How To Measure For Window Treatments Like a Pro

When measuring for custom window treatments be sure to always use a steel tape measure, never use rulers, yardsticks or cloth tapes.

? Always measure to the nearest eighth of an inch, never round up or down to the next whole inch.

? A common mistake is to reverse the width and height when measuring a window. The industry standard is width X height, so always put the width first and the height last. Example given: 36 ¼ X 59 ½, 36 ¼ being the width and 59 ½ being the length.

? Do not take your own deductions, the factory will take it's own deductions for a proper fit. Measure the window opening for an inside mount if the treatment is being mounted inside the window opening. If it is an outside mount, make sure you have added for hardware and any over hang you may want.

When measuring your windows, first decide what type of a mount you want to do. 'Inside' means that you will be installing the treatment inside the window opening. 'Outside' means that you will be installing the treatment outside the window opening. It usually looks better to install the treatment on the inside of the window, however, if your window is out of square, you may want to consider an outside mount to hide the windows imperfections. If you are mounting outside, make sure you have added the proper amount for hardware and over hang. If you are mounting inside, make sure you have enough room to mount the treatment.

If you will be installing horizontal blinds or shades as an inside mount, measure the width in 3 places, top, middle and bottom. Mark down the narrowest width. Then measure the height in 3 different places, left, middle and right. Mark down the longest height. This will assure proper fit of your blind or shade. For an outside mount, measure exactly where you want the blind or shade to fit. Measure the window plus over-hang. For inside mount verticals measure across the top of the window for the width, and take the shortest measurement for the height. Do not add or deduct anything, order the exact size of the window.

For outside mount, measure window and add for over-hang and hardware. Windows with no inside dimension will need an outside mount. As a general rule you will measure the size of the window then add how much overhang you want. If the window is 62 inches wide, and you want the blind to extend 3 inches past on each side, you will need to order it 68 inches wide. If the window is 50 inches in height, and you want the blind to be the same length, your height will be 50 inches. If you want over-hang, add the proper amount of over-hang. If you want the blind to extend 3 inches beyond the height of the window, order the blind 53 inches in height.

For outside mounts you will also have to add for the height of the hardware. This is especially important for outside mount vertical blinds. For the width measure trim to trim (if no trim, measure from casing to casing) then add for how much over-hang you want. For the height measure from the floor to the top of the trim or casing, then add 2 inches for the mounting hardware.

You will only add to the size for outside mount blinds NOT inside mount. Outside Mount applications (in most cases):

? Sliding glass doors, Anderson-style windows, and French doors.

? Shutters are generally easier to install as outside mounts.

? Remember the golden rule "measure twice, cut once".

? Once your order is in production, it cannot be stopped.

? This is a custom made item and cannot be returned, so please take the time to measure your windows properly.

? You are responsible for your own measurements.

Mike Wasdin is a specialist in all facets of home decor. For questions or additional help, visit Decorating Depot or call 866-755-2173