Measuring For Window Treatments

When measuring for your window treatments, it is best to have all your poles, tracks and hardware in place before you begin to measure. For better accuracy, use a long retractable steel tape measure and ask someone to help you hold the tape when measuring larger windows.

Take the first length measurement a few times across the window. Floors can sometimes be uneven, so check by measuring the width at both the top and the bottom. Take your time. You may even measure a second and third time. It is important to get the measurements correct when you buy fabric and make your own curtains, but ready made drapes usually come in 84, 63, and 95 inch lengths.  As a general rule, you would double the width of a window. For example, if a window is 24 inches wide, you will need your curtain to have the fullness of 48 inches. Never skip on the fullness of a curtain.  When measuring for your tiebacks, measure around the curtain at the chosen heighth, making sure the tieback will not crush the fabric or hang too loosely away from the curtain's leading edge.

Blinds and shades can be  mounted either inside or outside of the window recess. Where you mount is a matter of personal preference. Many newer homes prefer the blinds or shades have an inside mount to show off beautiful moldings. 

For the finished length of a recess mounted shade, measure from the top of the wooden support or roller to the windowsill. The finished width is the width of the recess, minus 3/4 inches, so the shade does not touch the sides of the window.

For the finished length of a face mounted shade, measure from the top of the wooden support or roller down to 2 inches below the window sill.  The finished width for a roman shade is the length of the wooden support plus 5/8 inches. For a plain shade it is the length of the pole including metal caps and pins, minus 1 1/4 inches for Clarence.

Good luck, and remember, for any additional assistance, give us a call and we will be happy to help!