Corner windows maximize a room’s brightness and visibility and, of course, offer a breathtaking multi-angle view! But they do have one con—they’re a bit trickier to measure than standard windows. If you want to install curtain rods and curtains over your corner windows, the process of measuring can pose a problem! Measuring corner windows takes patience and accuracy, and if it’s your first time measuring windows, it’s not uncommon to make mistakes.
Fortunately, familiarizing yourself with common mistakes before you start measuring can help you avoid them entirely. To help you gain accurate measurements without error, here are some of the most common mistakes when measuring corner windows for curtain rods and what to do instead.
Not Measuring Each Window Individually
If your corner windows look identical, you might be tempted to just measure one of them and call it a day. However, it’s crucial to measure all your windows separately, no matter how similar they seem. Like humans and snowflakes, no two windows are exactly the same. Your windows may look alike at first glance but may be several centimeters or even inches apart in size upon closer inspection! Even the smallest size discrepancy can make a difference, so make sure you measure each window to ensure the most accurate measurements.
Measuring Old Rods or Blinds
If you already have rods or blinds over your windows, you may wonder if you can just measure those. They’re the same size as the new ones you want, after all. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way out of measuring! If you measure old rods or blinds rather than the window itself, your new rods will be too narrow. Taking the extra time and effort to measure your windows will pay off in the long run, as you’ll ensure properly sized rods the first time around.
Measure Not Once, Not Twice, but Thrice
For new curtain rods, you need to measure the width of your windows not just in one spot but in three! This may come as a surprise, but it’s rare for windows to be perfectly square or rectangular. Your windows may measure differently at the bottom than they do at the middle or top.
To ensure your new rods provide proper coverage, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window and take note of all three measurements. Use the largest of the three as your final measurement unless you’re using an inside mount, in which case you should use the smallest of the three.
Using the Wrong Measuring Tool
In terms of measuring tapes, you have a few choices. There are the floppy cloth variations, the semi-bendy plastic variations, and the stiff metal variations. For measuring corner windows, we recommend using a steel tape measure.
Steel measuring tapes are much more accurate than other measuring tools. Some tapes expand or contract depending on the temperature, which can lead to inaccurate results, but steel tapes work well regardless of temperature. They’re also rigid and won’t bend or wrinkle, two other factors that can affect your measurements. Measuring with a steel tape ensures your new curtain rods fit perfectly. Fortunately, steel tape measures are cheap and easily available—pick one up at your local home improvement store.
Bending the Measuring Tape
While using a steel measuring tape will get you the most accurate measurements, they do pose one minor problem—the housing makes it impossible to get a reading without bending the tape! Before you bend the tape, take a step back and consider your other options.
Bending can cause your measurements to be off, so it’s best to avoid it entirely. To properly measure your window, stretch the tape as far as it will go, then press the housing flush to the frame on the other end. Then, scan the housing until you find a number printed in small, fine text—this number is the size of the housing. Add it to the number on the tape to get your full measurement. No bending necessary!
Not Double-Checking
This is one of the most common mistakes made when measuring corner windows. Always check your measurements twice, even if you feel confident with your first attempt. It’s better to be safe than sorry; always confirm your initial measurements just to be sure.
Wrap Around or Fit Into?
There are two kinds of corners: inside corners and outside corners. Inside corners cave in, and outside corners jut out. Depending on the corner you’re dealing with, the kind of rod you need varies. For inside corners, you need a rod that fits into the corner, whereas you need a rod that wraps around for an outside corner. While the distinction won’t change the way you measure, it’s crucial to choose the correct option when you place your order. Otherwise, you could wind up with curtain rods that are correctly sized but bent the wrong way.
Frame to Frame or Wall to Wall?
Do you want your curtains to frame the frame of your window? Or do you want them to stretch from wall to wall for extreme coverage and a grandiose appearance? If you want a frame-to-frame rod, measure from the corner of the room (where both windows meet) to the point past the window frame where you want the rod to end. But if you want a rod that extends from one end of the wall to the next, measure from one corner to the other.
Measuring corner windows can be tricky, but by taking note of the points above, you can steer clear of some of the most common mistakes when measuring corner windows for curtain rods. Take things step by step, don’t rush, and don’t forget to double-check your measurements. If you follow these tips, you should be golden.
If you need corner rods for your windows, consider using Paso Robles Ironwork’s hand-forged iron curtain rods and hardware. Our hardware is beautiful, durable, and will fit your corner windows like a charm. With various sizes, mounts, finishes, and finials to pick from, you can customize your iron rods to match your personality and home. Build your custom iron curtain rods and place your order today!
