How To Measure For Wooden Blinds

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Introduction

Wooden blinds are a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. Whether you are installing them in your home or office, getting the right measurements is crucial for a perfect fit. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of measuring for wooden blinds.

Accurate measurements are essential to ensure that your wooden blinds fit seamlessly within your window frame or on the outside. By following our detailed instructions and using the right measuring tools, you can avoid any potential headaches and achieve a professional-looking result.

Before we dive into the measuring process, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand:

Measuring Tools

• Tape measure: A retractable tape measure with clear markings is essential for accurate measurements.
• Pencil: Use a pencil to mark the measurements on the window frame or a separate sheet of paper.
• Notebook or paper: It’s always a good idea to have a designated space to record your measurements for future reference.

Now that you have your measuring tools ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of measuring for wooden blinds.

Measuring Tools

Before you begin measuring for wooden blinds, it’s important to gather the necessary tools to ensure accurate measurements. Here are the essential measuring tools you will need:

• Tape Measure: A retractable tape measure is a must-have tool for measuring the width and height of your window. Choose a tape measure with clear and easy-to-read markings for precise measurements.
• Pencil: A pencil will come in handy for marking the measurements on the window frame or a separate sheet of paper. Make sure to use a sharp pencil that creates clear, visible marks.
• Notebook or Paper: Having a notebook or a piece of paper dedicated to recording your measurements is a smart approach. This way, you can easily refer back to your measurements if needed.

By having these tools ready, you can ensure a smooth and accurate measuring process, leading to a perfect fit for your wooden blinds.

Now that you have your measuring tools, it’s time to move on to the step-by-step process of measuring for wooden blinds.

Step 1: Determine Inside or Outside Mount

The first step in measuring for wooden blinds is to determine whether you want to install them inside or outside the window frame. This decision will affect how you take your measurements.

Inside Mount: If you choose to install the blinds inside the window frame, they will fit within the recessed area of the window. This creates a clean and streamlined look, as the blinds will be flush with the surrounding trim.

Outside Mount: Opting for an outside mount means the blinds will be mounted on the wall above the window frame. This choice is ideal if you want to cover the entire window, maximize light blockage, or if your window does not have enough depth for an inside mount.

Once you have decided between an inside or outside mount, proceed to the appropriate section below for further instructions on how to measure.

Inside Mount:

For an inside mount, measure the width and height of the window opening. Take three measurements of the width – at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. Record the narrowest width measurement as your final width.

To measure the height, take three measurements from the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. Record the longest measurement as your final height.

Outside Mount:

When measuring for an outside mount, ensure that the blinds will fully cover the window opening, including the trim or molding.

Measure the width of the window from one outside edge of the trim or molding to the other. Add an extra 2-3 inches on each side to allow for proper overlap and to minimize light leakage.

For the height, measure from the top of the window opening to the desired length. Keep in mind that the length can be adjusted depending on how high or low you want the blinds to hang.

By determining whether you want an inside or outside mount and following the specific instructions for each, you will be on your way to obtaining accurate measurements for your wooden blinds.

When measuring for wooden blinds, always use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window, and use the longest measurement. For the height, measure from the top of the window recess to the window sill.

Step 2: Measure Width

After determining whether you want an inside or outside mount for your wooden blinds, it’s time to measure the width of your window. The width measurement is crucial for ensuring that the blinds fit perfectly and operate smoothly.

Inside Mount:

If you’re installing the blinds inside the window frame, follow these steps to measure the width:

1. Use a tape measure to measure the width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom.
2. Record the narrowest measurement out of the three as your final width measurement. This ensures that the blinds will fit properly without rubbing against the frame or obstructing the window’s functionality.

Outside Mount:

For an outside mount, follow these steps to measure the width:

1. Measure the width of the window from one outside edge of the trim or molding to the other.
2. Add an additional 2-3 inches on each side to allow for proper overlap and to prevent any light leakage around the edges of the blinds.
3. Record this width measurement as the final width for your wooden blinds.

Remember, accuracy is key when measuring the width. Take your time and double-check your measurements to ensure that you have the correct width for your blinds.

By following these steps, you will have an accurate width measurement for your wooden blinds, regardless of whether you opt for an inside or outside mount.

Step 3: Measure Height

Once you have measured the width of your window, it’s time to move on to measuring the height. The height measurement ensures that your wooden blinds will fit perfectly and cover the desired area of the window.

Inside Mount:

If you have chosen an inside mount, follow these steps to measure the height of your window:

1. Using a tape measure, measure the height of the window opening from the top to the bottom.
2. Take three measurements – one at the left side, one at the center, and one at the right side of the window.
3. Record the longest measurement out of the three as your final height. This ensures that the blinds will fully cover the window opening.

Outside Mount:

For an outside mount, the process of measuring the height is slightly different:

1. Measure from the top of the window opening to the desired length of the blinds.
2. Keep in mind that you can adjust the length to your preference, considering factors such as the desired amount of coverage and the overall appearance of the blinds.

When measuring the height, always ensure that you have a clear and accurate measurement to avoid any fitting issues or gaps.

By following these steps, you will have an accurate height measurement for your wooden blinds, whether you have chosen an inside or outside mount.

Step 4: Consider Additional Measurements

While the width and height measurements are the primary ones you need for your wooden blinds, there are a few additional measurements to consider to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.

Depth:

If you have chosen an inside mount, make sure to measure the depth of the window frame. This measurement indicates the available space for the blinds to fit snugly inside the frame without obstructing any window hardware or interfering with its operation.

Measure the depth from the front of the frame to the back, taking note of any obstructions like window handles or locks. This measurement is crucial if your window frame has limited depth, as it ensures that the blinds will fit comfortably without any hindrances.

Cord Length:

If your wooden blinds come with a cord for operation, consider measuring the desired length for the cord. This step is especially important for safety reasons, as you want to ensure the cord is not too long and poses a risk, especially in households with children or pets.

Measure the distance from the top of the blinds to where you want the cord to hang, ensuring that it is easily reachable and out of the way.

Side Clearance:

For an outside mount, it’s essential to consider the side clearance. This measurement indicates the space needed on each side of the window to accommodate the blinds when fully raised or fully lowered.

Measure the distance from the outermost edge of the blinds to the wall on each side. This ensures that the blinds will clear any obstacles and operate smoothly without getting stuck on nearby walls or furniture.

By considering these additional measurements, you can ensure not only a perfect fit for your wooden blinds but also their smooth operation and overall functionality.

Conclusion

Measuring for wooden blinds can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and step-by-step instructions, it becomes a straightforward process. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure accurate measurements for a perfect fit and a visually appealing result.

Remember to determine whether you want an inside or outside mount and gather the necessary measuring tools, such as a tape measure, pencil, and notebook or paper. Take your time when measuring the width and height, recording the narrowest and longest measurements, respectively. Consider additional measurements like depth, cord length, and side clearance to ensure optimal functionality.

Accurate measurements are crucial for creating a seamless look, maximizing light control, and ensuring smooth operation of your wooden blinds. Taking precise measurements also allows for easy installation and prevents the need for adjustments or returns.

By investing time and effort into measuring correctly, you can confidently purchase wooden blinds that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space and provide the desired privacy and light control.

So, grab your measuring tools and follow the step-by-step process outlined in this article. Soon, you’ll be enjoying the beauty and functionality of perfectly measured and installed wooden blinds in your home or office.