How To Measure

How to Measure for Horizontal Blinds

Inside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" between inside surfaces of window frame at the top, middle and bottom, and use the narrowest width. Do not make any width deductions since the factory will do so in production. Refer to the specific product page for width deductions.
To find length: Measure exact distance from inside surface at top of window to sill. If you prefer blind not to
touch sill, deduct 1/4". If there is no sill, measure length to point where shade is to reach.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" between the outermost points where the blind is
to be placed. For optimum light control, this measurement should extend 3/4" beyond the window opening on each side (or 1-1/2" for the entire width).
To find length: Measure exact distance from where top of shade (the headrail that is) will be located to top of
sill. If there is no sill or if shade is to overlap window frame, measure to point blind is to reach.

Information provided courtesy of Levolor Home Fashions, Inc. © Copyright 1996-98 Levolor Home Fashions, Inc.

Rather than ordering multiple blinds on one headrail, we recommend ordering individual blinds and mounting them side by side.  Specify a common valance to cover the entire top of the window opening.  By ordering blinds individually rather than as multiple blinds on one headrail, if you ever need to remove one blind for repair, the entire set will not need to be sent back to the fabricator, saving postage, the hassle of finding a box that will fit the entire set and the heroics necessary for you to take the entire set of blinds down (without bending the headrail in the process).  Additionally, ordering separate blinds is usually less expensive than ordering them as multiple blinds on one headrail. Mounting separate blinds is much easier when installing them in Corner windows too.

How to Measure for Sheer Window Shadings

Inside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" between inside surfaces of window frame at the top, middle and bottom, and use the narrowest width. Do not make any width deductions.  Do not make any width deductions since the factory will do so in production. Refer to the specific product page for width deductions.

To find length: Measure exact distance from inside surface at top of window to sill. If you prefer blind not to
touch sill, deduct 1/4". If there is no sill, measure length to point where shade is to reach.

IMPORTANT: Deduct 1/8" (3/8" for Comfortex Shangri-La shades) from the shade height for best results.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" between the outermost points where the blind is to be placed. For optimum light control, this measurement should extend 3/4" beyond the window opening on each
side (or 1-1/2" for the entire width).

IMPORTANT: This measurement should overlap each side of the window frame by at least 1-1/2".

To find length: Measure exact distance from where top of shade (the headrail that is) will be located to top of
sill. If there is no sill or if shade is to overlap window frame, measure to point blind is to reach.

IMPORTANT: Measure the exact distance form where the top of the shade will be located to the top of the sill
or to the point that the shade is to reach. Note: The shade should not touch the window sill. Deduct 1/8" for best results. Allow 2-7/8" overlap above the window opening to accommodate the headrail for shade lengths less than 72". Otherwise, allow 3-1/2" overlap above the window opening

How to Measure for Vertical Blinds

Inside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure the opening across the top where the headrail is to be installed from inside of jamb
on left to inside of jamb on right. Round the measurement down to the nearest 1/8".  Do not make any width deductions since the factory will do so in production. Refer to the specific product page for width deductions.

To find length: Measure from the inside top of the opening on the left, at the center, and on the right to the sill; round the measurement down to the nearest 1/8" and note the smallest dimension. Do not make any allowances: the factory will make all adjustments so the headrail will fit the opening properly and the vanes will clear the sill by 1/4" to 1/2".  NOTE: The ordered height is the measurement from where you want the top of the head rail to be located in the window opening, to the floor.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure the width of the area to be covered at the place where the headrail will be installed to the nearest 1/8". Blind should overlap opening at least 4" on each side to ensure privacy.
To find length: Measure the length of the area to be covered and round down to the nearest 1/8". Blind should extend at least 3" above and 3" below opening or window moulding. For ceiling-to-floor installations, make adequate allowance for carpeting. Specifying OB measurement means the factory makes no deduction
allowances.  NOTE: The ordered height is the measurement from where you want the top of the head rail be located on the wall, to the floor.

How to Measure for Patio Doors

To find width: Measure the width of the area to be covered at the place where the headrail will be installed to
the nearest 1/8". Blind should overlap opening at least 4" on each side to ensure privacy.  

To find length: Measure the length of the area to be covered (including the headrail height) and round down to the nearest 1/8". Blind should extend at least 3" above opening or window molding. For ceiling-to-floor installations, deduct 1/2" for proper clearance. Specifying "Outside mount" when ordering means the factory
takes no deductions or allowances.

To ensure easy access through the door and allow adequate overlap, consider the stack width. For questions concerning the calculation of stack width, contact us.

Information provided courtesy of Levolor Home Fashions, Inc. © Copyright 1996-98 Levolor Home Fashions, Inc.

How to Measure for Cellular Shades

Inside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure exact distance between inside surfaces of window frame at the top, middle and bottom, and use the narrowest width. Do not make any width deductions.  Do not make any width deductions since the factory will do so in production. Refer to the specific product page for width deductions.

To find length: Measure exact distance from inside surface at top of window to sill. If you prefer blind not to
touch sill, deduct 1/4". If there is no sill, measure length to point where shade is to reach.

Outside Mount Installation

To find width: Measure exact distance between the outermost points where the shade is to be placed. This measurement should overlap each side of the window by at least 1-1/2". Factory makes no deduction from
your fabric width dimensions..

To find length: Measure exact distance from where top of shade (the headrail that is) will be located to top
of sill. If there is no sill or if shade is to overlap window frame, measure to point blind is to reach.

NOTE: We recommend the top down bottom up feature on doors so that you do not have to release the blind from the hold downs every time you want to raise the shade.

Page provided courtesy of Levolor Home Fashions, Inc. © Copyright 1996-98 Levolor Home Fashions, Inc.

Width: Measure with of glass from one side to the other; I recommend adding 2" to each side or a total of 4" to the overall width to maximize your privacy and minimize light gaps.

Height: Measure height of glass from top to bottom; I recommend adding 2" to the top and 2" to the bottom to allow room to mount head rail 2" above the glass and attach hold downs (to avoid having the blind swing away from the door when opening and closing it) 2" below the glass for a beautifully symetrical, professional look. 

Make your life easy: To minimize the need to bend down and release the blind from the hold downs when raising and lowering your blind, I recommend ordering a cellular shade with the top down/bottom up feature.  With this function, just lower the top of your blind for a view of the outdoors.

If you choose to order a standard shade for your door, I recommend requesting the cord lift be positioned on the side that your hinges are located so the strings do not get caught in the door.

If you have trim around the glass on your door, I recommend requesting FREE 1/2" spacer blocks.  Mount the head rail into these to bring it out 1/2" so the fabric does not rub against the trim when being raised and lowered.  This will protect your shade from unnecessary wear and tear.

Order your shade as an outside mount

NOTES

Virtually any type of blind can be mounted on a door.  Simply order the blind as an OUTSIDE mount and follow the simple steps outlined below for a perfect fit.

The wider and taller you specify your product, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. We recommend 2" at the top for the mounting brackets and 2" at the bottom for the optional hold-down brackets (so your shade does not come away from the door during door opening and closing).   We recommend adding a total of 4" to the length of the door glass opening measurement.  

For the width, add at least an inch or two on both sides of the glass. Bring the shade as close to the door handle as possible.     

If ordering cellular shades: We recommend the top down bottom up feature so that you do not have to release the blind from the hold downs at the bottom every time you want to raise the shade.

If you have a lever handle on your door: For cellular, pleated and roller shades the blind will usually slip between the handle and the door.  

For wood and other horizontal blinds, we recommend changing the door handle to a non-lever variety to avoid damage to the blind.

If your doors have molding around the glass: Be sure to specify spacer blocks for mounting when ordering.  The spacers go between the door and the headrail of the blind to avoid unnecessary rubbing on the blind by the molding.

How to Cover a French Door - BOTH DOORS & GLASS - Cellular & Pleated Shades

Width: If inside mounting - Measure width of opening from one side to the other and specify this width when you order.
If outside mounting - Measure width of opening from one side to the other; I recommend adding 2" to each side or a total of 4" to the overall width to maximize your privacy and minimize light gaps.

Height: If inside mounting - Measure height of opening from top to bottom and specify this height when you order.
If outside mounting - Measure height of opening from top to bottom and add 2" to the top to allow room to mount head rail 2" above the opening.

Order either two separate shades to accomodate the 2 separate doors, or order as 2 blinds on one head rail. The 2 on 1 headrail option will cost you a bit more since there is a small upcharge for having this done, but for your situation it may be best.

NOTES

Virtually any type of blind can be mounted on a door.  Simply order the blind as an OUTSIDE mount and follow the simple steps outlined below for a perfect fit.

The wider and taller you specify your product, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. We recommend 2" at the top for the mounting brackets and 2" at the bottom for the optional hold-down brackets (so your shade does not come away from the door during door opening and closing).   We recommend adding a total of 4" to the length of the door glass opening measurement.  

For the width, add at least an inch or two on both sides of the glass. Bring the shade as close to the door handle as possible.     

If ordering cellular shades: We recommend the top down bottom up feature so that you do not have to release the blind from the hold downs at the bottom every time you want to raise the shade.

If you have a lever handle on your door: For cellular, pleated and roller shades the blind will usually slip between the handle and the door.  

For wood and other horizontal blinds, we recommend changing the door handle to a non-lever variety to avoid damage to the blind.

If your doors have molding around the glass: Be sure to specify spacer blocks for mounting when ordering.  The spacers go between the door and the headrail of the blind to avoid unnecessary rubbing on the blind by the molding.

How to Cover a French Door - GLASS ONLY- Wood & Faux Wood Blinds

If your door does not have trim:

• Width: Measure the width of the glass from one side to the other; I recommend adding 2" to each side or a total of 4" to the overall width to maximize your privacy and minimize light gaps.
• Height: Measure height of glass from top to bottom; I recommend adding 2" to the top and 2" to the bottom to allow room to mount the head rail 2" above the glass and attach hold downs (to avoid having the blind swing away from the door when opening and closing it) 2" below the glass for a beautifully symetrical, professional look. 

If you have trim around the glass on your door:

• Width: I recommend ordering the width to cover from outside edge of trim to outside edge of trim rather than adding 2" to each side as I suggested above.
• Height: I recommend measuring from outside edge to outside edge of the trim from top to bottom.  Be sure to add 4" to this so you will have room to mount the head rail above the door and hold downs below.
• Make sure to request FREE 1/2" spacer blocks as well.  When you mount the head rail, you will do so into these to bring it out 1/2" so the slats do not rub against the trim when being operated.  This will protect your blind from unnecessary wear and tear.  When you order, be sure to specify "Please extend valance returns by 1/2" in the Special Remarks section.  This will ensure the side pieces of your wood valance (known as returns) extend flush with your door with no gaps.

I recommend requesting both sets of control cords (lift cords & tilt cords) on the same side, positioned on the side that your hinges are located so the strings do not get caught in the door.

Door Handles: If you have a door handle that is other than a post style that will interfere with the slats, I recommend either: changing it out to a post style or ordering wood blinds that have 1" or 1 3/8" wide slats.

Order your blind as an outside mount.

NOTES

Virtually any type of blind can be mounted on a door.  Simply order the blind as an OUTSIDE mount and follow the simple steps outlined below for a perfect fit.

The wider and taller you specify your product, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. We recommend 2" at the top for the mounting brackets and 2" at the bottom for the optional hold-down brackets (so your shade does not come away from the door during door opening and closing).   We recommend adding a total of 4" to the length of the door glass opening measurement.  

For the width, add at least an inch or two on both sides of the glass. Bring the shade as close to the door handle as possible.     

If ordering cellular shades: We recommend the top down bottom up feature so that you do not have to release the blind from the hold downs at the bottom every time you want to raise the shade.

If you have a lever handle on your door: For cellular, pleated and roller shades the blind will usually slip between the handle and the door.  

For wood and other horizontal blinds, we recommend changing the door handle to a non-lever variety to avoid damage to the blind.

If your doors have molding around the glass: Be sure to specify spacer blocks for mounting when ordering.  The spacers go between the door and the headrail of the blind to avoid unnecessary rubbing on the blind by the molding

Measuring Difficult Windows

Window with Crank: Measure as you would for a standard blind.

We recommend purchasing a replacement for the window crank at your local hardware.  Replacements that resemble large wing-nuts allow you to operate your window while avoiding the bulge that a traditional crank produces.

Windows without a top (arched/angled top): No special measuring is required.

For wood and similar horizontal blinds: the standard bracket has holes that allow you to mount where needed on either the wall or from the ceiling.

For cellular and similar shades: request L-brackets when ordering.  This will enable you to mount the blind to the window framing with the brackets the fabricator provides.

Wide windows: For a window with width requiring more than one blind to cover, we recommend ordering the number of blinds equaling the number of windows side by side.  For example, if your window opening is 106" wide, typically the builder places 3 windows side by side in that opening.  Order 3 blinds.  If your window opening is 96" wide, typically the builder placed 2 windows side by side in that opening.  Order 2 blinds.  

Rather than ordering multiple blinds on one headrail, we recommend ordering individual blinds and mounting them side by side.  Specify a common valance to cover the entire top of the window opening.  By ordering blinds individually rather than as multiple blinds on one headrail, if you ever need to remove one blind for repair, the entire set will not need to be sent back tothe fabricator, saving postage, the hassle of finding a box that will fit the entire set and the heroics necessary for you to takethe entire set of blinds down (without bending the headrail in the process).  Additionally, ordering separate blinds is usuallyless expensive than ordering them as multiple blinds on one headrail. Mounting separate blinds is much easier when installing them in Corner windows too.

Corner Windows: When two outside mount verticals meet in a corner, or when other inside mount products meet in a corner where there is only glass (no sheetrock), there can be a privacy problem. That's due to a gap where the products "meet". In order to minimize the problem, consider making one product bypass the other, then specify the other product to butt into the first. 

Measuring Corner Windows

(By Hunter Douglas)

Butt and Bypass Shades
When two shades butt against each other at a corner, as shown in the overhead views below, one shade is the "butt" shade and the other is the "bypass" shade. Measure for each shade separately using the procedures described for a standard shade, and then subtract headrail depth from the butt shade to obtain the proper ordering width. With outside mounts, remember to allow for overlap on the sides and at the bottom. 

Corner Windows when not using Butt and Bypass

Some window fashions such as Stardust cannot use the Butt and Bypass. They are then measured to meet in
the corner.

1. Measure the width of both openings to the common corner.
2. Deduct the necessary depth of the treatment from the width of each measurement so they will meet in
   the corner but not overlap. Important: If spacer blocks or extension brackets will be used for extra clearance on outside mounts, add the amount of extra clearance to the deduction.
3. Order the width less the deduction for each window.

Measuring Bay Windows

(By Hunter Douglas)

Virtually any type of blind can be mounted in a bay window setting.  Follow the simple steps outlined below for a perfect fit.

With bay windows, locations of the window treatment and the ordered width are marked and measured as illustrated below.

1. Determine the depth (from the front of the head rail (facing your room) to the back of the head rail (what would be facing the street)) of the head rail of the product you are mounting and use this for the width of your poster board.
2. Cut two pieces of poster board (depth determined from #1 above) wide by 12" long. Important: If spacer blocks or extension brackets will be used for extra clearance on outside mounts, add the amount of extra clearance to the width dimension of the poster board before measuring.
3. Place the strips in the left angle first, and bring them together until the front corners of the poster board meet. Mark points "A" and "B".
4. Repeat this step for the right side angle, marking points "C" and "D".
5. Measure between points "B" and "C" to obtain the width measurement of the center window treatment.
6. Measure from point "A" outward to the desired width to obtain the width measurement of the left window treatment.
7. Measure from point "D" outward to the desired width to obtain the width measurement of the right window treatment.

Measuring Skylight Windows

(By Hunter Douglas)  

With skylight shades, the procedures for outside mounts are almost the same as for standard rectangular shades.

With inside-mounted shades:

• Measure the width and height inside the window opening in at least three locations each.
• If the window opening is longer than 96", measure the width every 48".
• Order the shortest height and the narrowest width.

Round your inside mount measurements up to the nearest 1/8", not down as with other inside mounts. The factory deductions take into account the application of compressible foam tape (rail seal) to the outside of the rails (not included).

For fully recessed inside mounts, a 2" minimum mounting depth of the window opening is required. Non-flush mounted inside mounts are not recommended; but, if necessary, a shade may protrude up to 1/4". Note that mounting depths must take into account any obstacles to shade movement, such as window cranks or handles.

Outside mounts require only a 1/4" flat surface for bracket attachment.

In addition to shade measurements, the angle of the window should also be noted on the order.

Measuring Arches, Circles and Quarter Circle Windows

(By Hunter Douglas)

• For inside mounts, measure the exact width and height inside the window opening.  Do not make any width deductions since the factory will do so in production. Refer to the specific product page for width deductions.
• For outside mounts, measure the desired width and height.
• Measure the height at its tallest point.
• With quarter circles, height will equal width. In perfect arches, height will equal one-half the width.
• With imperfect arches, or eyebrows, exact height/width relationships do not occur, so extra care must be taken to ensure a good fit (see below).  Please note that a template is required for imperfect shapes.

Making a Template

1. Tape butcher paper over the window opening (do not use wrapping paper as it is not thick enough), allowing plenty of overlap. Use paper that has never been folded; a template can have no folds or creases.

2. Draw an exact outline of the window opening by carefully tracing over the inside edge of the window frame.

3. Remove the paper from the window opening. If the shade is an outside mount, add the desired amount of overlap to the window outline and draw a second outline around it to match the shape of the finished shade.

4. Mark the shade dimensions on the template. Check that the template dimensions match your measurements of the actual window opening. It is easiest to verify by cutting out the template and repositioning in the window opening. PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT CUT THE TEMPLATE FOR YOU. Templates that are not cut out will be returned to you.

5. Identify the template and its orientation. Write your name on the template, and mark the ROOM SIDE (as opposed to the outdoors) and TOP. Roll up the template and place it in a mailing tube to include with the order. Do not fold the template. Templates that are folded will be returned to you. Folds distort the shape of the template making an accurate cut impossible.

6. Clearly specify inside or outside mount, brand of shade, specific product name (YourBlinds Presidential Fixed Arch Deluxe), color name and color number on the template. Also include your address, phone number and email address should we need to contact you.

7. VERY IMPORTANT: Include your address, phone number and email address should we need to contact you.

8. Submit your order via the website and get your order number (YBXXXXX) to include on the mailing tube when you send it. IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid possible issues, the size of your ordered arch and the size specified on your template MUST be identical. If the sizes on your template and your order are different, the size you receive will be the size specified on the template. If the size on your order is smaller, this may affect price or warranty. Please give us a call at 888-214-4144 if you have any questions.



Important: Template must be cut out in the exact shape of the window opening and tested in the window for correct fit.

NOTE: If you are ordering more than one shade requiring a template, please make one template for each, even if the windows appear to be the same size. We apologize, but our fabricators will not manufacture any shade without its own template. Taking these steps will ensure your shade properly fits your window. Thank you for your understanding.

Packaging your Template

When preparing to send your template, locate a mailing tube that is slightly longer than the height of your template. Carefully roll the completed template into a tube and insert into the mailer tube. Securely tape/fasten the end to be sure the template will not be damaged in shipment.

Where to Send the Template

Once you have sealed the mailing tube, address it to:
YourBlinds.com
12885 Research Blvd Ste 205
Austin, TX 78750

Be sure to include the template transmittal form so we will be sure to correctly process your order. Be sure to include the order number (YBXXXXXX) on the outside of the tube in bold letters so we will be sure to know that it is the template for your order.

How to Measure for Two Shades in One

(This is NOT multiple blinds on one headrail)  
  

Two Shades in One (also called DuoLite or Day/Night Shades) is available to optimize light controlwith cellular or pleated shades.  Sheer or light-filtering fabric can be used during the daytime and room-darkening fabric can be used at night to afford you the maximum in light control for your room. Two fabrics are used:  one between the top rail and the center rail andone between the center rail and bottom rail.  Each panel has its own set of lift cords so either fabric panel, or portion of a fabric panel, may be used to cover a window. Both fabrics can also be totally raised so that nothing is covering the window.

To price this option, simply select the two fabrics you would like to include in the blind, price each individually for the windowopening size and add the two prices together to arrive at the total price.

To order this option, add both shades into your shopping cart using the same width x height measurements for both (see measuringfor cellular shades). In the special remarks section of the first item type “Item #? and Item #? are Two in One Shades. This is the top blind.” For the next shade to be included, type in the special remarks, “Item #? And Item#? are Two in One Shades. This is the bottom blind.”

Details about these shades to keep in mind when ordering:

Some manufacturers require that one shade be used as the top shade and one be used for the bottom shade.

Hunter Douglas, Comfortex, YourBlinds – Either shade can be in either position.

Bali and Graber – Heavier fabric must be on top. Cellular shades weigh more than pleated shades. From heaviest tolightest: Opaque (room darkening, blackout, midnight), Semi-Opaque (light filtering), Semi-Sheer, Sheer.

Any two cellular shades OR pleated shades, can be combined as long they are both made by the same manufacturer.

Comfortex is the only manufacturer that will allow combining a cellular shade and a pleated shade in the same shade.

For a consistent look, use the same pleat size for both shades.

These shades are not available with any other options such as Light Filtering/Room Darkening Liners or Continuous CordLoop. They operate as a Top Down/ Bottom Shade. The only features you can add on are Cordless or UltraGlide. If you would like Cordless or UltraGlide functionality for your shade, price and order both shades with the cordless or UltraGlide option.