Measuring windows sounds simple. You get a tape measure, write down some numbers, send them off, and everything shows up fitting perfectly. That is not quite how it works — and the reason most mail-order blinds arrive with gaps, interference, or a fit that requires a hammer to install is that homeowners did not know what they were doing wrong.
Here is what we have learned from thousands of in-home measurements across Atlanta: the two biggest mistakes are measuring inside the window frame instead of the opening, and assuming all windows in the same room are actually the same width.
Width: Three Numbers, Not One
For inside-mount blinds and shades, you need three width measurements — top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Windows are rarely perfectly rectangular. Old Atlanta homes especially can have openings that are a full inch narrower at the bottom than the top. Custom window treatment manufacturers need the narrowest of the three measurements so your shade actually fits.
For outside-mount applications — which we often recommend when windows are not deep enough for an inside mount — measure the width of the area you want covered, then add 2 to 3 inches on each side to prevent light gaps.
Height: Top to Bottom and Everywhere In Between
Measure the height from the top of the opening to the bottom of the sill, or to the floor if you are going wall-to-wall. Like width, take three measurements — left, center, right — because ceilings and floors in Atlanta homes are rarely perfectly level. Use the shortest measurement for inside mount to avoid the shade hitting the sill or floor.
Depth: The Number People Skip
Depth is what tells us whether your window can accommodate an inside-mount shade and what clearance the operating mechanism needs. Measure from the front of the window opening to the back of the frame. If you have tile or stone sills that protrude past the frame, include that in your depth measurement. Without this number, we cannot guarantee the shade will operate correctly inside the opening.
What Blind Pros Does Differently
We measure every window ourselves as part of our free in-home consultation. Our measurers know the common issues in Atlanta construction — from 1970s aluminum sliders to new construction with spray foam insulation that changes how deep window frames sit. You do not pay for measurement. You do not pay for the consultation. You only pay when you approve the quote. Call 770-609-7773 to book yours.