Measure Custom Blinds & Shades

Lowe’s Custom Blinds & Shades Store

We recommend you download and print our measuring guides and worksheet. Our measuring worksheet will help you attain the correct measurements for your windows. Please note that you are responsible for your measurements. If you have any measuring questions please give our customer service team a call and we will be happy to assist you.

MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS BY MOUNT

1) Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, middle and bottom. Take the narrowest of the three width measurements, and round down to the nearest 1/8″.

2) Measure the height inside the window opening from the top of the window opening to the window sill three times. Measure once on the left, at the center, and on the right and take the longest of the three measurements. If you prefer to keep the blind from resting on the sill deduct a 1/4″ from the height. If your window does not have a sill, measure to the point you would like the blind to reach.

3) Measure the window on the diagonal. If the two diagonal dimensions differ significantly, it may be necessary to order an outside mount for optimal light control and privacy. See measuring instructions below.

4) Do not take any allowances on the height or width. The factory will take all required allowances on an inside mount for mounting and operating clearance.

1) Measure the distance from the outermost points you would like the blind to cover. To minimize light leakage the blind should overlap the window opening by at least 1 1/2″ on each side for a total of 3″ on entire width.

2) Measure distance from where the top of the blind will be located to the window sill. The blind should overlap the window opening on the top by at least 1-1/2″. Some products may require more then 1-1/2″ above the window for mounting hardware. Please review product specifications on desired product for exact flat vertical surface area requirements. If flat vertical surface area exceeds 1-1/2″ use specified amount to determine overlap above the window opening. If there is no window sill, measure to the point you would like the blind to reach.

MEASURING VALANCES

Flush

An Inside Mount Valance is manufactured with straight-cut edges on both ends and looks best when it is mounted flush to the window casing. Use the charts on the following pages to determine if your window is deep enough for a Full Recess Inside Mount Valance.

Partial Recess

An Inside Mount Valance is manufactured with straight-cut edges on both ends.

Depending how far the valance extends beyond the window casing, returns (side pieces) can be ordered to cover the ends of the headrail and valance for a more finished look.

Use the charts and instructions on the following pages to determine the special valance return length needed, if necessary. Valance returns are available from 1/2″ to 8″.

Note: Returns and valances are measured and cut from the INSIDE of the miter to ensure the most accurate fit when installed over the headrail or window frame. For example, a 30″ valance with returns: 30″ would be the BACKSIDE/INSIDE measurement. The front side measurement would be greater than 30″ (which is correct). Returns would also be measured and cut on the BACKSIDE of the miter.

An Outside Mount Valance is manufactured with standard returns (side pieces) sized to cover the ends of the headrail and valance for a more finished look. See the charts on the following pages for standard outside mount return lengths. Valance returns are available from 1/2″ to 8″. Note: Returns and valances are measured and cut from the INSIDE of the miter to ensure the most accurate fit when installed over the headrail or window frame. For example, a 30″ valance with returns: 30″ would be the BACKSIDE/INSIDE measurement. The front side measurement would be greater than 30″ (which is correct). Returns would also be measured and cut on the BACKSIDE of the miter. If your Outside Mount Valance does not require returns, please specifiy at the time of order.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Inside Mount

1) Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, and round down to the nearest 1/8″ measurement.

2) Measure the height inside the window opening from the top of the window opening to the window sill three times. Measure once on the left, at the center, and on the right and take the shortest of the three measurements, and round down to the nearest 1/8″ measurement.

3) Do not take any allowances on the height or width. The factory will take all required allowances on an inside mount for mounting and operating clearance.

Outside Mount

For Patio Doors

Inside Mount

1) Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, and round down to the nearest 1/8″ measurement.

2) Measure the height inside the window opening from the top of the window opening to the window sill. If your window does not have a sill, measure to the point you would like the blind to reach.

3) Do not take any allowances on the height or width. The factory will take all required allowances on an inside mount.

4) Because the factory takes deductions on the fabric width some windows may have visible light gaps visible on the left and right edge. To eliminate light gaps and for increased privacy it may be necessary to order an outside mount. See measuring instructions below.

Outside Mount

1) Tip-to-tip: Measure the distance from the outer most points you would like the headrail to extend. Depending on the product, the fabric width will be up to 1-3/8″ narrower then the tip-to-tip measurement provided. The exact amount of fabric deduction can be obtained by contacting customer service. To minimize light leakage the blind should overlap the window opening by at least 2″ on each side for a total of 4″ on entire width.

2) Fabric width: Measure the distance from the outer most point you would like to fabric to extend. Add the outside mount fabric deduction to this measurement (typically 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″). The exact amount can be obtained by contacting customer service to determine fabric deductions on outside mount applications.

3) Measure distance from where the top of the blind will be located to the window sill. The blind should overlap the window opening on the top by at least 1-1/2″. Some products maybe require more then 1-1/2″ above the window for mounting hardware. Please review product specifications on desired product for exact flat vertical surface area requirements. If flat vertical surface area exceeds 1-1/2″ use specified amount to determine overlap above the window opening. If there is no window sill, measure to the point you would like the blind to reach.

1) Start your measurement a minimum of 2″ above the glass (3″ recommended) and measure down 2″ below the glass. This will provide enough room to mount installation brackets at the top and hold down brackets at the bottom. The extra height above your window will also allow the blind to stack up above the glass and provide a less obstructed view.

2) Measure the width of the glass and at a minimum of 1″ (2″ recommended) to both sides of the glass. The door handle may constrain the maximum amount of overlap that can be added to the width.

Outside Mount

1) Measure from the far left edge of the trim to the far right edge of the trim.

2) For wood blinds, faux wood blinds, aluminum blinds, and other products with end mount brackets take a 1/4″ deduction from the measurement to allow room to mount the end brackets onto the trim.

3) To expose some of the trim, measure the window opening and then add the amount of trim you would like covered to each side of the window opening size.

4)To expose all of your trim measure the window opening.

5) Measure the height from the top edge of the window trim to the bottom edge of the window trim or the window sill. To mount the blind above the window trim start your measurement at least 2″ above the top edge of the trim and measure down to the bottom edge of the window trim or window sill.

Inside Mount

Make sure your window has enough depth to mount the product you will be ordering. If the window has sufficient depth, follow standard inside mount measuring instructions found in our measuring guide

There are a few more things to think about when ordering Custom Shutters versus blinds and shades. We recommend you read full measuring guide which will help you understanch which frame application and louver size is appropriate for your windows.

Read the full measuring guide here: LEVOLOR Shutters Measuring Guide

1) Choosing a Frame

• The appropriate frame will be affected by the mount type, depth clearance, existing trim, etc.
• Depth clearance and obstructions can prevent louvers from operating properly. In order to overcome these obstacles, you may need to choose an outside mount application. Frame Extensions are not available for inside mount applications.
• Up to (3) 1/2″ extensions can be added to either frame for greater protection.

2) Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

• Check for squareness by measuring the diagonal and/or use a sample panel and place at each corner. If the diagonal measurements are not exactly identical, a framed application is recommended for inside mounts to prevent light gaps.
• If the diagonal measurements are different by more than 3/8″, then an outside mount is recommended.
• Outside mount shutters may be necessary for larger louvers and/or the Levolor Clear Tilt system.
• If windows include trim, outside mount shutters may be installed on top of, or next to the trim. Otherwise, the shutters are mounted where the trim would be.

For corner windows, bay windows, and cut-outs we recommend professional installation services.

Quick Tips

Print Worksheets

Print our worksheets before you start. Then follow the instructions for your product type.

Use the Right Tools

Use a steel measuring tape for best accuracy.

Looking Installation Guides?

Find the instructions on how to install for the most typical windows for both inside and outside mount here.