how to measure

Blinds can be installed one of two ways: inside the window frame, which is called an Inside Mount, or outside the window frame (on the wall or ceiling), which is called an Outside Mount. Depending upon the type of mount you choose, the factory may make small reductions to your measurements, to allow for necessary operating clearance.
Advantages of the Inside Mounts:
* Wall space is not taken up by the blind and the blind does not project into the room (making it easy to use fabric treatments on the top, if desired).
* The window frame is exposed. This is usually preferred when the frame itself is an architectural feature.
* Blinds often look better when set into the window frame. The window operating defines the blind, giving it a finished, clean appearance.
* In deep-set windows, the treatment can be installed close to the glass, in the middle of the window depth or flush with the inside wall. A treatment next to the glass with a deep window sill can allow plants or other items to be placed on the sill.
Disadvantages of Inside Mounts:
* A small reduction in the width and/or length is taken at the factory to allow for proper operating clearance of the blind. This causes a small gap (light strike) on each side of the blind, affecting the blinds ability to darken and insulate a room.
* Most windows are not perfectly square. Light strikes may emphasize the irregularity of the window’s dimensions.
* The stack of the blind will obstruct a portion of the view from the window. The amount of stack varies by product.
Advantages of Outside Mounts:
* The blind may be extended higher or wider than the window opening. By mounting the blind above the window, it will not obstruct light or view when draw open.
* The light strike will be substantially diminished or eliminated by ordering and installing the blind larger than the window opening.
* There are fewer measuring and installation limitations with an Outside Mount, and the problem of fitting the blind into an uneven or "out-of-square" window is eliminated.
Disadvantages of Outside Mounts:
* It may be more difficult to layer soft window treatment over Outside Mount blinds due to the blind’s projection into the room. However, whit rod extensions on the soft treatment, this is rarely a prohibitive factor.

HOW TO MEASURE

Note, that it is not recommended to measure your windows yourself. Alfa Blinds will not be held liable if your custom blind do not fit due to your imprecise measurement. Because the product is custom-made to your window’s specification, it cannot be returned.

However, if you prefer measure yourself, be sure to use only steel tape measure.
NEVER USE CLOTH TAPE OR YARD STICK.

Measure each window individually as size variances are common. Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/8”. Measure width from left to right, height from top to bottom using only a steel tape measure.

VERTICAL BLINDS
For an Inside Mount:
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other at the top.
Measure the exact height in three different places from to edge of opening to top of sill. Record the shortest measurement.
Do not take any deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.

For an Outside Mount:
Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by 3 1/2” -5”on each side to ensure light control and privacy.
Make sure there are no obstructions within the casing or on either side of the opening which might prevent the vertical from traversing or pivoting.
Measure exact height to be covered, including desired overlap. ((Typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one). Then add 2.5 - 3” to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.

HORIZONTAL BLINDS (CELLULAR SHADES, WOOD, POLYWOOD & MINI BLINDS)
For an Inside Mount:
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places: at the top, center, and bottom.. Record the narrowest measurement.
Measure the exact height in three different places from to edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement.
Make sure there are no obstructions within the casing.
Do not take any deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.

For an Outside Mount:

Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by 1 1/2 -2 ” on each side to ensure light control and privacy.
Make sure there are no obstructions within the casing or on either side of the opening which might be on the way.
Measure exact height to be covered, including desired overlap. (Typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one).
The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.