If you’re thinking about investing in custom shades, blinds, or shutters, knowing how to measure your windows correctly is the first step toward getting the perfect fit. At Apple Floor Covering Inc, we often hear customers ask, “Can I measure my own windows before ordering?” Absolutely—but you need to do it carefully. Whether you're browsing online for window coverings installers near me or just trying to get a handle on window coverings prices, accurate measurements will save you time, money, and frustration.
Here’s a quick Q&A we use to walk homeowners through the process like a pro.
Q&A: What should I know before measuring my windows?
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Should I measure for inside or outside mount?
You need to decide this first—it changes the whole approach. -
What tools do I need?
Use a steel tape measure, not fabric or flexible ones. -
Do I measure each window even if they look the same?
Yes. Small differences can affect the fit. -
Should I round my numbers?
No. Measure to the nearest 1/8-inch and don’t round up. -
Can I skip this step and let the pros handle it?
Of course! We offer professional measuring and installation services.
Let’s break these down so you feel confident with your next step.
1. Inside mount vs. outside mount
This is the first and most important decision. Inside mounts fit within the window frame and look sleek and modern. Outside mounts are installed over the frame, often covering more area and blocking more light.
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Inside mount requires exact width and height of the inside frame—measured in three places (top, middle, bottom for width; left, center, right for height).
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Outside mount should include the desired overlap for coverage. You’ll measure the width of the frame and then add extra space beyond each side.
If you're unsure which look suits your room, our window coverings buying guide can help you decide.
2. Use the right tools
Always use a steel tape measure for this job. Cloth or retractable tape measures can sag or bend, giving you inaccurate numbers. A laser level or leveler app can also help if your home has uneven molding or shifting walls—something we’ve seen often when doing window coverings installation in older homes.
3. Measure every window
Even if you have a room full of seemingly identical windows, measure each one individually. Builders aren’t perfect, and small variations can affect the fit of custom coverings. For example, one window might be 35 inches wide while another—on the same wall—is 35 3/8. That difference matters when ordering custom shades.
4. Measure precisely
This is where a lot of DIYers go wrong. Never round up or down. Measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. If your window is 47 and 7/8 inches, write down exactly that. Don't guess.
Take three width and three height measurements. For inside mount, use the smallest width and the tallest height. For outside mount, use the largest width and height, then add your desired overlap.
5. Let us do the heavy lifting
Yes, you can measure your own windows, but if you’d rather skip the stress, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced team provides free in-home consultations and measuring services. We’ll confirm every measurement and go over your options for fabrics, styles, control systems, and more.
From material selection to final installation, we make the process seamless. That’s one of the many reasons customers searching for the best window coverings near me choose Apple Floor Covering Inc time and again.
Custom window treatments are an investment in comfort, privacy, and style. Whether you’re doing research to better understand window coverings prices or comparing Huntington Station NY remodeling company prices, measuring your windows the right way helps you start strong.
And if you’d rather trust a professional, just search for a flooring company near me that also specializes in high-quality window coverings—we’re here to help every step of the way.
We proudly serve customers right here in Huntington Station, NY.
