How to Measure Like a Pro for Custom Blinds and Shutters

New blinds or shutters may be the perfect final touch to a renovation or a great way to upgrade the look of the home without a ton of work. However, when homeowners want custom blinds and shutters, they're going to want to make sure they choose the right options for their home. To do this, they may want an idea of the size of their windows to help them with their budget. Measuring can be easy to do with the following tips.

Get the Tools Needed

It is a good idea to gather what's needed to do the measurements. Experts recommend having a steel measuring tape, not a cloth one. Have a paper and pencil on hand, as it's easy to forget or mix up the measurements, and have a ladder or step stool available to reach the tops of taller windows. It can be helpful to have an assistant for larger windows, as it can be challenging to reach across them when working alone.

Where to Measure on the Windows

Before measuring, decide whether to get inside or outside measurements. Some Southern California window treatments, like curtains, go outside of the window, so an outside measurement is better. For blinds and shutters, it's better to get an inside measurement of the windows to make sure they'll fit properly. For both, measure the width in at least three places, the height in at least three places, and the depth. The reason for measuring in more than one place is that many windows are not square. If the measurements are just for a basic estimate, this may not be needed.

Recording the Measurements

Write down all measurements as they're obtained to avoid getting them mixed up or forgetting what they are. Don't forget to label each of the measurements to know if it's the width, depth, or height. This is especially important when taking three measurements for each direction, as they may end up all being different.

Mistakes to Avoid

When measuring for Southern California blinds and shutters, be sure to avoid using cloth measuring tapes, as they can stretch over time and the measurements will no longer be accurate. Be sure to account for potential obstructions, like handles, in case they alter the potential size of the shutters or blinds. Also, never assume that windows are the same size. Even if they look the same, they can be a couple of inches different.

While companies like Vineyard Blind and Shutter will measure on their own to make sure the measurements are accurate, it can help to have basic measurements to look into pricing and budgeting while you're shopping for the perfect window treatments. Use the tips here to get the right measurements so you can start shopping for your new window treatments today.