How To Measure For Window Blinds, Shades & Curtains | Allure

Blinds, shades or curtains make a room feel complete. There are endless varieties of window treatments to suit any style. So, the first step to creating functional, appealing window treatments is to take measurements. The standard window length ranges from 36 to 72 inches and the standard width ranges from 24 to 60 inches. However, window sizes and shapes can vary greatly. We’re here to help you get the perfect fit. We’ll show you how to measure your window to get the right-sized blinds or shades, whether your home features modern or traditional styles.

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Before taking any measurements, you need to consider whether you’ll be mounting the window treatment inside or outside the frame. We put together the pros and cons of both installation styles to help you decide.

Inside Mount Pros and Cons

If you’d like to install a window treatment inside the window frame, here are a few reasons to consider an inside mount:

• Creates a clean, elegant look
• Allows you to hang drapes on the outside of the window and blinds or shades inside the window
• Highlights gorgeous window trim or molding
• Suitable for windows that do not have wall space around them

You need to ensure the window has enough depth for the hardware. A window casing should be three inches deep if you wish to mount blinds or curtains inside the window.

Outside Mount Pros and Cons

If your window is not deep enough for an inside mount, your other option is to mount the window treatment outside the window. Here are reasons to consider an outside mount:

• It’s more forgiving and flexible with measurements
• Makes a window appear larger
• An excellent option for blocking out light

Choosing an outside mount conceals the window trim. If you live in an older home with lovely window frames, you may not want to hide the architectural details behind a window treatment.

Tools and Supplies for Measuring Blinds, Shades and Curtains

Elevating your home starts with precise measurements using the following supplies:

• Steel tape measure
• Notepad and pen
• Levels

How to Measure for Shades

It’s important to gauge your window’s dimensions for the following:

• Inside mount shades: Measure the inside width and height to note the narrowest width and shortest heights.
• Inside mount roller and solar shades: Account for the inside width where the brackets will be placed.
• Outside mount shades: Go beyond the window frame, adding width and height.
• Outside mount roller and solar shades: Extend your measurements on each side, typically by 3-4 inches.

Types of Shades

Shades are available for all kinds of window sizes and are excellent at blocking light or making a room more energy-efficient. Here are just a few shade types to consider.

• Roman: Roman shades, made of a continuous piece of fabric, can come in a variety of fabrics from cotton to silk. When rolled up, Roman shades can have the soft, luxurious look of drapery, and when pulled down, they lie flat against the window.
• Honeycomb: This type of shade, also called pleated or cellular shades, pulls down, but the fabric has chambers that trap air, providing greater insulation and possible savings on your home’s energy bill.
• Silhouette: Resembling horizontal blinds in functionality, silhouette shades are s-shaped and made from sheer fabrics that look floating in your windows suspended between light and air. These shades give your windows and your space a sophisticated feel.
• Pirouette: A totally unique experience in window treatments, these shades move and curve upward like a pirouette — their shape gives you elegance with all sun and UV-protection traditional coverings offer. You can have both delightful styles with protection and practical function, which makes these shades desirable in many Philadelphia homes for all types of windows.
• Woven: Woven shades give you the warm feel and strength of nature all in one window dressing. Woven shades typically are seen as rollers, roman and in drapery, so the choice is yours when you bring the textures of the outside into your home.
• Solar: Solar shades are similar to sunglasses, allowing you to see the outside world through the fabric while still providing light control and a clean, modern look.
• Roller: These shades are housed in a valance tube at the top of the window and pull down like a roll of wrapping paper or an old-fashioned school map with a chain or by a motor with a remote control. You get privacy while blocking sun glare and UV rays, but can still see out through the shade.