Monroe County Residents Seek Guidance on Measuring for Blinds

Monroe County Residents Seek Guidance on Measuring for Blinds

As spring cleaning and home improvement projects get underway across Monroe County in the Florida Keys, many residents are looking to update their window treatments. One common hurdle homeowners face is accurately measuring for new blinds, a crucial step to ensure a perfect fit and avoid costly mistakes.

Local hardware stores and home decor shops in areas like Key West and Marathon often field questions from customers about how to properly measure their windows. "Getting the right measurements is key," explained Sarah Jenkins, a long-time associate at Monroe Home & Hardware on Main Street. "Whether you're looking for inside mount or outside mount blinds, the approach is different, and a small error can mean the blinds won't fit at all."

For an inside mount, where blinds fit within the window frame, the advice is to measure the width at three points: top, middle, and bottom. The smallest of these three measurements is the one to use. For height, measure at three points as well: left, center, and right, again using the smallest measurement. It's also important to measure the depth of the window frame to ensure the blinds will fit without protruding.

When opting for an outside mount, where blinds hang outside the window frame and overlap the trim, the process is slightly different. For width, measure the exact width of the window opening and add at least 1.5 to 3 inches to each side for optimal light blockage and privacy. For height, measure from where you want the top of the headrail to be (typically 2-3 inches above the window frame) down to where you want the bottom of the blinds to reach, often the windowsill or floor.

Experts recommend using a steel tape measure for accuracy and always double-checking measurements before placing an order. "It's better to measure twice and cut once, or in this case, order once," Jenkins added with a chuckle. "We've seen folks come back with blinds that are just a hair too wide or too short, and it's always a hassle to exchange them."

Taking the time to measure correctly can save Monroe County homeowners both time and money, ensuring their new window treatments enhance their homes as intended.