How To Measure For Two Blinds In One Window

Alright, so you've decided to tackle the age-old mystery of fitting two blinds into one window. Maybe you're going for that chic, layered look, or perhaps one side gets the morning sun glare (you know, the kind that wakes you up like a tiny, angry sun god) while the other needs a bit more shade for your afternoon Netflix binge. Whatever your motivation, splitting a single window into a dynamic blind duo can feel a bit like trying to herd cats. But fear not, fellow home decorator! We're going to break this down so easily, it'll feel less like a DIY project and more like a gentle Sunday stroll, perhaps with a delightful pastry involved.

Think of your window as a stage. You've got this beautiful, big opening, and you've decided instead of one dramatic curtain, you want two perfectly coordinated performers. Each needs its own spotlight, its own little space to shine (or, you know, block light). The key is to make sure these two performers don't get into a turf war and end up looking like a jumbled mess. We want harmony, not a wrestling match for window real estate.

So, how do we go about measuring for these two stars? It’s not rocket surgery, promise. It’s more like… figuring out how many cookies can fit into two separate jars without one jar overflowing and the other looking tragically empty. We're aiming for balanced bliss.

The Grand Unveiling: What You'll Need (Besides Patience and Maybe a Snack)

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of tape measures and numbers, let's get our arsenal ready. You'll need a sturdy, reliable tape measure. None of those flimsy ones that curl up like a shy snail when you try to extend them. Think of it as your trusty sidekick in this whole measurement adventure. A pencil is also a good idea, because you'll be jotting down some crucial figures. And a friend! Honestly, a second pair of eyes (and hands) can be a lifesaver. They can hold the tape measure steady, confirm your measurements, and most importantly, offer moral support when you start questioning your sanity. Plus, they can be the designated snack-getter.

And let's talk about the blinds themselves. Are you going for inside mounts (blinds fitted snugly within the window frame, giving a clean, minimalist vibe) or outside mounts (blinds that hang over the frame, often for more light control or to hide an imperfect frame)? This decision is like choosing between a sleek, modern haircut or a more traditional, flowing style. It changes the whole look!

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount: The Age-Old Dilemma

For our two-blind scenario, inside mounts are usually the way to go if you want a super clean look and have a decent window depth. It’s like giving each blind its own little picture frame within the larger window. This generally offers a more polished aesthetic, and it’s often what people envision when they think of dividing a window.

Outside mounts are your go-to if your window frame is a bit wobbly, shallow, or if you just want to maximize your light-blocking superpowers. Think of it as giving your blinds a generous extension cord so they can cover every nook and cranny. This is also great if you have decorative trim you want to preserve.

For this article, we'll primarily focus on inside mounts, as they are the most common and often the trickiest to measure for when splitting a window. But don't worry, the principles can be adapted!

Operation: Measure Twice, Order Once (The Mantra of the Wise)

This is where the magic (and maybe a little bit of mild confusion) happens. We need to divide your single, magnificent window into two perfectly proportioned blind zones. Imagine you’re cutting a delicious cake. You don’t want one slice to be comically huge and the other a mere crumb, right? We’re going for equal, or at least aesthetically pleasing, portions.

Step 1: The Width - Finding the Great Divide

This is the big one. You need to measure the inside width of your window frame. Grab your tape measure. Now, here’s the crucial bit for two blinds: you need to decide where your dividing line will be. Will it be perfectly in the middle, creating two equal halves? Or will one blind be slightly wider than the other? Maybe you want a little more coverage on the side that gets blasted by the sun, like a strategic sun shield.

Here’s a fun tip: Hold your tape measure at the very top of the inside of the window frame, from one side to the other. Make a note of that measurement. Then, do the same thing in the middle of the frame. And then, do it again at the bottom. Why three times? Because window frames, much like my attempts at baking sourdough, can be a bit… imperfect. They might be slightly bowed or uneven. We want the narrowest measurement. Why the narrowest? Because if you order blinds based on a wider measurement and the window is actually narrower, your blinds won't fit. It's like trying to cram a king-sized mattress into a twin-sized bedroom – a disaster waiting to happen.

Let’s say your window’s total inside width is 60 inches. Now, you have to decide how to split that 60 inches into two. You could go for 30 inches each. Easy peasy. Or, maybe you want one blind to be 32 inches and the other 28 inches. This is your moment of power! You are the window architect.

Once you've decided on your dividing line (let's call it the "Great Divide"), you'll measure the width of the first blind section. Measure from the left edge of the window frame to your decided Great Divide line. Jot this down. Then, measure the width of the second blind section, from your Great Divide line to the right edge of the window frame. Jot that down. Make sure these two numbers, when added together, equal (or are very, very close to) your total window width. It’s like adding up your grocery bill to make sure you haven’t accidentally bought a pet llama.

Pro-Tip: If you're aiming for two equal blinds, you'll measure the total inside width and then divide that number by two. So, if your total inside width is 70 inches, each blind will be 35 inches wide. Now, here's the real secret sauce for blinds: most manufacturers will ask for the exact width you want your blinds to be. However, for inside mounts, you often need to subtract a tiny bit for clearance. Think of it as giving your blinds a little wiggle room, so they don't get stuck like a stubborn toddler. Manufacturers usually recommend subtracting about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from your measured width. So, if you want your blind to appear 35 inches wide, you might order it at 34.75 inches. It's like buying a slightly smaller shirt so you can still move your arms freely after lunch.

Important Note: Always check the specific measurement instructions from the blind manufacturer you choose. They are the ultimate arbiters of blind measurement wisdom!

Step 2: The Height - Reaching for the Sky (or the Sill)

Now, let’s talk height. This is usually a bit simpler than the width division. For inside mounts, you’ll measure the inside height of your window frame. Start at the very top of the inside frame and measure straight down to the bottom of the inside frame. Again, do this in a few spots (left, middle, right) and use the shortest measurement. Just like with the width, a shorter height means your blinds will fit. A taller blind in a shorter window is just… sad.

When you're ordering blinds for an inside mount, you’ll typically provide the manufacturer with the exact height measurement you want the blind to be. Unlike width, you generally don't subtract anything from the height for inside mounts. The manufacturer will often add a little extra fabric or material to ensure full coverage. It's like ordering a pizza – you want the whole thing, not just the delicious toppings!

However, if you're going for a specific look where you want the blinds to not go all the way down, or if you have a sill that juts out, you might adjust this. But for standard, full coverage, just measure the shortest inside height and that's your number.

Since you have two blinds in one window, and assuming they're side-by-side in the same window frame, they will almost always share the same height measurement. Unless you're doing something really avant-garde, like one blind being a tiny little elf curtain and the other a grand theatrical drape, you'll use the same height for both. So, measure that shortest inside height and use it for both of your blinds.

Step 3: The Depth - Making Sure They Play Nicely

This is a less common measurement people think about for ordering, but it's crucial for ensuring your blinds will actually fit inside the window frame. You need to measure the depth of your window frame. This tells you if your chosen blinds (especially if they have cords or mechanisms) will have enough room to sit flush without sticking out like a sore thumb. You want them to sit neatly inside, like guests who know how to behave.

Most standard blinds will require about 2 to 3 inches of depth. If your window frame is shallower than that, you might need to consider an outside mount instead. It’s like trying to fit a big, fluffy dog into a tiny carrier – it’s just not going to work comfortably.

The Final Frontier: Ordering and Installation

So, you've got your widths for each blind, your single height, and you've confirmed your window depth. You’re practically a blind-measuring ninja now! When you go to order your blinds, you'll select the type of blind you want (roller, Roman, Venetian, etc.) and then input your measurements. Be sure to specify that you are ordering for an inside mount. This is where all your hard work pays off!

You’ll typically provide the exact width for each blind (remembering to subtract that 1/4 to 1/2 inch for clearance on each blind’s measurement, as per manufacturer guidelines) and the exact height. For example, if your window is 60 inches wide and you want two equal blinds, you might measure 30 inches for each. Then, you'd order each blind at 29.75 inches wide (assuming a 1/4 inch deduction) and your measured height.

Installation is a whole other adventure, but the measuring is the foundation. Take your time, double-check everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this!

And when it's all said and done, and those two beautiful blinds are hanging perfectly, casting just the right amount of mood lighting for your evening activities, you can sit back, relax, and admire your handiwork. You’ve successfully wrangled two blinds into one window, and that, my friend, is a victory worth celebrating, perhaps with a well-deserved pastry. Happy decorating!