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How to Measure for New Window Treatments

Making the decision to invest in new window treatments feels exciting, especially if it’s long overdue. However, after the selection process, many homeowners research the same topic: how to measure new window treatments.

Person's hands using a measuring tape to take accurate measurements of a window for new blinds

Our Delux Drapery & Shade Co. team is here to share some of our tips to help you achieve a perfect fit at your windows with accurate measurements.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

While you don’t want your window treatments to look poorly constructed at your window, accurate measurements are more than aesthetics. If measured inaccurately, your window coverings may not open or close properly. They may also scrape against the window frame, causing your paint to chip.

That’s why we encourage homeowners to rely on our Delux Drapery & Shade Co. team to provide professional window measurements near Ann Arbor, MI.

Additional benefits of accurate measurements include:

How to Measure Window Blinds

Understanding how to measure window blinds starts with deciding whether you want an inside mount or an outside mount. This style decision will determine how you take every measurement. We suggest using a tape measure and record to the nearest 1/8 inch for better accuracy.

Here’s how to measure for window blinds with inside mounts:

  1. Measure the window’s width at the top, middle, and bottom.
  2. Use the narrowest width.
  3. Measure height at left, center, and right.
  4. Use the longest height.
  5. Measure depth to ensure blinds will fit inside the frame.

For those wanting outside mounts, here’s how to measure window blinds for that style:

  1. Decide how much overlap you want for the window.
  2. Add about 2 to 3 inches on each side for width.
  3. Measure the height from the desired top point to the bottom of the coverage area.

How to Measure Shades

When learning how to measure shades, the same inside-versus-outside-mount rules for blinds also apply. Generally, folks prefer outside mounts to maximize light control and minimize visible gaps. Fulness and light control also play a bigger role in sizing decisions.

Here’s how you can measure shades for inside mounts:

  1. Measure the width at three points and use the smallest measurement.
  2. Measure at the height in three points and use the largest measurement.
  3. Check window depth for clearance requirements.

Here are the steps to follow if you want to measure shades with outside mounts:

  1. Add extra width for better light blocking, typically 2–4 inches total.
  2. Extend the height above and below the window, if needed, for full coverage.

How to Measure Interior Shutters

Interior shutters require some of the most precise measuring because they’re custom-fitted to the window opening. Even small errors can affect how the slats align and operate inside the frame.

Here are the key interior shutter measurements you need to include:

How to Measure Custom Drapes

Measuring for drapes focuses less on the window frame and more on the amount of coverage and fullness you want at your windows. Accurate measurements, however, are still important. Without them, your custom drapes might be ill-fitting.

Here are the important drapery measurements to account for:

Schedule Professional Window Measurements Near Ann Arbor, MI

Whether you’ve invested in new blinds, shades, shutters, or drapery, taking accurate measurements is essential. That’s why our team is happy to provide our professional measuring and installation services. We can also discuss the best window treatments for homes in the community for inspiration when you contact us online or call (734) 662-6524.

Delux Drapery & Shade Co. serves all surrounding communities, including Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Howell, Brighton, and Washtenaw County.