Measuring For Shutters in Philadelphia

Interior shutters in Philadelphia are typically sold on a square foot basis, so to get an approximate measurement for a price estimate, just measure your window width and length, to the nearest eighth of an inch.

For Philadelphia homeowners who want to be more hands-on, Sunburst Shutters Philadelphia will show you the best way to measure your windows for interior shutters.

How to Measure Rectangular and Square Windows for Shutters

Common square windows seem like the easiest type of window to measure – and that’s because they are, relative to other specialty windows. But there’s still an entire process that goes into getting accurate measurements. Here’s the plan.

The Tools That You Need:

• Tape measure

• Paper and pencil

To start, measure the width (the horizontal distance). Measure across in three separate places: close to the center, near the top, and near the bottom of the window. Record all three, to the closest eighth of an inch. Then, do the same for the length (the bottom-to-top) – measure three times, one in the middle, and one near either edge of your window as seen in this illustration.

Why do you need to measure three times each? Simply because no window is a perfect square. And because you might need a specific mount for your window, you may need to get either the absolute smallest measurement (inside mount), or the absolute largest measurement (for an outside mount). Recording measurements in three places ensures that your bases are covered.

How to Measure Non-rectangular Windows for Shutters

Windows that aren’t rectangular are where measuring can become extremely tricky. Just like there’s no perfect square window, there’s no perfect semicircle or arch window – and that means that taking the right measurements can be problematic. To really get the best results, get a professional measurement (which Sunburst Shutters Philadelphia can do for free). Otherwise, here’s how to measure most types of unique-shaped windows for shutters.

Measuring Arched Windows and Round Windows for Shutters

Measure the width on the window’s flat bottom. Only measuring around the window opening, record to the closest eighth of an inch the width of the arch. For the length, find the window’s halfway point by dividing the width measurement in two, then measure to the top of the window from that point. Again, write it down to the closest eighth of an inch.

Measuring Elongated Arch Windows

Elongated arch windows are kind of a cross between a square window and a circular window, with a flat, wide bottom and straight “legs,” but with rounded top edges and a taller arch. So think of it exactly as that: a square and an arch combined. Get the width measurement just like you would a normal arch, then measure the height of the legs (the straight vertical parts before the window curves into an arch). Last, measure the window’s max height from the center, subtracting the leg height. Again, record every measurement to the nearest eighth of an inch.

Measuring Octagon and Circular Windows

Circular and octagonal windows are some of the most difficult to get measurements for, as there can be so many small imperfections that can alter the shutter dimensions your window might need. We strongly recommend leaving these more difficult ones to a professional.

For tricky windows and other windows you don’t want to do yourself, or to save yourself a lot of stress, call Sunburst Shutters Philadelphia. We’d be glad to take your window measurements at no cost to you during your in-home window treatment consultation. Just call 215-874-4897 or complete the contact form below to schedule yours.