Simple Measuring Guide

How to measure for zebra blinds.

Two mount styles, three measurements each. Grab a steel tape, write down widths and heights to the nearest 1/8 inch, and we handle the rest. Never subtract anything yourself, we apply the factory adjustments for you.

Before you start

Steel measuring tape (not fabric or plastic)
Pen and paper, one row per window
Round to the nearest 1/8 inch
Always measure the window, not an existing blind

Option A

Inside Mount

Blind sits inside the window frame for a clean, built-in look. Requires at least 2 inches of flat depth inside the frame.

1
Width
Measure the exact inside width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Write down the smallest of the three.
2
Height
Measure the inside height on the left, center, and right. Write down the longest of the three.
3
Depth
Confirm you have at least 2 inches of flat depth for a fully recessed bracket. Less than that, use outside mount.

Option B

Outside Mount

Blind mounts on the wall or trim above the window. Best for shallow frames, uneven openings, or when you want maximum light blockage.

1
Width
Decide how wide you want the blind to appear. Add at least 2 inches on each side of the window opening for good light coverage. Give us that total width.
2
Height
Measure from where the top of the headrail will sit down to where you want the fabric to end. Add 2 to 4 inches above the opening if you have room.
3
Mounting surface
Confirm there is solid trim or wall behind where the brackets will screw in. Avoid drywall alone if possible.

What we do for you

Our factory adjustments

Zebra blinds need a small amount of clearance to roll and sit properly inside a frame. When you submit an inside mount order, we automatically build the blind slightly smaller than the opening you give us so it fits without binding.

Width: minus 1/8 inch
We shave 1/8 inch off the width you provide so the headrail slides in cleanly and the fabric doesn't rub the frame.
Height: minus 1/4 inch
We take 1/4 inch off the height so the bottom bar clears the sill and the blind rolls without catching.

Give us the exact opening size. Do not subtract anything yourself, or the deduction will be applied twice and the blind will end up smaller than you want. Outside mount orders are built to the exact size you submit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Measuring your old blind instead of the window opening. Old blinds shrink, warp, or were sized wrong to begin with.
Rounding to the nearest inch. Always measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. A quarter inch of slop is the difference between a clean fit and a gap.
Subtracting for clearance yourself on an inside mount. We already do it, see above.
Assuming the window is square. It usually isn't. That's why we ask for the smallest width and longest height.

Not sure?

Add pro measure and install and we handle everything.

For $399 we come to your home, measure every window ourselves, and install the finished blinds. Includes our lifetime warranty.

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