How to Measure for Window Blinds

new window blinds will give your room a great new look control the light coming in and provide some added privacy this video will help you choose and measure your new blinds and when you're ready to put them up be sure to watch the installation video at lowes.com slash videos these days you can get blinds and chains in many colors sizes and styles and when it comes to style there's really no right or wrong choice the right blinds for your home or whatever you like best now we're all familiar with traditional horizontal blinds that have tilting slats to control sunlight vertical blinds are terrific for sliding glass doors or large windows other shades are energy-efficient keeping cool air in during summer and cold air out during winter for night owls there's blackout shades which block close to 99% of sunlight blinds are available without pull cords for child safety and some even have remote controls you'll be happy to know that your Lowe's store will custom cut many blinds to fit the width of your window free of charge all we need are your measurements and will do the rest while you shop or you can special order just about anything else you need and you won't need much to measure for window blinds all it takes is a metal tape measure a pencil and paper and a small ladder if you need some extra help check out the printable instructions for this project at lowes.com/videos there are basically two ways to install window blinds either inside mounted or outside mounted inside mounted blinds are within the window outside mounted blinds cover the frame or attach to the wall the one you choose depends on the look you want and the depth of the window in the frame if your windows sit far enough back in the opening that you can attach the mounting brackets inside the frame you can choose inside or outside mounts if that's not possible then outside mounting is for you all you need for this application is a sturdy window frame or wall surface to mount the hardware to get started figure out if inside mounted horizontal blinds work with your window the amount of clearance or depth you'll need will depend on the style of blonde you're thinking about the printable instructions for this project have minimum clearance requirements for many popular blinds or you can ask a Lowe's associate once you're sure an inside mount will work you can measure the window measure the width at the top middle and bottom you have to measure in three places because even with new windows the frame might not be exactly square use the smallest number as the width of the window so the blind clears the size of your window frame then measure the height at the left middle and right sides of the window round the numbers down to the nearest eighth of an inch use the largest number as the height of the window so the blind covers the entire opening just take these measurements to the store to select your blinds for inside mounts give the associate the exact measurements and they'll make any necessary clearance adjustments for you but say you've decided on outside mounted horizontal blinds that will cover the entire window and trim measure the distance to the nearest eighth of an inch between the outermost points where the blinds will be placed for optimum light control the blinds should extend one and a half inches beyond the window opening on each side then measure the desired height again you'll want at least an inch and a half above and below the window opening for optimum light control these measurements are all you need to select new horizontal blinds one other thing if you mind your blinds on the wall board you may need extension brackets to clear the trim however you might choose vertical blinds instead many people prefer them on a window that's wider than it is tall and they're definitely the best choice for sliding doors the measuring process is a little different than for horizontal blinds but they can also be installed either inside or outside the frame one thing to keep in mind inside mounted vertical blinds won't work on doors so you will need to outside mount for inside mounts start by measuring the width inside the frame at the top middle and bottom then measure the height from the top of the opening to the sill at the left middle and right sides use the smallest number as your measurement outside mounted vertical blinds are perfect for wide doorways but these steps also work for windows just measured the width of the window or door for maximum light control add four inches to each side then measure the height from where the headrail will be placed most manufacturers recommend at least three inches above the door down to the sill measure the left middle and right sides use the smallest number as your measurement now you're ready to go shopping just taking the time to measure your windows will make your trip to Lowe's a breeze and remember we can custom cut many blinds while you shop at no additional cost if you really want to make it easy on yourself check with a Lowe's associate on our measurement and installation services or see how to install your new blinds yourself check out the installation video at lowes.com/videos

Channel: holidaysolutions

Views: 32,412

Rating: 4.4693875 out of 5

Keywords: window, blinds, lowes, home, DIY, holiday, solutions, center

Id: q4-ZjO4_d_o

Length: 5min 30sec (330 seconds)

Published: Wed Oct 22 2008