Master Inside Mount Blinds Measurements: A Visual Guide

Mastering Inside Mount Blinds Measurements: Your Visual Guide

Accurately measuring for inside mount blinds is crucial for a perfect fit. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, ensuring your blinds sit snugly within your window frame, offering a clean and professional look. Understanding these measurements is essential for ordering the correct size and avoiding installation issues.

Understanding Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Before diving into the specifics of taking "inside mount blinds measurements," it’s important to understand the difference between inside and outside mount.

• Inside Mount: Blinds are installed within the window frame. This provides a clean, recessed look.

• Outside Mount: Blinds are installed outside the window frame, typically on the wall or window trim. This can make a window appear larger and hide unattractive window frames.

This guide focuses exclusively on inside mount measurements.

Tools You’ll Need

To accurately measure for your inside mount blinds, gather these essential tools:

• Steel Measuring Tape: Cloth measuring tapes can stretch and give inaccurate readings. Use a steel tape for precision.
• Pencil: To mark down your measurements.
• Paper or Notebook: To record all measurements clearly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Inside Mount Blinds Measurements

This section breaks down the measurement process into manageable steps. Remember to take measurements in inches, and be as precise as possible.

1. Measuring the Width

The width measurement determines how far the blinds will stretch across the inside of your window frame.

• Take Three Measurements: Measure the inside width of the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom.
• Record the Narrowest Measurement: Use the smallest of the three measurements. This ensures the blinds will fit without obstruction.
• Deductions (Manufacturer’s Instructions): Blind manufacturers often make a small deduction (typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch) to ensure a perfect fit. Always check the manufacturer’s specific instructions regarding deductions before placing your order. Never make your own deductions unless explicitly instructed.

2. Measuring the Height

The height measurement determines the length of the blinds when fully extended.

• Take Three Measurements: Measure the inside height of the window frame on the left, middle, and right sides.
• Record the Longest Measurement: Use the largest of the three measurements. This ensures the blinds will fully cover the window.
• Full Length vs. Standard Length: Most manufacturers will provide blinds at the exact height you order, ensuring full window coverage. However, in some cases, blinds may come in standard lengths. If your window height is longer than the standard length, consider ordering an outside mount blind instead.

3. Measuring the Depth

The depth of your window frame is critical for ensuring the blinds have enough space to be mounted correctly and operate smoothly.

• Minimum Depth Requirements: Most blinds require a minimum depth. This information will be available in the product specifications.
• Flush Mount vs. Partially Recessed: A "flush mount" means the blinds are recessed completely within the window frame. If your window depth doesn’t meet the requirements for a flush mount, the blinds will be partially recessed, meaning they will stick out slightly from the window frame.
• Measuring Depth: Measure from the window glass to the inside edge of the window frame. Compare this measurement to the manufacturer’s minimum depth requirements.

Visual Aids for Measuring

The following table illustrates the key areas to measure for inside mount blinds.

Measurement	Description	Illustration (Conceptual)
Width	Narrowest width of the window frame.	[Image of window frame with width measurements at top, middle, and bottom, highlighting the smallest measurement]
Height	Longest height of the window frame.	[Image of window frame with height measurements on left, middle, and right, highlighting the largest measurement]
Depth	Depth from window glass to frame edge.	[Image of window frame showing depth measurement from the glass to the inside edge of the frame]

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you get accurate measurements:

• Rounding Measurements: Don’t round up or down measurements until after you’ve checked the manufacturer’s instructions regarding deductions. Premature rounding can lead to incorrect deductions.
• Using a Cloth Tape Measure: As mentioned earlier, cloth tape measures can stretch, leading to inaccurate readings.
• Ignoring Manufacturer’s Instructions: Different manufacturers may have slightly different requirements and deductions. Always refer to their specific guidelines.
• Not Measuring in Multiple Places: Always take multiple width and height measurements to account for any irregularities in the window frame.
• Forgetting to Account for Obstructions: Be aware of any obstructions within the window frame, such as window cranks or handles, that might interfere with the blinds.

Alright, you’ve got the inside scoop on inside mount blinds measurements! Time to grab that tape measure and get your windows looking sharp. Happy measuring!