Measuring Windows for Window Boxes

When installing a window box, it's very important that you get the size measured properly.  There's nothing worse than an undersized window box planter or a severly oversized planter.  Many window box manufacturers specify window box lengths that can include the outer trim.  This can leave the actual box itself smaller than desired and sometimes means getting a window box that is smaller than the window itself.  When getting a window box, it's important that the outer box dimensions themselves either matches the size of the window sill or overhangs it slightly by a few inches.  Traditionally, window boxes in the past were often installed such that they were slightly larger than the window itself by a few inches.  The reasons for this are likely due to proportions and window balance.  You can always add a few inches, but you never want to take away a few inches!  When measuring window boxes, you should measure the width of the window (most likely this will coincide with the width of the window sill) and consider adding up to but no more than 4-6 inches.  Once you have this measurement, make sure you check with your window box manufacturer to get a window box that matches your measurement exactly and consider getting a custom window box if needed.