Cellular Shade Measuring Instructions

Selecting the Type of Mounting

Determine whether the blind is going to be installed inside the window frame or outside the window frame.

Inside Mount (IB)

Inside mount installations are often preferred because the blinds take up less space in the room.

Measuring the Width and the Length for Inside Mount

For the width, measure across the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. Using the narrowest dimension, measure to the nearest 1/8". By using the narrowest measurement the blind will operate correctly.

For the length, measure the up and down dimension on the left, center, and right side. Use the shortest length measurement, measuring to the nearest 1/8".

The factory will make any appropriate deductions. Do not make any width or length deductions.

Outside Mount (OB)

Outside mount installations are mounted on the wall or on the window molding. It is best to overlap the window opening at least ¾” on each side when measuring for mini-blinds

Measuring the Width and the Length for Outside Mount

Measure the area that the blind is to cover. For mini-blinds it is recommended to overlap the window opening by at least ¾” on each side for a total of 1 ½”. To allow for enough space for the mounting brackets and to cover the bottom of the window, the suggested overlap for a mini-blind is at least 3” (1 ½” above the window opening and 1 ½” below the opening). If the window opening has a sill, measure from where the top of the mini-blind will be located to the top of the window sill. 

Note: When outside mount cellular shades are specified, no factory deductions are taken. 

Confirming Measurements

The most common error in ordering blinds is reversing the width and the length measurements. Always confirm that the width is the measurement that goes across from left to right and that the length is the measurement that goes from top to bottom.

Safety Information

In compliance with the latest manufacturing safety guidelines Factory Direct Blinds includes with each fully-assembled product warning tags, warning labels, safety devices and cord cleats. Installers of the finished product must adhere to the safety guidelines as established by the installation instructions and by using all devices provided by the manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the installer, as well as the end consumer, to see that all safety devices are properly installed according to the manufacturers installation instructions included with each device and remain so throughout the life of the product. Factory Direct Blinds is not liable for injuries or fatal occurrences related to improper installation or maintenance of required safety devices.

You can find more detailed information on how to measure cellular shades at our Cellular Shade Measuring PDF.