Inside (recessed or semi-recessed) mounting is most common for standard windows. Measure the exact inside width and height of the window opening between jambs. Factory will allow .5" for clearance unless otherwised specified.

Outside mounting is used for shallow window casings, door mounts and custom looks. Measure the exact outside width and height from molding to molding.

Measuring to Mount a Blind or Shade

There may be some variations on how to measure for a blind or shade.

To calculate the length of an outside mount blind for a door or sidelight follow these steps.

1. Measure length of the window including the molding if applicable.
2. Add the height of the headrail plus 1" to the measurement. This step is necessary to allow for the headrail to be mounted above the molding and still allow for hold down brackets to be secured.
3. Measure the width of the window including molding if applicable.
4. Specify on the order sheet that this is an outside mount and needs hold down brackets.
5. If the molding sticks out more than 5/8" you may need extensions to mount behind the brackets. This must be specified when ordering.

Most windows today are not deeply inset into the frame. When mounting a wood blind on the inside of the window opening, usually, the blind and brackets will protrude outward from the window and stop molding. This requires that the valance have returns. Returns are the piece of the valance that returns to the molding on either side of the headrail. The length of the return can be calculated by measuring from the back of the window stop molding to the front of the window trim molding were valance will return. A mounting bracket is 2.5" deep. Add .25" to allow for the valance clips. The total depth of the bracket and clips is 2.75". Subtract the previous measurement from the overall depth of the bracket plus valance clips (2.75"). This will give you the length of the return. (See top view illustrations below.)