HOW TO MEASURE

Measuring and installing beautiful window treatments will be a breeze with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Before You Begin

You will need:

• Metal tape measure (a cloth measuring tape could give you inaccurate readings)
• Pencil and paper (Download our measuring worksheet)
• Level (optional)

Measuring

For curtains & drapes:

1. Window treatments are always measured width by length, and the width is always stated first. The length is always measured from the top of the rod pocket to the bottom of the panel (the “header” fabric above the rod pocket is not included in the length.) Valances also are measured width for length, and generally take up the top one-quarter to one-third of the window.
2. Measuring for an outside mount: Generally for an outside mount, window hardware is mounted one to three inches above the top edge of the window frame. Measure horizontally from the outside edge of one side of the window molding to the outside edge of the other side (A). Measure in three places: at the top, middle and bottom of the window, rounding your measurement to the nearest 1/8-inch. Take the widest of these measurements as your window width measurement.
3. An important note about fullness: Make sure to purchase enough curtain or drapery panels to give your window treatments fullness—curtains and draperies should be 1 ½ - 3 times the final measured width. Less fullness will produce a more tailored look, while more fullness will create a richer, more opulent appearance. For example, if your final measured width is 50 inches, you should purchase enough panels to cover between 75 inches and 150 inches in total width (50 x 1.5 = 75; 50 x 3 = 150.) Valances also should be wide enough to give you the desired degree of fullness.
4. If you choose to expose your entire window: Add 6–8" to the actual width of the window to allow enough space when the curtains are completely open in order to “clear” the window.
5. Choose a length: The most common lengths for window coverings are: to the top of the windowsill (C); to just below the windowsill (D), midway between the windowsill and the floor, or to the floor (E). Common lengths for standard curtain or drapery panels are 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches and 120 inches. Common lengths for tier curtains (also known as café curtains or kitchen tiers) are 24 inches and 36 inches.

For blinds & shades:

1. Decide if you want an inside or outside mount window treatment. Inside mount refers to window treatments that hang completely inside the window frame. Outside mount refers to window treatments that hang outside of the window frame; the hardware is typically installed one to three inches from the outside edge of the window frame.
2. Measuring for an inside mount: Measure horizontally from the inside edge of one side of the window frame to the inside edge of the opposite side. Measure at the top, middle and bottom of the window, rounding your measurement to the nearest 1/8-inch. Take the narrowest of these measurements as your final width measurement.
3. Once you have the width, measure for the height of the inside mount window treatment. Measure vertically from the inside edge of the top of the window frame to the inside edge at the bottom of the window frame. Measure in three places, at the left, center and right of the window, again, rounding your measurement to the nearest 1/8-inch. Take the longest length as your final length measurement.