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How to measure for window treatments

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 9:38 AM Window treatments are a great addition to your home. Not only do they block light from entering the room, but they can add a sense of privacy and security to your home as well. While there are many different options to look at when shopping for window treatments, making sure that you are aware of how to properly measure for window treatments is extremely important when it comes to being able to install them correctly the first time.

window treatment letting light into the room


Choose mount type 


When it comes to measuring for window treatments, the first thing you will want to determine is whether you want to mount the blinds on the inside or on the outside of the window frame. There are a few main differences between mounting blinds on the inside versus the outside of the window frame. Mounting blinds on the inside of the window frame will provide a clean look and will allow your molding to be visible. On the other hand, mounting blinds on the outside of the window frame will provide you with more privacy and better light control. If you have windows that are not the most attractive, mounting your blinds on the outside will help hide them. After choosing a mount type, you can then measure for the window treatments you have chosen.

Horizontal blinds

With horizontal blinds, if you have chosen to mount them on the inside of the window frame, measure the window frame in three different places for width and height, measuring to the nearest 1/8″. From these measurements, use the narrowest width and the longest height. Do not make any deductions with these measurements. If you mount them on the outside of the window frame, measure the overall area where the blind is placed. With these measurements, add 1-1/2″ to the width and 1-1/2″

modern living room with hardwood flooring


Vertical blinds 

With vertical blinds, if you have chosen to mount them on the inside of the window frame, measure the window frame in three different places for width and height from the bottom of the casing to the top of the window sill. From these measurements, use the narrowest width and the shortest height. If you are planning on mounting the vertical blinds on the outside of the window frame, measure the width and height from the top of the headrail to the very bottom edge. Add about 3″ to each side for maximum light control and privacy. If the vertical blinds are extending to the floor, for example, blinds for a patio door, make sure that you take 1/2″ off of the height so that the vanes do not touch the floor. 

Interested in custom window treatments? Vonderheide Floor Coverings Co. has beautiful window treatments. Vonderheide offers a number of options including shades, drapes, shutters, curtains, and more. For more information on window treatments, or how to properly measure for window treatments, feel free to contact us here or visit our showroom which is located at 105 N. 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.