Let's begin this DIY expedition!
Strap on your DIY belts, fellow adventurers! Let’s conquer the mountain of measuring for blinds installation together. As a seasoned repairman with years of experience under my tool belt, I’m here to guide you through this odyssey, one step at a time.
All Aboard: The Essentials
Before we hit the road, let's gather our trusty tools:
- Metal measuring tape: This should be your companion. It provides precise measurements and won't buckle under pressure. Literally!
- Pen and paper: Old-school? Yes. But you don’t want to trust your memory with these measurements.
- Step ladder: Unless you're part giraffe, a step ladder will become your new best friend.
Decide: Inside Mount or Outside Mount?
The chosen path radically affects the way you measure. An Inside Mount fits within the window casing for a clean, built-in look. It’s the VIP, designed and dressed to steal the limelight. An Outside Mount, on the other hand, covers the entire window frame. Think of it like a bodyguard—big, burly, and there to make sure not even a sliver of light sneaks in.
Taking Inside Mount Measurements
- Width: Measure the window width at three points - top, middle, and bottom. Jot down the smallest measurement; your blinds need to flawlessly fit inside!
- Height: Measure the height in three points - left, middle, and right. The longest measurement is the one to keep, as your blinds need to cover the entire length.
Remember, your mantra here should be "precision, precision, precision". Even a slight error can turn your soon-to-be perfect blinds into a ill-fitting fiasco.
Taking Outside Mount Measurements
Here, you measure the exact area you want the blinds to cover.
- Width: Measure the width of the window casing and add at least 2-3 inches on each side for optimal light control and privacy.
- Height: Start from the top of the window casing to as far down as you want the blinds to reach. This is subjective to your aesthetic taste, but ensure that it covers the entire window for functionality.
These extra inches involve less mathematical precision and more your personal preferences.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: Unique Window Styles
Not all windows are created equal. They come with their quirks which affect how you measure for blinds:
- Arch Windows: Measure the width at the base of the arch and the height at the highest point.
- Bay Windows: Treat each section as a separate window with its own measurements.
- Corner Windows: Allow for a 1/4" overlap where the blinds meet.
- French Doors: Measure the door height and width, just like you would do for an outside mount, keeping door handles into consideration.
Recall, no window is too unconventional for a handy DIY ruler like you!
Breathtaking Blinds: Right Around the Corner
With this repairman's guided tour, measuring for blinds installation should seem less daunting and more like a rewarding DIY adventure. Remember, carefulness and attention to detail are your map and compass in this journey. The destination? Picture-perfect blinds that elevate your space and say, "A DIY expert lives here!".
So let's take the measure tapes out and move toward achieving the perfect blinds! It's time to transform your beloved abode one beautiful blind at a time. Happy measuring, folks! With your resourcefulness and these expert tips, breathtaking blinds are right around the corner!