How to Measure Mini Blinds For a Perfect Fit, Every Time

Even the tiniest details can make our daily lives significantly more comfortable and pleasing at home. Take, for instance, the humble mini blind. These unassuming window coverings may seem like a minor addition to your home decor, but their impact on your well-being should not be underestimated.

Your home is more than just walls and furniture. It's your sanctuary, where you recharge, unwind, and find solace. Just as you carefully select colours, furniture, and decor to create an atmosphere that suits your taste, the choice of window treatments, such as mini blinds, can significantly influence your overall home experience.

Correctly sized mini blinds provide enhanced privacy, superior light control, and an overall boost to your home's aesthetics. Imagine effortlessly regulating the amount of light entering your room or securing your personal space without sacrificing style.

So, if you want to elevate your home aesthetics while ensuring maximum functionality, here's your guide. We'll walk you through how to measure mini blinds so they complement your windows seamlessly, ensuring your home remains the cozy, tranquil haven you deserve.

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What are Mini Blinds?

In 1769, the concept of window shades as we know them today was merely a distant idea. Over the centuries, window coverings evolved into the familiar Venetian blinds that now grace our homes. These window treatments have stood the test of time and have become an integral part of home decor, offering both practicality and style.

Enter mini blinds, a modern twist on a classic window covering. These window blinds are a popular choice for their sleek and straightforward design. Mini blinds consist of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control the amount of light and privacy in a room.

Let's break down the key components that make up mini blinds:

• Slats: These horizontal blinds, typically made of aluminum or vinyl, are the defining feature of mini blinds. They come in various widths, allowing you to customize the look to your preference.
• Headrail: This is the top portion of the blind with the attached slats. It houses the mechanism for raising and lowering the blinds.
• Lift Cord: Mini blinds operate using a lift cord that allows you to raise and lower the blinds. This cord is often colour-coordinated with the slats for a seamless appearance.
• Tilt Wand: To adjust the angle of the slats and control the incoming light, mini blinds are equipped with a tilt wand. Simply twist the wand to achieve the desired level of privacy and illumination.

Choosing mini blinds over other window treatments has its own pros and cons. Mini blinds are prized for their affordability and durability. They are also relatively easy to clean, making them a practical choice for many homeowners. However, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your space.

For instance, if you're a renter and prefer a hassle-free installation, there are no drill blinds available that use tension, adhesive, or magnets to attach without screws. These provide a convenient solution for those who want to avoid making holes in their walls.

Quality should remain a priority, and opting for budget blinds shouldn't compromise durability or style. Mini blinds are quite versatile in both design and installation. They can be mounted inside or outside the window frame, allowing you to tailor them to your preferred aesthetic and space requirements.

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a stylish addition to your decor, mini blinds have you covered, providing both form and function for your windows.

How to Choose Between Inside Mount and Outside Mount

So how are mini blinds measured? One of the first decisions you'll have to make is choosing between two mounting options: inside mount and outside mount. It's one that may seem straightforward but holds significant sway over final appearance and functionality. 

Let's delve into each option.

Inside Mount

Inside mount blinds are designed to fit snugly within the window moulding. They offer a sleek and built-in look that can enhance the overall aesthetics of your windows and room.

• A Smaller Footprint: Inside mount blinds can create an illusion of spaciousness within the room, making them particularly suitable for compact living areas.
• Streamlined Aesthetic: Inside mount blinds also offer seamless integration, smoothly blending with window trim and room decor for a sleek, modern look. This lets you highlight the design of your windows, showcasing their architectural beauty.

Bear in mind that inside mount blinds demand precise measurements to ensure they fit correctly within the window frame. Aside from that, the depth of the window may limit your ability to adjust the blinds, affecting your control over light and privacy.

Outside Mount

In contrast, outside mount blinds are installed on the wall or molding surrounding the window, rather than within the frame.

• Enhanced Light Control: They offer superior control over light and privacy, thanks to their ability to extend beyond the window frame.
• Increased Energy Efficiency: When properly installed, outside mount blinds can cover more of the window and prevent any gaps or cracks from letting light in.

That said, outside-mounted blinds may cover part of the wall or moulding, potentially affecting the room's overall aesthetics.

If you plan to install curtains over blinds, inside and outside mount blinds can both work. When integrating curtains, first hang the blinds or shades in the desired position, ensuring they complement your room's overall design scheme.

Preliminary Steps Before Measuring for Mini Blinds

Before measuring your mini blinds, make sure your space is in order with some preliminary steps. These steps simplify the measuring process and help avoid common installation hiccups down the line.

1. Clear the Way

First and foremost, ensure that your window area is clear and unobstructed. Move any furniture, decor, or items that might get in the way of accurate measurements. A clean, clutter-free space around the window is your starting point for precision.

2. Remove Old Blinds or Curtains

If you have existing blinds or curtains still hanging, it's wise to take them down before measuring for your new mini blinds. This not only provides an unobstructed view of the window but also helps you avoid potential discrepancies in measurements caused by the previous window treatments.

3. Gather Your Tools

To get the measuring process right, you'll need a few basic tools at your disposal:

• Steel tape measure
• Pencil
• Notepad
• Screwdriver
• Step stool or ladder
• Spirit level for outside mount blinds

4. Take Inventory

Check that you have everything you need, from the blinds themselves to brackets, screws, and any other hardware. This step ensures that you won't encounter any unexpected delays or setbacks during the installation.

A bit of preparation goes a long way in achieving the desired outcome for your window treatments.

How to Measure for Mini Blinds Inside Mount

So, you've decided to go with an inside mount that promises a sleek and integrated look within your window frame. Now that everything is ready, it's time to know how to install inside mount blinds.

Precision is the name of the game, and we're here to help you achieve it. Accurate measurements ensure blinds fit seamlessly within the window frame, creating a polished and functional window treatment. Double-checking your measurements and having a second pair of eyes can be a real asset to achieving this accuracy.

Width Measurement

For a perfectly snug fit, start by measuring the width of your entire window. Take exact measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame. As a rule, you should measure these three measurements to help account for any discrepancies, as windows may not always be perfectly square.

Once you have these measurements, select the narrowest width value to ensure your blinds fit comfortably. Don't forget to factor in window handles or locks that might protrude and obstruct the blinds.

Height Measurement

Just as with the width, accurate vertical measurements are key. Measure the height on the left, center, and right sides of the window, and remember that windows can have variations in height as well.

Use the tallest measurement among the three to determine the final value. For those who require the utmost precision, consider using a laser level to ensure your height measurements are spot-on.

Depth Measurement

Before you proceed, assess the depth of your window frame. Measure from the glass to the edge of the window casing. This ensures that it covers the minimum depth requirement to mount the blinds properly. Insufficient depth can lead to complications during installation, so it's essential to address this aspect up front.

Remember, when measuring for inside mount blinds, a little extra effort in double-checking measurements and involving a second person can make a significant difference in achieving a precise fit.

Taking the time to get your measurements right ensures that your mini blinds not only look great but also function flawlessly within your window frame.

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How to Measure for Mini Blinds Outside Mount

It looks like you've opted for outside mount mini blinds, which offer flexibility and can create a different visual impact than inside mounts. While outside mounts are generally more forgiving when it comes to measurements, it's still important to ensure accuracy.

Here’s how to measure windows for mini blinds using an outside mount:

Width Measurement

For outside mount blinds, adding a little extra width to both sides of the window is advisable. This additional width, typically around 2-3 inches on each side, not only enhances light control and privacy but also gives your windows a more substantial and balanced appearance.

When measuring, check that your tape measure starts from the outer edge of one side of the window frame to the outer edge of the other side. Make a note of this measurement for selecting the right-sized blinds. Additional width might affect the layout of adjacent furniture or decorative elements.

Height Measurement

When it comes to height, extending the length a few inches above the top of the window frame and below the window sill can work wonders for aesthetics. This extension not only provides a polished look but can also create the illusion of taller windows, adding an element of grandeur to your space.

Measure from where you'd like the blinds to start above the window frame to where you want them to end below the sill. This height measurement will ensure your outside mount blinds not only serve their functional purpose but also contribute to the overall visual appeal of your windows.

With these precise measurements, you can achieve a balanced and sophisticated look that complements your room's decor while ensuring practical benefits like light control and privacy.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Getting the measurements right is the key to a successful mini blinds installation. Whether you've chosen inside or outside mount, there are some essential tips to consider, along with common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Use a Metal Tape Measure for Accuracy

Always opt for a metal tape measure rather than cloth or plastic ones. Metal tape measures provide the rigidity needed for straight lines and accurate measurements, ensuring your blinds fit precisely within your window frame.

2. Don't Overlook Handles, Locks, or Hardware

One of the most common mistakes is failing to account for window handles, locks, or other hardware that might protrude into the window frame. These elements can affect your blinds' fit and functionality. Make sure to measure from the outermost edge of any hardware to ensure a proper fit.

3. Double-Check Your Measurements

Mistakes happen, but when it comes to measuring for mini blinds, they can be costly. Always double-check your measurements for accuracy. It's a small effort that can save you from the hassle of returns and reordering.

4. Create a Checklist

Consider creating a checklist to stay organized and avoid forgetting any crucial steps or measurements. This simple tool can help you stay on track, ensuring you've covered all the necessary details in the measuring process.

5. Read Manufacturer's Guidelines

Manufacturers often provide specific measuring instructions tailored to their blinds. Different blind styles and brands may have unique requirements, so taking the time to understand their recommendations can save you from potential errors.

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Ready to Dress Your Windows?

In your quest for a perfectly fitted window treatment, you've armed yourself with the knowledge needed to ensure your mini blinds complement your space flawlessly. At Factory Direct Blinds, we're passionate about enhancing living spaces.

Quality, safety, and style remain the cornerstones of our business. From the finest mini blinds to an extensive range of window treatments, we have what you need.

Start creating a more inviting home by choosing Factory Direct Blinds today. You'll feel good about your windows and love your home even more.

FAQs

How do I know what size mini blinds to buy?

To determine the size of mini blinds to buy, measure your window accurately. Consider whether you want an inside or outside mount, and use the narrowest width and longest height measurements for inside mount, or add extra width and height for outside mount, as needed.

What size blinds do I need for a 35-inch window?

For a 35-inch window, the size of blinds you need will depend on whether you prefer an inside or outside mount. Measure the width and height accurately, and choose blinds that fit within those measurements for inside mount, or add extra width and height for outside mount, as desired.

How much smaller should blinds be than the window?

Blinds should typically be 1-3/8 inches narrower than the window for an inside mount, and at least 2" wider than the opening on either side for an outside mount, depending on your preference and the space available around the window.

What is the rule for measuring blinds?

The general rule of thumb for measuring blinds is to measure the width and height accurately. This includes considering inside or outside mount preferences and then choosing blinds that fit within or extend beyond those measurements, depending on the mount type and your desired look.