How To Correctly Measure For A Window Blind
One of the easiest ways to save money when
decorating – install window treatments yourself.
The process is absurdly simple, and yet many people impulsively say,
“I could never do that!”
But the truth is – yes you can! If you know how to use a cordless
drill to mount a screw, you
have all the skill you’ll need.
You will need 6 pieces of basic equipment:
* A steel tape measure (do not use a soft “sewing” tape measure)
* A screwdriver
* A drill (cordless is easiest, if you don’t have one already)
* A level
* Safety eye protection
* Your window blind
And of course, make sure that all brackets and screws are included
with your blind. (They
usually are, if you’re buying a set at a Home Improvement department
store.)
Determine if your window blind is an inside or outside mount. An
inside mount is attached
within the window casing and no part of it falls outside that. An
outside mount sticks out from
the wall, mounted on a frame. In a small room, an inside mount can
create an illusion of more
space than an outside mount – but you will most likely have a rim of
sunlight around it, in
bright weather.
Measuring The Window
There are 2 components you must measure, when installing a window
blind. The first one is
the window.
Remember that each window might differ slightly from each other.
Always measure.
Do it in this order. Measure:
* The width
* The height
Don’t deduct anything, when measuring width and height. The blind
manufacturer will have
done that for you.
Inside Mount
Measure the from one inside edge of the window casing to the other.
Don’t just measure in one
spot – repeat this twice more. Measure up top, in the middle, and
near the bottom.
Record the measurement that is most narrow
Measure the height also in 3 different spots, going from the top
edge of the window to the top
of the sill.
Record the measurement that is most long.
Install inside mount blinds inside the window casing.
Outside Mount
Measure on top of the window trim. Your outside blind should overlap
the window opening by
a minimum of 1 ½” each side for the best results in block out
external light.
Measure the exact height. Include your desired overlap in this
measurement. (Most people go
from the top of the molding to the top of the sill – or to the
bottom edge of the molding, if you
prefer.) Use a bigger overlap if you are concerned about privacy or
prefer a more formal look.
The blind manufacturer typically calculates for an inside mount. Be
aware that the company
will not have made allowances for an outside mount.
Measuring Your Blind
Your window covering should be always be measured as well, before
you start to hang it.
Follow the same formula – width first, then height (this will be
length, if you have the blind
laid out flat on a bed or similar surface.)
There is a wide variety of treatments, when it comes to window
blinds. You are sure to find the
one that suits your lifestyle and budget at your local Home
Improvement department store. If
you can install it yourself, you’ll save a decent amount of money.
But no matter what type of
blind you decide on – aluminum Verticals, fabric Roman Blinds, Faux
Wood horizontals –
always check the manufacturer’s directions for individual
installation variations in installation.
Once you know the basics of correct measurement, however, the
results are sure to please.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
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