Window Treatments: How to Measure for Vertical Blinds
When you are measuring your windows for custom made vertical blinds, the following tips will help guarantee a perfectly fitted blinds. Whether you are looking for fabric, wood, or vinyl vertical blinds, follow these steps for a precise measurement.
Here is how: 1. Measure the width of your window's opening. Include the trim of the window in this initial measurement. If there's room, add at least four inches to each side to make sure you do not have gaps where light could enter from. 2. Measure the height of the window's opening, including the trim. Add at least three inches to the top to provide space for mounting brackets above the window frame or door frame. Add the overlap you want at the bottom. If you want your window blinds to hang down the windowsill or to the floor, subtract at least 1/2 inch for clearance.
3. Allot space for door handles. If the handle of your sliding or French door protrudes, it can interfere with your window treatment. Depending upon the placement of the handle, you might be able to measure from the opposite side in order to avoid the window treatment from obstructing the door's usage. If needed, you could use extension brackets. Such brackets could add depth to the head rail, providing clearance for the door handle which could be obstructing.
4. When purchasing vertical blinds, keep in mind that their measurements are determined by the width first and followed by the length. For example, 65" by 45" wood vertical blinds are 65 inches in width and 45 inches in length. Putting these figures in the wrong order when you go shopping for custom made vertical blinds might result in blinds that do not fit your door or window. The worst, you may not be able to return them.
More Tips: After installing your vertical blinds, it's important to keep in mind that nylon cord draws this type of window covering. Don't forget to open your blinds with the chain prior to drawing them with its nylon cord. This is to avoid damaging the blinds or causing them to fall from your head rail. If your blinds become difficult to open or close, spray a little amount of silicone on the rod inside your head rail; and then open and shut the blinds to work the spray over the entire rod. To keep the head rail functioning properly, vacuum it every other year.
blinds made to measure: http://www.duette.co.uk/made-measure-blinds/