How to Measure a Window for Track Blinds

Tips to Satisfaction

Never measure an old blind or shade to order a new one- it will not fit.
Always measure the window or door using the instructions for the product.

1) Measure only with a metal tape measure-do not use a yard stick or cloth tape measure.
2) Determine whether the panel track blinds will be mounted inside or outside of the window frame.
3) Remember that width is across and length is top to bottom.
4) Double check the color name and number.
5) Know if you want a split stack or one way stack.
6) Review the samples before placing your order.
7) The order can not be changed once it is in the production stream.
8) When in doubt call customer service.

Panel Tracks

Inside Mount (figure A): For windows with 3” or more of depth an inside mount is possible. For blinds ordered with a standard valance a minimum of 5” of depth is required if valance is to be mounted flush to surrounding walls. Important Note: The total panel width will be 1 1/2" narrower than the width of the track.  This will cause a 7/8" gap on each side of an inside mount panel track.  If this much gapping is a concern, please consider and outside mount.
 
Measuring:

Width- Always use a steel measuring tape. Measure the inside width in three places top, center and bottom. Supply us with the shortest of these three measurements rounded down to the nearest 1/8”. DO NOT DEDUCT from this measurement. Factory will deduct 1/4" from your measurement  for clearance.

Height- Measure the inside height in 3 places left, center and right. Supply us with the shortest of these three measurements rounded down to the nearest 1/8”. Factory will make a deduction of ½” for bottom clearance.

Inside Mount Valance- An optional 6" standard valance may be ordered for inside mounted panel tracks. The valance will match the pattern selected  with your order. Note: for woven wood panel tracks valance pattern will run in the opposite direction of the panels.
 
Outside Mount (Figure B): For windows with less than 3” of depth an outside mount is required.

Important Must Read Information For All Outside Mounted Panel Tracks

Outside Mount Width- Panel track will be cut to the exact width measurement supplied.
 
Outside Mount Height- The height of an outside mounted Panel Track is measured from the top of the track to the bottom of the hanging panels. Hanging panels will be cut approximately 1 ½” less than supplied height to accommodate for the height of the mounting hardware. Do not supply the height of existing vertical louvers or your hanging panels will be 1 ½” to short. Please follow the directions that follow very carefully.

Measuring:

Width- Always use a steel measuring tape. Measure the width of the surrounding molding and add 6”. This will allow for a 3” overlap past the molding on each side. For windows that do not have molding measure the inside width of the window and add a minimum of 8”. This overlap is required for privacy and light blockage. If panel tracks are to be mounted next to a wall or any other obstruction adjust overlap accordingly, so that blinds do not interfere with the obstruction. For blinds that need to clear a protruding obstruction greater than 2” (such as window cranks or window sills) extension brackets will be required. Please specify at time of order if extension brackets are required as they will not be sent with every order. Please refer to the "Ordering and Installation information" on the product information page for detailed information on stack widths. Additional width may be required if you would like panels to clear the window opening completely.

Heightt- Measure the height from the top of the window molding to where you would like the hanging panels to end and add 3” to this measurement. The 3” addition will allow you to mount your panel tracks just above the top window molding. It is not recommended to mount any panel track hardware directly to window molding unless absolutely necessary. Typically this measurement should end either at the window sill,  just below the bottom molding, or at the floor it is your choice. For panels ending at the window sill you may need to raise mounting brackets 3/8” to ½” above top molding to prohibit hanging panelss from rubbing on the window sill. For panel tracks measured to the floor you may deduct ¾”  from your measurement for bottom clearance.  If you choose not to deduct for bottom clearance then you must have enough mounting space to raise track so that hanging panels do not rub on the floor. Factory height specifications require all height measurements to be from the top of the mounting hardware (track) to the bottom of the hanging panels.
 
Outside Mount Standard  Valance- An optional standard 6" valance may be ordered with your panel track. Valance returns (side pieces) are supplied at no additional charge for outside mounts only.
 
 
Watch Our How-to videos

download measuring worksheet