BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS, Inc.

MEASURING GUIDELINES

*  Window fashions are custom fabricated according to the dimensions given to or taken by BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS.
*  Measurements must be exact to ensure proper fit.
*  We will not be held accountable when you give us incorrect measurements.

MEASURING DOS and DONTS

*  DO always  measure the exact window intended for the treatment.  Each window opening is unique.
*  DO always use a 3/4" or 1" steel tape measure.
*  DO measure the width and write it down; then measure the height and write it down.
*  DO measure to the nearest 1/8".
*  DON'T assume a window is square.
*  DON'T take any deductions.  Factory deductions will vary based on product and mounting selections.
*  Standard measuring procedures apply to all products that fit rectangular windows unless otherwise specified.
*  Careful attention must be given to each measurement; measurements that pertain to the mounting areas (headrails) are critical and must be accurate.
*  Specialty shapes and applications require special measuring procedures.

INSIDE MOUNT OR OUTSIDE MOUNT ?

INSIDE (IB) MOUNT - Shade fits within window frame.

OUTSIDE (OB) MOUNT - Shade overlaps window opening.  Be sure to add the desired overlap amount to each side and then add to the total ordered width when ordering an outside mount shade.

STANDARD MEASURING PROCEDURES

INSIDE (IB) MOUNT

1.  Be sure the window opening is deep enough to install the mounting bracket.
2.  Measure the width inside the window opening at the top, middle and bottom.
3.  Measure the height inside the window opening at the left, right and middle.
4.  If widths in the window vary, order the minimum width necessary to allow the shade to go up and down.
5.  If heights in the window vary, order the shortest height for vertical treatments and the longest height for horizontal treatments.

OUTSIDE (OB) MOUNT

1.  Measure the desired width and height.  To minimize light leakage, the shade should overlap the window opening at least 2" on each side and at the bottom.
2.  When measuring the height, take into account the requirements for mounting the bracket attachment.

CURTAIN & TOPPER Measurement

I know my window measurements, but how do I know what size curtains or window treatments will fit my window size?

TO START OFF:

All sizes are stated WIDTH (left to right) by LENGTH (top to bottom).

CURTAIN OR VALANCE SIZES:

The width of rod pocket curtains is stated as the flat out width.  You would never use the curtain flat out so keep in mind that a 60" wide pane will not look good if you try to cover a 60" window with it.  You need to provide fullness by using multiple panels for a window that size.  Certain items are used "flat out" and we will state that in our product description.

Pinch pleated drapes on the other hand have the fullness sewn in.  So a pair of 48' wide drapes can cover 48".  You need to factor in the overlaps (center area where the left and right panel should overlap each other when closed) and returns (the "wrap around" part which returns from the face of the rod to the wall).

In most curtain and window treatments, it can take two to three times more material to provide the proper fullness in appearance when installed on a rod than the actual window width.

Measure the width of the rod from left to right.  A common rule for displaying curtains properly is the curtains finished width should be at least two (2) times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be three (3) times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.

Example:  If your window measures 36" wide (window width x 2 = 72"), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72" or 2 panels for that window.  In this case 2 panels will give about 100" TO 120" of width which will look nice and full.

Measure the length of the window or area you want to cover from top to bottom.  Overall curtain length, anywhere from sill to the apron or to the floor is a personal preference and need not to be exact.   By moving your rod up or down a little you can adjust the position or the curtain at your window.

Tab curtains lengths include the tabs unless specified.