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Measuring a window means recording its dimensions, like width, height, and depth (w x h x d) that you’ll use to order a window treatment.

Precise measurements will lead to a perfect fit. Honeycomb blinds, also called cellular shades, are window treatments that boost the decorative appeal and functionality of your windows.

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide about how to measure a window for honeycomb blinds.

1. Understanding the Importance of Accurate Window Measurements for Honeycomb Blinds

When it comes to installing honeycomb or cellular blinds in your home, office, or other building, taking accurate measurements is essential to boost their functional potentials, such as insulation, energy efficiency, and blackout feature.

Properly measured cellular blinds ensure a seamless fit, enhance the curb appeal of your space, and ensure convenient operation.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions to Accurately Measure Your Window for a Perfect Fit with Honeycomb Blinds

Here is an easy, step-by-step guide to exactly measure your window frame for the successful installation of honeycomb window coverings.

2.1: Gathering the Tools for Measuring

Before you start measuring the dimensions of your window frame, gather the essential tools that will facilitate precise measurements:

• Steel Tape Measure: Choose a reliable steel tape measure with sufficient length to reach the entire width and height of your windows.
• A retractable tape measure is usually recommended for ease of use.
• Pencil and Paper: Keep a pencil and a piece of paper to jot down your measurements. Use the width x height (w x h) format to prevent any confusion or mixing up values during the process.
• Additionally, consider using a small notepad or worksheet for your window measurements.

2.2: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed DIY step-by-step instructions to record the dimensions of your window openings:

Step 1: Decide Inside or Outside Mount

Before you start measuring, determine whether you need to install the honeycomb blinds inside or outside the window frame. This choice will affect the measurements you take.

Inside Mount: For a sleeker, more recessed look, and better functionalities, choose an inside mount for your cellular shades.

The window blinds will be installed within the window frame itself, providing a clean and streamlined appearance.

For this type of mount, you will need to ensure that your window frame has enough depth. In the case of insufficient depth, you will have to opt for an outside mount.

Outside Mount: If you prefer your cellular blinds to cover a larger area, including the window frame, go for an outside mount.

This option is ideal when you want to give your window a bigger look or have limited window depth.

Step 2: Measure Width

For an inside mount:

• Measure the width (w) of the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom.
• Take the smallest measurement as your actual width to ensure a proper fit. This accounts for slight variations in the window frame.

For an outside mount:

• Measure the width of the window frame at three points.
• Add extra width to the recored measurement to allow for desired overlap and coverage. Usually, adding 2 to 4 inches on each side is recommended.

Step 3: Measure Height

For an inside mount:

• Measure the height (h) from the top of the window frame to the windowsill at the left, middle, and right sides.
• Take the longest measurement as your height to accommodate any slight variations in the window height.

For an outside mount:

• Measure the window height from the desired top to the desired bottom position.
• Add extra height to the recorded measurement to allow for the desired overlap. Adding 2 to 4 inches is usually recommended.

Step 4: Measure Depth:

If you go for an inside mount, measure the depth of the window frame.

This measurement ensures that your honeycomb blinds will properly fit without obstructing any window components, such as handles or cranks.

Measure from the front of the window frame to the nearest obstruction.

3. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Measuring Windows for Honeycomb Blinds

While measuring for honeycomb window coverings, it’s crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that can lead to wrong or inaccurate measurements.

By avoiding these errors, you can ensure an accurate fit. Here are some additional DIY tips to help you avoid measurement errors:

• Observe Obstructions: Identify any obstructions within the window region, such as window handles, locks, and other protruding objects, that might affect the installation or operation of your blinds.
• Measure around the obstructions to ensure an accurate fit.
• Consider the Size of Mounting Brackets: If you’ve opted for an inside mount, consider the size of the mounting brackets.
• Note their dimensions when determining the correct width measurement to avoid any fitting issues.
• It’s essential to account for the space needed for the mounting brackets without interfering with the blind’s functionality.
• Double-Check Measurements: Before placing an online order or proceeding with installation, double-check all your recorded measurements.
• Mistakes can be costly, so it’s necessary to ensure accuracy by reviewing the values of your measurements.
• Measure twice, or even thrice, to confirm that your values are consistent and precise.
• Consult Manufacturer Guidelines: Different manufacturers might have specific guidelines for measuring honeycomb blinds.
• Review the manufacturer’s instructions or consult their website or customer care department if you have any questions or need clarification on their recommended measuring procedure.

By following this comprehensive DIY guide and avoiding common measurement pitfalls, you can accurately measure your window for honeycomb blinds.

This will result in a perfect fit, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of these stylish and functional window coverings.

4. How to Measure Bay Windows

A bay window usually consists of multiple windows installed side by side to form a bay-like structure. You need to identify the number of windows in the bay.

This will help you to understand the overall layout and help in measuring each window separately.

Further Assistance

For further assistance regarding the measurement of different types of windows, you can contact our Customer Care Department using the 24/7 Live Chat option available on each page of the Affordable Blinds online store.

We’ll also guide you on how to ensure the safety of young children and pets in your home by properly adjusting cords or choosing cordless cellular blinds.

Do roller blinds look smarter or uglier from outside? They cover unsightly mounting hardware and give your entire room a cleaner and more attractive look. Outside mount roller blinds hide imperfections, make your windows and room look taller and more elegant, and offer better light control and privacy.

Read on to discover some practical tips to help guide you through the decision-making process when installing outside mount roll-up window treatments.

Hanging affordable rollers outside the window recess is the matter of both style (appearance) and function. Besides concealing uneven molding and unattractive hardware, they provide better insulation, energy efficiency, and blackout. For a better look and functionality, make sure to extend the fabric above, below or beyond the sides of your window by 3 to 4 inches.

What are Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds, also referred to as roll-up shades, are window coverings consisting of a single piece of fabric that can be rolled-up or down for the desired amount of light regulation, light filtration, privacy, and other benefits. They can be installed inside or outside the window frame to give a decorative touch to your home’s interior or exterior.

Various Mount Options

• Inside mount: Inside mount blinds are fixed inside the window recess to give it a neater and sleeker look from outside. They do not take up any external space and don’t interfere with the window trim, allowing full access to window sills and frames. Use an inside mount option to enhance the visual appeal of your modern or minimalist interior design.

• Outside Mount: When viewed from outside, outside mount window treatment styles give a gorgeous look to your windows. In addition to hiding imperfections and gaps, they extend depth, keep tilt-in function, and minimize leakage of light and privacy. Outside mount rollers are a great choice for casement windows, French doors, and patio doors.

• Interior Mount: When mounted interiorly, roller blinds complement your interior furnishings and color schemes. Plus they boost the exterior design when viewed from outside. They remain less exposed to the sun’s UV rays, which adds to their lifespan.
• Exterior Rollers: Exterior or outdoor roller blinds provide better protection against sun damage, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause fading and reduce the freshness and longevity of the shades. When it comes to appearance, exterior shades increase the visual interest of your home design with sharp colors and intricate decorative patterns.

• Standard/regular roll: You can install your rollers either standard roll or reverse roll. In the case of standard roll, the fabric lays flat and closer to the window for better light coverage. However, it causes the fabric roll to stick out further from your window, which is a negative point when it comes to appearance.

• Reverse roll: In reverse roll, the fabric material rolls off the front of the tube, concealing it for a cleaner, more minimalist look. When fully extended, it will clean the window sill for plants and other decorative elements to put on. One drawback of this installation style is that it may cause light leakage.

Where to Install Outside Mount Shades

• Window with insufficient depth or recess (less than 2 ¼”)
• Motorhome windows (typically, there isn’t enough depth)
• Doors (rollers mounted on the face of the door)

Aesthetic & Functional Benefits of Outside Mount Rollers

Cover Window Trim

While inside mount roller shades don’t cover the window trim and might leave light gaps, outside options fully cover the window frame whether you hang them on the top of the window trim or on the wall above, to the side of the window frame. They will give an uncluttered look to the window from the outside.

Conceal Uneven Molding

The roller blinds mounted to the outside of the window frame conceal the uneven molding and unsightly hardware components, adding visual interest to your window treatments.

Add to Window Depth

To give more depth to your windows with outside mount shades, you can use extension brackets or spacer blocks. In addition to adding space between the blinds and the window or wall, they will facilitate smooth lifting and lowering of the blinds in the presence of protruding cranks.

Make Shorter Window Look Taller

Want to create the illusion of more height for your room and window, we recommend the outside option. It will make your room and window look taller. You can layer them with curtains or sheers for better results.

Unobstructed View

On fully raising your rollers, they will fully stack on the top of the window trim, completely clearing the window for an unobstructed view.

Dress Odd-Shaped Windows

Want to give an even, symmetrical look to your odd-shaped windows? You can creatively dress irregularly-shaped windows, hiding unattractive trims, handles, and cranks. 

Pleasing Light Dispersion

While inside mount options create a harsh effect by leaving light gaps on each side of the window frame, outside mount rollers provide better light distribution. They can block intense beams of light and create a soft halo effect in your room. When cutting fabric, several inches are added to both width and height for full or extra coverage.

Pair for a Layered Look

By pairing your outside mount roller shades with other window treatments like blackout fabrics or Roman shades, you can give them a layered look and boost their light regulation function. They will work great in areas like media rooms, nurseries, and bedrooms.

Kid Safety

Outside mount shades come with cordless and motorized options, which fully comply with CPSC’s New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings. No cords, no strangulation hazards! So, they are safe for living spaces with young children and pets. Cordless options also give them a purer, more modern look.

Requirements for Outside Mount Installation

You need at least 2” of level surface above the window trim to attach outside mounting brackets on the window frame or the wall. Use projection brackets to accommodate heavy molding. Make sure there are no cupboards, doors, or other obstacles in the way that could interrupt opening, closing, or adjustment of the outside mount roller shades.

Where Not to Install Them

Installation of roller curtains outside the window frame is discouraged in high-traffic areas, such as the windows facing roads or busy streets.

Are roller blinds better inside or outside?

Roller blinds installed outside the window frame are a better option, as they are slower to fade, conceal unattractive hardware, and offer better privacy and light dispersion.

Do blinds look better inside or outside recess?

If you want a neater, tidier, and snugglier look, inside recess mount blinds are a better, space-saving option. They take up a smaller footprint than outside mount blinds that lie flat on the wall and blend seamlessly with your decor.

What shades look best from outside?

Reverse roll shades with a cord-free option look best from outside with a sleeker, cleaner, and more streamlined appearance and a better match with the home design.

Why do people put blinds on the outside of their windows?

People put blinds on the outside of their windows to make smaller windows look taller and wider, and offer better energy efficiency and privacy without a liner.

Need More Help?

If you need expert tips on how to improve the look of roller blinds from outside, contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Ready to accommodate new roller blinds but unsure where – inside or outside a recess – and how to fix them for better look and function? Follow our instructional guide with quick tips to make installation easier, simpler, more effortless!

Want to upgrade window treatments of your living space or workplace with affordable and easy roll-up window treatments? Customize and shop a wide selection of roller blinds from AffordableBlinds.com at incredibly lower prices.

These blinds come with lots of design choices and functional capacities – from sheers to light filtering to total blackout – to precisely fit the visual and functional needs of any room. For example, homeowners often prefer a blackout roller for:

• Bedroom windows
• Indoor windows
• Kitchen windows
• Nursery rooms
• Living rooms
• Offices
• Study rooms
• Bathrooms
• Basement windows

Mount Options for Roll-up Blinds

• Inside recess
• Outside recess
• Interior mount
• Exterior mount
• Front mount
• Back mount

Why Choose Rollers for Your Home?

If you are looking to install functional window treatments that offer a blend of simplicity and sophistication, hanging roll-up blinds and shades are an ideal choice. These unassuming home decor essentials are a smart choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of practicality and visual interest.

These unsung heroes of home decor offer constant refuse from prying eyes and give you a private space to enjoy intimate moments with your family.

With their sleeker look and unobstructive design, they have become a popular, go-to choice for homeowners.

Last, but not least, they are super easy to accommodate at a desired location on your window. Things will be even easier and quicker if you follow our straightforward, step-by-step tutorial to install roller blinds in your home.

And it will take less than 20 minutes! Just roll up your sleeves and get ready for a perfect installation of your favorite rollers.

• Installing roller blinds in your home can elevate your space with clean lines and contemporary design.
• Choose between minimalist ambiance or a bold statement.
• Available with battery-powered motorized operating mechanism to effortlessly adjust light and privacy level in your room.
• Require minimal maintenance for more living and less cleaning.
• Made from humidity- and moisture-resistant materials.
• Choose solar roller shades with various openness percentages, such as 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 10%, and 14%.

• Highly budget-friendly – enjoy style on a budget!

3 Pre-Installation Steps

Step 1: Choose between Inside and Outside Mount

Your choice of a mounting style will depend on how you want your roller blinds to look and function on windows.

Inside Recess: For a sleeker, cleaner, uncluttered, and more integrated look, position your roller-up window covers inside the window frame. It’s an ideal choice for showcasing decorative window trim.

Before you go with inside-recess blinds, ensure sufficient window frame depth and accommodate obstructions like cranks and handles.

Outside Recess; If you are looking for more coverage for better light blockage and privacy, flexibility, and easier installation, place your blinds outside the window recess.

With outside recess blinds, you can conceal uneven or unattractive window frames.

Considerations for this mount option include accurate measurement of space to avoid light gaps and ensure adequate clearance for the rollers to open and close smoothly.

Step 2: Gather Tool You’ll Need

To simplify your window frame measurement and roller blind installation process and minimize any potential frustrations, gather the following essential tools.

• Pencil
• A piece of paper
• A steel measuring tape
• Drill with bits
• Level tool
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Pliers
• Stool or step ladder (if needed)
• Manufacturer’s instruction manual (for reference)

Step 3: Accurately Measure Your Window Frame

Follow these quick measurement steps to ensure precision:

Width

• Place pencil marks on the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame.
• Measure width at 3 points and record the narrowest value.

Height

• Measure height from windowsill to the top mark at 3 points (left side, middle, & right side).
• Take the shortest measurement when ordering new blinds.

Depth

• Measure the depth of recess from outer to inner edge at each of the 4 corners of your regular window frame.
• Again record the narrowest value and match it with product specifications to decide if you can go with an inside mount option.

Note: Measure all three dimensions (width, height, & depth) with care and precision to avoid ill-fitting blinds.

7 Steps to Accommodate Roller Blinds Inside the Window Recess

Homeowners choose an inside recess mount to create a more polished, integrated look with a touch of modern elegance to their window space.

Here are straightforward steps to ensure a perfect fit.

• Step 1: Place brackets inside the frame recess to achieve tucked-away appearance.

• Step 2: Use screws and a screwdriver to fix blind brackets inside the left and right corners of the frame in such a way that they are flush with the frame’s edge.

• Step 3: Use a level tool to ensure the inside-mount brackets are level.

• Step 4: Make sure mounting brackets are snug but they aren’t overly tight to avoid damaging the window frame.

• Step 5: Gently insert your new, fresh roller blind into the brackets and secure them in place.

• Step 6: Pull your blinds down and roll it up a few times to test its operation.

• Step 7: Make adjustments, if needed, to ensure smooth operation.

All done! Your rollers are not expertly installed for an obstruction-free operation.

4 Steps to Accommodate Roller Blinds Outside the Window Recess

Ready to embrace the versatility of roller blinds?

Step 1: Affix the outside mount brackets either on the wall or molding surrounding the window.

Step 2: Use a level tool to perfectly align the brackets for a smoother operation.

Step 3: Hand roller fabric on the brackets, which is 3 to 4 inches wider and longer than the window frame.

Step 4: Install cordless or motorized control system, if your blinds come with this child-safe option.

FAQs

Should roller blinds be fitted inside or outside recess?

Want better light control and privacy? We recommend fitting your roller blinds outside of the recess. For a sleeker look, go with inside-recess roller blinds. The mounting brackets located at the top of the window will restrict light. For better regulation of external light, you can add a blackout liner.

How should roller blinds be fitted?

Roller blinds should be fitted in such a practical way that they block out maximum daylight (and prying eyes!), complement your room’s color and texture, and make a bold design statement to your window’s space.

How do you fit roller blinds inside recess?

To fit roller blinds inside recess, make sure your window frame is at least 3 ¼” deep and install brackets to the side, back, or top of your recess. Then follow these 4 easy steps.

1. Fix the inside mount brackets at the outer edge of the window recess.
2. When hanging roll-up blinds, ensure two lines on the top of the chain control are facing to the ceiling, for the chain to work correctly.
3. Correctly insert both ends (chain end and pin end) of the roll-up blinds into the brackets that have already been fixed into the recess.
4. Make sure the blinds aren’t too tight into the brackets, as it may make them too stiff to raise and lower.

How much smaller should blinds be than the window for inside mount?

When ordering new inside-mount blinds, make sure they are about ¼” to ⅜” smaller than your narrowest width measurement of the window frame. This deduction is made to ensure perfect fit and obstruction-free operation. Length is a bit different. If you don’t want your roller blinds to rest on your window sill, make a deduction of ¼” along the length of the fabric.

Need More Help?

Need expert advice on how to measure and accommodate roller blinds inside or outside a recess as a DIYer? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109. They’ll also help you choose the right color, texture, and fabric function.

Looking for some easy DIY steps to fix your cordless roller blinds? Just go ahead – it will take less than an hour! Cordless roller shades not only add to the decorative appeal and functionality of your window treatments but also ensure the safety of young children and pets in your home. At their optimum working condition, roller window coverings can enhance privacy, light control, insulation, sun protection, energy efficiency, and noise reduction potential of your roller blinds. Here are some quick DIY tips about how to fix cordless roller blinds in your home, office, or other building.

Light gaps, broken fabric vanes or slats, difficulty in rolling up or down, uneven rolling, fabric damage, damaged mounting brackets, and malfunctioning motorized lift systems are some of the issues that your roller window treatments might encounter. These issues not only spoil the look of your window coverings but also severely affect their light control and other functionalities. An uncontrolled inflow of UV radiation can cause serious health issues, such as skin cancer.

Common Issues with Cordless Roller Blinds And How to Fix Them

Improper installation, low quality of material, and excessive exposure to the sun’s harsh rays can lead to issues with your roller window treatments.

• Fixing Difficulty in Rolling Up or Down: If you face trouble with rolling your blinds up or down, first examine the cordless lift mechanism. Make sure the track is not obstructed by an object. Additionally, you can apply a lubricating agent to the motorized mechanism to enhance its smoothness and ease of operation.
• Addressing Uneven Rolling: To address the issue of uneven rolling with your window blinds, check the alignment of the mounting brackets. Make sure they are securely fastened with proper alignment. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to repair the motorized lift mechanism.
• Fabric Damage: If the fabric of your cordless roller blinds has incurred tears or other damage, consider using a suitable repair kit or adhesive to patch up small tears. For more severe damage, it would be necessary to entirely replace the fabric. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for fabric replacement, or consult a professional service provider for assistance if needed.

• Broken or Damaged Brackets: If any of the mounting brackets that hold your roller blind in place are broken or damaged, it is better to replace them. Purchase new brackets that are designed for your roller window treatments. Remove the damaged brackets and securely install the new ones, following the product manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Stuck or Jammed Blinds: When your roller window coverings get stuck or jammed, inspect them for any debris or obstructions. Remove any objects that might be leading to the jam. If there are no visible obstructions, check for any damaged components that may be hindering the movement of your cordless roller blinds. Carefully straighten or repair these parts, or consider contacting a professional for further assistance.
• Difficulty in raising or lowering the blinds: If you’re having trouble operating the cordless roller blinds, check for any obstructions in the track or mechanism. Remove any debris or objects that may be hindering smooth movement. Lubricate the moving parts if needed.

• Slow Movement: If your blinds are moving slowly or sluggishly, it may be due to a lack of lubrication in the track or mechanism. Apply a small quantity of silicone spray or lubricant recommended by the manufacturer to the moving parts and track to ensure smooth raising, lowering, or adjustment of blinds.
• Cordless Mechanism Not Engaging: If the cordless lift mechanism of your blinds fails to engage or disengage properly, it may need adjustment. Read your product manufacturer’s instructions for the specific adjustment process. In difficult situations, you will need to contact the manufacturer or a professional for assistance.
• Excessive Noise: If the cordless roller window treatments produce excessive noise during operation, check for loose screws. Tighten them to reduce any vibrating or rattling sounds. Apply a lubricant to the moving parts to reduce friction and noise.
• Blinds Not Fully Retracting: If your window shades do not fully retract when raised, check for any tangled fabric or obstructions. Remove any objects or untangle the fabric material to allow for complete retraction.
• Lack of Tension: If your blinds lack tension and do not roll up or down smoothly, adjust the tension using the provided adjustment mechanism. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease tension or clockwise to increase tension until the desired rolling action is achieved.
• Battery or Motor Issues: If you have motorized cordless roller shades and they are not functioning properly, ensure that the battery is fully charged. You may need to replace it if necessary. Check for any wiring issues or loose connections. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer or a professional service provider for further assistance.
• Fading or Discoloration: If the fabric of your roller window blinds has faded or become discolored due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, consider replacing the fabric material with a new one. Alternatively, you can install a UV-blocking film on the existing window covering to prevent further fading or discoloration.
• Motorization System Not Working: If you have motorized roller window blinds that are not functioning properly, start by checking the battery or other power source. Ensure that it is connected to the power outlet or charged properly. Follow the reset process and try operating your blinds again. If the problem persists, you should contact the manufacturer or a professional for further assistance.

Note: Specific methods and steps for fixing your roller blind issues may vary depending on the brand and model. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult an expert if you are unsure or need further assistance.

Further Assistance

Need further assistance with identifying and making quick fixes to your cordless roller blinds? You can contact our professional experts, using the 24/7 Live Chat option. They will give you some smart solutions for any issue with your cordless, motorized, or smart window treatments.

Do small (½” to ¾” wide) or bigger light gaps between your new roller blinds and window frame keep you up at night? Can’t create a perfect setting in your media room to enjoy watching a movie with your family? Looking for easy, effective, affordable ways to correct roller blind gaps?

Even minute openings in blinds can let in enough light to make it difficult to sleep and make it difficult to create a glare-free zone in your study room or home theater.

Leakage points can expose your furnishings in your room to UV rays and heat. The harsh UV rays may also cause health problems like skin cancer. You’ll need to fix them immediately for better UV protection.

There are several quick, practical solutions to eliminate a roller blind gap – from adding a light blocker or blackout liner to layering multiple window treatments.

Roller shades do produce such slits between fabric and frame edges. A cost-effective way is to purchase blackout roller shades with side tracks and sill channels. Alternatively, just go with an outside mount and add 3 to 4 inches of dark-colored fabric to each width and height for better light coverage.

What are Roller Blinds?

Also referred to as ‘rollers’, roller blinds are budget-friendly roll-up fabric window covers. They are one of the best window treatments around.

Roller blinds come with:

• A variety of custom cut fabrics – synthetic and natural woven
• 100’s of size options – from 15 x 24” to 103 x 120” (width and height)
• Lots of light control options – from sheers to light filtering to room darkening or total blackout
• 2 roll-up styles – standard and reverse
• Various lift styles – cordless spring roller, continuous loop beaded chain, & motorized
• Affordability – you can buy a blackout roller for as low as $40!

Why Do Roller Shades Have Larger Light Gaps?

While inside-mounted window coverings produce light gaps or a glowing halo effect, roll-up blinds have significantly larger light gaps. Here are 3 reasons:

1. Rolling Mechanism: A roll-up window cover has a larger roller mechanism at its top, which causes slits between fabric edges and the frame.

1. Fabric Construction: The nature of roller blinds’ fabric construction causes the largest light gaps.

1. Fabric Deductions: Deductions are made to leave at least ½” of space on each side of the blind for smoother, obstruction-free operation.

10 Quick DIY Corrections for Light Gaps on Your Roller Blinds

To harvest decorative and functional benefits of roller blinds, you’ll need to get the right size and ensure a perfect fit without leaving any small gaps.

If there are gaps, they will cause light and air to leak through, affecting their blackout and insulation functionalities.

There are several quick fixes for light gaps on roller blinds, depending on the specific cause of the gap. Here are some common DIY methods to correct roller blinds gaps.

1. Measure Your Window Frame Accurately

It’s extremely important to measure the width (w), height (h), and depth (d) of your window frame accurately, so you can order a custom-cut fabric.

An incorrect measurement will lead to ill-fit, resulting in smaller or bigger light gaps. It should be noted that there are different measurement procedures for inside and outside mounts.

2. Go with Outside Mount ‘Rollers’ and Add 3 to 4” Extra Fabric

Installing rollers to the inside of your window’s frame will have more chances of creating small gaps.

A better and easier alternative is to hand the shades on the outside of your window frame (on the wall). It will completely cover the window opening, eliminating all light gaps.

However, there will be a soft glow of light around the window. To deal with this issue, increase the overlap of fabric on your windows by choosing 3 to 4 inches oversized (along both width and height) roller blinds.

3. Consider Pairing/Layering Multiple Window Covers

If you want to display your ornate window frame, you won’t like to mount your roll-up blinds exterior to your window frame. Don’t worry!

An alternative is there! Pair or layer multiple window treatments on the same window frame to eliminate light gaps and ensure total darkness.

Popular layering options include adding a blackout curtain or drape on the top of sheer or solar roller shades. This will not only provide 100% light control, but it will dress your room even better, as endless fabric and design options are available.

For a classic touch, you can combine a roller shade with a Roman blind.

4. Buy Blackout Roller Blinds with Side Tracks

If you buy blackout roller blinds with side tracks, they’ll not only improve light control fun but also give a more contemporary, streamlined look to your decor.

Roll-ups with side and sill channels also totally eliminate light gaps. They are an ideal choice for night sleepers and night workers to enjoy a good night’s or day’s sleep.

5. Adjust/Realign the Mounting Brackets

Misaligned mounting brackets can cause small gaps on your roller blinds. As a quick correction, you should loosen the screws that hold the brackets in place and carefully adjust or alight the brackets up or down using a level tool, as needed.

Then, you will need to retighten the screws to fix the brackets in their new position.

6. Fix the Bottom Bar

If the bottom bar of your roller-up window treatments is misaligned or bent, it can create a small gap.

Gently straighten the bar using your hands or pliers to ensure it is even and properly aligned with the rest of the blinds.

7. Add a Valance or Cornice

If the light gap is present at the top of the blinds, you can install a cornice or a valance above your blinds to cover that gap. This decorative addition not only conceals the gap but also enhances the appearance of the window treatment.

8. Replace or Repair Damaged Components

If the gap on your roller blinds is caused by broken or damaged components such as brackets, chains, cord loops, or motorized lift systems, it may be necessary to repair or replace them. Contact the manufacturer or a blinds repair service provider to obtain the correct replacement parts.

The method you choose to fix the gap on your roller window treatments will depend on the nature, cause, and your level of comfort with DIY repairs. If the issue seems more complex and you are unsure how to fix it, you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional assistance from an expert.

9. Add Vinyl Light Gap Blockers

These are vinyl strips with a sticky backing that can easily adhere to your window treatment to cover any gaps. They can also be used to give an extra touch of style to your roller blinds.

Child-Safety Alert: If you have installed corded lifts on your roller window treatments, they could cause strangulation or choking hazards for young children and pets in your home. To fit this issue, you need to install child-safe control systems, such as cordless, motorized, or smart lift styles.

10. Use Light Blocking Strips

Owing to the nature of their fabric’s construction, roller blinds have the largest light gaps, especially when mounted inside.

We recommend high quality light blocking strips as the perfect solution for maximum light control.

Step-by-Step Guide to Identify and Correct Roller Blind Gaps

Below is a step-by-step procedure to identify the nature of light gaps and apply fixes.

Step 1. Gather the Tools You’ll Need

You will need tools like a screwdriver and a steel measuring tape to identify and fix light gaps.

Gather tools

Step 2. Assess the Cause of the Gap

Determine the exact cause of small or big gaps on your roller blinds. It could be due to misaligned brackets, insufficient spring tension, a bent or misaligned bottom bar, or certain other factors.

Step 3. Check for Obstructions

Inspect the area around your blinds, including furniture, mounting hardware, or any objects that may be blocking the window covering from fully closing, opening, or adjusting.

Remove any obstructions that might be preventing the blinds from settling into the correct position.

Step 4. Make Corrections as Needed

After determining the cause of the light gap, you can make corrections to cover that gap.

Step 5. Test the Blinds Function

After making the necessary corrections, you should fully extend, lower, and adjust your roller blinds multiple times to ensure they operate smoothly without any small or big gaps. Make sure your roller blinds are aligned correctly and settle into the desired position without any irregularities or obstructions.

FAQs

How do you block the gap between blinds?

There are multiple effective ways to block the gap between blinds, such as ensuring edge-to-edge fit, adding extra fabric, layering, and adding blackout liners or light-blocking strips. Among these options, layering offers an ultimate blackout effect.

How do you adjust the width of roller blinds?

• Step 1: Measure the width of the window frame.
• Step 2: Unroll the fabric onto a flat surface.
• Step 3: Cut off excess fabric using sturdy scissors or a sharp cutting knife.
• Step 4: Cut the top roller tube 0.15” wider than the fabric using a small hacksaw.
• Step 5: Cut the bottom lathe.
• Step 6: Reroll the fabric material, ensuring the patterns are on the outside.
• Step 7: Install your blinds and make corrections for light gaps, if needed.

Should blinds have a gap?

Your blinds shouldn’t have a gap to ensure 100% light control and maintain their decorative appeal. Even the smallest gaps along the side will spoil both the look and functionality of blinds.

What if my roller blinds are too wide?

If your roller blinds are too wide for your window frame, you have two solutions. First, cut them to size, cutting off any excess fabric. Second, choose an outside mount for better light coverage and make your window look bigger.

Need More Help?

Still not sure which light-blocking solution to choose for your unique needs? Contact our customer care professionals to identify and correct light gaps on your existing roller blinds.

Use 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 now. Also, you can order a free sample of an edge-to-edge fitting blackout roller.