Roller 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 roller shades.

Measuring the Width and the Length for Outside Mount

Measure the area that the shade is to cover. For roller shades 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 roller shade depends on the size of the shade and the valance option if required. If the window opening has a sill, measure from where the top of the shade will be located to the top of the window sill.

Note: When outside mount blinds are specified, no factory deductions are taken from the
bracket to bracket measurement. 

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.

Roll Direction: Regular Roll or Reverse Roll?

Regular Roll: 

Regular roll shades indicate when the shade fabric rolls off of the back of the roller tube. The shade cloth will be closest to the window with this option.

Regular roll shades are industry standard and yield the highest levels of energy conservation because of the shade’s close proximity to the glass. 

Reverse Roll:

Reverse roll shades indicate when the shade fabric rolls off of the front of the roller tube. The shade cloth will be furthest away from the window with this option.

Reverse roll shades are most commonly used for the following applications: 

• To avoid a window obstruction (door handle, etc.)
• To reduce light gap for corner or bay windows
• Fascia is not available with Reverse Roll
  

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 Roller Shades at our Roller Shade Measuring PDF.