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Three keys to beautiful window treatments

So, you need window treatments. An easy alternative to custom is ready mades. Here are some simple guidelines to help when purchasing ready mades. Decide on inside or outside mount. Outside mount conceals the moldings and can be whatever size you want. Inside mount leaves the moldings uncovered and generally are no longer then the window sills. Next, on to the measure. For inside mount, measure the width of( A) and the length of (B)For outside mount, you must determine the amount of wall that will be covered by the treatment. Then measure the width of the opening (A) and the length (B),the extension to the left (C) and right (D) of the opening , and the distance above (E) and below (F) it.The total of these width measurements is part of the fullness ratio used to determine fabric requirements for curtains, draperies and treatments that are not flat.I personally like to hang my window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible. Alot depends on the style. If you just are hanging valances, I divide the window length into 4's and do one fourth in length. The extensions to the left and right ( C and D) is the stack back allowance.

Now the measure

Next, on to the measure. For inside mount, measure the width of( A) and the length of (B)For outside mount, you must determine the amount of wall that will be covered by the treatment. Then measure the width of the opening (A) and the length (B),the extension to the left (C) and right (D) of the opening , and the distance above (E) and below (F) it.The total of these width measurements is part of the fullness ratio used to determine fabric requirements for curtains, draperies and treatments that are not flat.I personally like to hang my window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible. Alot depends on the style. If you just are hanging valances, I divide the window length into 4's and do one fourth in length. The extensions to the left and right ( C and D) is the stack back allowance.

how to measure for window treatments

return to homepage from window treatments

If your treatment is on traverse rods and open in the center , you'll need to allow for opening overlap.If your treatment will hang from a mounting board or rod that returns to the wall, measure the return and add it to the side extensions.When figuring length for draperies that hang from rings,remember that the top of the draperies will be at the bottom of the rings.

Now, if your not totally confused we can move on to some informative tips. I like to take ready made panels and valances and customize them. I add trims, fringes, beads and tapes to give it a wow look. Add them to lead edges, hems, and tops of the treatments. This give a custom look for a fraction of the cost.Buy coordinating fabrics for custom tie backs and if your good at sewing add fabrics to edges. Use your imagination .