How to Measure a French Door for Blinds

Blinds are very versitale and attractive, and can be easily added to french doors.  Adding blinds can provide greater privacy while still allowing the option to easily open or close the blinds.  Measuring for blinds for french doors is easily done, if a few things are kept in mind.  

Things you'll need:

• Measuring tape


• Paper and pencil to write the measurements down

• Measure the length and width of the glass across the entire area to be covered.  If covering each door individually, make sure to measure each door.  Keep in mind the French door blinds are outside mount, meaning the will be attached to the outside of the opening, rather then attached in a recessed area.


• Measure from outside edge to outside edge of any molding or raised areas that you wish to cover.  Include these in your initial measurements.


• Add 1-2 inches to the measured width.  This will ensure the entire area is covered and allow for maximum privacy.  Be careful that the added inches will not obstruct door handles, locks, etc.  Adding these inches may overlap with lever handles; this is usually unavoidable.  However, the blinds will hang around the handle and will usually not be an issue.


• Add 3-4 inches to the measured length to ensure coverage, and to allow for installation bracket at the top.


• Write down each measurement as you go, and be careful to clearly mark which is the height measurement and which is the width.  Bring this with you when ordering or buying the blinds.  Remember to order the blinds for outside mount, so that the size you order will the exact size you get.