Many window treatments can be either washed or dry cleaned, while others may be spot cleaned or vacuumed. Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for each type of window treatment you have.
GENERAL MEASURING TIPS: Before you buy anything, follow these general rules to make the best purchase decision.
Decide whether you would like to hang your treatments on the inside of the window frame or on the outside. You should measure as follows:
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| Measure here for the width of the inside of the frame. | Measure here for the width of the outside of the frame. | This will measure the height of the window. |
- Have the proper tools handy: a pencil, a metal measuring tape and a piece of paper. Don't use a fabric measuring tape as they do not measure as accurately.
- Hardware is generally meant to extend four inches beyond the window frame (2" / 5 cm on each side).
- The length of the curtain rod does not include the finial.
- Many rods are expandable, and while wooden poles come in standard 4', 6' and 8' lengths (121.9 cm, 182.8 cm, and 243.8cm), they may be cut to customize their length or joined together for wider needs (connector screws available).
- Plan for two to four times the fabric width to the width of your window for a full look. Remember, the lighter the weight of the fabric, the lighter the treatment will look.
For panels, note that the height of a panel includes the top of the tab or ring to the bottom of the panel.- Drapery panels are meant to be hung four inches above the window frame or even from the ceiling (common with a 96" / 243.8 cm panel). Shorter panels like a 63" / 160 cm length are meant to hang four inches below the window sill.
- Plan for an even number of panels, with up to four per window for a full, gathered look.
For scarves, use this equation:
SCARF LENGTH = LEFT HEIGHT + WIDTH + RIGHT HEIGHT
- Scarves may be hung using swag holders, holdbacks, sconces or even draped over a rod. If the finished scarf length seems a little long, that's ok. Plan on a little extra fabric to play with over the hardware to customize your look.
- Keep in mind that regardless of the width of your window, you can select to have your treatments hang higher and/or wider than the actual size of the window.
Blinds and shades that will be mounted inside a window frame will need exact measurements in order to fit the window correctly. To measure for blinds and shades correctly, follow the following steps:- For inside (recessed) shade or blind mounting: Measure the width of the window to the nearest 1/8". Because not all windows are exactly "square", measure the width in three places: high, middle and low. Record the shortest width. Next, measure the length of the opening.
- For outside shade or blind mounting: Measure the width of the area to be covered; include window trim when applicable. The recommended overlap is at least 1 1/2" on each side. Next, measure the length of the opening adding 3" to the measurement in order to accommodate bracket installation.
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