If you're wondering how to measure for blinds before placing an order, it's really very simple. We have some easy steps to follow to ensure your blind will fit perfectly. Even if you've never measured to order blinds before, we assure you that you'll be able to do it!
Standard Windows
Face Fitting
Measuring for an Architrave
This is the measurement you'll need to take if you want to fit the blind to your window's architrave. In this case we will make the blind to your specified size with no deductions.
Tips
Measure the width from the outer edge of the architrave to the opposite edge.
Measure the drop from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish.
Use a metal tape measure, cloth ones can stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.
A Note on Roller Blinds:
When measuring the width, remember that you are measuring for the placement of the brackets, not the fabric width. The fabric on a roller blind will be approximately 30mm smaller than the width you provide and you may get a light gap around the edges.
Measuring for Square Set
This is the measurement you need to take if you want your blind to fit outside the window recess, overlapping on all sides. Measure the size of the recess, then add a little extra on all sides to ensure adequate coverage.
Measure the exact size of the area you would like the blind to overlap. To minimize light leakage we recommend that the blind overlaps the window recess by at least 70mm at the top and 50mm each side.
The overlap at the bottom of the blind is a matter of personal choice but if you are measuring for a blind that will come down to the floor allow 10-20mm of clearance.
Use a metal tape measure, cloth ones can stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.
Top-Tip for All Blinds:
If you are replacing an existing blind with one of the same size, simply measure the blind (including its fittings) and specify face fitting, we will make you one the same size.
Top-Tip for Roller Blinds:
Take into account that you are measuring for the placement of the brackets, not the width of the fabric. One a roller blind, the fabric will be approximately 30mm narrower than the width you order, check that you have allowed enough overlap for the fabric to cover the area adequately.
Recess Fitting
This is the measurement you need to take if you want your blind to fit inside the window recess. Measure the full width and height of the recess (the size of the hole in the wall, if you like) and we will make the appropriate allowances to ensure the blind fits perfectly inside that space.
Measure in 3 places for both the width and the drop, use the smallest measurements.
Top-Tip for Roller Blinds:
When measuring your width, taking the measurement at the top of the window will ensure the best fit for your roller blind.
Remember that the brackets and operating mechanism are included in the width that you order (they all have to fit inside the recess). The result is that the fabric on a roller blind will be approximately 35mm narrower than the width measurement of the recess. This can result in the notable light gap around the edges of the blind in the recess and therefore if you are aiming for the best possible blockout, we recommend face-fitting rather than recess-fitting.
Don't make any deductions, we will do that for you to ensure your blind fits perfectly.
Use a metal tape measure, cloth ones can stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.
Recess Fitting for Rollers and Tool-less Blinds (Click2Fit and Twist2Fit)
Because of how our Roller and Tool-less Blinds are designed, when measuring the width, ensure your measurement is taken at the top of the recess where the blind's parts will be placed.
For Click2Fit and Twist2Fit blinds, it's crucial that the roller or headrail touch both sides of the recess in order to be installed correctly and quickly.
As always, use a metal tape measure to measure the space and be as precise as possible.
Top-Tips for Recess Fitting
Check that your recess is deep enough to fit the blind into, also bearing in mind any obstructions such as handles. Below you'll find the depth required for all of our blinds.
Blind Type (depth required):
- 25mm Venetian Blind (35mm)
- 50mm Venetian Blind (70mm)
- 50mm Wood/Faux Wood (90mm)
- 63-65mm Wood/Faux Wood (100mm)
- Single Roller Blind (60mm)
- Double Roller Blind (100mm)
- Zebra Roller Blind (90mm)
- Panel Glide Blind (90mm)
- Fly Screen Roller Blind (40mm)
- Roman Blind, Deluxe Raise (50mm)
- Vertical Blind, 89mm Louvre (75mm)
- Vertical Blind, 127mm Louvre (135mm)
- Privacy Sheer (135mm)
- Honeycomb, all corded (45mm)
- Honeycomb, Total Blockout (65mm)
- Honeycomb, cordless & max (55mm)
- S-Fold Curtains (75mm)
- Shutters (53mm)
- Easi-Fit Shutters (53mm)
If you have tiles part-way up your recess (often the case in kitchens and bathrooms) then the space between them is most likely to be the narrowest point in the recess.
Measure between the tiles to ensure your blind will fit. You will need to top-fix or face-fix your brackets in this case.
Top-Tip for Roller Blinds:
Again, for roller blinds, it's slightly different. Measure at the top of the recess and between the tiles, then compare those two measurements. If the difference between the two is less than 25mm, use the measurement at the top. If it's more, use the measurement between the tiles.
