How-To

How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds and Shades

An outside mount, where the covering mounts on the wall above and around the window, is the right choice for maximum darkness, shallow windows, or making a window look larger. Measuring it is different from an inside mount. Here is how to measure for outside mount blinds and shades.

When to choose outside mount

Outside mount is ideal when you want maximum privacy and darkness, since the overlap seals the edges where light leaks, when a window is too shallow for an inside mount, when you want to make a window look larger or taller, or when you want to hide an unattractive or non-standard frame. Knowing why you are choosing it guides how much overlap to add.

Measuring the width

For an outside mount, you measure the area you want the covering to span, not just the window opening. Add overlap on each side beyond the window frame, commonly a couple of inches per side, so the covering fully covers the opening and blocks side light. More overlap means better light blocking and a larger-looking window, this is where outside mount gets its darkness advantage.

Measuring the height

For height, measure from where you will mount the covering above the window, allowing room above the frame for the bracket and headrail, down to where you want the covering to end below the sill. Adding height above and length below the opening increases coverage and light blocking, and mounting higher makes the window, and the room, feel taller.

Mounting surface and clearance

Outside mount needs a solid mounting surface above and around the window, wall or trim, and enough flat space for the brackets. It is important to check that the covering will clear any obstructions, like a protruding sill or nearby molding, when it lowers. These are exactly the details a professional measure accounts for so the covering fits and operates cleanly.

We measure and guarantee the fit

Outside mount measuring involves judgment about overlap, height, and clearance, easy to get wrong on your own. We measure for you, choose the right overlap for your goals, and guarantee the fit, free, along with installation. Call or text (832) 772-7137 to get it done right.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you measure for outside mount blinds?

Measure the area you want the covering to span, not just the opening, adding overlap on each side beyond the frame (commonly a couple of inches per side) for light blocking. For height, measure from above the frame, allowing room for the bracket, down to below the sill. More overlap means better darkness and a larger-looking window.

When should I use an outside mount?

Choose outside mount for maximum privacy and darkness (the overlap seals edge light), for windows too shallow for an inside mount, to make a window look larger or taller, or to hide an unattractive or non-standard frame. The reason guides how much overlap to add.

How much overlap do outside mount blinds need?

Commonly a couple of inches of overlap on each side beyond the window frame, and extra height above and below the opening. More overlap improves light blocking and privacy and makes the window look larger. A professional measure sets the right overlap for your goals and checks clearance.