Curtains Blinds

Every window treatment expert will insist that to get full functioning of any blind, shade, etc. you have to have the product installed correctly. These same experts will all agree that without proper measurements a proper installation is close to impossible. Novice window treatment shoppers often miss the obvious connection between the two.

Inaccurate or improper measurements of your windows will lead to shoddy installation. Shoddy installation will lead to a dissatisfaction with your window treatments purchase. Improper installation can leave noticeable gaps between the treatment and the window casing that are obvious even at 1/8 inch.

Being aware of the simple guidelines for proper measurement can avoid a lot of hassle post-installation. While the measurements are general in nature and will have to be adjusted and/or replaced for some specialty window treatments they are the perfect place to start as you consider a window treatment purchase.

If you aren’t yet sure what product you will be looking for you need two sets of measurements. One will be for products that mount above the window. The other set of measurements will be for those products that will be mounted inside the window frame/casing.

For the outside mount products you’ll need to pull measurements both vertically and horizontally. Take three in each direction. Make sure to measure to the 1/8 inch; even the smallest shortages or overages can make a noticeable difference in the final product. For horizontal blind installation you’ll add 3 inches to both the length and width measurements. For vertical product mount you’ll add 4 inches to the width and you’ll add 3 inches to the length; these adjustments will result in the proper fit during installation.

For interior mount products you will again take the three measurements running in each direction. And you will again be as specific in your measurements as possible (to the 1/8 inch). You’ll take your longest vertical measurement and your shortest horizontal measurement to use in your calculations and product ordering.

When mounting inside the window casing you’ll also need to take a depth measurement. This is so that your product will be able to mount and hang flush with the interior wall after installation. The depth measurement is taken between the interior wall and the window. You should be able to access depth requirements for any products you are considering easily on their list of specifications.

These basic measuring guidelines can’t guarantee that you’re installation will go smoothly and perfectly. But it can definitely get your search for the right window treatments off to the best start. You’ll have what you need for cost estimates and you’ll have the ordering and installation measurements you need for the majority of window treatment products out there.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.