For optimum light control, the blinds should extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side.
If your window depth is larger than ¾”, your blinds will not be flush but can still be installed inside the window frame. If your shallow window depth is less than this, your blinds will have to be mounted outside the window frame in order to secure the brackets.
Measure both the width of the window and the height of the window. Consider adding an extra 3 inches to the width and height for optimum light control and privacy. Extending the blinds outside the window will also provide the space needed for the mounts and help the window appear larger than it actually is.
In general, it's wise to position the blind as far back as possible, without it being obstructed by anything like trickle vents or window handles. This way you'll minimise light bleed around the edges if you've gone for a roller blind, and maintain as much windowsill space as you can!
Light Control: If you're installing Blackout Roller Blinds in a bedroom or media room, having them touch the sill can help prevent light from seeping through. Privacy: Blinds that touch the sill can improve privacy, especially in spaces like bathrooms or ground-floor rooms.
For optimum light control, the blinds should extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side.
A gap of approximately 25-50mm (1-2 inches) between the blinds and the glass is recommended. This closeness helps in reducing heat loss during colder months and minimises light seepage.
Inside mounts are the most popular choice. They offer a clean, finished look because the blinds or shades are recessed and contained inside the window casing. Inside-mounted window treatments are NOT the best choice for you if: Your window frame is not deep.
We recommend your blind overlaps the window recess by at least 5cm on each side (10cm overall). You will eliminate more light the more the blind overlaps the recess.
The brightest light and UV rays come in a downward angle directly from the sun. If your goal is controlling light but not closing your blinds completely, then the best option is to turn the slats up. Completely closing blinds in the upward position is also the preferred direction for the maximum room darkening effect.
Add an overlap of 3” on each side of the window (6” total) to allow for more privacy and light blockage. Please note: Factory Deductions: Inside mounted products have a light gap between 1/8” and 1/4” on either side of the window – this gap is required in order for the product to operate properly.
Blinds.com recommends at least 1.5" of overlap on each side of the window for blinds and shades, and 2" of overlap on each side for solar or roller shades and vertical blinds. The extra width provides more privacy and light blockage. As always, record your measurements down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Aid in Better Sleep
This is especially important for light-sensitive sleepers or those living in well-lit areas. Closing your blinds ensures that your bedroom remains a sleep-friendly sanctuary, promoting healthier, more restorative rest.
Close your upturned blinds all the way for superior room darkening. More UV protection: The sun's ultraviolet rays fade your furniture, carpet, and wall coverings. Tilting your blinds up during the day reduces the effect of UV damage.
A good rule of thumb is to hang your blinds as close to the window as possible when hanging them inside of the recess, without getting so close to the window as to risk the blind catching on handles and/or sticking to a condensated window for fabric blinds.
It should be flush with the wall's surface.
Gaps around windows and doors should be sized to allow for thermal movement and this will vary depending on the material of the frame. The maximum gap permitted for openings less than 3m should be 10mm. For openings more than 3m, the maximum gap permitted should be 15mm.
The Home Depot offers basic installation starting at $119 for up to 10 blinds, but also has custom options available starting at $250 per window. This guide outlines the average blinds installation cost for homeowners. Why Choose The Home Depot? The Home Depot is your one-stop-shop for new window treatments.
First of all, measure from the top of the window to the bottom of the ceiling or crown molding, or whatever is above the window. You will need a minimum of 2 inches of vertical space in order to outside mount your blinds. If you don't have that space, you will have to inside mount them.
Enhanced Room Darkening and Privacy
When the blinds are turned up, that is, the rounded side faces out, there's better light control as there are minimal gaps between the slats.
Standard Installation Gap
When windows are being installed, the crew will usually leave a small gap between the window frame and the rough opening in the wall on purpose. This gap is usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (that's around 6 to 12 mm).
In the window covering world, we call these “light gaps.” These gaps exist because blinds and shades can't be made to fit perfectly tight to the sides of the window. Without this gap, the fabric or slats would scrape along the window frame when they raise and lower, causing damage.
Outside Mount
We recommend adding between 3” to 6” to your width measurement. Also add 2 ½” to your height measurement to allow enough room for the mounting brackets above the opening. Our suggested floor clearance is ½” to 1”.