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Measuring & Tips
As homes age, they shift and settle, sometimes throwing off windows so
they're no longer square. Even the windows inside new homes may not be perfectly
proportioned. For these reasons, it's challenging to precisely measure the
dimensions of a window.
You can certainly do it yourself—and we provide
some general guidelines below—but we recommend that you rely on an experienced
professional to both measure and install your custom-made Hunter Douglas
window fashions. Because our window coverings are built expressly for your
windows, even the smallest miscalculation can mean your covering hangs
improperly (it may, for example, telescope to one side). A measurement error can
also cause the lifting mechanism—whether it's a motorized system or a cord—to
work improperly.
That said, if you'd still like to measure and install
your windows yourself, we recommend you keep a few things in mind for starters.
 Measure each window thoroughly—horizontally at the top, center and
bottom and vertically along both sides and at the center (always measure with a
hard-edged ruler or steel tape—never a cloth tape). Then take the additional and
important step of measuring diagonally, too. Combined, these measurements will
reveal whether or not your window is square.
If a window isn't square, consider an outside mount," installing the treatment above the opening. This
can be done in such a way that the headrail covers as little of the trim as possible. However, to
minimize light leakage, we recommend that the shade overlap the window opening
at least 2" on each side and at the bottom.
If the treatment telescopes to one side as it is raised, the window may not
be level. Many shades have an adjustable bottom rail weight. It can be moved to compensate for the window
frame and prevent telescoping.
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