How to Measure for Your New Window Blinds
Measuring for your new blinds couldn't be simpler. It's an easy way to save lots of money and takes just minutes; you'll wish you'd done it sooner! All you have to do is follow our easy, step-by-step guides below.
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. On 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:
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 a notable light gap around the edges of the blind in the recess and therefore if you are aiming for the best possible blackout, 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
Because of the way Roller and Tool-Less Blinds are made, the best place to measure is usually up at the top of the recess, where the blind's components will be fitted.
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. The table below gives the depth required for all of our blinds.
Blind Type (Depth Required)
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.
Measuring for Outdoor Face Fit Blinds
This is the measurement you need to take so that your blind will fit outside the window and overlap on all sides. Measure the size of the window, including the external frame, then add a little extra on all sides to ensure adequate coverage.
Add at least 360mm (180mm each side) to the width to ensure that the blind overlaps by enough to allow for the guides to be installed.
The overlap at the bottom of the blind is a matter of personal choice and needs to take into account of any structural limitations (i.e. fascia's). If you have enough space, we recommend adding the same amount to the drop as you add to the width as this will give a balanced appearance when the blind is installed.
Measuring for Outdoor Patio Blinds
This is the measurement you need to take so that your outdoor blind will fit inside the recessed area on your deck or patio.
Measure the full width and height of the recess (the size of the hole if you like) and we will make the appropriate deductions to ensure a perfect fit. Measure in 3 places for both the width and the drop, use the smallest measurements.
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.
BiFolding Doors
All of our ClickFIT blinds fit neatly inside the frame of your window or door to effectively cover the visible glass. The little clips slot easily between the frame and the glass for a strong and secure hold on all UPVC double glazed windows, doors and BiFolding doors.
For accurate measurements, make sure you use a metal tape; cloth ones can stretch leaving you with inaccurate readings. Measure accurately to the nearest mm and remember to measure each window or door individually, don't assume that they are all the same size!
ClickFIT Blinds
Simply measure the visible glass area of each window or door from the inside edges of the frame where the glass meets the rubber bead. Remember to use a metal tape measure, as cloth or plastic ones can stretch and give an inaccurate measurement.
Only measure up to the edge of the rubber bead, don't include it in your measurement.
Top-Tip:
Don't forget to measure each window or door individually; don't assume that they're all the same size.
Measure the top, the middle and the bottom of the glass to the nearest mm and note down the shortest measurement.
Then simply repeat this step for the drop, measuring the left, the right and the centre. Again, take a note of the shortest measurement.
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