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Preparing to Measure for Mini Blinds

Compared to repairing blinds, measuring for mini blinds doesn’t require an extensive toolkit, but having the right tools on hand is vital for precision. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Metal Measuring Tape: This is more accurate than cloth tape, especially for longer spans.
• Pencil or Pen: For jotting down measurements as you go.
• Notepad or Measurement Sheet: To organize and record each measurement clearly.
• Level: To ensure that your measurements are straight, especially for wider windows.
• Ladder or Step Stool: For reaching the top of taller windows safely.

Measuring for Inside Mount Blinds

Opting for inside-mounted mini blinds offers a sleek, integrated look that complements the window’s architecture. However, customized or precise measurements are essential to achieving this seamless appearance. Let’s explore the steps and considerations for inside mounts.

Depth Requirements for Inside or Outside Mount

The depth of your window casing plays a pivotal role in determining the feasibility of an inside mount. Here’s what you need to know:

• Minimum Depth: Ensure your window frame has enough depth to accommodate the mini blinds. This depth varies based on the type of blinds and any additional features like cordless mechanisms.
• Flush Mount: A certain depth is required for the blinds to sit perfectly flush with the window frame. The blinds might protrude slightly if the window casing doesn’t meet this depth.

Measure the Width

Accurate width measurements ensure that the blinds fit snugly within the window frame. Follow these steps:

• Top, Middle, and Bottom: Measure the width of the inside edge of the window frame at three points – the top, middle, and bottom.
• Smallest Measurement: Always use the smallest of the three measurements to ensure the blinds fit without obstruction. Round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Measure the Height

The height determines the length of the blinds, ensuring they cover the window adequately:

• Three Points: Measure the height from the top to the bottom of the window frame at three points – left, center, and right.
• Largest Measurement: Unlike width, use the largest of the three height measurements. This ensures the blinds cover the entire window length. Round up to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Measuring for Outside Mounted Mini Blinds

Outside mounted mini blinds offer a distinct aesthetic appeal, covering not just the window but also a portion of the surrounding wall or frame. This style is particularly beneficial for windows with shallow depths or when you desire increased privacy and light control. Let’s delve into the specifics of measuring for outside mounts.

Flat Surface Requirements for Outside Mount

Before you begin measuring, it’s essential to ensure that you have an adequate flat surface for mounting the blinds:

• Mounting Area: Determine where you intend to mount the blinds. This could be on the window trim or above it on the wall. Ensure you have a minimum of 2 ½ inches of flat surface for a secure mount.
• Avoid Obstructions: Ensure that no obstructions like light fixtures, moldings, or other decor elements might interfere with the blind’s operation.

Measuring the Width of the Outside Mount

For outside mount mini blinds, the step to measure the width is crucial for achieving the desired overlap on the window frame:

• Three Points: Measure the window width at the top, middle, and bottom.
• Largest Measurement: Use the largest of the three measurements as your base width.
• Add Overlap: For optimal light control and aesthetics, add 2 inches to each side (4 inches total) to the base width. This ensures the blinds cover the entire window and a portion of the surrounding area.

Measuring the Height for Outside Mount

The step to measure the height determines how much of the wall or frame the outside mounted blinds will cover:

• Three Points: Measure the height from the top left, then the center, and finally the top right down to the window sill or desired length.
• Largest Measurement: Use the largest of the three height measurements.
• Add Overlap: Add an additional 2 inches to the top and bottom (4 inches total) to ensure the blinds cover the entire window length and provide a buffer

Additional Considerations for Outside Mount

• Depth of the Blinds: Depending on the type of mini blinds, consider the protrusion from the wall. Some blinds might have a more substantial profile, especially if they have features like cordless mechanisms.
• Wall Material: Ensure that the wall or frame where you’re mounting the blinds can support the weight. You might need specific anchors or screws for materials like brick or drywall.
• Aesthetic Preferences: While the standard recommendation is to add 2 inches for overlap, you can adjust based on your design preferences. More overlap can give a more dramatic look, while less overlap offers a minimalist appearance.

Understanding Deductions and Adjustments

Before you measure mini blinds, it’s essential to understand the deductions and adjustments that might be made during the manufacturing process. These tweaks ensure the blinds operate smoothly and fit seamlessly within your window or on your wall.

Let’s delve deeper into this aspect.

Factory Deductions Explained

Factory deductions are slight reductions made to the measurements you provide when ordering your mini blinds. These deductions account for various factors:

• Mounting Hardware: The brackets and hardware used to mount the blinds can take up space, necessitating slight reductions in the blind’s size.
• Operational Clearance: A small amount of space is needed on all sides for the blinds to function smoothly without scraping against the window frame or wall.
• Inside vs. Outside Mount: The type of mount you choose can influence the deductions. For instance, inside mounts might have more significant deductions to ensure the blinds fit within the window casing.

It’s crucial to provide the exact measurements without making your deductions, as the manufacturer will adjust for these factors.

Tools You’ll Need for the Accurate Measurements

Before diving into the measurement process, gather the necessary tools to make the task smoother and quicker:

• Metal tape measure: It provides precise measurements.
• Pencil or pen: It’s used to jot down measurements.
• Notepad or measurement sheet: It’s used to record dimensions.
• Ladder or step stool: It reaches the top of taller windows.

Measure Vertical Blinds According to Mounts

Before measuring, decide whether the blinds will be inside mount vertical blinds (within the window frame or inside the window) or outside mount vertical blinds (outside the frame or on the wall). This decision can impact how measurements are taken. 

Here’s what you need to know about inside and outside mounts:

Inside Mount

Inside mount vertical blinds provide a clean, built-in look as the custom blinds hang within the window size frame. Measure the exact width and height of the window in three places (top, middle, and bottom for width and left, middle, and suitable for size) and use the smallest measurement.

Measure for Outside Mount

Outside mount vertical blinds are suitable for windows with shallow depth or an obstruction like a handle. Measure the desired width and height, typically extending beyond the frame for better light gap coverage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for Custom Blinds

Follow this systematic process to ensure you capture accurate three measurements when installing vertical blinds for large windows and other sizes:

Step 1: Take The Inside Mount Measurements

If you want your inside-vertical blinds to be inside-mounted, take precise measurements by measuring the width of the window frame in three places (top, middle, and bottom). 

Record the smallest size. 

This ensures the blinds won’t scrape the sides of the frame.

Similarly, measure the height measurement in three places (left, middle, and right). 

Record the smallest measurement. 

This ensures the blinds won’t drag on the sill or floor.

Step 2: Take The Outside Mount Measurements

If you opt for an outside mount vertical blinds, measure the width by determining where the blinds will extend on either side of the window frame. 

A common practice is to add 4-6 inches to the total width (2-3 inches on each side) to ensure adequate coverage: measure and record.

When it comes to the height of the outside mount blinds, decide where the top of the blind’s headrail will be placed, usually 3-4 inches above the window frame, for optimal coverage. 

Measure from this point to where the blinds will end, whether it’s the window sill, a recess fit, a few inches below the sill, or the floor. Ensure the window sill protrudes not more than 5 cm from the window recess to ensure the smooth operation of the blinds. 

Following these steps, you can get the proper measure for the same size outside mount. 

Step 3: Measure The Depth

This step is crucial, especially for inside mount blinds installations. Measure the window frame’s depth with a steel measuring tape to ensure enough space for the blinds. Most vertical blinds require a specific minimum depth to fit inside the frame.

Close the vertical blinds completely to ensure accurate depth measurements. Measure the distance from the front of the headrail to the back of the vanes and record the exact size to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Step 4: Consider Obstructions

Survey the area around the window opening. Radiators, furniture, or window handles can affect the fit and functionality of the blinds. To measure for outside mounts, ensure that the extended width and height account for these obstructions.

Step 5: Double-Check Measurements

Accuracy is essential. It’s a good practice to measure twice to ensure consistency and correctness. 

Write down your measurements to help you track them and avoid making mistakes. Also, have someone else double-check your measurements. 

This is especially important for critical sizes of your window blinds, such as those for construction or medical purposes.

Transform The Aesthetics of Your Window Frame with The Right Measurement

Measuring your new vertical blinds can ensure they function optimally, enhancing the room’s aesthetics. With the insights from this guide, you can confidently measure windows and select custom blinds that will enhance a space’s functionality and beauty.
If you have more queries, contact the dedicated experts from The Blind Factory, who are ready to provide some tips and tricks about vertical blinds and how to measure them correctly.

The Blind Factory – Revitalize Your Blinds with Expert Blind Repair

As you can see, you can rejuvenate and repair your blinds either via DIY or calling a professional. However, by choosing repair over replacement, you are embracing a path that’s both economical and environmentally friendly.

Backed with over 36 years of experience in Columbus, Ohio, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, from selecting the perfect style to installation of your blinds.

Contact us today and let’s breathe new life into your blinds, making them a stunning addition to your home once again.