How to Measure for Faux Wood Blinds

Inside mount blinds fit inside the window frame and provide a sleek, clean, and built-in look that preserves the appearance of woodwork and molding. If you plan on mounting your blinds inside your window frames, keep the following tips in mind:

• Inside mounts require window frames at least 1 1/8" deep for installation.
• For a flush look, your window frames must be at least 3" deep.
• If your window frame isn't deep enough to support inside mounted blinds, choose outside mounted blinds instead.

Measure the inside width of your window opening in 3 locations - the top, middle and bottom. If they vary, record the smallest of your 3 measurements to the nearest 1/8".

This is the width you will order, we will make the necessary deductions for inside mounting.

The standard inside mount deduction on all wood and faux wood blinds is approximately 1/2" from the width you specify. This allows space for the blinds to operate and room for the mounting brackets. The standard width deduction on the valance (decorative molding that covers the headrail) is 1/8".

Measure the height of your window at three separate locations: the left side, center, and right side. Write down the largest of the three measurements and use it when ordering from Blindster.

Outside mount blinds are perfect for windows that are too shallow to support the installation of inside mount blinds. They can be mounted to the wall, ceiling, or frame/molding around the window and are often used to make windows appear larger.

Here are a few important facts to know about outside mount blinds:

• They have no minimum depth requirement only a solid surface to attach the blinds is needed.
• The mounting surface needs to be at least 1 1/2" for 1" blinds and 2 1/2" for 2" - 2 1/2" blinds.
• When measuring, take into account the area of the flat mounting surface that you want to cover.

First, measure the entire width of the area you want to cover with your blinds. If you have extra space, allow an extra 1-1 1/2" per side to increase light blockage and privacy when the blinds are installed. The full width of your window plus the added measurements will be the final measurement you use when ordering the blinds from Blindster.

Next, measure the full height of the area you want to cover with your new blinds and make a note of it, as you'll use that measurement when ordering. It's important to keep in mind that you will need 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" of flat space to install mounting brackets. In general, adding 3" to 4" to the height of your opening will give you enough room to mount well above your window frame for a true outside mount.