How To Measure Your Patio Door For Vertical Blinds

Using vertical blinds on your patio door is one of the fastest ways to decorate the room. They will block light and provide privacy while still offering easy egress. They are available in vinyl, fabric, imitation wood, and metallic finishes. However, it is essential that you take proper measurements to obtain the best fit for your patio door.

Most people choose to have window blinds on the patio door pull and stack on the side opposite the door handle. This is usually more convenient, but if you so desired you could choose a center split, where each half stacks to either side. Also, since the patio door handle may protrude enough to interfere with operation, blinds for a sliding door are normally mounted on the outside of the frame. You could, however, choose an inside mount if you have sufficient depth.

When measuring, always take three measurements for each dimension. Using a metal tape, check top, bottom, and center for width and left, right, and center for length. Measure the actual window opening and include the trim. Take the smallest number and round it, if necessary, to the nearest one-eighth inch. List width measurements first, and then the height.

It is best to include an extra six to eight inches to the width. This will allow a minimum of three inches on each side to provide optimum blockage of light. For height, you need to add at least three inches as an allowance for the mounting brackets. Finally, adjust length by approximately a half inch to make sure the window blinds can clear the floor easily.

If you desire an interior mount but have a large door handle, you can use extending brackets. These extensions will increase the head rail depth for more clearance. Without them, the door handle will interfere with the action of the window blinds and may damage them. Those with fabric coverings are particularly susceptible to this kind of damage.

If you are going to use an interior mount, take your measurements inside of the trim. Also measure the depth. Ignoring any inside trim, check only how much room is available for the brackets. Typically your depth needs to be a minimum of four and a half to five inches to handle an inside mount.

If you want vertical blinds that fit properly and function correctly, it is critical that measurements be very accurate. Fabric tape measures are less accurate than metal ones since they have a tendency to stretch. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete your measurements. It is sometimes a good idea to double check yourself on another day just to make sure your measurements were correct. You might also consider having someone else measure the area as well, and then compare their numbers with yours.

Vertical blinds are an inexpensive and quick way to transform the room whether you select a fabric to match the wallpaper or a solid color. Colors and patterns can be used to create a unified look or provide contrast. Regardless of which options you select, you will derive the greatest satisfaction if you measure properly before you buy.

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