How To Measure Your Window For Shutters in Washington DC

Indoor shutters in Washington DC are almost always sold by the square foot, so to get an approximate measurement for a price estimate, simply measure your window height and width, to the nearest ⅛ of an inch.

For Washington DC residents who are DIYers, Sunburst Shutters DC will teach you the easiest way to measure your windows to be fitted for indoor shutters.

Measuring Square & Rectangular Windows for Shutters

Common square windows look like they’d be the easiest type of window to measure – and they are, at least compared to other uniquely shaped windows. But there’s still an entire process to follow to find your measurements. Here’s the process.

Tools Needed:

• Metal tape measure

• Paper and pen

First, measure the width (the left-to-right distance). Get a measurement across in three separate spots: near the exact center, close to the top, and near the bottom of the frame. Mark down all of them, rounding to the closest ⅛ of an inch. After that, measure the height (the bottom-to-top) – measure three times, one in the middle, and one near the left and right edges of your window as shown in this illustration.

The reason you need to measure in three spots each direction is because no window is an absolutely perfect square. And because of the different types of shutter mounts different windows need, you might need to get either the smallest measurement (for an inside mount), or the absolute largest measurement (outside mount). Recording measurements in three places ensures that you’re covered for every options.

How to Measure Unique Shape Windows for Shutters

Windows that aren’t rectangular are the windows that can present a challenge to measure. Just like there’s no such thing as a perfectly square window, there’s also never a perfect octagon, circle, or arched window – which means that taking the right measurements can be problematic. If you want the best results, get a professional measurement (which Sunburst Shutters DC can do for no cost). Other than that, here’s how to measure most types of non-rectangular windows for shutters.

How to Measure Arch Windows and Round Windows for Shutters

Measure the width of the window at the flat bottom. Only measuring around the window opening, record to the nearest ⅛ of an inch the width of the arch. To find the height, look for the midpoint of the window by dividing the width measurement in two, then measure to the end of the rounded part of the window from that point. Again, write it down to the closest ⅛ of an inch.

How to Measure Elongated Arch Windows for Shutters

Elongated arch windows are almost like a combination of a circular or rectangular, with a flat, wide bottom and vertical “legs,” but with rounded corners at the top and a taller arch. So attack it like that: a rectangle and an arch put together. Get the width measurement just like you would any other arch, then measure the height of the legs (the straight vertical parts before the window curves into an arch). Last, find the window’s maximum length from the middle of the width, minus the height of the legs. Again, record every measurement to the closest ⅛ of an inch.

How to Measure Circular & Octagonal Windows

Octagonal and circular windows are some of the hardest to get measurements for, since there are a ton of tiny imperfections that can change the dimensions of the shutters you might need. You might want to leave these windows to a professional.

For circular and octagonal windows and for any others you don’t want to do yourself, or just to save yourself some headache, call Sunburst Shutters DC. We’d love to take your window measurements for free during your no-strings-attached window treatment consultation. Just call 240-339-2588 or complete the contact form below to start.