In case of both the vertical and horizontal blinds, it is usually preferable to keep the window treatment longer than the window. And keeping the window shades longer may not be enough: it may still lead to the seepage of light and air. So, you also need to make them wider than the window.
Blinds that are larger than necessary will make an unsightly, impenetrable pile of unnecessary slats at the bottom of the window. Not only does that look bad, but it's also a potential fire hazard. Not to mention, more slats mean more weight. That's going to put extra strain on them every time you lift and lower.
For optimum light control, the blinds should extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side. Measure the height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch between the highest and lowest points where you'll place the blinds.
Why do blinds have to fit exactly to be most effective? A blind that is too small for the window will let light in, and it will also look weird! A blind that is too large will swamp a smaller window and can mess with the proportions of the wall and room.
Optimal Distance for Inside-Mounted Blinds
For inside-mounted blinds, positioning them as close to the windowpane as possible enhances insulation and light control. A gap of approximately 25-50mm (1-2 inches) between the blinds and the glass is recommended.
However, you need to be careful when you measure up the window space and dimensions. Sometimes, it is essential to keep the measure of blinds longer and wider than your window size to avoid seepage of light.
Inside mount blinds are typically flush with the window's opening and don't cover the window trim. On the other hand, outside mount blinds and shades get installed outside the window frame.
Measure your window's height at three points, the left, the center, and the right. For the blinds' length, always go with the longest measurement. Depth: Depending on the type of blind you're installing, you might need to measure the window's depth as well to ensure the headrail and the slats fit inside the frame.
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.
Privacy: Blinds that touch the sill can improve privacy, especially in spaces like bathrooms or ground-floor rooms. Day and Night Blinds and Roman Blinds benefit from this setup as they prevent gaps through which people can see. Temperature Control: In colder months, blinds that touch the sill can help retain heat.
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.
Sunshine in your home can help kill bacteria that live in the air, and spending time outside can help reduce respiratory issues. Science Daily published an article that suggests closing blinds during the day can suppress melatonin production and increase respiratory diseases.
How far should a curtain rod extend past the window? Get a rod 8 to 12 inches longer than the window's width; account for at least 4 to 6 inches on either side. Also, plan to mount the curtain about 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. Should curtains hang inside the window frame?
So what's the average lifespan of blinds? Blinds, like shades, need to be replaced every few years. Often, you'll see signs of wear and tear on your window treatments that are a good indication they need to be replaced. We recommend replacing them every 6-8 years to ensure proper safety and ease of use.
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.
Roller blind fabrics being longer than the window is actually more common than not, and it's perfectly normal and acceptable, and isn't due to mistakes when you measure up, nor manufacturing malfunctions due to us here on the production side of things being unable to maths…
Yes, it is okay for blinds to be too long, but they mustn't be too long. Vertical blinds should ideally overlap the top of your window recess by at least an inch. And, if you do find your blinds are still too long and overlap at the bottom, you can still make slight changes to them afterward.
Not Adding Width To Outside Mount Blinds
We recommend going at least 2" wider than the opening on either side, so 4" total. For the height, go about 3 inches above the window trim (to allow for the mounting brackets) and measure from that point down to the window sill.
Homes: In residential homes, standard window sizes typically range from 24 inches to 48 inches in width and 36 inches to 72 inches in height. However, the most common window size for homes is often 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall (2 feet by 3 feet).
Our associates can cut your in-store bought blinds to the exact size needed, for free.
Example: If the window opening is 36” wide, it might be helpful to order 40” if the space allows. This will provide 2” coverage on each side of the window. No deductions/additions will be made to the width ordered.
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.
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.
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.
Leaving the dirt and dust to build up will only make the chore worse, so keeping on top of it will make it more efficient for you. A good rule of thumb is to deep clean your windows and blinds once a month. Weekly dusting and dry wipes will help prevent dust buildup and keep your window treatments in tip top shape.