At Tuiss Blinds Online, we believe in keeping things simple, and our shutter measuring guide is no different. Measuring for your own shutters can save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars—and it’s easier than you think. Just click the link to watch our helpful video, or keep reading for easy, step-by-step instructions.
Check for squareness
First, decide where your shutters are going to sit. This can be inside the recess, or on the walls outside the recess. Either way, measure at the place you plan to fit your shutters.
If you're planning on fitting your shutters inside your recess, you need to check that your recess is pretty much square. All you need to do is measure the recess diagonally from corner to corner on both sides. Then, compare the two measurements.
If the difference is 12mm or less, you're good to go. If they vary by any more than that, then don't worry, you can still face-fix your shutters outside the recess.
Recess fitting
For a recess fitting you need to measure at the front of the recess. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom.
Next measure the drop on the right, in the centre and on the left. Write down the smallest measurements, these are the sizes you will use to place an order.
Don't worry about making any deductions or allowances for recess fitting, we'll do all the maths for you.
Face Fitting - for windows with an architrave
This one is simple, just measure up to the edge of the flat area of the architrave for both the width and the drop.
As always, measure in 3 places for both and use the smallest measurement. Do not add anything to your measurements.
Face Fitting - for square set windows
For a face fitting you need to measure at the front of the recess as you would with a front of recess fitting. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom.
Next measure the drop on the right, in the centre and on the left. Write down the smallest measurements.
Next, add 84mm to the width. This is the measurement you will enter.
Then, if you do not have a protruding windowsill, add 84mm to the drop. This will allow you to fit your frame evenly around all four sides of the recess.
If, however, your windowsill protrudes take the measurement for the drop and add only 42mm. This way the frame will run evenly around 3 sides of your recess and along the top of your windowsill.
Measuring for a mid rail
For taller shutters over 1400mm we put in a stylish midrail to give your shutters some support. The great thing about a midrail is you can customise its height so that it looks best. Usually, people tend to position their midrails at the same height as any transom bars on their window.
There are just a couple of small restrictions when customising your midrail. For structural reasons they must be a minimum of 380mm and a maximum of 1300mm from both the top and bottom of your shutter panel.
To position your midrail, simply measure from the bottom of your recess to the midpoint of where you want it to sit. If this is level with your transom bar, measure from the bottom of the recess to the centre of the bar.
Top Tip:
- Measure both diagonals of your recess and make sure the difference is less than 12mm, if you want to use recess fitting.
- Always measure at the place you plan to fit your shutters.
- And finally, measure in 3 places across the width and height and take the smallest measurement.