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CurtainsA variety of window treatments are available today. Each type has a different way of measurement and installation. The most common type is a window curtain or drapery, which comes in pinch-pleated, tab-top, rod pocket, grommet, cafe' and back tab styles. Decide which one you will use before doing your measurement.
Decide where to hang your rod. It is typical to hang the curtain rod at least 6 inches above the top part of the window frame; however, you can also choose to hang it higher or closer to the ceiling to give the illusion of height. Then, measure the length from where you will hang the rod down to where the finished length of the curtain would be. Give at least 2 to 3 inches of space on each side of the window for the width and 2 to 3 inches from the bottom of the windowsill. For windows that are above some structural obstructions or big furnishings, you may need to adjust the length to where the windowsill ends and not go beyond that. An example would be a kitchen window right above the kitchen sink or a window right above a huge radiator.
To determine the measurement of your window coverage, multiply the width from one side to the other by two. This will give you a generous coverage when closing the window curtains, as well as provide enough light to come through when opening them on each side. -
Wooden BlindsYou can hang the window blinds outside of the window frame;. It is more common, however, to see them hanging from the inside. Use a steel tape as opposed to a cloth tape when measuring windows for blinds and shades to provide accurate measurements. Measure the width and the height to the nearest one-eighth inch.
For the inside mount, measure the width and height in three places. That is recommended because most windows are not perfectly square. For horizontal blinds, use the width with the narrowest measurement and use the longest measurement for the height. For vertical blinds, use the shortest height.
For the outside mount, add at least 4 to 5 inches on each of the four sides to ensure minimum light gaps and maximum privacy. Provide space for the mounting brackets, which can be 1 to 3 inches tall. If you prefer, you can specify the exact width and exact height you want the product to be, since, unlike inside mount, there is no limitation of space. -
Window ShuttersUse steel tape for a more accurate measurement. Determine if your window opening is square by measuring from each corner diagonally across the corner of the other side. Choose an outside mount installation if the difference between the two measurements is greater than 1/2 inch. This is because you can only trim the hanging strips no more than 1/2 inch at the top and bottom.
Check for clearance when doing an inside installation, which requires a minimum clearance depth of 1 and 1/2 inches from the back of the shutter to the window or window hardware (locks, handle or trim) to ensure proper shutter operation.
When doing an outside mount, no trimming is necessary. Mount the hanging strips directly on the wall or onto wood window molding. You can adjust the shutter position so that it aligns in the middle correctly.
