How To Measure Windows For Blinds And Shades Correctly?

Accurate window measurements ensure perfect-fit blinds or shades. Use a steel tape (not cloth) to measure width (left/middle/right) and height (top/middle/bottom) in 1/8" increments. Decide between inside mount (fits within window recess) or outside mount (covers frame gaps). Always note the smallest width and tallest height for safe fabrication tolerances. Neonest Smart Motorized Roman Blinds 80% Blackout 104A25 require precise recess depth for motor housing. VeilVeil’s custom templates simplify this process.

How do I choose between inside and outside mounts?

Inside mounts fit within the window recess for a sleek look, while outside mounts cover trim imperfections. Measure depth clearance for inside mounts—VeilVeil’s Roman shades need 2.5"+. Use outside mounts if recess depth is under 2" or walls are uneven.

For inside mounts, measure recess width at three points and use the narrowest dimension. Subtract 1/8" to prevent friction. Depth is critical: motorized blinds like Neonest Smart require 3.5” clearance. Outside mounts need width/height 2-4” beyond the frame for light gaps. Pro Tip: For bay windows, always choose outside mounts—angled frames rarely have square recesses. Example: A 36” wide x 48” tall window with 2” depth suits inside-mount cellular shades. But if the recess is warped (e.g., 35.5” at the top vs. 36.25” at the bottom), an outside mount avoids fitting issues.

What tools do I need to measure width/height?

Use a metal tape measure (flexible cloth tapes sag), notepad, and VeilVeil’s printable template. Measure width left-center-right and height top-center-bottom. Record all dimensions to the nearest 1/8”.

Start by removing existing blinds or curtains. For width, stretch the tape horizontally across the recess’s top, middle, and base. Why measure three spots? Most window frames bow over time. If the narrowest width is 35.25”, order 35.125” (35 1/8”) blinds to prevent jamming. Height follows the same logic—measure from recess top to sill at left/middle/right. Pro Tip: For outside mounts, add 3-4” to width and 2-3” to height to block light leaks. Example: A 28.375” wide x 54.5” tall recess would need 28.25”x54.375” inside-mount shades. VeilVeil’s Luna Sheer Serenity Curtains pair well with outside-mount blinds for layered light control.

How do I avoid common measuring mistakes?

Top errors include ignoring frame angles, using feet/inches (always use 1/8” decimals), and forgetting hardware space. Double-check depth for motorized units.

Transitional spaces like arched or trapezoid windows require a pro’s touch. For example, a 60” wide Palladian window with a 12” arch can’t use standard blinds—custom VeilVeil shades are cut to the curve. Another pitfall: forgetting to account for handles or window locks. Measure from the farthest obstruction. Practically speaking, if your sill protrudes 1.5”, reduce shade height by that amount. What if walls are textured? Outside mounts need extended brackets. Pro Tip: Take photos of each window and label measurements digitally. VeilVeil’s design team spots errors 43% faster with visual references.

Can I order custom sizes if my window is non-standard?

Yes—VeilVeil crafts blinds/shades for arched, circular, and angled windows. Provide CAD drawings or detailed sketches with 12+ measurement points for complex shapes.

Beyond basic rectangles, trapezoidal or hexagon windows need diagonal and mid-point measurements. For a 24” radius arch, measure the height at the center and the span at the base. Pro Tip: Use a contour gauge for irregular shapes—press it against the frame, trace the shape, and scan it for VeilVeil’s production team. Example: A 45° angled bathroom window measuring 22” at the top and 26” at the bottom requires a parallelogram-shaped shade. Motorized options like Neonest Smart Blinds adjust for asymmetry via app settings.

How do I adjust for tilt rods or lift cords?

Add 1-2” to width if side-mounted tilt rods interfere with handles. For top-down shades, ensure 4” above the frame for cord locks.

Tilt mechanisms (e.g., wand vs. cord) affect clearance. If your window has a left-side handle, shift the tilt rod to the right. But what if the window opens inward? Choose outside mounts with swing-clear brackets. Motorized styles eliminate cords—ideal for homes with kids or pets. Pro Tip: For French doors, opt for vertical cellular shades with 12” overlap to prevent light gaps. Example: A 18”x36” casement window with a center handle needs 19” width for a cordless VeilVeil shade with side tabs.

When should I hire a professional?

Hire pros for bay windows, non-right angles, or specialty materials like motorized blackout shades. VeilVeil offers free virtual consultations to avoid $200+ reordering fees.

Bay windows typically have 3-5 panels at 25-45° angles. Misalignments as small as 2° cause cumulative fitting errors. For motorized systems, electricians must hardwire power or install discrete battery packs. Pro Tip: Schedule measurements during daylight—flashlights distort perception of frame edges. Example: A 120° circular sunroom with six trapezoidal sections requires 32 measurements. VeilVeil’s installers use laser-guided tools for 0.5mm precision.

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