Blinds can be installed one of two ways: inside the window frame, which is called an Inside Mounting of Blinds, or outside the window frame (on the wall or ceiling), which is called an Outside Mounting of Blinds. Depending upon the type of mounting you choose, the factory may make small reductions to your measurements, to allow for necessary operating clearance.
Advantages of the Inside Mounting of Blinds:
* Wall space is not taken up by the window coverings and the blinds does not project into the room (making it easy to use fabric treatments on the top, if desired).
* The window frame is exposed. This is usually preferred when the frame itself is an architectural feature.
* Blinds often look better when set into the window frames. The windows operating defines the blinds, giving them a finished, clean appearance.
* In deep-set windows, the window treatments can be installed close to the glass, in the middle of the window depth or flush with the inside wall. A blinds next to the glass with a deep window sill can allow plants or other items to be placed on the sill.
Disadvantages of Inside Mounting of Blinds:
* A small reduction in the width and/or length is taken at the factory to allow for proper operating clearance of the blinds. This causes a small gap (light strike) on each side of the blinds, affecting the window treatments ability to darken and insulate a room.
* Most windows are not perfectly square. Light strikes may emphasize the irregularity of the window’s dimensions.
* The stack of the blinds will obstruct a portion of the view from the windows. The amount of stack varies by product.
Advantages of Outside Mounting of Blinds:
* The window treatments may be extended higher or wider than the window opening. By mounting the blinds above the windows, they will not obstruct light or view when draw open.
* The light strike will be substantially diminished or eliminated by ordering and installing the window coverings larger than the window opening.
* There are fewer measuring and installation limitations with an Outside Mounting, and the problem of fitting the blinds into an uneven or "out-of-square" windows is eliminated.
Disadvantages of Outside Mounting of Blinds:
* It may be more difficult to layer soft window treatments over Outside Mounting blinds due to the blinds' projection into the room. However, with rod extensions on the soft treatments, this is rarely a prohibitive factor.
HOW TO MEASURE
Note, that it is not recommended to measure your windows yourself. Alfa Blinds offers you FREE professional measurement. Alfa Blinds can not be held liable if your custom blinds do not fit due to your imprecise measurement. Because the product is custom-made to your window’s specification, it cannot be returned.
However, if you prefer measure yourself, be sure to use only steel tape measure.
NEVER USE CLOTH TAPE OR YARD STICK.
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 only a steel tape measure.
VERTICAL BLINDS
For an Inside Mounting:
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other at the top.
Measure the exact height in three different places from to edge of opening to top of sill. Record the shortest measurement.
Do not take any deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.
For an Outside Mounting:
Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by 3 1/2” -5”on each side to ensure light control and privacy.
Make sure there are no obstructions within the casing or on either side of the opening which might prevent the vertical blinds from traversing or pivoting.
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). Then add 2.5 - 3” to allow for adequate mounting area above the window.
HORIZONTAL BLINDS AND SHADES (CELLULAR SHADES, WOOD BLINDS, POLYWOOD/FAUXWOOD BLINDS & MINI BLINDS)
For an Inside Mounting:
Measure the exact inside width of window casing from one inside edge to the other in three different places: at the top, center, and bottom.. Record the narrowest measurement.
Measure the exact height in three different places from to edge of opening to top of sill. Record the longest measurement.
Make sure there are no obstructions within the casing.
Do not take any deductions. Allowances are made at the factory to ensure a perfect fit.
For an Outside Mounting:
Measure the exact width to be covered. Be sure the measurement overlaps the window opening by 1 1/2 - 2 ” on each side to ensure light control and privacy.
Make sure there are no obstructions within the casing or on either side of the opening which might be on the way.
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).
The factory makes NO allowances on outside mount.
