WindowShadesDirect Elite real wood and Millenia faux wood blinds are custom fabricated according to the dimensions given on your order. Measurements must be exact to ensure a proper fit. We cannotbe held accountable for incorrect measurements. Please read and follow these instructions carefully.

Measuring Do's and Don'ts

• Do always measure the exact window intended for the treatment. Looks can be deceiving; each window opening is unique.
• Do always use a 3/4" or 1" steel tape measure.
• Do measure the width and write it down; then measure the height and write it down.
• Do measure to the nearest 1/8".*
• Do follow all product specific instructions in this guide.
• Don't assume a window is square.
• Don't take any deductions. Factory deductions will vary based on product and mounting selection. Please refer to individual product specifications or call us for more information.
• Standard measuring procedures apply to all products that fit rectangular windows unless otherwise specified.
• Careful attention must be given to each measurement. Measurements that pertain to the mounting areas (headrails) are the most critical.
• Specialty shapes and applications require special measuring procedures. Some are outlined in these pages; however, when in doubt please call us.

What is “Inside Mount” and “Outside Mount”?
Inside Blind (IB) Mount – fits within window frame.
Outside Blind (OB) Mount – overlaps window opening.
Be sure to add the desired overlap amount to each side and then add to the total ordered width when ordering an outside mount shade. End Blind (EB) Mount – Shade is mounted at the top left and right side corners.
Things To Consider...

• Inside mounted treatments are mounted within your window frame. An inside mount provides a more finished, built-in look without covering the window molding. It is also more energy efficient to mount cellular shades inside the window opening than outside.
• Outside mounted treatments are mounted on your wall or molding. They are often used to make a window look larger, to hide a less-than-attractive window, when windows aren't square, or when there is not sufficient frame depth for inside mounting.

Standard Measuring Procedures
Inside Blind (IB) Mount

1. Be sure the window opening is deep enough to install the mounting bracket.
2. Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, middle and bottom. The top measurement is critical because the headrail must fit. The top measurement should always be the ordered width.
3. Measure the height inside the window opening at the left, right and center.
4. Measure the window on the diagonal. If the two diagonal dimensions are not exactly the same, it may be necessary to specify an outside mount for optimal light control and privacy.
5. The ordered width should ensure a precise fit for the headrail and allow proper operation of the shade. If widths in the window vary, order the minimum width if necessary to allow the shade to go up and down.
6. The ordered height should ensure clean operation at the base of the window as well as provide maximum privacy and light control. If heights in the window vary, order the longest height for all our Elite and Millenia horizontal blinds seen on WindowShadesDirect.com.

Outside Blind (OB) Mount

1. Measure the desired width and height. To minimize light leakage, the shade should overlap the window opening at least 2" on each side and at the bottom.
2. When measuring height, take into account the requirements for mounting the bracket attachment.

Things to Remember:

• Always use a steel measuring tape as cloth tapes will stretch.
• Measure and record width first then length.
• Measure horizontally left to right and vertically top to bottom.
• Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch.
• Do not take your own deductions. The factory will take necessary deductions and allowances.
• Double check all measurements.

NOTE: All measurements should come from measuring the window. If you measure your existing blinds, the measurements will be incorrect.

INSIDE MOUNT Width: Measure the exact width (A) in three places (top, middle, bottom) and then record the narrowest width rounded down to the nearest 1/8" of an inch. Do not take your own deductions. Length: Measure B in three places (left, middle, right) and then record the narrowest length rounded to the nearest 1/8" of an inch.

OUTSIDE MOUNT Width: Measure the width of the area you wish to cover (A). For optimum privacy the blind/shade should cover the window opening by at least 2" on each side. Length: Measure the length of the area you wish to cover to the sill or to cover the sill. Our factory does not take deductions for outside mount (B).

Factory Deductions & Privacy
When considering an inside mount keep in mind that there are small light gaps on each side of the blind/shade. This light gap varies with product type and manufacturer. Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds average a 1/4" deduction on each side to ensure the slats or fabric do not rub against the inside frame.

Depth Requirements
Check the depth specifications for each product to determine the minimum window sill depth needed for an inside mount, and the minimum needed for your shade to be flush against the window frame.

Inside Shallow Mount – minimum bracket depth 1 1/8”
Shallow mount blinds are installed inside the window casing where there's enough room to install the brackets but there is not enough room for the blind to be installed fully within the window frame.

Inside Flush Mount – minimum bracket depth 3”
Flush mount is when the blind is mounted completely within the window frame and no part of the headrail/blind protrudes from the window frame.

Any product ordered with a motorized lift system requires 3” of sill depth for an inside mount.

For doors (outside mount)
Measuring for doors is a little different. Since the blind will not fit inside the window frame you have the freedom of deciding how wide and how long you want it. Typically, a few inches wider than the window is fine for the width. The headrail occupies 2-1/4" of space and the bottom rail with holddowns occupies about 1", so add 2-1/4" to the length for an exact fit. Also, make sure that the blind will not interfere with the door handle. All blinds come with a wood valance and hold down brackets so the blind will not bounce off the door when you open and close it.

HOW TO MEASURE FOR UNEQUAL WIDTHS ON TWO- OR THREE-ON-ONE HEADRAIL
Accurate measurements are essential. Always use a steel tape measure and round your measurements down to the nearest 1/8". Make no deductions. All deductions will be made at the factory.

When measuring for tandem side-by-side blinds, first measure the overall width. If the split between panels is in the exact center, simply divide the overall width by two and order two units of equal width. Otherwise, note at what point in the measurement the split should occur. Order one unit at that width. Then subtract that width from the overall measurement to find the width of the second unit.

1. Measure the overall width. Use the narrowest measurement with inside mounts. With outside mounts, we recommend 3" overlap on all sides.
2. Without moving the tape, measure the location of the desired split (usually a vertical mullion).
3. Enter all measurements on the order form — overall width, left panel width, center panel width (if required), right panel width and height.
4. All panel widths combined must equal the overall width.