Measuring for Blinds That are Mounted Outside the Window Opening

When measuring for blinds that are outside mounted, you only measure for the width and height. They will be mounted on the wall above the window opening, so no depth measurement is needed.

If the window opening has no trim around it, then you measure the width and height in the same way as you do for an inside mount. The only difference is that you will be using the largest measurement for ordering purposes. Once you get that measurement, you add 4" to the width. This allows for 2" to overlap the wall on each side to block out light and ensure privacy.

If the window has a sill that the bottom of the blind will rest on, then you add 2 1/2" to the height measurement to accommodate the brackets that will be mounted above the window opening. (You can add more to the height measurement depending on how high above the window opening you want to mount the blind.) If the window has no sill, then you add two more inches to the height measurement to allow for the bottom to overlap the wall.

If the window opening has trim around it on all four sides, you will measure from trim edge to trim edge. In essence, when the blind is lowered all the way down it will cover all of the trim. There is no need to add for any wall overlap.

Measure the trim from edge to edge, measuring the width and height in three places and use the largest measurement for ordering purposes. If you mount the blind on the trim, there are no additional inches to add. However if you want to mount the blind above the trim, then you will have to add 2 1/2 " to the height measurement to accommodate the mounting brackets.

If you mount above the trim then you will also need to order spacer blocks for each bracket. Spacer blocks will make the brackets protrude over the trim a little so that the blinds don't touch the trim.

Measuring for blinds is quite easy. Once you understand how to measure for blinds you'll be able to measure all your windows fairly quickly. You'll have the information you need to get quotes; or order the blinds directly yourself.