The right blinds can elevate your space in more ways than one. They not only add a touch of style and personality, but also play a vital role in managing light and privacy. If you have a 36-inch window, finding the perfect fit can seem daunting. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful purchase!
Understanding the Basics
- Blinds: Window coverings with adjustable slats to control light and privacy.
- Width: The horizontal measurement of your window.
- Height: The vertical measurement of your window.
- Inside Mount: Blinds installed within the window frame for a sleek appearance.
- Outside Mount: Blinds installed above the window frame, blocking more light and potentially making the window appear larger.
Measuring for Success
The Right Tool: For the most accurate measurements, grab a metal tape measure. Unlike a fabric tape measure, a metal one is less prone to stretching or sagging, which can lead to incorrect measurements.
Width: For inside mounts, measure the inside width of your window frame from left to right. This ensures your blinds will fit snugly within the frame and operate smoothly. For outside mounts, decide how wide you want the blinds to cover on the wall. Typically, you’ll want them to extend a few inches on each side of the window frame for a more finished look and better light control. So, if your window is 36 inches wide, you might aim for blinds around 40 inches wide (36 inches + 2 inches on each side).
Height: For inside mounts, measure from the top of the window frame down to the point where you want the blinds to end. This could be the window sill, or a bit higher if you want some space between the blind and the sill. Outside mounts offer more flexibility, so consider adding some length for extra coverage. You can measure from the top of where you plan to mount the blinds (usually above the window frame) down to where you want them to reach.
Choosing Your Blinds
Inside Mount:
For a perfect fit inside your window frame, opt for blinds that exactly match the width you measured. In our example, if your window is 36 inches wide, you’ll need blinds that are also 36 inches wide. This ensures a clean, streamlined look and allows the blinds to function smoothly when tilting or raising them (Source).
Outside Mount:
Since outside mount blinds are installed on the wall or molding around the window frame, you have more flexibility in terms of width. While the blinds themselves might be 36 inches wide (the same width as your window), you’ll want to consider adding a few inches on each side for better coverage. A good rule of thumb is to add 2-3 inches to the width of your window. So, for a 36-inch window, blinds that are around 40-42 inches wide (36 inches + 2-3 inches on each side) would be ideal. This extra width ensures that the blinds completely cover the window frame and provide better light control in the room. Additionally, it can create a more polished look, as the blinds will appear to frame the window opening.
Additional Tips
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Stores often have samples to help you visualize different styles and colors.
Consider light control: Think about how much light you want to block and choose the blinds accordingly.
Personal Style: Blinds should complement your space. Take the time to find ones you truly love!
Remember, finding the perfect blinds shouldn’t be stressful. It’s a chance to enhance the look and feel of your room!
Conclusion
Choosing the right blinds is an exciting part of enhancing your home’s style and functionality. With the information in this guide, you’re now equipped to confidently measure your window, decide on a mounting style, and find blinds that perfectly suit your 36-inch window. Let the transformation begin!
