How to Measure for an Outside Mount Wood or Faux Wood Blind

These instructions are designed to help you accurately measure for wood blinds and faux wood blinds. Blinds can be installed one of two ways: inside the window frame, which is called inside mount and outside the window frame on the wall, which is termed outside mount.  For the purposes of this article we will focus on the more rare application which is the outside mount option. 

Outside Mount Window Measuring

For your best look, the exact desired blind size measurements should be given for all blinds to be mounted outside the window casing.

First, measure the width (left to right) at the top.  This is the most important measure but it is wise to check several the middle and bottom width of the window to ensure that you find the widest point.

Second, measure the height (up to down) at the center.

Third, add to your width and height.  Most people will add 1" to both the left and right and will add 2" to the top and bottom, but you can decide for yourself what will look best in your space and provide the side-view privacy desired.  For example, if you window opening is 36" wide by 60" tall, then your outside mount blind should be ordered as 38" wide by 64" tall.  

With this type of mounting, your window frame will be covered. This is usually not preferred when the frame itself is an architectural feature.

Please remember, provide the actual blind size - NO deduction in the width and/or height will be taken at the factory. 

Some Things to Watch For

Wood and faux wood blinds can be heavy, so with outside mount blinds it is important to consider your mounting location based on where you can hit wood studs.  Mounting an outside mount wood or faux wood blind into drywall is possible, but it also might just pull right out of the wall taking a big chunk of drywall with it and potentially banging into you as it falls.

Additionally, it may be more difficult to layer soft window treatments over outside mount blinds due to the blind’s projection into the room. However, with rod extensions on the soft treatment, this is rarely a prohibitive factor.  Also, an outside mount blind is larger than an inside mount blind; in some cases this can make an outside mount blind slightly more expensive. 

Basic Measuring Guidelines

Please use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Preferably use a wide steel tape measure for greater precision.  For widths longer than an arm span, someone should assist in holding the tape measure.  Every measurement should be recorded as it is taken. Two measurements should never be taken and then written down because it is hard to remember which was which.

The width should always be recorded first, then the length. This is standard throughout the window covering industry. Measurements must be recorded in inches, never feet and recorded to the nearest 1/8".

We hope this helps you conceive of how to consider applying wood and faux wood blinds to your inside mount windows.

In Summary

The blind may be extended higher or wider than the window opening. All outside mount blinds are made to the exact size ordered. This is allows you to eliminate light being visible between the side of the blind and the window frame. There are fewer measuring and installation complications with an outside mount, and the problem of fitting the blind into an uneven or "out-of-square" window is eliminated.

Of course, we can help you with all of this and we would love to help you with your wood or faux wood blind project.  Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and thanks for your interest in Latreia Blinds and Shutters!

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