Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Window Blinds

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Selecting Window Blinds for Your Home

Types of Window Blinds

Horizontal blinds have tilted slats to control sunlight.
Vertical blinds are popular for sliding glass doors and large windows.
Energy-efficient blinds keep cool air in during the summer and cold air out during the winter.
Blackout shades block nearly 99% of sunlight from entering a room.
Some blinds have remote controls to easily adjust for more or less light.

Ways to Install Window Shades and Blinds

Inside-mounted blinds are installed within the window.
Blinds with outside mounts are installed to cover the window frame or attach to the wall.
If the window frame is sufficiently deep to attach the mounting brackets inside the window frame, you can choose inside or outside mounting. If not, you’ll have to use an outside mount.
Outside mounts require a sturdy wall surface or trim for attachment, making it the ideal installation method for standard doors. Inside-mounted vertical blinds won't work on standard doors.
Refer to your window blind packaging and instructions for specific measurements or requirements for the blinds you choose.

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Minimum Inside-Mounting Clearance for Most Brands

Tip

Always measure all of your windows, even if some appear to be the same size.

Good to Know

Standard sizes for window blinds come in premeasured sizes to fit common windows. Lowe's can cut many blinds to custom-fit your windows at no additional cost. Bring in your blind measurements, and we’ll prepare your blinds while you shop. You can even Special Order just about anything you need for your installation.

How Are Blinds Measured?

How do you measure blinds for windows? Below we’ll cover how to take measurements for different types of blinds and provide steps on how to install window blinds or shades.

Measuring for Inside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Here’s how to measure for inside-mounted horizontal blinds for windows with or without moulding or trim.

Taking Measurements for Inside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Measure the window diagonally.

If the two diagonal dimensions differ significantly, it may be necessary to order outside-mounted blinds for optimal light control and privacy.
Measure the window area exactly. The factory will include all required allowances on inside-mounted blinds for mounting and operating clearance.

Good to Know

The Lowe’s associate will make any necessary clearance adjustments.

Measuring for Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Here's how to measure for outside-mounted horizontal blinds.

Taking Measurements for Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds

Measuring for Inside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds work best for a window that's wider than its height or for sliding doors.

They can be installed either inside-mounted or outside-mounted. Inside mounted vertical blinds won't work on doors. Use an outside-mount installation.

Taking Measurements for Inside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Measuring for Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Here's how to measure for outside-mounted vertical blinds.

Taking Measurements for Outside-Mounted Vertical Blinds

Measuring for Vertical Blinds for Patio Doors

Here’s how to measure for blinds for patio doors.

Taking Measurements for Vertical Blinds for Patio Doors

Measuring for Inside-Mounted Roller and Solar Shades

Here’s how to measure for inside-mounted roller and solar shades.

Taking Measurements for Inside-Mounted Roller and Solar Shades

Measuring for Outside-Mounted Roller and Solar Shades

Here’s how to measure for outside-mounted roller and solar shades.

Taking Measurements for Outside-Mounted Roller and Solar Shades

Measuring for Vertical Blinds for French Doors

Here’s how to measure for vertical blinds for French doors.

Taking Measurements for Vertical Blinds for French Doors

Measuring for Outside-Mounted Windows With Moulding or Trim

Here’s how to measure for outside-mounted windows with moulding or trim.

Taking Measurements for Outside-Mounted Windows With Moulding or Trim

A diagram showing how to measure for outside-mounted windows with moulding or trim.

Measure from the far-left edge of the trim to the far-right edge of the trim.

For wood blinds, faux wood blinds, aluminum blinds and other products with mounting brackets at each end, deduct 1/4 inch from the measurement to allow room to mount the end brackets onto the trim.

Good to Know

If you only want some of the trim exposed, measure the window opening and then add the amount of trim you’d like covered to each side of the window-opening size. If you want all the trim exposed, measure only the window opening.

Measuring for Inside-Mounted Windows With Moulding or Trim

When measuring for inside-mounted windows with moulding or trim, make sure the window has enough depth for mounting. Measuring steps are the same as for measuring standard blinds. See Measuring for Outside-Mounted Horizontal Blinds above.

Measuring for Valances

A diagram showing how to measure for valances.

Flush

An inside-mounted valance is manufactured with straight-cut edges on both ends. This type of valance looks best when mounted flush to the window casing. The width of the valance is determined by the width of the window treatment — drapes, shades, shutters, etc. Measure the depth from the innermost part of the window, where the bracket will be mounted, to the outermost part of the window casing to make sure the window is deep enough for a full-recess flush mount.

Partial Recess

Partial-recess valances always have returns, or side pieces. The corners are mitered, and you should select a return length to cover the difference between the flush mount requirement and the window’s depth. Depending how far the valance extends beyond the window casing, you can order returns to cover the ends of the headrail and valance.

Outside Mount

An outside-mounted valance is manufactured with standard returns sized to cover the ends of the headrail and valance for a finished look.

Measure the width of the area the valance will cover. Add additional space for window treatments and mounting hardware. Also measure the distance the valance will extend from the mounting surface.

Installing Window Blinds

Here’s how to install window blinds in your space.

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Window Blinds Installation

A woman drilling pilot holes into a window frame.

Slide the mounting brackets on each end of the headrail and center the blind inside the frame. Mark the bracket locations and set the blind aside.

Holding only the brackets in place, mark the holes and drill pilot holes. Then secure with screws.

If you’re doing an outside mount on the wall, you might need shims behind the brackets to clear the trim. If you’re installing on the trim, you might need shims behind the brackets to keep them plumb.