MEASURING TIPS

As homes age, they shift and settle, sometimes throwing off windows so they're no longer square. Even the windows inside new homes may not be perfectly proportioned. For these reasons, it's challenging to precisely measure the dimensions of a window.

You can certainly do it yourself—and we provide some general guidelines below—but we recommend that you rely on an experienced professional to both measure and install your custom-made Vertical Blinds Etc. window fashions. Because our window coverings are built expressly for your windows, even the smallest miscalculation can mean your covering hangs improperly (it may, for example, telescope to one side). A measurement error can also cause the lifting mechanism—whether it's a motorized system or a cord—to work improperly.

That said, if you'd still like to measure and install your windows yourself, we recommend you keep a few things in mind for starters:

• Measure each window thoroughly—horizontally at the top, center and bottom and vertically along both sides and at the center (always measure with a hard-edged ruler or steel tape—never a cloth tape). Then take the additional and important step of measuring diagonally, too. Combined, these measurements will reveal whether or not your window is square.

• If a window isn't square, consider an "outside mount," installing the treatment above the opening. This can be done in such a way that the headrail covers as little of the trim as possible. However, to minimize light leakage, we recommend that the shade overlap the window opening at least 3" on each side and at the bottom.

• Helpful Tip: When you are measuring, take into consideration whether you want an inside mount or outside mount for that window, since that will determine how to measure. 

Click here for our printable worksheet which will help you in keeping track of your window dimensions. 

Simply fill in the room name, assign a number for each window, measure the height and width of each window, and the window treatment that you're considering for that window. Also enter the direction that the window faces (North, South, East or West) which is a factor in determining the best type of blind or shade.