How to Measure Windows for Custom Blinds: The Professional Method Ordering custom window treatments is an investment in your home’s aesthetic and energy efficiency. However, the most frequent point of failure for homeowners isn't the style choice—it’s the measurement. A fraction of an inch can be the difference between a sleek, functional shade and a costly mistake that scrapes your window frame. At Blinds Concept, we understand that precision is paramount.
While big-box retailers like Bali or Levolor often provide generic charts, a professional window treatment measuring guide requires a more nuanced approach. Whether you are looking for custom roller shades or elegant Roman blinds, this guide will walk you through the exact process our certified installers use to ensure a millimetre-perfect fit every time. Step 1: Determine Your Mounting Style Before you pick up a measuring tape, you must decide where the blind will sit. This decision impacts not only the look of the room but also how you take your measurements.
Unlike DIY sites like Select Blinds or Blinds.com , which often leave these technical nuances to the customer, we recommend choosing based on your window's depth and trim. Inside Mount Inside mount blinds are installed inside the window casing. This is the most popular choice for modern homes in Halifax and Charlottetown because it provides a clean, built-in look and allows beautiful window moulding to remain visible. To use this method, your window frame must be deep enough to accommodate the blind's headrail.
Outside Mount Outside mount blinds are installed on the wall above the window or directly onto the window trim. This is the ideal solution if your windows are shallow, have unsightly casings, or if you want to achieve total light blockage (blackout) by overlapping the window opening. While Gotcha Covered or Budget Blinds might suggest this as a backup, we often recommend it strategically to make small windows appear larger. Pro Tip: Always use a steel measuring tape. Cloth tapes can stretch over time, leading to inaccuracies that will ruin a custom order.
Step 2: The Three-Point Measurement System Windows are rarely perfectly square. Houses settle, and wood expands. If you measure in only one spot, your blinds may jam or leave unsightly gaps. Professionals always use a three-point system for both width and height. Measuring for Inside Mount Width: Measure the inside width of the window frame at the top, centre, and bottom. Record the narrowest of these three measurements. This ensures the blind won't get stuck as it moves. Height: Measure the inside height from the top of the opening to the window sill at the left, centre, and right.
Record the longest measurement. Depth: Measure the depth of the window casing to ensure there is enough room for the bracket and headrail. Measuring for Outside Mount Width: Measure the width of the area you want to cover. We recommend adding at least 2 to 3 inches on each side (4 to 6 inches total) to minimize light leakage. Height: Measure from where you want the top of the blind to sit down to the sill (or lower if you want the blind to overlap the bottom trim). If you are located in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island , you don't have to tackle this alone.
Our experts provide precision measurements as part of our Halifax window treatment services , ensuring you never have to worry about a "mis-measure" fee. Step 3: Account for Hardware and Deductions One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make is taking their own "deductions." When you order from a professional manufacturer, they require the exact opening size . The factory will then make the necessary small deductions (usually 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch) so the blind operates smoothly without rubbing the frame.
Understanding Light Gaps Even with a perfect measurement, certain products like cellular shades or roller blinds will have a small gap on the sides where the fabric ends and the hardware begins. If you are extremely light-sensitive, we may recommend "Light Blocks" or an outside mount to eliminate these gaps entirely. Comparison: Why Professional Service Matters Online retailers like Select Blinds rely on you to get it right. If you get it wrong, the return process is often a nightmare of shipping fees and restocking costs.
At Blinds Concept, we operate as a wholesale-direct provider with local accountability. By choosing a custom window treatment specialist , you aren't just getting a product; you are getting a guaranteed fit backed by local experts who live and work in the Maritimes. Frequently Asked Questions: Window Treatment Measuring Guide Should I round my measurements? No. Always measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. Do not round up or down to the nearest whole inch, as this will result in a blind that is either too wide to fit or too narrow to provide privacy.
What is the most common mistake in a window treatment measuring guide? The most common mistake is mixing up width and height. Always record your measurements as Width x Height (W x H). Reversing these is a frequent error when ordering online through sites like Blinds.com . Do I need to account for the mounting brackets? If you are doing an inside mount, provide the exact window opening size. The manufacturer will calculate the space needed for brackets. For outside mounts, you must specify the total width you want the finished product to be, including the brackets.
What if my window frame is not deep enough for an inside mount? Most blinds require at least 2 to 3 inches of depth for a flush mount. If your windows are shallow (common in older homes in Charlottetown ), you will need to choose an outside mount or a specific shallow-depth product like 1-inch aluminum blinds. Why should I hire a professional instead of doing it myself? Professional installers use laser-precision tools and understand how different fabrics behave.
A custom window treatment specialist ensures that your warranty remains valid and that heavy or motorized treatments are securely anchored to your home's structure. Why Choose Blinds Concept? Choosing window treatments shouldn't be stressful. While franchises like Budget Blinds or Gotcha Covered operate on a massive scale, Blinds Concept offers a boutique, local experience with wholesale-direct pricing that the big-box stores can't match.
We are proud to be a custom window treatment specialist and a trusted local installer , reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of service and technical skill. With dedicated showrooms in Halifax, NS and Charlottetown, PEI , we are the Maritimes' premier choice for high-end window fashion. We don't just sell you a product; we manage the entire process from the first measurement to the final installation. Ready for a perfect fit? Skip the measuring tape and let the pros handle it.
We offer free in-home consultations across Atlantic Canada to help you find the perfect style and ensure a flawless installation. Book a Free In-Home Consultation