When shopping for window treatments, accurate measurements are vital in order to make the proper purchase. Nothing adversely affects the look of new window coverings more than poor placement and sloppy installation. In some cases, without the right planning, your window coverings won't even work for your application.
Your first step is deciding whether your new treatments will be hung inside or outside your window frame.
Soft treatments, such as drapes, curtains, and sheers, will almost always be hung outside your window frame.
Hard treatments, including shades and blinds, are hung either inside or outside your frame. Hanging horizontal blinds or honeycomb shades inside your window frame provides a clean and neat look, shows off attractive molding, and leaves plenty of room to hang coordinating soft treatments outside your frame. Window dressings like wood blinds, bamboo shades, or Roman shades are sometimes hung outside the window frames as a way to create a decorative look similar to that of soft treatments.
ACCURACY COUNTS
Follow these general tips to get an accurate measurement and avoid the frustration and disappointment caused by incorrectly sized treatments:
Read your manufacturer’s specific instructions on measuring and ordering.
Use a high quality steel measuring tape.
Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch for inside frame hanging.
Measure all windows – don't assume that they are the same size even if they appear to be.
Recheck.
If you are making a large investment and professional measuring is an option, consider taking advantage of the service.
SOFT TREATMENTS
You'll want the right size window coverings to achieve the look you want. In hanging curtains or drapes, first determine how much of the area beyond your window you'd
like to cover. Extending your window treatments a few inches past windows on all edges will add privacy and block more light. Include room for mounting hardware.
Also note any possible obstructions, such as doorknobs or furniture, in deciding how far a window treatment should extend.
As a general rule, your curtain rod should be about six to eight inches above your window frame. Measure from that point down to your desired end length, which can be
anywhere from just past your window sill to floor length. Shorter often gives a more casual feel; longer tends to be a more formal look that makes your windows appear
longer.
Next, measure your window width, to each edge of the frame. Add at least two to three inches to each side, for a total addition of four to six inches.
Then, multiply this width number by anywhere from two to four times for a full and lush look.
HARD TREATMENTS
In many cases, you'll be hanging hard treatments inside the window frame. This requires complete accuracy to work properly. Nothing can replace consulting with your
manufacturer’s measuring guide or in some cases, professional measuring. However, here are some tips to get you started if doing it yourself.
Measure the inside of your window frame from top to bottom and from side to side. Don't measure in just one area for either height or length.
For width, measure across at the top, middle, and bottom. Consult your manufacturer’s recommendations if each of these measurements is not the same in order to
determine which to use. For length, also measure in three locations. Again, if they don't match exactly, consult with your product’s specifications. Also measure
the depth. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch for all measurements.
If you are hanging hard treatments outside a frame, start your length measurement from the top of where you'd like it to hang, and measure down to where you'd like it
to end. Add about an extra two inches for the hanging hardware. Measure from side to side as well. As with soft treatments, extending farther past your window frames
on the sides and top and bottom will achieve better light and privacy control. Also keep in mind any obstructions, such as furniture, that you'll want to avoid.
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