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How to measure window treatments like the pros

Have you ever been a little nervous about measuring for window blinds or shades? Here are some tips from the pros and an almost surefire way to be sure you don't make any mistakes.

First, organize your measures on a measurement worksheet. They are designed to keep all your measurements in an organized pattern. This makes selection, ordering, and installation much easier.

The biggest mistake to avoid is the order which you state the width and height. With all windows and doors, the width is always first and height second. Window treatments are always stated in inches, not feet and inches. Blind measurements are always done to 1/8th of an inch and not to 16ths. When measuring for an inside mounted blind or shade, round down to the nearest 1/8 and for outside mounts, round up.

The second big mistake to avoid is assuming all your windows are the same size. Always measure every window opening and never order blinds off the measurements of old blinds that may have been already installed.

There is a standard pattern used by most window professionals and it is very simple and easy to follow. It's a simple clockwise pattern. When standing at the front door facing inside the house start with the room that is immediately on you left. Let's say it is your living room and there are 3 windows there. Measure the first one on your left and use a simple code like LV 1 for the first window in the living room, LV2 for the second and so on around the room. If you put this code on "window location" on the order form, we will label that on each blind. When the blinds are being installed, the tags let you know right away where each blind goes. Next, move clockwise and do the same for the next room. Keep the same pattern up for the entire floor then do each floor the same way.

For a surefire, almost "never make a mistake" secret. This requires two people. Begin with one person measuring and reading the tape to the second person that writes the room tag and measurements down on the work sheet. Always use a metal tape measure. After you finish measuring each window, trade places. The person that measured the first time now checks what was written and the first person writing now runs the tape measure and reads the measurements to the checker. If you find any differences check them again to be sure you are right.

Lawren Gournay

Shades Shutters Blinds Measuring Cheat Sheet

Scroll Down to see actual pictures

What You Need:

1. Metal Tape Measurer
2. Pencil or pen
3. Paper to write on

1. When measuring for blinds, always go width first and length second.

2. Do you want to hang the blind on the inside of the window or
outside the window?

For Blinds Inside (inside the drywall or frame) the Window (inside mount)

Order this if the blind is going inside (into) a window opening. The factory takes deductions for 1/8" up to 1/2" depending on the product. This is used so you do not need to think about the deductions necessary to put the blind in, install the brackets, etc. Basically, if your blind is going to fit inside an opening, just measure the window opening only and select "inside the window" and the factory will make appropriate deductions for that product. Actual product deductions can be viewed on the specifications link on that product page.

Width 1st, Length 2nd.

Please note, on inside the window measurements, the factory takes deductions in order to fit inside that window opening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top, Middle, Bottom	Left, Middle, Right
Write down the narrowest measurement (to the nearest 1/8")	Write down the longest measurement (to the nearest 1/8")

For Blinds Outside (over the drywall or frame) the Window (outside mount)

Use this if the blind is going outside (over) a window opening. The factory takes no deductions or makes the blind  slightly wider depending on the product.& You need to think about how much
overlap you want on this window opening. For regular horizontal blinds, it is typically  over lap on the width (add  more to the opening width) and  on the height (add  more than the opening height). This will prevent light seepage, make room for the installation brackets, and provide privacy. For vertical blinds, extra on the width and extra on the height is normal.& Remember, this is just a typical estimation. You can make it any size you want. All mounting information can be viewed on the specifications link on that product page.

Width 1st, Length 2nd

Please note, on outside the window measurements, the factory takes no deductions in order to fit that window opening.

For the Width- Measure in 3 spots:	For the Length-Measure in 3 spots:
Top, Middle, Bottom	Left, Middle, Right
Write down the widest measurement (to the nearest 1/8")	Write down the longest measurement (to the nearest 1/8")

3.  Use the Measure Pricing Cheat Sheet to help you measure.

Shades Shutters Blinds Measure Cheat Sheet

Inside the window Pictures (Click Picture to Enlarge)

Outside the window Pictures (Click Picture to Enlarge)