Solar shades measuring instructions

Measuring Instructions for Your Solar Shades

Solar shades are perfect for rooms where you want to preserve the view of the outdoors and natural light from your windows while also maintaining your privacy and reducing the effect of the sun's rays.

If you're considering purchasing solar shades from Blindster, it's important that you first know the exact measurements of the window or door where they will be installed. Without precise measurements, you may find that your shades are too long or too short or simply don't fit.

INSIDE MOUNT BLINDS

Inside mount blinds fit inside the window frame and provide a sleek, clean, and built-in look that preserves the appearance of woodwork and molding.

If you plan on mounting your blinds inside your window frames, keep the following tips in mind:

•  Shades and blinds that are inside mounted are installed flush with the interior of your window frame.
•  These installations provide a built-in look that minimizes the appearance of the window when the blinds or shades are closed.
• Inside mounts are ideal if you wish to leave woodwork or other wall materials exposed.
• Minimum depth required for secure inside mount: 3/4"
• Minimum depth required for flush inside mount: 3" without fascia, 4 1/4" with fascia.
•  If your window frame doesn't have the depth to support an inside mount, choose an outside mount installation instead.

Measuring Inside Mount Blinds

To get precise measurements that will provide a clean and flush look with your window frame, follow the steps below:

1. Measure the inside width at the top of the window opening (where you will mount the shade). We will make the necessary deductions (approx. 1/8").
   
2. Measure the height at 3 locations - the left side, middle and right side. Record the largest of the 3 measurements. This is your ordering height.
   
   NOTE: Roller shade fabrics will be approximately 7/8" to 1-1/2 inches narrower than your ordering width to allow for brackets. If concerned over the resulting light gap please select outside mount.

OUTSIDE MOUNT BLINDS

Outside mount blinds are perfect for windows that are too shallow to support the installation of inside mount blinds. They can be mounted to the wall, ceiling, or frame/molding around the window and are often used to make windows appear larger.

Here are a few important facts to know about outside mount blinds:

•  Outside mounts are the ideal installation option if your window frames aren't deep enough to support inside mounts.
•  This option allows you to mount your blinds or shades to any surface near the window, including the ceiling, molding, or wall.
• Use this installation method to make your windows appear larger to hide unattractive windows.
•  Minimum flat surface required for secure outside mount: 1 1/2". Note the flat mounting surface area when taking your measurements and that the factory will make the fabric 7/8" to 1 3/8" narrow than the ordered width.

Measuring Outside Mount Blinds

If your window frame doesn't provide minimum depth for an inside mount, or if you prefer the appearance of an outside mount, follow the instructions below to get accurate measurements:

1. Measure the width of the area you wish to cover. If space allows we recommend adding 2-3" (1-1 1/2" each side) to this measurement to help eliminate light seepage. This is your ordering width and will be the overall measurement of the blind.
   
2. Measure the height of the area you wish to cover. This is your ordering height. Be sure to take into account the flat mounting surface needed (see above) when measuring the area you want to cover with your shade. The factory will make your shade (including the roller at the top or the cassette valance, if ordered) to the height ordered. Generally 3" - 4" added to the height of your opening (including molding or framework you wish to cover) will allow you room to mount above the window frame.
   
   NOTE: Your shade material will be made 7/8" to 1-1/2 inches narrower than the measurement you provide to allow for brackets. If you need your shade to cover a specific width (e.g. for mounting a shade on a door) add 1-1/2 inches to your ordered width for the desire fabric width.