Measuring Blinds & Shades | Rico's Window Coverings & Films

How to Measure Windows for Blinds and Shades

With custom window treatments, precision is everything. Order a shade even a quarter inch off, and you can end up with light leaking around the edges, a blind that won't sit right in the frame, or worse, a custom piece that doesn't fit at all. Because these treatments are made to order, a sizing mistake isn't something you can return, so getting it right the first time matters more than it does with off-the-shelf blinds.

This guide will explain how to measure windows for blinds and shades, as well as the reasons why most Sacramento homeowners leave this step to the professionals.

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

An inside mount sits within the window frame for a clean, built-in look. Because the shade must fit within a fixed opening, the measurements must be exact. The frame must also be deep enough for the window treatment to fit neatly inside.

An outside mount attaches to the wall or trim above and around the window. It's a good option for shallow frames or windows that aren't perfectly square, and it can make a window look larger. Measuring for an outside mount works differently from an inside mount because you're covering the opening rather than fitting inside it.

Knowing how to measure window shades for an inside vs. outside mount is the first step, and the right choice isn't always obvious without experience.

The Measuring Details That Trip People Up

Even careful homeowners often run into surprises. Windows are rarely perfectly square, especially in older Sacramento homes, so the correct width at the top, middle, and bottom can be three different numbers.

Frame depth determines whether an inside mount is even possible, and obstructions like handles, cranks, and trim can also interfere with operation if you don't account for them. Different products also have different clearance requirements. A shallow frame may fit certain window blind sizes, but it might not have enough clearance for a motorized headrail.

None of this is impossible to learn, but it's a lot to get right on the first try when the cost of a mistake is a made-to-order shade.

Why Professional Measuring Is Worth It

The precision required for custom window treatment installation is exactly why we recommend professional in-home measuring. When you're choosing between inside vs. outside mount and working with premium custom window coverings, having a trained expert take the measurements protects your investment and spares you the stress of second-guessing.

At Rico's Window Coverings & Films, our experienced installers handle the measuring for you. We bring decades of hands-on knowledge to every window, ensuring your treatments fit and function beautifully. We stand behind the whole process from start to finish.

Let Rico's Handle It From Start to Finish

You've selected the perfect blinds or shades for your home. Don't let a measurement error stand between you and a flawless result. Getting it right the first time means no light gaps, no mounting problems, smooth operation, and no wasted money on a custom piece that doesn't fit.

Rico's Window Coverings & Films has served Sacramento, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, and Granite Bay, California since 1958, and measuring for window shades and blinds is part of what we do every day. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation. Let our experts make sure your window treatments fit perfectly the first time.