted horizontal blinds. The Lowe’s associate will make any necessary clearance adjustments.

Measuring for Outside Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Measure the width inside the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom to allow for variances in construction. Use the smallest measurement as the window width to make sure that the blinds clear the sides of the window frame.
Measure the height inside the window frame at the left, middle, and right to allow for variances in construction. Round the measurements down to the nearest 1/8". Use the largest measurement as the window width so the blinds cover the entire opening. Make a rough sketch of your windows to give to a Lowe’s associate.
Take these exact measurements to Lowe's to select your outside mounted horizontal blinds.
If you plan to mount your blinds on wallboard, you might need extension brackets. Ask a Lowe’s associate for assistance.

Measuring for Outside Mounted Vertical Blinds

Measure the width of the window or door. For maximum light control, add 4" to each side. Mark the location where the window blind headrail will be installed. Most manufacturers recommend installation at least 3" above the window or door opening.
Measure the height from the headrail location to the sill at the left, middle, and right sides of the frame. Use the smallest measurement.
Take these exact measurements to Lowe's to select your outside mounted horizontal blinds.

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