If you’re looking to install new window blinds or shades for a standard 35 inch wide window, you may wonder what size you need to order. Choosing the right size blind is essential for proper light blocking, privacy, and an attractive look. Follow this guide to determine the ideal width, length, and other specifications for blinds to fit 35 inch windows.
How To Measure Your Window For Blinds
The first step is accurately measuring the window opening to determine your desired width. This ensures your new shades or blinds fit ideally within the window frame.
When measuring width, measure the entire window opening from side to side at the top. Be sure to measure in three places – left, center, and right – and use the most comprehensive measurement. Write down the measurements in inches and use the largest to determine blind width.
For the length, measure from the top of the window opening down to the sill in three places – left, center, and right. Again, use the longest length measurement.
Once you have the width and length, add 1-3 inches to both numbers. This provides a bit of clearance so the blinds aren’t too tight.
Tip: Use a steel measuring tape for maximum accuracy when measuring window sizes. Make sure to write down all the measurements.
What Size Blinds For A 35 Inch Window?
For a standard 35 inch wide by 48-inch tall window, the ideal blind size is:
- Width: 36 to 38 inches
- Length: 49 to 51 inches
So, for this window size, look for window blinds around 36 or 37 inches wide and 50 inches long. This gives an excellent, slightly oversized fit to cover the window opening completely.
Width Length Ratio
In addition to getting the correct width, you want the length proportional to the width. An appropriate width-to-length ratio for blinds is around 2:3.
For a 35 inch wide window, a good length is 50-54 inches, maintaining a nice proportional look. Avoid blinds that are much shorter or taller than this ratio.
Tip: An easy formula to remember is to double the width and add 12-18 inches to the length. So for a 35 inch width, ideal length is around 70 + 12 = 82 inches (or 50 inches for a standard height window).
Standard Blind Widths
When ordering, you’ll notice most blinds come in specific standard width increments like 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, etc. It’s rare to find an odd custom size, like 35 inches.
So, for a 35 inch window, your options are likely:
- 34 inch blinds
- 36-inch blinds
A 34-inch blind will fit inside the 35 inch opening but may be prone to light leakage on the sides.
The 36-inch size will cover the window entirely and give that nice oversized look. So that’s likely the best choice.
Just remember to get a matching longer length, like 50 inches. This maintains the ideal 2:3 ratio.
Mini Blinds Sizing
Mini blinds are one popular and versatile option. When getting mini blinds for a 35 inch window, use the same sizing guidelines:
- Width: 36 to 38 inches
- Length: 49 to 51 inches
Look for standard 1-inch mini blind slat sizes. This is the most common and fits well with the window scale.
For aluminum or vinyl mini blinds, an ideal slat count for a 35-inch width is 36 slats. For wider widths, increase by 6 slat increments like 42 or 48 slats for 42 or 48-inch blinds.
Ensure to measure for any obstructions around the window that may interfere with the blinds. Mini blinds need at least 1/2 inch clearance above, below, and on the sides to operate smoothly.
Vertical Blinds Sizing
Vertical blinds are another excellent choice for expansive windows. When sizing vertical blinds for a 35 inch window:
- Width: 36 to 38 inches
- Length: 49 to 51 inches
- Vanes: Look for 3 to 4-inch wide vanes, with 8-12 vanes to cover the width
When measuring, ensure the vertical blinds can be fully drawn open and closed, and account for any window cranks, handles, or latches.
Vertical blinds typically need a depth clearance of 3 inches for the vanes to rotate open and close properly.
Sheer/Light Filtering Shades Sizing
Sheer shades that let in light while adding privacy are ideal for living spaces. For sheer shades on a 35 inch window:
- Width: 36 to 38 inches
- Length: 49 to 51 inches
Sheer shades look best with an inside mount installation to show off the soft, gathered look. Ensure you account for the adequate mounting depth needed – around 2 inches.
Use the same width and length as other shades for light-filtering cellular shades. Cellular shades need a minimum of 1/2 inch depth for inside mounts.
Roller and Solar Shades Sizing
Simple roller shades and solar screen shades make good choices for bedrooms and home offices. For a 35 inch window:
- Width: 36 to 38 inches
- Length: 49 to 51 inches
Ensure the shade fit is around 1 inch narrower than the window opening on each side. This ensures smooth operation and light blocking.
For inside-mount installations, roller shades need a flat mounting area of at least 1 1/4 inches. Measure this depth carefully when ordering.
Solar shade screen fabrics come in varying levels of openness or opaqueness. Sheer fabrics still allow daylight, while blackout fabrics ultimately block light.
Consider Window Depth And Inside vs. Outside Mounting
When ordering window blinds and shades, consider the window depth and whether you want inside or outside mounting.
Inside mounts fit within the window framing for a seamless look. This requires having sufficient mounting depth clearance.
Outside mounts are installed outside the window framing, requiring at least 1/2 inch of flat surface bordering the window.
Outside mounting is an excellent option if you lack the depth needed for inside mounting. This allows you to use existing hardware holes from old blinds or shades.
Measure the window frame depth carefully and check the product specs of any blinds or shades you’re considering. This ensures you get the right hardware and fittings for proper installation.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Reputable window blind and shade manufacturers provide their products with width and length sizing charts or calculators.
Find the product page for the specific blinds or shades you want, and look for their recommendation for a 35 inch wide window. This takes the guesswork out and directly gives you the exact size from the manufacturer.
Following their recommendations for your window dimensions ensures the blinds fit and function properly.
Consult With A Blind Specialist
If you’re unsure about measurements, consider hiring a professional blind installer to measure your windows.
Blind specialists have extensive experience measuring all windows, considering potential clearance issues and obstructions.
They can assess whether inside or outside mounting will work best and ensure that you get the perfect-fitting blinds or shades.
Many installers also offer free in-home consultations and measurements. They handle ordering all the blinds for your home and expert installation.
Plan For Adjustability And Future Changes
When deciding on blind and shade sizes, leaving a little extra room for adjustability is smart.
If you go with an outside mount, you can position shades slightly wider than the window frame to allow for side-to-side adjustment.
Get shades at least an inch longer than the window opening for length. This allows you to raise or lower the shades to the desired height later.
Planning adjustability also accommodates future window changes down the road. You may replace the windows or modify the sizes over time.
Having blinds slightly oversized for the current windows leaves room for adjustments to fit future window dimensions.
Order Samples To Test Sizes
Many retailers and manufacturers offer free blind and shade samples in different product lines and sizes.
Order a few width/length samples around 36 by 50 inches to see how they’ll look on your 35 by 48-inch window.
Looking at and holding up the samples helps visualize the right size and get a realistic sense of coverage, light blocking, and overall look before ordering.
Follow Safety Standards
Any window shades or blinds with pull cords should meet current safety standards, especially if young children or pets are home.
To prevent entanglement hazards, look for products with no exposed cords, breakaway tassels, cord cleats, and other safety features.
For roll-up style shades, choose cordless or motorized options for maximum safety.
Install all blinds properly by securely mounting them to the wall or window frame per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
With the right size blind picked for your 35-inch window and proper installation, you’ll enjoy perfect function, safety, and aesthetics. Get the ideal amount of light control, privacy, and beauty to enhance any room’s decor. Taking the time to accurately measure and find an appropriately sized blind pays dividends for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of blind for a 35 inch wide window?
For 35 inch windows, good blind options include mini blinds (1-inch slats), cellular shades, roller shades, Roman shades, vertical blinds, and sheer shades. Minis and verticals allow you to tilt and raise/lower the blinds for flexible light control. Cellular and roller shades offer clean, modern styling. Sheer shades filter light beautifully.
What size blinds should I buy if my window frame opening is 35 inches wide?
Go with blinds 1-3 inches wider than your actual window frame opening. So for a 35 inch opening, ideal blind sizes are 36 to 38 inches wide and 50-54 inches long. The extra width prevents light leakage on the sides.
My window height is 35 inches. What blind length do I need?
A good rule of thumb for a window height of 35 inches is to get blinds 15-20% longer than the window opening. This allows for adjustments to raise and lower the blinds. So for a 35 inch tall window, look for blinds around 41-42 inches long.
Should I get an inside or outside mount for my 35 inch window?
Inside mounts look more seamless with enough mounting depth (around 2 inches). Outside mounts allow more flexibility in positioning the blinds broader or taller than the window frame. Consider which look you prefer and if you have any sill or casing depth limitations.
What size slats should I get for 35-inch mini blinds?
The most common and versatile slat size for mini blinds is 1 inch. For a 35 inch blind, you’ll ideally want 35-36 slats to span the width fully. Wider 2-3 inch slat minis also work well, with fewer total slats across blind people.
In summary
- Accurately measure window width and height
- Add 1-3 inches to the width and length for an oversized fit
- Follow 2:3 width-to-length ratio (35 in x 50-54 in)
- Choose common blind sizes like 36 in width
- Consider inside vs outside mount based on depth
- Follow the manufacturer’s size guides and use samples
- Allow for adjustability and future window changes
- Focus on proper installation and safety
Hopefully, this gives you all the details on determining the perfect blind size for your 35-inch window. Let the proper light in while maintaining privacy.
