Mini Blinds.. how do I measure correctly? (vinyl, Home Depot, Lowes)

[t_woww]

I am going to be leaving my apartment soon and I wanted to replace the blinds before I left since my cat broke the ends so that she could sit in the window. I am hoping to get my security deposit back and i know this will help if I can change them. The size of the windows are 45 1/2 inches? what size blinds am I supposed to get? I looked at a bunch of websites and they are all even numbers, so I am very confused!

[gentlearts]

Why not just go to the store where you intend to buy them and ask them to explain it?

[t_woww]

Well I was going to order them online because they are cheaper.

[texdav]

Go to a place like Lowes and they will have a pamplet stating now much to reduce the length. I believe its like 1/4 inch for clearance. Then they have a cutting device that they can cut them to exact length you need quickly at the store.

[buttonwood]

For replacement blinds I have always gone to Lowe's Home Depot or Walmart . Some sizes are $4.95. If you take out the old blind, measure the top of the blind and get that size. You can even use the old hardwrae . The new one should fit in it.

[South Jersey Styx]

You didn't mention if you measured for an inside mount or outside mount. Or what kind of blinds (i.e., vinyl mini-, wood, faux wood, etc.)

If it is an outside mount and the exisiting blinds are 45.5", then you may as well get 46". This would mean an extra 1/2" on each side which is barely noticeable. But if it's an inside mount, it will need to be more precise and you may need them cut.

BTW, if you do have vinyl mini-blinds, you can get them pretty cheap (some starting at $3.50) especially at places like Walmart and Big Lots.

[PacificFlights]

I look at their mesuraing guide, it ususally tells you exactly how to measure for the blinds your buying. Not all blinds are measured the same.

[GoHokiesGo]

Blinds are generally sold in even number increments because you're expected to cut them to size. There's no standard window size, so they expect every one is going to need to be cut.

I can't imagine you're saving much money by buying online plus shipping compared to running down the street. Blinds can be found pretty darn cheap at walmart and home depot for the basic ones. We have inside mount wood blinds, and had to cut them 1/4" narrower than the windows (ie- for yours: 45.5" - 1/4 - 1/4 = 45" for inside mount) They cut them for free for us at Home Depot, and we bought like 20 at once in several different sizes, and had no complaints about having them cut them.

[jimboburnsy]

You can get aluminum mini-blinds online for +/- $30 with free shipping. That's pretty painless, but you'll have to wait and if something isn't right it's a bear to get it unwrong. If you go to Lowe's or HD you'll probably spend $5 and $15 more plus gas.

If you own and are competent with a measuring tape, there isn't really a reason (other than personal preference) not to order online.

When the website prompts you for a window measurement, they are asking for the smallest width and height measurement in the jamb. *I apologize in advance for the spoon-feeding* The jamb is comprised of the flat sides and top of the window and your existing blinds will be "framed" by them. Stretch the measuring tape horizontally across the window at the top, middle and bottom; the smallest of these measurements is your width. Stretch the measuring tap from the middle of the window sill to the middle of the top jamb, then do it again to make sure you didn't eff up. If the measurement is the same, that is your height. If the measurements are not the same, do it three more times then check your width three more times.

Do not subtract anything or do any math, just give them the raw measurements unless they specify otherwise.

[exit82]

why can't you simply just measure the blinds you are replacing and go buy the same size? You're making it sound much harder than it is.