Measure and Install

WINDOW COVERING MEASURING & INSTALLATION MANUAL

Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Drapery • Motorization

IMPORTANT — WINDOW NUMBERING RULE

ALL WINDOWS MUST BE MEASURED AND NUMBERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.

WINDOW 1 = THE FARTHEST-LEFT WINDOW

When standing in front of the windows and looking at them:

LEFT → RIGHT

Window 1 → Window 2 → Window 3 → Window 4 → Window 5

Window 1 is always the window farthest to the left. Continue numbering each window in order as you move toward the right.

This numbering system applies to ALL window coverings, including:

Blinds
Shades
Shutters
Drapery
Motorized blinds
Motorized shades
Motorized drapery

REQUIRED MEASURING PROCEDURE

Identify the room or area being measured.
Stand facing the windows.
Locate the window farthest to the left.
Label it Window 1.
Move to the next window on the right and label it Window 2.
Continue from left to right until every window has a number.
Complete the measurements for Window 1 before moving to Window 2 whenever possible.
Use the same window number on the measurement sheet, photos, order, work order, and installation paperwork.
Never assume windows are the same size. Measure every window individually.
If there are multiple walls or separate window groups, clearly document the numbering system before measuring.

EXAMPLE

Living Room

Window	Position	Width	Height	Product
Window 1	Farthest Left	______	______	______
Window 2	Next Right	______	______	______
Window 3	Next Right	______	______	______
Window 4	Next Right	______	______	______

Always remember: Window 1 is the farthest-left window. Number every window moving from left to right.

SECTION 1 — GENERAL MEASURING PROCEDURES

Accurate measuring is one of the most important parts of a successful window-covering installation. Always measure each window individually.

Measuring Tools

Recommended tools:

Steel tape measure
Pencil
Measurement worksheet
Level
Square
Ladder or step ladder when necessary
Flashlight
Camera or phone for documenting unusual conditions

General Measuring Rules

Measure every window individually.
Number every window from left to right, beginning with Window 1.
Never assume two windows are exactly the same size.
Measure width before height.
Record measurements as Width × Height.
Measure width in three locations:
- Top
- Middle
- Bottom
Measure height in three locations:
- Left
- Center
- Right
Check whether the opening is square.
Check whether the sill is level.
Check the window frame for obstructions.
Record window handles, locks, cranks, screens, trim, baseboards, and other objects that could interfere with the product.
Determine whether the product will be an inside mount or outside mount.
Check the required mounting depth for the selected product.
Do not make deductions unless the manufacturer’s ordering instructions specify that you should.
Keep each measurement associated with the correct window number throughout the entire job.

SECTION 2 — MEASURING BLINDS

Inside Mount Blinds

Inside mount means the blind is installed inside the window opening.

Width

Measure the opening:

Top: __________
Middle: __________
Bottom: __________

Use the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the ordering width.

Height

Measure:

Left: __________
Center: __________
Right: __________

Use the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the ordering height.

Depth

Measure the available inside depth:

Available depth: __________

Verify that the selected blind can be installed within the available depth.

Check For Obstructions

Check for:

Window handles
Locks
Cranks
Screens
Window hinges
Trim
Other blinds or shades
Security devices

Outside Mount Blinds

Outside mount means the blind is mounted on the wall or window trim surrounding the opening.

Window Opening

Width:

Top: __________
Middle: __________
Bottom: __________

Height:

Left: __________
Center: __________
Right: __________

Finished Product Size

Determine:

Finished width: __________
Finished height: __________
Top mounting position: __________
Bottom position: __________

Make sure there is enough mounting surface for the brackets.

SECTION 3 — MEASURING SHADES

This section applies generally to:

Roller shades
Solar shades
Cellular shades
Roman shades
Woven shades
Pleated shades
Other similar window shades

Inside Mount Shades

Measure width:

Top: __________
Middle: __________
Bottom: __________

Measure height:

Left: __________
Center: __________
Right: __________

Measure depth:

Available depth: __________

Record any obstructions.

Important Shade Measurements

Also check:

Fabric clearance
Headrail clearance
Bracket clearance
Handle projection
Crank projection
Screen clearance
Window operation

Outside Mount Shades

Determine the desired finished size.

Finished Width

Window width: __________

Desired left overlap: __________

Desired right overlap: __________

Finished shade width: __________

Finished Height

Top mounting location: __________

Desired bottom location: __________

Finished shade height: __________

Verify that the shade clears all handles, trim, locks, and other obstructions.

SECTION 4 — MEASURING SHUTTERS

Shutters require precise measurements because the frame and panels must fit properly.

Width

Measure:

Top: __________
Middle: __________
Bottom: __________

Height

Measure:

Left: __________
Center: __________
Right: __________

Depth

Available mounting depth:

__________

Identify the Shutter Configuration

Full height
Café
Tier-on-tier
Bi-fold
Sliding
Specialty shape
Inside mount
Outside mount

Check For Obstructions

Look for:

Window locks
Handles
Cranks
Screens
Hinges
Trim
Baseboards
Radiators
Door hardware

Specialty Shapes

For:

Arched windows
Circular windows
Angled windows
Bay windows
Corner windows
Odd-shaped openings

Follow the shutter manufacturer’s template and measuring procedure.

Do not estimate specialty shapes from standard rectangular measurements.

SECTION 5 — MEASURING DRAPERY

Drapery measurements are based on both the hardware and the finished fabric.

Step 1 — Measure the Window

Window width:

__________

Window height:

__________

Step 2 — Determine Rod or Track Width

Determine how far the rod or track should extend past each side of the window.

Consider:

Window width
Stack-back
Wall space
Furniture
Doors
Trim
Desired appearance
Amount of glass that should remain uncovered when open

Finished rod/track width:

__________

Step 3 — Determine Mounting Height

Mounting location:

Above window
Near ceiling
Ceiling mounted
Recessed

Mounting height:

__________

Step 4 — Determine Finished Drapery Length

Measure from the actual rod/track mounting point to the desired bottom.

Finished length:

__________

Possible finishes:

Sill
Apron
Floor
Slight break
Break
Puddle

Step 5 — Determine Drapery Style

Record:

Panel quantity: __________
Opening: __________
Stack direction: __________
Header style: __________
Fullness: __________
Lining: __________

Common header styles include:

Pinch pleat
Ripplefold
Grommet
Rod pocket
Flat panel
Tailored pleat

SECTION 6 — MEASURING MOTORIZED PRODUCTS

Motorized blinds and shades require all normal product measurements plus motor and power information.

Standard Measurements

Width:

Top: __________
Middle: __________
Bottom: __________

Height:

Left: __________
Center: __________
Right: __________

Depth:

__________

Motor Location

Record:

Left
Right
Integrated
Manufacturer-specific location

Motor location:

__________

Power Type

Battery
Rechargeable
Plug-in
Low-voltage
Hardwired

Power location:

__________

Control Type

Remote
Wall switch
App
Hub
Smart-home system
Timer/schedule
Sensor

Motorized Drapery

Measure:

Finished track width: __________
Track height: __________
Panel quantity: __________
Stack direction: __________
Center opening: __________
One-way draw: __________
Motor location: __________
Power location: __________

Always verify the manufacturer’s exact motor, track, wiring, and clearance requirements before installation.

SECTION 7 — INSTALLING BLINDS

Tools

Typical tools include:

Drill/driver
Drill bits
Screwdriver
Tape measure
Level
Pencil
Appropriate screws
Appropriate anchors
Safety glasses
Ladder when required

Step 1 — Inspect the Product

Before installation:

Verify the product size.
Verify color and material.
Verify mounting configuration.
Check all brackets and hardware.
Inspect the product for damage.
Compare the product against the work order and window number.

Step 2 — Position the Brackets

For inside mount:

Position brackets inside the opening.
Keep brackets clear of moving components.
Confirm that both brackets are aligned.
Verify level.

For outside mount:

Center the product according to the installation plan.
Mark bracket locations.
Verify level.
Confirm adequate mounting surface.

Step 3 — Install Brackets

Mark screw holes.
Pre-drill if required.
Install appropriate anchors when necessary.
Secure the brackets.
Verify that brackets remain level.

Step 4 — Install the Blind

Place the headrail into the brackets.
Secure the headrail.
Close the bracket covers.
Check alignment.
Operate the blind slowly.

Step 5 — Test

Verify:

Raise operation
Lower operation
Tilt operation
Locking mechanism
Clearance
Alignment
Smooth operation

SECTION 8 — INSTALLING SHADES

Step 1 — Inspect

Verify:

Correct size
Correct mounting type
Correct brackets
Correct shade
Correct fascia/valance
Correct control
Correct motor if applicable

Step 2 — Install Brackets

Mark bracket locations.
Verify spacing.
Use a level.
Pre-drill if required.
Install appropriate fasteners.
Confirm brackets are secure.

Step 3 — Install Shade

Insert the shade into the mounting brackets.
Secure the shade.
Install fascia if included.
Check alignment.

Step 4 — Test

Operate the shade several times.

Check for:

Binding
Uneven rolling
Fabric tracking
Bracket movement
Noise
Handle interference
Trim interference

SECTION 9 — INSTALLING SHUTTERS

Step 1 — Dry Fit

Before permanently fastening the frame:

Place the frame into position.
Check the fit.
Verify clearances.
Check level.
Check plumb.
Check square.
Verify panel operation.

Step 2 — Shim the Frame

Use appropriate shims where required.

The frame should be:

Level
Plumb
Square
Properly supported

Do not use screws to force an incorrectly positioned frame into alignment.

Step 3 — Secure the Frame

Fasten through the manufacturer’s designated mounting locations.
Use appropriate fasteners for the substrate.
Tighten gradually.
Recheck level and square while securing.

Step 4 — Install Panels

Install the supplied:

Panels
Hinges
Magnets
Stops
Tilt components
Other hardware

Step 5 — Adjust

Open and close every panel.

Verify:

Panel alignment
Panel gaps
Hinge operation
Magnet engagement
Tilt operation
Clearance

SECTION 10 — INSTALLING DRAPERY

Step 1 — Mark Mounting Locations

Determine the center of the window.
Mark the left mounting location.
Mark the right mounting location.
Mark the desired mounting height.
Check for structural mounting points.
Verify level.

Step 2 — Install Brackets or Track

Mark screw locations.
Drill pilot holes when required.
Install appropriate anchors or fasteners.
Secure the brackets or track.
Check level again.

Step 3 — Install Rod or Track

For rods:

Place the rod into the brackets.
Secure the rod.
Install rings or hardware.

For tracks:

Connect track sections if applicable.
Install carriers.
Install end stops.
Check carrier movement.

Step 4 — Hang Drapery

Install the panels according to the header style.

Check:

Panel direction
Center opening
Stack direction
Pleat arrangement
Carrier spacing

Step 5 — Dress the Drapery

Close the panels.
Arrange the pleats evenly.
Open the panels.
Arrange the stack-back.
Allow fabric to hang naturally.

SECTION 11 — INSTALLING MOTORIZED BLINDS AND SHADES

Step 1 — Verify the Motor

Confirm:

Motor model
Product size
Motor orientation
Power type
Battery/rechargeable system
Remote compatibility
Control system

Step 2 — Install Brackets

Install brackets according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Verify:

Level
Alignment
Spacing
Orientation
Structural support

Step 3 — Install Shade or Blind

Secure the product into the brackets.

Do not operate the motor until the product is properly secured.

Step 4 — Connect Power

For rechargeable or battery-powered products:

Install the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Charge if required.
Connect the battery to the motor.

For plug-in systems:

Connect the power supply.
Route cables neatly.
Keep cables clear of moving components.

For hardwired systems:

Follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram.
Follow applicable electrical requirements.
Have required electrical work performed by a qualified electrician.

Step 5 — Pair the Control

Follow the specific manufacturer’s programming procedure.

Typically:

Put the motor into programming mode.
Select the appropriate remote or channel.
Pair the control.
Test open.
Test close.
Test stop.

Step 6 — Program Limits

Program:

Upper limit
Lower limit

Use the exact programming sequence provided by the motor manufacturer.

Step 7 — Test

Run the product several times.

Verify:

Smooth operation
Correct direction
Correct upper limit
Correct lower limit
Correct stop position
Fabric tracking
No interference

SECTION 12 — INSTALLING MOTORIZED DRAPERY

Step 1 — Install Track

Mark the track location.
Verify level.
Verify center.
Check wall and ceiling clearance.
Check stack-back clearance.
Locate appropriate structural mounting points.
Secure the track.

Step 2 — Install Carriers

Install carriers according to the track manufacturer’s layout.

Verify that they move freely.

Step 3 — Install Drapery

Attach the drapery to the carriers.

Verify:

Panel orientation
Center opening
One-way draw
Stack direction
Proper carrier spacing

Step 4 — Connect Power

Connect the motor and power system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hardwired electrical work should be completed by a qualified electrician when required.

Step 5 — Program the Motor

Program:

Open position
Closed position
Stop position
Remote
Channel
Smart-home control, if applicable

Step 6 — Test

Operate the drapery several times.

Verify:

Smooth travel
Proper opening
Proper closing
Correct center meeting point
Correct stack-back
No fabric interference
No carrier binding
Correct motor stopping

SECTION 13 — FINAL INSTALLATION CHECKLIST

Product

Correct product
Correct size
Correct color
Correct material
No damage
Correct window number

Mounting

Brackets secure
Fasteners secure
Product level
Product plumb
Product square where required
Proper clearances

Operation

Opens correctly
Closes correctly
Tilts correctly
Raises correctly
Lowers correctly
No binding
No rubbing
No unusual noise

Motorized Products

Power connected
Remote paired
Open limit programmed
Close limit programmed
Stop function tested
Individual controls tested
Smart-home controls tested if applicable
Battery/charging system explained

Customer Walk-Through

Before completing the installation, explain:

How to operate the product.
How to operate the remote.
How to charge the motor or battery.
How to use manual controls where applicable.
Basic cleaning procedures.
Product safety information.
Warranty information.
Manufacturer information.
Proper care and maintenance.

MEASUREMENT WORKSHEET

CUSTOMER / JOB INFORMATION

Customer: ______________________________

Job Address: ____________________________

Room: __________________________________

WINDOW IDENTIFICATION

REMEMBER: WINDOW 1 IS ALWAYS THE FARTHEST-LEFT WINDOW.

NUMBER ALL WINDOWS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.

Window #: _______________________________

Position: ________________________________

Product: ________________________________

Mount Type:

[ ] Inside Mount
[ ] Outside Mount

WINDOW MEASUREMENTS

WIDTH

Top: __________

Middle: __________

Bottom: __________

HEIGHT

Left: __________

Center: __________

Right: __________

DEPTH

Available Depth: __________

FINISHED PRODUCT SIZE

Width: __________

Height: __________

OBSTRUCTIONS

[ ] Handle

[ ] Lock

[ ] Crank

[ ] Screen

[ ] Trim

[ ] Baseboard

[ ] Radiator

[ ] Furniture

[ ] Other: __________________

MOTOR

Motorized: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Motor Location: _________________________

Power Type: _____________________________

Control: ________________________________

DRAPERY

Rod/Track Width: ________________________

Mounting Height: ________________________

Finished Drapery Length: _________________

Panel Quantity: _________________________

Stack Direction: _________________________

Opening: _______________________________

SHUTTER

Configuration: __________________________

Frame Type: _____________________________

Panel Quantity: _________________________

Specialty Shape: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Template Required: [ ] Yes [ ] No

NOTES

FINAL MEASUREMENT CHECK

Window numbered correctly
Windows numbered from left to right
Window 1 confirmed as farthest left
Measurements verified
Width checked three times
Height checked three times
Mount type verified
Depth verified
Obstructions documented
Product specifications checked
Motor requirements checked
Power requirements checked
Finished dimensions confirmed
Special conditions documented
Window number matches order
Window number matches installation paperwork

GOLDEN RULE

ALWAYS MEASURE AND NUMBER WINDOWS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.

WINDOW 1 = FARTHEST LEFT WINDOW

THEN WINDOW 2, WINDOW 3, WINDOW 4, AND SO ON AS YOU MOVE TO THE RIGHT.

This numbering system applies to every window covering: blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and motorized products.

Always follow the specific manufacturer’s measuring and installation instructions. Product deductions, mounting depths, bracket locations, maximum sizes, motor programming, wiring requirements, and required clearances can vary by product and manufacturer.