Measuring for Draperies

When Hardware Exists

A) Width- Measure across the front (face) of the installed rod from tip to tip. This measurement is called the rod width and is always expressed first. We will allow for the overlap at the center of the drapery and the material that wraps around the ends or brackets that return to the wall.

B) Height- To determine the height of the drapery, measure the distance from the top of the rod to 1" above the floor for floor length draperies. Measure from the top of the rod to 4 inches below the window sill for apron length draperies. This measurement is the drapery length and is always expressed second.

C) Pairs/Panel- Next, indicate whether the drapery is to be a panel (one way draw, opens from one side) or a pair (two way draw, opens in the middle).

When Hardware Does Not Exist

A) Window Casing - If hardware does not exist, simply measure the window casing. The casing should be measured from side to side and top to bottom. Allowances should be specified if there are prominent window casing moldings that will affect the standard placement of the rod.

B) Standard Placement - Standard placement is calculated on the basis that the ends of the rod should normally extend 3 inches on each side of the window opening and 4 inches above it. Such a rod installation would be firmly anchored into the wood of the window framing.

Use of Standard Sizes

Standard sizes should be used whenever possible. Standard sizes are less expensive and can be shipped directly from stock thereby reducing the time you must wait for an order.

If there is an existing drapery rod and it does not exactly correspond to our standard sizes, this may sometimes be accommodated. A standard drapery size will usually fit even though it is an inch or two too wide or narrow for the rod, without having to move the brackets. This is applicable up to about three inches. In situations where the difference is greater than 3 inches, either the rod must be moved to fit the drapery of a custom size drapery must be made. If the standard size drapery varies too greatly to fit the existing rod installation, you should first try to adjust the rod so that standard sizes may be utilized.

Mini-Blinds / Vertical Blinds

INSIDE CASING	OUTSIDE CASING
1. Using a metal tape measure, check several points on the inside of the window casing. List the narrowest measurement.	Measure the exact size needed.
2. Width - List width measurement of the inside casing first.
3. Height - List the height measurement of the inside casing second.