FAQs - Measuring

Measuring for new blinds and shades is easy, but there are certain steps you should follow to make sure you get the perfect fit. We provide step-by-step measuring instructions for each product, which can be found towards the bottom of each product page. You can also visit our How To Measure page for detailed instructions.

You should always measure carefully so that we make your blinds just the right size to fit your window perfectly! Use a steel measuring tape and measure to the nearest 1/8". For most inside mount blinds and shades, you'll need to measure the width in three places (top, middle and bottom of the window) and use the smallest width, rounding down to the nearest 1/8". You'll also usually measure the height in three places (left, middle, right), and use the longest measurement. However, follow the step-by-step measuring instructions provided for each product to get the exact measurements required.

We know everyone makes mistakes! Under our Fit-or-Free® Guarantee, if you made a mistake in measuring and your blinds don't fit, just let us know within 60 days of delivery and we'll remake them in the sizes you need free of charge – you only pay for shipping. Complete details and limitations are available on our policies page.

We do not currently offer any measuring or installation services. We do provide clear, easy to follow measuring instructions for each product. You get significant savings when you measure and install yourself versus in-home decorating services!

Simply stated, these terms refer to whether you will be installing your window coverings inside the window opening, or outside/above the window opening. Inside mount means the blind or shade will be installed within the recessed area of your window opening. Outside mount means the blinds or shades will be installed outside the window opening, either on the wall above the window, directly on the trim or molding that surrounds the window opening, on a door, or even on the ceiling. 

Outside mount blinds are usually used in windows that do not have enough depth to mount the blinds/shades, or when you are trying to get better light control by covering the entire window. When ordering as an outside mount, we recommend that you add at least 3 inches to both the height and width of the window opening to fully cover the window and to allow room to install the brackets (minimum required space is listed in the specification section of each product).

Flush mount refers to when an inside mount blind or shade is installed so that the front of the blind is even, or "flush" with the outer edge of the window opening (either the wall or the trim around the window). Since each blind and shade is different, we provide the "flush mount depth" for each product, which indicates how much window depth is needed to install the blind so that it will not extend beyond the window opening into the room. While some customers prefer a flush mounted look, it is not required to have an inside mount shade installed this way.

When you order inside mount blinds, we will make them slightly narrower than the width you ordered so that they can fit inside the window opening and operate smoothly without scraping the sides of the window casing. The difference between your ordered width and the actual width of the blind is called the inside mount deduction. The deduction used varies, and is listed in the specifications for each product.

For inside mount blinds, we will make your blinds slightly narrower than the width you order so that they fit properly and operate smoothly. This results in a slight "gap" between the edge of the shade and the window opening. On many products, the gap is between 1/8" and 1/4" on each side. On roller shades, solar shades, sheer shades and zebra dual shades, the gap is usually between 3/8" and 3/4" on each side since the fabric portion of the shade is narrower than the top of the shade. Please do not order your shade wider than your window opening to try to eliminate the gap, as the blind may not operate correctly or may not fit in your window at all.