These basic tips will get you perfect measurements for window treatments!

  • Basic Measuring Tips

    1. Use a steel measuring tape.
    2. Measure to the nearest 1/8" of an inch, if the size is on a 1/16" mark, then round down to the next 1/8".
  • Ruler diagram to help measure for interior shutters.

Interior shutters are classic window treatments that cover your window with wood or faux wood panels. These window treatments add long-lasting value and help insulate your windows.

Blinds.com knows that the perfect fit for a beautiful new window treatment all starts with an accurate measurement. If you’re planning a DIY window treatment project, our How to Measure for Interior Shutters guide makes measuring easy!

You can also call our Customer Experience Center for an immediate quote once you have your measurements.

What You Will Need

Helpful Hints Before You Begin Measuring for Interior Shutters:

  • For the most accurate measurements, only use a steel tape measure.
  • Don’t mix up width and height measurements. Always follow the width by height format (W x H) and mark them as such.
  • Measure down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
  • If you’re measuring for more than one window, measure each one individually – never assume that your windows are the same size, even if they may look alike.

How to Measure for Inside Mount Interior Shutters

How to Measure for Inside Mount Interior shutters

Inside mount interior shutters are installed inside the window frame or casing – they provide a sleek, clean look which can showcase your window size and moldings. If you’re interested in measuring for inside mount interior shutters, follow these steps:

  1. Check the window for squareness by measuring the diagonal points of the window. If the window is out of square by more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch, an outside mount application is recommended.
  2. Measure the depth of your window frame. You’ll need this measurement to ensure your window recess meets the minimum depth requirement for an inside mount. Refer to the Mounting Requirements section for the window treatment you’ve chosen to ensure your window meets the requirement for an inside mount.
  3. Measure the width of each window opening. Record the width at the top, middle, and bottom of your window opening. Circle the narrowest measurement of the three – this is the number you submit for your window’s width.
  4. Measure the height of your window opening in three places: left, center, and right. Circle the shortest measurement – this is the number you submit for your window’s height.
  5. If the opening measures 60 inches or higher, a divider rail is required. For inside mounts, measure from the bottom of the window up to where the center of the divider rail will be located. Note that the divider rail will be positioned within 1.5 inches of this measurement. Certain shutters the divider rail will automatically be positioned in the center.
  6. Order at the exact opening size with no deductions. The factory will take deductions in production.
  7. Double check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H).

measure for inside mount

How to Measure for Outside Mount Interior Shutters

How to Measure for Outside Mount Interior shutters

Outside mount interior shutters are mounted on the window molding or wall around your window. Outside mount blinds are a good choice if an inside mount is not possible due to window depth or obstructions within your window. Follow these simple steps to measure your windows for outside mount interior shutters:

  1. Check the window for squareness by measuring the diagonal points of the window.
  2. Measure the depth of your window frame. You’ll need this measurement to ensure your window recess meets the minimum depth requirement for all louver sizes.
  3. Check the mounting requirements on your interior shutters to ensure you have enough flat surface for mounting hardware.
  4. Measure the width of each window opening. Record the width at the top, middle, and bottom of your window opening. Circle the widest measurement of the three – this is the number you submit for your window’s width.
  5. Measure the height of your window opening in three places: left, center, and right. Circle the longest measurement – this is the number you submit for your window’s height.
  6. If your window has trim, measure the flat surface of the trim. Your shutter will be mounted on the trim. Most shutter frames require at least 1 ½” of flat surface to be installed properly.
  7. If your window has no trim, do not add to your window opening measurement.
  8. Double check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H). Remember, with outside mount interior shutters, your product will be made with the proper added width and height measurements of the frame choice.

measure for outside mount

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FAQ

Interior shutters can go by many name such as plantation shutters, California shutters, cottage shutters, traditional shutters, cafe shutters.