Blinds and window coverings add a stylish touch to your home while providing privacy, light control, insulation and energy efficiency. They keep your home from getting too hot when the sun’s out and protect your furniture from fading prematurely. Blinds and other window coverings can transform the look of your home interior. They’re incredibly versatile, with plenty of colors, materials and styles to choose from. Read on to learn more, including tips for getting the best measurements for new blinds.
The Importance of Blinds
Blinds play a crucial part in the energy efficiency of your home. Not only do they protect your furniture and flooring from sunlight, they also help control energy loss through windows, lowering heating and cooling bills and improving home comfort. They allow you to control the amount of light that comes into your home, whether you want to block the light from coming in or enjoy the natural light and views of the outdoors. They also provide privacy, helping you feel relaxed and safe in your home.
Inside-Mounted Blinds vs. Outside-Mounted Blinds
Blinds may be mounted to the inside or outside of your window frames. Inside-mounted blinds will give you a cleaner look, allowing the full moulding to be visible all around your windows. Alternatively, blinds may be mounted to the outside of your window frames, covering the window and frame entirely. Each requires a different way to measure, so the first decision is whether you prefer inside- or outdoor-mounted blinds.
How to Measure for Inside-Mounted Blinds
First, find the width by measuring the top, middle and bottom of your window horizontally. Note the exact measurements (don’t round up or down), and use the smallest number to determine your final measurement. Then, measure the height of the window on the left, middle and right of the window. You’ll use the longest length for this measurement, and again, make sure to note the exact number.
How to Measure for Outside-Mounted Blinds
Record the width and height of the window sill. First, measure the width by recording the horizontal measurement at the top of your window for your headrail. Add 3 inches to add extra privacy and limit the light that comes into the room. Next, measure the height from top to bottom of the windowsill and add an extra 1 ½ inches to control the amount of light that enters the room.
Once you have noted all the measurements, take them to the store or factory to find blinds that will perfectly fit your windows.
Adding blinds to your home is a no-brainer to increase privacy and safety, and improve energy efficiency. If you want to avoid the hassle of measuring altogether, consider investing in sliding patio doors with mini blinds between the glass. The integrated mini-blinds offer sunlight and privacy control, and they remain virtually dust-free in a sealed insulated glass unit.