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Although not necessary, measuring
for wood blinds and vertical wood blinds is most easily accomplished with an assistant.
Measure with a steel tape measure to ensure accuracy. Reference the illustration
of Tape Measure Fractions if necessary.
Measure your width and height
at three points each as shown in the pictures below. For larger windows, you may want to take a few intermediate measurements.
You will also need to measure your window's
backspace (Figure 1). Backspace is the distance from the front of the window opening back to the first obstruction. Be sure to
take into consideration anything which may inhibit the slats from operating. This may be window trim, locks, opening
cranks, or the window itself. If
measuring for a patio door (vertical blinds), be certain to take into account the handle. Due to low backspace, most
(not all), patio doors are done in an outside mount.
Inside Mount - Inside Valance
Inside mount wood blinds are mounted to the inside
portion of the window as shown in the illustration. Therefore, measure the width and height of the inside portion
of the window opening. You may want to consider whether the drywall or trim narrows further back into the window opening
if the blind is to be mounted there (See Figure 1). If
so, you will want to take the narrower of measurement A or B. Most importantly, measure the window
opening (do not make any deductions). For an inside mount, the factory will make
all necessary deductions from your window size to ensure that your wood blinds fit in your window.
For inside mounts,
always round your measurements DOWN to the nearest 1/8th inch. Rounding up may result in wood blinds that are too wide or
too long for your window. For example, 3/16 rounds down to 1/8. When ordering, use the narrowest
width and shortest height. Note: If your window height varies significantly, you may want to order using
a larger height to ensure that your wood blinds rest on the window sill.
Limitations:
Wood Blinds
- At
least 3-1/4 inches of backspace is needed to have the headrail and valance fully recessed into the window opening. Otherwise,
an Inside Mount - Outside Valance with Custom Returns (explained below) is suggested.
- A
solid (wood trim) mounting surface is recommended for any backspacing less than 1-1/2".
- Inside
mounts NOT recommended for backspace less than 5/8".
Wood Vertical Blinds
- At least 4-1/4 inches of backspace is needed to
have the headrail and valance fully recessed into the window opening. Otherwise, an Inside Mount - Outside Valance
with Custom Returns (explained below) is suggested.
- Inside mounts NOT recommended for backspace less than 2-3/4".
Mid-window Mounting:
This last note is of concern only if you are
trying to mount your wood blinds in the middle of a window verses all the way at the top. Center support brackets will be
needed for any wood blinds over 48 inches wide. The only way to span the middle of a window opening greater than 48 inches
wide with wood blinds is for the window to have some intermediate support into which you can screw the center support brackets.
If you do not have this, you must hang the wood blinds all the way at the top of your window so that the center support brackets
can be mounted up into the top of the window opening as normal.
Inside
Mount - Outside Valance with Custom Returns (a no-cost option)
Wood blinds using "Inside Mount - Outside Valance with
Custom Returns" are mounted to the inside portion of the window as shown. Therefore, they are measured
the exact same way as a normal inside mount explained above.
This mounting method
is often used when inside mount wood blinds are desired but not enough backspace exists to have the wood blinds
fully recessed into the window opening. Also, many people use this mounting method just because they like the clean
look of the inside mount but also like the "crown valance" look that the returns provide. Just like standard inside mounting, measure the actual window opening (do not make any deductions). For an inside mount, the factory will make all necessary deductions from your window size to ensure that
your wood blinds fit in your window.
Return Length:
The length of the
returns depends upon how far back into the window you can mount the wood blinds (backspace). Return Length Guidelines are given when you order. If you prefer, you can simply order the longest return and cut the returns to fit yourself.
Outside Mount - Outside Valance
Outside Mount wood blinds are mounted to the wall
or trim outside the window opening as shown in the illustration. For outside mount wood blinds,
measure the area you want covered by the wood blinds, including the headrail. Do NOT measure just the window itself. Take into consideration whether you want the wood blinds mounted on your drywall, on top
of your trim, or outside of your trim. Be certain to include at least 2 inches of mounting
space above your window for bracket installation. For outside mount wood blinds, the factory will NOT take
any deductions from your measurements. Your blind will be made to the exact size given.
- Need help with measuring or installation? Then please contact us.
Shutter Classic, Inc * (866) 369-8395
(c) 2003 through 2008 - All Rights Reserved.
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