Design Confidently, Live Comfortably
| March/April 2005 Choosing Shades & Blinds Measure Twice, Order Once Inside mount, outside mount… what’s the difference? It makes a big difference when measuring for a good fit. Both shades and blinds can be mounted within the window casing (inside mount), or a few inches above the trim (outside mount). You need to consider the depth of a window casing if you opt for inside mounts; if it’s too shallow, your blinds might jut out too far. Outside mounts cover the entire window, and more if you like, making the window appear larger than it is.  Sheer pleasure Shadings diffuse light and work well with a variety of design styles, from formal to country. (Nantucket window shadings from Hunter Douglas) Keep in mind that some manufacturers have very specific measuring instructions, so be sure to follow them. When measuring for either kind of mount, use a steel, not a cloth, tape measure. Inside mount Measure the exact inside width of the casing from one edge to the other in three different places, recording the narrowest measurement. Measure the height in three different places from the top edge of the opening to the top of the sill. Record the longest measurement. Outside mount Measure the exact width to be covered, including the molding, making sure to overlap the window by at least 1-1/2 inches on both sides. Measure the exact height to be covered, including the desired overlap. It’s always better to round up rather than down, because you can adjust longer shades or blinds, but short ones will always look as if they don’t fit. NEXT: Types of Blinds |
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PHOTO: COURTESY OF HUNTER DOUGLAS. |
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