The actual width of the 35" blinds are 34.5" (half inch narrower) to comfortably fit inside a 35" opening. So if your frame is exactly 34.5 inches, I would go with the 35" blinds. But first check that the width is the same through the whole length of the frame.
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.
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.
If you wish to maximize privacy and light control, plan the set of blinds to extend as much as three inches beyond both sides of the window. (If there's another window nearby, however, that may not be possible.) Before moving on, record the ideal width you've determined.
Horizontal blind slats that hang below the windowsill are not only unsightly but also a strangulation hazard for young children. Most dangerous are the pull cords. Shortening the horizontal blinds to the proper height will raise the pull cords and make your home a safer place.
If the choice is for blinds, we advise to ensure you measure the window width and drop, while adding at least 6.5cm extra on each side of the window. The more you can have added to the sides, the less light bleed into the room.
Should blinds rest on the windowsill? Yes, for your blinds to work to greatest effect and to achieve the right visual finish, window blinds should rest on the windowsill.
If you have ordered blinds that are too narrow sometimes you can still mount them by installing them as a ceiling mount to the top of the window sill. Installation will be similar to an outside mount.
Inside mount blinds are often flush with the window's opening and do not cover up the trim. Outside mount window treatments can be mounted on the face of window trim or on the wall above the window. It does not mean the blind is installed outdoors.
As long as your window frame has enough depth to mount blinds inside the opening, we almost always recommend an inside mount.
If you've ever wondered what the standard size of window blinds is, the standard window length ranges from 36 to 72 inches, and the standard width ranges from 24 to 60 inches. However, window sizes and shapes can vary greatly, especially in older homes or homes with custom windows.
A common rule of thumb is to ADD 2 inches to the length of the vertical blind. In other words measure from the floor to 2 inches above the moulding. If you have no moulding measure from the floor to 2 inches above the top of the opening.
Our associates can cut your in-store bought blinds to the exact size needed, for free.
Measure the width of the inside edge of the window frame from left to right in three places – the top, middle, and the bottom. Write down the smallest of the three widths down to the nearest 1/8”. If you have a 1/16” or 1/32” increment when measuring, round down to the nearest 1/8”.
Mounting Window Blinds That Are Too Short
A few options to cover this gap is by adding a larger custom valance, a cornice, or drapery above the blinds. If you are handy you could even mount wooden valance boards at the top and paint or stain them to match the horizontal blinds.
Blinds Too Wide? Try An Outside Mount. The easiest solution for blinds that are too wide is to install them as an outside mount instead of an inside mount. The included installation brackets are compatible with either mounting option, so this is a quick fix.
Roller window shades are relatively easy to shorten. Unlike blinds that involve strings and pulleys, window shades are shortened by cutting the fabric where it attaches at the roller. When the shade is too long, you can shorten it to pull down to the window sill instead of beyond the sill.
You can cut an even amount off of each side of the headrail or if it is a small amount, just cut it off of the lift cord side of the headrail. Remove the end stiffener from the headrail. With the tin snips or hacksaw, carefully cut the headrail along the mark you made.
For an inside mount, measure the width from the left inside edge of the frame to the right. Next, measure at the top and bottom of the window and again in the middle. Write down the narrowest width of the three and provide that number to the manufacturer.