Measuring

I received my order today. Thanks to your very good measuring instructions, I measured correctly and all is well. Thanks again.

– Sue, Michigan

Our customers often find that measuring windows for new drapes and blinds is a simple and easy task. The vast majority of all the orders we receive are derived directly from the sizes customers give us.

Of course, if you are involved in a new construction project or major renovation, all we need are the building plans and access to the specifications in order to provide you with a bid.

Otherwise, using a "metal measuring tape", follow a few basic rules:

Horizontal Mini-Blinds


A)	Start by measuring the window opening itself and never the existing blinds.

B)	You will want to always measure the width of the "inside of the casing or window opening" first and the height second.

	Tip: For accurate measuring, provide us with the dimensions "width x height".

C)	Use a metal tape measure that extends, not a cloth one or yardstick.

D)	Do you prefer an inside or outside mount for finished product placement? Decide exactly where you want to mount your mini-blinds.

	Pros & Cons:

		Inside Mount – Mini-Blinds

			•	Prone to less damage.

			•	The majority of all mini-blinds are mounted inside of the casing.

			•	On tight or narrow depth window casings, mounting the mini-blinds this way may not be always possible.

		Outside Mount – Mini-Blinds

			•	You can mount blinds usually directly onto the outside window molding or trim.

			•	It is good to mount them this way if you have tight or narrow window casings that are not very deep.

			•	However, children, pets, and others often bump onto outside mounted blinds thereby making them more prone to damage.

E)	Inside casing measurements

		i.	Using a metal tape measure, check several points on the inside of the window casing. This is called the width.

		ii.	Width – list width measurement of the inside casing first.

		iii.	Height – measure from the inside top of the casing at the center to the bottom inside of the casing. List the height measurement of the inside casing second.

F)	Outside casing measurements

		i.	Width – decide exactly at what points you want the outside edges of the miniblind headrail to go once it is mounted.

			Tip:.	If you have molding or trim around the window, most people measure to the edge of the trim; one side to the other for the width.

		ii.	Height – always measure and show height second.
			To determine the height of the window, repeat the same procedure as described above for width.

Vertical Blinds


A)	Width – repeat the same steps as outlined above for Horizontal Mini-Blinds.

B)	Height – same as the Horizontal Mini-Blinds process.

C)	Inside mount – while some people prefer using Mini-Blinds for the inside of their windows, others use Verticals Blinds.

D)	Outside mount – most Vertical Blinds are used as outside mounts. This is probably a more "functional" use of them.

Tip:	Typically, Vertical Blinds are used to cover sliding glass doors or patio doors. The sizes for Vertical Blinds are usually standardized for most sliding doors (e.g. 5', 6', 8' wide) with heights of 84" or 94", although they can be practically made to any size you need.

Roller Shades


A)	Width – follow same steps as outlined above for Mini-Blinds.

B)	Height - same as the Mini-Blinds process.

Drapes and Curtains


A)	Rules for measuring Drapes and Curtains

		i.	Width – is always measured and expressed first when ordering.

		ii.	Width – list width measurement of the inside casing first.

		iii.	Use a retractable metal tape measure to ensure accuracy (i.e. Never use a cloth tape measure or a yard stick).

		iv.	Never measure the existing drape or window covering. You will not get an accurate measure this way.

		v.	Do not give us "pleat counts" since these vary company to company; and are therefore inaccurate.

B)	The two primary categories for drapery measurements are:

		i.	When a rod exists; or

		ii.	When a drape rod has not yet been installed.

	One of the safest ways to "fit your drape" to any window is simply to replace the existing rod with a new one. If replacing your rod is not possible, then carefully follow our instructions as described under "Existing Rods".

C)	Existing Rods (Hardware)

		i.	Width – measure across the front (face) of the installed rod "tip to tip". This measurement is called the drapery width and is always expressed first. You should not include in the total measurements of the rod either the rod projections (brackets at each end attaching the rod to the wall) or the overlap at the center of the drapery.

		ii.	Height – to determine the height of the drapery, measure the distance from the top of the rod to 1" above the floor for floor length draperies or from the top of the rod to 4" inches below the window sill for apron length draperies. This measurement is the drapery height and is always expressed second.

		iii.	Pairs/Panels – next, indicate whether the (drapery/curtain) is to be a panel (one way draw, opens from one side) or a pair (two way draw, opens in the middle).

D)	Non-Existing Rods (Hardware)

		i.	Window Casing – if hardware does not exist, simply measure the window casing opening. The casing should be measured from side to side and top to bottom, of course, the side to side measurement will be your width and the top to bottom the height. Allowances should be specified if they are not prominent window casing moldings that will affect the standard placement of the rod.

		ii.	Standard Placement – standard placement is calculated on the basis that the ends of the rod should normally extend 3 inches on each side of the window opening and 4 inches above it. Such a rod installation would be firmly anchored into the wood of the window framing.