Impact Blinds - How to Measure

Measuring your window for our window blinds and shades is easy. First and foremost, when measuring for your blinds, be sure to use a steel measuring tape and to round all measurements down to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

Select your type of window mount.

There are two ways to mount your window blinds or window shades. Your choice depends on your personal style preference and the clearance inside and around the window. Before you measure your windows, you need to choose how you want your window blinds or window shades mounted. Keep in mind, some windows may not be deep enough to have an inside mount or may not have enough outside clearance for an outside mount.

Inside Mount
A window blind or shade mounted on the inside of the window casing provides a more finished look and, if you have window molding, allows you to showcase the window trim. An inside mount is the most popular choice among our customers.

Outside Mount
A window blind or shade mounted on the wall outside of the window casing covers more than just the window. This allows for more privacy and light filtering as the blind or shade covers the entire window. This also can keep the window shade or blind from blocking any of your view when closed.

Measuring Instructions for an Inside Mount
Measuring Instructions for an Outside Mount
Special Measuring Instructions

To Measure Blinds for an Inside Mount

Step 1: Measure the Window Depth
To mount a window blind or a window shade properly inside the window casing, you need to have enough clearance for the mounting brackets. Follow the image below to measure the depth of your window. If your window is not deep enough for an inside mount, you should consider an outside mount.

In the table below, you'll find all of the products Impact Blinds offers with the minimum mounting depth. The minimum mounting depth is the minimum amount of space you'll need to mount the window blind or window shade into the window. The flush mounting depth is the amount of space you'll need to mount your window blind or window shade so it's fully inside your window casing and no portion is sticking out.

Window Covering	Minimum Mounting Depth	Flush Mounting Depth
1/2 inch Mini Blinds 1 inch Mini Blinds	1 inch	1 inch
2 inch Mini Blinds	2 1/4 inches	2 1/4 inches
1 inch Wood Blinds 1 inch Faux Wood Blinds	3 inches	3 1/4 inches
2 inch Wood Blinds 2 inch Faux Wood Blinds	3 inches	3 1/4 inches
2 1/2 inch Wood Blinds 2 1/2 inch Faux Wood Blinds	3 inches	4 1/4 inches

Step 2: Measure the Window Width

After you have measured the depth of your window and are sure that your chosen window blind or shade will fit in an inside mount, it's time to measure the width of your window. Most of our window coverings require you to take three measurements and use only one. See the table below for where you'll need to measure and which measurement you should use. Do not take any deductions from your measurements, we will make sure the appropriate deductions are made for clearance and operation.

Window Covering	Mini Blinds	Faux Wood Blinds	Wood Blinds
Where to Measure	Top, Center, Bottom	Top, Center, Bottom	Top, Center, Bottom
Measurement to Use	Smallest	Smallest	Smallest

Step 3: Measure the Window Length

Once you have measured the window width, it's time to measure the window length. You'll need to take measurements of the left side, center, and right side of the window casing to ensure you order the right size. For all horizontal blinds and shades you want to record the longest measurement. For all vertical blinds and shades, you want to order the shortest measurement. Please refer to the table below for specifics on each shade and window blind type. Do not take any deductions from your measurements, we will make sure the appropriate deductions are made for clearance and operation.

Window Covering	Mini Blinds	Faux Wood Blinds	Wood Blinds
Where to Measure	Left, Center, Right	Left, Center, Right	Left, Center, Right
Measurement to Use	Longest	Longest	Longest

To Measure Blinds for an Outside Mount

Step 1: Measure the Window Width

To mount a window blind or a window shade properly on the outside of the window casing, you need to have enough clearance for the window shade or blind around the window. You will need to measure the EXACT width including the needed overlap. Your blinds or shades will be made exactly to these measurements, with no deductions or adjustments made. For roller shades and sunscreen shades, the specified measurement is “tip to tip,” which will make the shade 1 inch narrower than the specified width.

Measure the top, center, and bottom of your window and use the largest measurement of the three. Remember, you need to include the total overlap from the table below in your width measurement.

Window Covering	Mini Blinds	Faux Wood Blinds	Wood Blinds
Total Overlap	3 inches	3 inches	3 inches
Overlap for Each Side	1 1/2 inches on each side	1 1/2 inches on each side	1 1/2 inches on each side

Step 2: Measure the Window Height

To mount a window blind or a window shade properly on the outside of the window casing, you need to have enough clearance for the window shade or blind around the window. You will need to measure the EXACT length including the needed overlap. Your blinds or shades will be made exactly to these measurements, with no deductions or adjustments made. To make your blinds or shades stack off the window when completely raised, take the height measurement now and then move onto Step 3, adding for overhead length.

Measure the left, center, and right of your window and use the longest measurement of the three. Remember, you need to include the total overlap from the table below in your length measurement. If the blind is going to extend to the floor, to cover a patio door for example, then you need to deduct at least ½ inch from your measurements.

Step 3: Stacking Height

Outside mounted window blinds and shades have an additional option that inside mounts do not. To maintain your view when the blinds or shades are fully raised, you can have them stack completely off the window. This keeps the stack from blocking your view. To do this, you will need to add additional height to your height measurement. Refer to the table below for the inches to add to the height, based on your window covering type and stacking height.

Window Covering	24	48	60	84	96
1/2 inch Mini Blinds	3 inches	4 inches	4 3/8 inches	5 1/4 inches	6 1/8 inches
1 inch Mini Blinds	2 inches	3 1/2 inches	4 inches	5 inches	5 1/2 inches
2 inch Mini Blinds	4 1/4 inches	4 7/8 inches	5 inches	5 1/2 inches	6 inches
2 inch Mini Blinds with Tapes	4 1/2 inches	4 7/8 inches	5 inches	5 1/2 inches	6 inches
2 inch Faux Wood Blinds	4 inches	5 inches	6 inches	8 inches	9 inches
2 inch Faux Wood Blinds with Tapes	4 1/4 inches	5 1/2 inches	6 3/4 inches	8 3/4 inches	10 inches
1 inch Wood Blinds	5 3/4 inches
2 inch Wood Blinds	4 1/2 inches	6 inches	6 7/8 inches	8 3/8 inches	9 inches
3 inch Wood Blinds	4 1/4 inches	6 inches	7 1/2 inches	9 inches	N/A

Special Measuring Instructions

There are some situations where you need to consider additional factors when measuring. Here are the most common situations you may encounter. If you need any additional help or have further questions, please contact our customer service department at Service@ImpactBlinds.com.

Patio Doors

To measure patio doors, you should be sure to round all measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch. When measuring the width, you want to measure the area to be covered at the top: where the head-rail will be installed. The blinds should extend at least 3 inches above the patio door opening or molding. For floor to ceiling mounts, subtract ½ inch for clearance.

When measuring the width, keep in mind that the blinds should overlap each side by at least 4 inches for privacy and light filtering. Also, consider the stack width for clearance and easy access through the door.

French Doors

To maintain light filtering and privacy, measure the width of the glass pane plus any additional available space that does not interfere with the door handles. Typically, you can extend your measurements 1 inch on either side of the glass pane. If you can, add 2 inches to each side of pane (adding a total of 4 inches) to the width.

When measuring the height, add at least two inches to the top of the window glass for the hardware, and two inches to the bottom (adding a total of 4 inches) for proper coverage.

Wide Windows

To cover wide windows you typically have multiple blinds on one head rail. For this, measure the width of the window as instructed and divide that number by the number of blinds or window shades you'll be using.

Cut-Outs

You may need a cut out in your blinds or window shade for back splashes, window air conditioners, etc. Impact Blinds can provide a rectangular cut-out to ensure proper operation of your blinds or shades. We request a specific diagram of what is needed for clarification. Please see our tile cut-out template for more information.

Window Cranks

There are windows that operate using window cranks. When you are measuring, keep these in mind. The best option for you, if you have a window crank, is to replace it with a T-handle (a small wing-nut type crank) if it interferes with the operation of your window blind or window shade.

And, if you need any further help, email us at Service@ImpactBlinds.com and we can walk you through measuring for your window blinds or window shades.