Measuring accurately is key to ensuring your inside mount blinds or shades fit perfectly within your window frame. This method focuses on obtaining precise measurements for width, height, and depth clearance.
Understanding Inside Mount
An inside mount means the window treatment will be installed inside the window casing, fitting snugly within the frame opening. This provides a clean, finished look but requires very accurate measurements to avoid fit issues.
Key Measurements Required
To measure for inside mount blinds or shades, you typically need three types of measurements:
- Width: The horizontal distance across the inside of the window frame.
- Height: The vertical distance from the top to the bottom of the inside of the window frame.
- Depth: The distance from the front of the window frame back to the glass or any obstruction, needed to ensure the blind or shade can be mounted flush.
Step-by-Step Measuring Process
Use a steel tape measure for the most accurate results. Always measure in inches and be precise.
1. Measure Width
- Measure the inside width of the window frame at three points: the top, the middle, and the bottom.
- Record all three measurements.
- The shortest of these three measurements is typically used as the ordering width. This ensures the blind will fit in the narrowest part of the frame. Most manufacturers will make slight deductions from this measurement to ensure a proper fit and smooth operation.
2. Measure Height
- Measure the inside height of the window frame at three points: the left side, the middle, and the right side.
- Record all three measurements.
- For ordering height, some choose the shortest measurement for a tight fit, while others use the longest to ensure maximum coverage, especially if the window is slightly out of square. Consult your specific blind or shade provider's instructions.
3. Measure Depth
Measuring the window depth is crucial to ensure there is enough clearance for the mounting brackets and the blind or shade itself to fit completely within the frame without hitting the glass or window crank.
According to the reference provided:
- Take multiple measurements of the depth within the window frame (e.g., at various points where the brackets will be mounted).
- For each measurement, round down to the nearest eighth of an inch.
- The shortest of these rounded-down measurements will be your recommended depth. This indicates the minimum available space you have to work with for mounting the blind or shade hardware. Ensure this depth is sufficient for your chosen product's mounting requirements.
Example Depth Measurement:
Let's say you measure the depth at three points: 3 5/16", 3 7/16", and 3 1/8".
- Measurement 1: 3 5/16". Round down to the nearest 1/8" -> 3 4/8" -> 3 1/2"? No, round down to 3 5/16". (Wait, the instruction is round down to the nearest eighth. 3 5/16 is 3 and 5/16. 5/16 is between 4/16 (1/4) and 6/16 (3/8). Rounding down to the nearest eighth means going to the next lower eighth. 5/16 = 2.5/8. Rounding down to the nearest 1/8 means going to 2/8 or 1/4. Let's re-read: "round down to the nearest eighth of an inch". If your measurement is 3 5/16", the nearest eighths are 3 4/8 (3 1/2) and 3 6/8 (3 3/4). If the measurement is 3 5/16", the eighths are 3 1/8 (3 2/16), 3 2/8 (3 4/16), 3 3/8 (3 6/16). 3 5/16 is between 3 4/16 (3 1/4) and 3 6/16 (3 3/8). Rounding down to the nearest eighth would go to 3 4/16 or 3 1/4 inches.
- Measurement 2: 3 7/16". Round down to the nearest 1/8". 7/16 is between 6/16 (3/8) and 8/16 (1/2). Rounding down to the nearest eighth goes to 3 6/16 or 3 3/8 inches.
- Measurement 3: 3 1/8". Round down to the nearest 1/8". This is already an eighth, so it remains 3 1/8 inches.
The measurements rounded down are: 3 1/4", 3 3/8", and 3 1/8".
The shortest of these is 3 1/8 inches. This would be your recommended depth according to the reference.
Summary Table
| Measurement | How to Measure | What to Record |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Inside frame, top, middle, bottom | Shortest of the three |
| Height | Inside frame, left, middle, right | Shortest or Longest (check product guidelines) |
| Depth | Inside frame, multiple points back to glass | Shortest of multiple measurements, each rounded down to nearest 1/8" (Reference) |
Important Considerations
- Measure each window individually, as sizes can vary slightly even in the same room.
- Double-check your measurements to avoid costly mistakes.
- Ensure your window frame has sufficient depth for the type of inside mount blind or shade you plan to install. Product specifications will list minimum depth requirements.
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful inside mount installation, providing a clean, custom look for your window treatments.
