Blinds offer an attractive and practical solution for covering your windows. They control light, ensure privacy, and regulate temperature while adding style to your home. However, to maximize these benefits, blinds must be measured and installed correctly. If blinds don’t fit properly, they cannot function as intended and may appear uneven or sloppy.
Do blinds have to be fitted exactly for the best results? And if so, what steps should you take to measure and install them appropriately? In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of precise blind measurements and provide tips for hanging your blinds so they operate efficiently and look professionally done.
Do Blinds Have to Fit Exactly?
The answer is yes, blinds have to fit exactly if you want to maximize their efficiency and appearance.
This is because blinds are designed to be adjustable and remain tight against a window’s frame to do their job properly. If they are too long or too short, they may not fit inside the window frame or cover the window completely. This can affect their ability to block out light, provide privacy, and control temperature. It can also affect their aesthetics, as they may look sloppy or uneven.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are installing outside-mounted blinds, which are installed to cover the window frame or attach to the wall, you may have some wiggle room to adjust the length or width of your blinds. Outside-mounted blinds are usually wider and longer than the window itself, so they can cover the entire window opening and create a more uniform look. However, you still want to make sure that your outside-mounted blinds are not too long or too short that they touch the floor or leave gaps on the sides.
How to Measure and Install Your Blinds
If you want to measure and install your blinds correctly, there are some things you need to do before, during, and after the process. Here are some tips and tricks to measure and install your blinds:
- Before you measure and install your blinds, you need to determine if your blinds will be mounted from the inside or the outside. This is a key factor in determining how you will measure and install your blinds. Inside-mounted blinds are installed within the window casing or frame. Outside-mounted blinds are installed to cover the window frame or attach to the wall.
- To measure for inside-mounted blinds, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure the depth of the window. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the edge of the window frame and the windowpane (the depth of the window). This will help you determine if your window meets the minimum requirements by most blind manufacturers for an inside mount. Measure down to the nearest eighth of an inch.
- Measure the height of the window. Use a tape measure to measure the height of your window from the top edge of the window frame to the bottom edge of the window frame. Measure once on the right side of the window, in the middle, and then on the left side. Use the shortest of the three measurements.
- Measure the width of the window. Use a tape measure to measure the width of your window from the left edge of the window frame to the right edge of the window frame. Measure once at the top of the window, in the middle, and then at the bottom. Use the narrowest of the three measurements.
- Double-check your measurements. Repeat these steps for each window you want to cover with inside-mounted blinds.
- To measure for outside-mounted blinds, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure the length of the window. Use a tape measure to measure the length of your window from where you want your blind headrail (the top part of your blind) to be located above your window down to where you want your blind bottom rail (the bottom part of your blind) to be located below your window. Add at least two inches on each end for overlap.
- Measure the width of the window. Use a tape measure to measure the width of your window from where you want your blind brackets (the parts that hold your blind headrail) to be located on each side of your window. Add at least one inch on each side for overlap.
- Double-check your measurements. Repeat these steps for each window you want to cover with outside-mounted blinds.
- To install your blinds, you need to follow these steps:
- Install your blind brackets. Use a drill with bits and screws (usually provided with your blinds) to attach your blind brackets according to your blind manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they are level and aligned with your measurements.
- Install your blind headrail. Snap or slide your blind headrail into your blind brackets according to your blind manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it is secure and centered.
- Install your blind slats. Attach your blind slats to your blind headrail according to your blind manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they are evenly spaced and aligned.
- Install your blind valance. Attach your blind valance (the decorative cover for your blind headrail) to your blind headrail according to your blind manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it is flush and straight.
- Adjust your blinds. Use the cords or wand (usually provided with your blinds) to adjust your blinds to your desired position. Make sure they work properly and smoothly.
Conclusion
For blinds that maximize functionality and style, meticulous measuring and installation are musts. By determining your mounting method, carefully gauging window dimensions, and properly hanging your blinds, you’ll enjoy light control, privacy, and temperature regulation that meets your needs.
Don’t sacrifice the usability or aesthetics of your blinds – take the time to do it right. The rewards of your effort will be windows enhanced for comfort and a professional finish you can appreciate each and every day.
Ready to transform your windows? Follow these measuring and installation tips. With patience and care, you’ll create custom blinds that operate as intended and complement your decor perfectly. Enjoy your new view!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
