How To Measure Your Window For Shutters in Raleigh

Plantation shutters in Raleigh are almost always sold by the square foot, so to get an approximate measurement for a price quote, just measure your window width and height, to the closest ⅛ of an inch.

For Raleigh residents who are DIYers, Sunburst Shutters Raleigh will teach you the best way to measure your windows for indoor shutters.

How to Measure Rectangular and Square Windows for Shutters

Normal square windows seem like they’d be the easiest type of window to measure – and that’s because they are, relative to other uniquely shaped windows. But you still have an entire process to follow to find your measurements. Here’s the process.

Tools Needed:

• Metal tape measure

• Paper and pencil

First, measure the width (the horizontal distance). Get a measurement across in three separate places: close to the center, close to the top, and near the bottom of the frame. Record each one, to the closest ⅛ of an inch. Next, measure the length (vertical) – get three measurements, one in the middle, and one near either edge of your window like seen in the diagram below.

Measuring in three spots for each dimensions is important because no window is a geometrically perfect square. And because you might need a specific mount for your window, you might need to get either the absolute smallest measurement (for an inside mount), or the largest measurement (outside mount). Recording measurements in multiple places helps make sure you’re covered for every options.

Measuring Unique Shape Windows for Shutters

Non-rectangular windows are the tricky ones to measure. Just as there’s no perfect square window, there’s no such thing as a perfect semicircle or arch window – which means it’s not as simple as getting a width and height. To really get the best results, get a professional measurement (which Sunburst Shutters Raleigh is happy to do for no cost). If you’d still like to do so yourself, here’s how to measure most types of specialty windows for shutters.

Measuring Arch Windows and Round Windows

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. For the height, locate the midpoint of the window by dividing the width distance in half, then measure to the end of the rounded part of the window from that point. Again, record to the nearest ⅛ of an inch.

Measuring Elongated Arch Windows

Elongated arch windows are kind of a cross between a rectangular window and a circular window, with a flat, wide bottom and vertical “legs,” but with rounded corners at the top and a higher arch. So think of it like that: an arch and a square put together. Measure the width as 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 max length of the window from the middle of the width, minus the leg height. Like always, record all of these to the nearest ⅛ of an inch.

Measuring Circular & Octagonal Windows

Circular and octagonal windows are some of the hardest to get accurate measurements, since there can be so many small imperfections that can change the shutter dimensions your window might need. You might want to leave these types of windows to a professional.

For difficult windows and for any others you don’t want to do yourself, or to just prevent any and all headaches and future stress, call Sunburst Shutters Raleigh. We’d be glad to take your window measurements at no cost to you during your no-strings-attached window treatment consultation. Simply call 919-887-9198 or complete the contact form below to start.