Tips On Measuring Your Patio Door For Vertical Blinds

If you need a quick way to decorate a room, consider adding vertical blinds for your patio or sliding door. They will allow you access to the door while still blocking light and providing privacy. You can find them in vinyl, metallic or wood finishes, or with fabric covers. However, if you want to ensure a good fit for your door, you must measure the area properly.

For sliding doors, the usual way to mount them is to have the pull cord on the opposite side of the door handle. Since the slats will stack on that side, it is normally the most convenient method. However, should you prefer, you could opt for blinds that divide in the middle. This arrangement will stack half of the slats on each side. And since the door handle can catch on the slats, blinds are seldom mounted on the inside of a patio door frame. However, if there is adequate depth, an interior mount is possible.

Always measure both height and width in three different places with a metal tape. Take width measurements at the top, center, and bottom. Take length measurements at the center, left, and right. You want to measure the opening with trim. You will use the lowest measurements rounded to 1/8 inch. Always record your measurements as width and then height.

If you can possibly spare the space, add 3-4 inches per side to the width measurement. This will make sure that light is properly blocked. Add 3-5 inches to the height measurement to allow for mounting brackets. Finally, deduct 1/2 inch from height to make sure the window blinds will clear any tracks or carpet.

Even if you have a large door handle, you can use an interior mount by using extension brackets. These add enough depth at the head rail to give you clearance in most cases. Without them, the window blinds may snag on the handle and damage could result, particularly to those with fabric coverings.

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.

Vertical blinds that do not fit properly will not operate smoothly, so it is crucial to measure precisely. Use a rigid metal tape, because the soft fabric types can stretch. Do not try to take measurements when you are rushed. It may be helpful to measure twice on two different days or to have another person take a second measurement.

Whether you opt for a fabric to match the wallpaper or a solid color, vertical blinds can make quite a difference. They can provide a vivid contrast or blend into existing decor. Regardless of the decorating scheme you select, you will be much happier with your purchase if you take accurate measurements first.

Want to find savings on about vertical blinds, then visit Jerrikat Jennison’s site for beautiful and high quality window blinds for your needs.