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How to Measure for Blinds and Shades

It seems like a daunting task, knowing how to measure windows for blinds and shades is critical to a home improvement project. The pressure to measure accurately can make a steady hand quite shaky, with the slightest error resulting in an improper fit or uneven installation.

We believe in the time-honored adage of measuring twice and cutting once here at Dannenmueller Blinds, Shutters & Closets, and we hope the following tips will help guide your hand in measuring your windows accurately during your next home remodel.

Make a plan.

A home remodel is tough work and can be incredibly stressful. Devising a plan and a place to keep all your measurements and work is paramount to your success! Organize your workspace and worksheet to coincide with how you plan on moving about your house and through each room.

For rooms with multiple windows, label them appropriately and stick to a system of measurement. Measure consistently in a clockwise direction so you know exactly how each one applies to each window, that way there is no confusion about which measurement belongs to what window.

Gather your tools.

Before measuring anything, make sure you have the right tools for the right job! You should have:

  • A metal tape measure
  • Pencil (for erasing when necessary!)
  • Plenty of paper for your worksheet

Have a vision for each room.

Then, stick to it! Determining what type of window treatment you want in each room will dramatically affect how you measure your windows. It’s your home, you can choose to go with one style or go with a different look for every room.

How to measure for blinds and shades.

First, windows are always measured by width first, then height. Stick to this, just like you should stick with measuring windows in a clock-wise fashion throughout the room. Measure in inches or centimeters only, never mix the two.

A great rule of thumb to exercise here: round down to the nearest 1/8th of an inch for window treatments on the inside of the frame; Round up for treatments mounted on the outside of the frame.

For inside mounted treatments (where it is narrower than the frame), measure the width of the window from the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement if they somehow differ (not all windows are perfectly square).

Then, measure the height from the inside of the top trim to the window sill. Take measurements from the right, left, and middle of the window and use the smallest measurement again.

With inside mounts, measure the depth of the window as well, as this will help determine the space available for mounting brackets.

For outside mounted treatments (where it is wider than the frame), measure the width of the window frame from outer edge to outer edge. Again, round down to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. If you have a treatment that will be mounted outside of the frame, you will measure the width beyond it that you want to cover. Typically, you’ll want to stay within 1 to 3 inches at most.

Next, measure the height in three places—the right, center, and left side. Make sure you round the measurements down here as well and record the smallest measurement. For height, measuring from the top of the frame to the window sill is best, unless you want to add length to the bottom. Typically, stay within 2.5 to 3 inches beyond the frame at the very most.

Measure, verify, and measure again.

Remember our golden rule? Always measure twice, and if you’re uncertain don’t be afraid to go back and check again. Getting these measurements absolutely correct is vital to ensuring that your windows look their absolute best and fit the vision you’ve outlined.

Have more questions for us? No problem, we are always on call for new and current customers!

Give us a call today at (270) 441-2305Also, make sure to like us on Facebook! We’d love to be a part of your next home renovation project!

Contact Steve Dannenmueller, the Authority on Shutters, Blinds, & Closets.

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