Graber Measuring Instructions

Measuring Instructions

Guidelines For A Perfect Fit

  • Measure each window individually, as size variances are common.
  • Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/8".
  • Measure width from left to right, height from top to bottom, using a steel tape measure. Do not use a cloth tape.

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Horizontal Blinds and Shades

Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Natural Shades, Roman Shades, Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds and Horizontal Blinds

Inside Mount
Inside mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window casing. Minimum depth requirements vary by product and headrail type, or by tube size for Solar Shades. See your designer or sales associate for complete details.

    1. Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
    2. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement. Solar Shades should be measured at the top only.
    3. Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.
    4. Measure the window diagonally in two places, as shown. If the diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal function and aesthetics.

Additional Information for Measuring Solar Shades and Roller Shades

    1. On Continuous Loop inside mounts, there is up to 3/4" light gap per side. On Cordless inside mounts, there is approximately 1" of light gap on the right and just over 1/2" on the left.
    2. For optimal light and glare control, outside mount is recommended, or you may add a secondary soft window treatment (drapery or curtain) to hide the light gap on an inside mount.
    3. Fabric width is 1 1/8"-1 3/8" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and its components on Continuous Loop shades.
    4. Fabric width is 1"-1 1/4" narrower than finished shade width of the tube and components (without valance or side covers) on Cordless shade.

 

Outside Mount
Outside mount blinds and shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

    1. Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 1 ½" on each side (3" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
      • For Solar Shades make sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by at least 3" on each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
      • See your designer or sales associate for complete details.
    2. Measure exact height to be covered, including desired overlap (typically from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one).
    3. The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.

 

Specialty Applications

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Vertical Blinds

Inside Mount
Inside mount blinds are installed inside a window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. The window casing must be at least 2 ¾" deep for track flush mount or 3 ¾" deep for louvers flush mount. Otherwise, an outside may be necessary.

    1. Measure the exact inside width of the window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
    2. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to bottom, or top edge of sill if there is one. Record the shortest measurement.
    3. Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.

 

Outside Mount
Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

    1. Measure the exact width of window, including frame if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
    2. Measure height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
    3. If blind extends to floor (i.e. to cover patio door), measure height in three places, take the smallest measurement and deduct at least 1/2" for clearance so the louvers don't touch the floor.
    4. The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.
    5. If you want the entire window uncovered when the blind is fully open, you may need to add more than 6" to the width.

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Slide-Vue™ Cellular Shades

Inside Mount
Inside Mount shades are installed inside the window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. For inside mount recess requirements, see your designer or sales associate.

    1. Watch Video - Measuring for Inside, Side & Ceiling Mount (2.19 MB)
    2. Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
    3. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement.
    4. Measure the window diagonally in two places, as shown. If the diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal function and aesthetics.
    5. Do not take any deductions for clearance. The factory will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.

Outside Mount
Outside mount shades are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

    1. Watch Video - Measuring for Outside Mount (2.99 MB)
    2. Measure the exact width of window, including frame if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
    3. Measure height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
    4. If shade extends to floor (i.e. to cover patio door), measure height in three places, take the smallest measurement.
    5. Do not take deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.
    6. If you want the entire window uncovered when the shade is fully open, you may need to add more than 6" to the width. See designer or sales associate for additional guidance.

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Sliding Panels

Inside Mount
Inside mount blinds are installed inside the window casing or door, or wall to wall in a room. For inside mount recess requirements, see your designer or sales associate.

    1. Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places. Record the narrowest measurement.
    2. Measure the exact height in three different places from top edge of opening to top of sill. Record the shortest measurement.
    3. Measure the window diagonally in two places as shown in the diagram at the top of the page. If the two diagonal dimensions are not equal, we recommend an outside mount application for optimal shade function and aesthetics.
    4. Do not take deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.

 

Outside Mount
Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself.

    1. Measure the exact width of window, including the frame if there is one. Add 3" for each side (6" total overlap) to ensure light control and privacy.
    2. Measure the exact height of window from top edge of molding to bottom edge, or to top of sill if there is one. Add 3" to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
    3. If blind extends to the floor (i.e. to cover patio door) measure (as in step 2) and add 3" to height to allow for adequate mounting area above the window. Deduct at least 1/2" for Roman, Roller, Solar and at least 1 to 1 1/2" for Natural Shades materials for clearance so the panels do not touch the floor.
    4. The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.

NOTE: If you want the entire window uncovered when blinds are fully open, please see your designer or sales associate for "How to Measure for Uncovered Window".

For instructions on measuring for specialty shapes, ask your designer/decorator or see your retail sales associate for details.

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Tradewinds® Natural Drapes

Inside Mount
Inside mount blinds are installed completely inside the window casing.


Inside Mount Window Casing Minimum Depth Requirements
Flush Mount:

  • 5" depth required to mount entire Natural Drapes with Standard Drapery Fullness within the window casing.
  • 8" depth required to mount entire Natural Drapes with 60% Fullness within the window casing.

Partially Recessed:

  • 3" depth required to mount Natural Drapes with Standard Drapery Fullness partially within the window casing.
  • 4 1/2" depth required to mount Natural Drapes with 60% Fullness partially within the window casing.

    1. Measure the depth of the window casing. Refer to the minimum depth requirements (above) to determine if the window casing has enough depth for an inside-mount window treatment.
    2. Measure the inside width of the window casing from one inside edge to the other at the top of the window. Record measurement.
    3. Measure the inside height from the top of the window casing in three places. Record shortest measurement.

NOTE: Do not take any deductions for clearance. The manufacturer will take necessary deductions for a perfect fit.


Additional Information

  • A small deduction in the width and/or length is taken at the manufacturer to allow for proper operating clearance. This may cause a small gap on each side of the treatment, affecting the treatment's ability to darken and insulate a room.
  • The stack (compressed portion of the window treatment when fully opened) will obstruct part of the view from the window. The amount of stack varies
    by product.
  • Obstacles such as handles and cranks can interfere with the operation of inside-mount treatments.

Outside Mount
Outside mount blinds are installed outside the window casing, covering an area larger than the window itself. Mount directly to wall or molding.


    1. Measure width to be covered. We recommend 3" overlap on each side (6" total) for optimum light control and privacy. Record measurement. If you want the entire window uncovered when the shade is fully open, you may need to add more than 3" to the width.
      Example: Left or right stack, wand control - add 3" to stack side and 9" to other side.
    2. Determine if the headrail will be on the molding or above and mark the spot.
    3. Measure height to be covered from top of headrail location to top of sill or lower if overlap is desired for light control and privacy. Record measurement. If shade extends to the floor (i.e. to cover a patio door), measure height as described above, and deduct at least 1/2" for clearance in order for the fabric to clear the floor.

NOTE: The manufacturer makes NO deductions on outside-mount installations.


Additional Information

  • Light gaps on the side of the window treatment can be substantially diminished or eliminated.
  • Ideal for covering non-square windows and can be configured so the drape stack is to the side of the window opening, preventing the stack from obstructing light or view when fully opened.
  • Enlarge the look of a small window by increasing overlap above and below the window.
  • Easy way to hide unattractive window trim and clear obstacles like handles or cranks.
  • Outside-mount brackets require at least 2" of flat surface above window or on the window frame for mounting brackets; projection brackets can be ordered to clear frame or molding.

If you want the entire window uncovered when drapes are fully open, please see your designer or sales associate for "How to Measure for Uncovered Window".

For instructions on measuring for specialty shapes, ask your designer/decorator or see your retail sales associate.