How to Measure Your Windows for Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shopping for custom window treatments is an exciting way to upgrade your home, but there is one crucial step that makes or breaks the final look: the perfect measurement. Even a tiny mistake by an eighth of an inch can cause your new blinds to rub against the frame or let in unwanted lines of light.
Before you pull out your tape measure, you have to answer the most important design question: Are you mounting your blinds on the inside or the outside of the window frame?
Step 1: Choose Your Mounting Style
Inside Mount (The Clean Look)
Inside mount blinds sit neatly tucked inside the recessed window casing. This is the most popular choice for modern Omaha homes because it showcases your beautiful window trim and offers a sleek, minimalist profile.
The Catch: Your windows must have enough depth (usually at least 2 to 3 inches) for the hardware to clear the glass.
Outside Mount (The Problem Solver)
Outside mount treatments are installed on the wall or the decorative trim above the window, covering the entire opening. This is your go-to option if your windows are shallow, if you want to completely block out light (great for bedrooms), or if you want to make small windows look significantly larger.
Step 2: Grab the Right Tools
Do not use a flexible fabric sewing tape—it will sag and give you an inaccurate reading.
A high-quality steel tape measure
A notepad and pen
A sturdy step stool or ladder
Step 3: Measure Like a Pro
Windows are rarely perfectly square, even in brand-new builds around Douglas or Sarpy County. To ensure a flawless fit, follow these exact measuring steps based on your mounting style.
How to Measure for Inside Mount
Always measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. Do not round up or down, and do not make any deductions yourself—the factory will handle that to make sure the blinds can raise and lower smoothly.
Measure the Width: Measure the inside distance across the window frame in three places: the top, the middle, and the bottom. Write down the narrowest (smallest) measurement.
Measure the Height: Measure the vertical distance from the top inside lip down to the window sill in three places: left, middle, and right. Write down the longest (largest) measurement.
Check the Depth: Measure the depth of your window casing to ensure it meets the minimum requirement for the blind style you want.
How to Measure for Outside Mount
Because outside mounts sit on top of the wall or trim, you get to dictate exactly how much area you want to cover.
Measure the Width: Measure the exact width of the area you want to cover. We recommend measuring to the outer edges of the trim, or adding an extra 2 to 3 inches beyond the window frame on each side to maximize privacy and light blockage.
Measure the Height: Measure from the precise spot where you plan to mount the top headrail down to where you want the bottom of the blind to land (usually right at or just below the window sill).
Ready for Perfect Window Treatments? Let Us Measure for Free!
Don't let the fear of a miscalculated eighth of an inch hold you back from your dream home design. At Anderson Blinds, Shades, & Shutters, we believe getting custom window coverings should be exciting, not stressful.
When you book a free in-home consultation with us, you don't just get access to top-tier custom blinds, shades, and shutters—you get absolute peace of mind. We take all the measurements for you, absolute precision guaranteed. If anything is off, it’s on us.
Let our local Omaha experts bring the showroom straight to your living room.
👉 Call us or book online to get on the schedule!