Shopping For Window Treatments {What To Know}

If you are planning on going out and buying blinds or draperies for your windows the following information will be quite useful for you.

I currently work at a window treatment and bedding store that specializes in custom work, but also has in-stock items that can be purchased the same day in store. You would not believe how many times I've come across individuals that were so excited to buy window coverings only to find when they come to talk to myself or my colleagues that they are missing some vital measurements or information for us to set them up with the best possible product or to place their custom order.

So today I am going to share with you some questions that a sales person or design consultant may ask you, as well as some helpful tips on how to measure your window for both hard and soft window coverings.

1) How to measure your window for blinds:

http://www.dantehill.com/measuring.htm

You will need to take 3 measurements of the width, and length of your window, just like you see in this diagram; the reason for this is that there is no longer a "standard size window" there are always discrepancies, even by 1/8" (and yes that can make a difference when ordering custom). Another measurement you should take is the window depth, especially if you are planning on mounting your blinds inside of the window casing (measure from the nearest obstruction to the window opening if you want it to be flush).

2) How to measure your window for draperies:

http://www.blinds.com/control/infopage?page=measure_step1.html

When measuring for draperies you should measure the overall width of your window (the length as well if you would like the draperies to sit at the sill) as well as the ceiling height, and if you have rods already installed you should measure from the top of the rod to the floor for floor length draperies (or to where you would like them to sit). It is also helpful to note the amount of wall space on either side of the window; depending on the style of window covering you choose, some need an extra few inches of wall space to stack to the side to ensure that your view space of the window is uninterrupted.

3) How to hang your draperies:

http://livelovedecorate.wordpress.com/2010/07/27/decorating-tricks-of-the-pros/

When hanging draperies, there is no law on where you should hang them. However, within the interior design field it is an unspoken rule that you mount the drapery hardware as closely to the ceiling line as possible. One of the reasons for this is that it gives the illusion of a larger space and taller ceilings. As you can see in the picture above, it looks better and uninterrupted to hang your draperies this way.

4) Information you should have when looking for window coverings:

a) Are your walls cement or drywall?

b) Do you need privacy or light control (or both)?

c) Do you need thermal or acoustic regulation?

d) Do your windows have any obstructions (build outs on the casing, cranks, bulkheads,ect)

e) How do your windows open (into the room, out to the exterior, sliding)

f) Colour scheme (if possible bring fabrics from home, paint chips,ect to colour match)

Good luck and have fun with your search for window coverings, there's a wealth of options and information out there, but as long as you are prepared I promise it will be easier and less stressful.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Note: These drawings and diagrams are not of my own creation; for further information and original images please follow the links posted.