Window Treatment Measurement: Blinds, Shades and Curtains

Window treatments are essential components of home decor, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Whether you’re looking to install blinds, shades, or curtains, accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect fit and look. This in-depth guide will help you through the steps of measuring for various window coverings, guaranteeing that you get the correct size every time. 

Understanding the Importance of Proper Measurements

Before learning how to measure windows for blinds or how to measure outside mount blinds, it’s crucial to understand why accurate measurements matter:

1. Proper fit: Ensures your window treatments look neat and function correctly, without awkward gaps or bunching.
2. Light control: Correct sizing prevents unwanted light gaps, allowing you to manage room brightness effectively.
3. Privacy: Adequate coverage protects your home from prying eyes, keeping your personal space truly personal.
4. Energy efficiency: Well-fitted treatments create an extra layer of insulation, potentially reducing your energy bills.
5. Aesthetics: Properly sized window treatments enhance your room’s overall appearance, complementing your decor seamlessly.

Taking time to measure accurately can save you from future hassles and ensure your window treatments look and perform their best.

How to Measure Windows for Blinds

Blinds come in various styles, including horizontal and vertical options. The measurement process differs slightly depending on whether you’re opting for an inside or outside mount.

Source: Steve’s Blinds and Wallpaper

• Inside Mount Blinds

  Inside mount blinds fit within the window frame, creating a clean, built-in look. Here’s how to measure windows for blinds that will be mounted inside the frame:

  1. Examine the width at three different locations: the top, the middle, and bottom. Choose the narrowest measurement. 
  2. Measure the height at three points: left, center, and right. Use the longest measurement.
  3. Check the depth of your window frame to ensure it can accommodate the blinds.

• Vertical Blinds Made to Measure

  Vertical blinds are an excellent choice for large windows, sliding glass doors, or uniquely shaped openings. Here’s how to measure outside mount blinds for vertical installations:

  1. Measure the width of the area you want to cover, including the frame. Add 3 inches on each side for optimal coverage.
  2. Measure the height from the desired top point to the bottom. Add 3 inches at the top for mounting hardware.
  3. For patio doors, measure from the top to 0.5 inches above the floor to allow for smooth operation.

  When ordering vertical blinds made to measure, provide these measurements to ensure a perfect fit.

  Measuring for Shades

  Shades come in various styles, including roller shades, cellular shades, and Roman shades. The measurement process is similar to that of blinds, with a few key differences.

  Inside Mount Shades

  For inside mount shades:

  1. Check the width at three different spots and take the narrowest measurement. 
  2. Measure the height at three points and use the longest measurement.
  3. Check the depth of your window frame to ensure it can accommodate the shade and its hardware.

  Outside Mount Shades

  For outside mount shades:

  1. Measure the width of the area you want to cover and add 2-3 inches on each side.
  2. Measure the height from where you want the top of the shade to the bottom of the window sill. Add 3-4 inches to the top and bottom for mounting and coverage.

Source: Steve’s Blinds and Wallpaper

Measuring for Curtains

Curtains offer a soft, elegant look and come in various styles, including standard panels, tab-top, and grommet-top designs. Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the desired fullness and length.

Width Measurements

To determine the width of your curtains:

1. Measure the window width.
2. Add 4-8 inches on each side to allow the curtains to stack back when open.
3. For fullness, multiply the total width by 1.5 to 3, depending on how full you want the curtains to appear.

Length Measurements

Curtain length is a matter of personal preference and style. Common options include:

1. Sill length: Measure from the rod to the window sill.
2. Below sill length: Measure from the rod to 4-6 inches below the sill.
3. Floor length: Measure from the rod to 0.5 inches above the floor.
4. Puddle length: Measure from the rod to 1-3 inches beyond the floor for a luxurious pooling effect.

Made to Measure Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains add a light, airy feel to any room. When ordering made to measure sheer curtains, follow these steps:

1. Measure the width of your curtain rod or the area you want to cover.
2. Determine the desired fullness (typically 2-3 times the width for sheers).
3. Measure the length based on your preferred style (sill, below sill, floor, or puddle).

Provide these measurements to ensure your made to measure sheer curtains fit perfectly and achieve the desired look.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

Tips for Accurate Measurements

To ensure the best results when measuring for any window treatment:

1. Use a metal tape measure for accuracy. This is especially important for vertical blinds made to measure, as metal tapes don’t stretch like fabric ones.
2. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. This precision is crucial for a perfect fit, particularly when ordering made to measure sheer curtains.
3. Double-check all measurements before ordering. It’s easy to make mistakes, so always measure twice to avoid costly errors.
4. Consider the location of any obstructions like handles or radiators. These can affect how your window treatments hang or operate.
5. If in doubt, round down for inside mounts and up for outside mounts. This rule of thumb helps avoid treatments that are too large to fit or too small to cover properly.

Source: The Home Depot

Conclusion

Accurate measurements are the foundation of well-fitted, beautiful window treatments. Whether you’re installing blinds, shades, or curtains, taking the time to measure correctly will ensure your new window treatments look great and function properly. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to consult with a professional or the manufacturer for specific measuring instructions. Contact the professionals at Window Liquidators to know more.

FAQs

Q: What’s the first step in how to measure windows for blinds? 

A: Measure the width at three points (top, middle, bottom) and use the narrowest measurement.

Q: How do you ensure proper coverage when ordering vertical blinds made to measure? 

A: Add 3 inches on each side of your width measurement for optimal coverage.

Q: When learning how to measure outside mount blinds, how much should you add to the width? 

A: Add at least 1.5 inches on each side of your desired width for privacy and light control.

Q: What’s a key consideration when ordering made to measure sheer curtains? 

A: Determine the desired fullness, typically 2-3 times the width of the area you want to cover.