How to measure for blinds

As with most blinds, it is important to accurately measure the window on which the blinds will be installed. The following guide will explain how to measure your window correctly and ensure the perfect fit for your blind.

THE INSIDE MOUNT - RECESS BLIND THAT SITS INSIDE THE WINDOW

Width: Measure the exact inside width of the window (see diagram).

Drop: Measure the exact inside drop of the window (see diagram).

Do not allow for clearance in your measurements as adjustments will be made by the manufacturer.

THE OUTSIDE MOUNT - FACE FIX BLIND THAT COVERS THE WINDOW AND IS FITTED TO THE WINDOW FRAME

Width: Measure the exact outside width of the window (see diagram).

Drop: Measure the exact outside drop of the window (see diagram).

In the absence of architraves, measure 50mm to 75mm past the window frame on each side on the width and 100mm to 150mm on the drop for greater privacy. Please note that 50mm blinds require extra stacking space.

SLIDING PATIO DOORS - INSIDE MOUNT (REVEAL)

Blinds can be mounted either inside the door frame (recess fit) or on the outside of the door frame (face fix). To ensure the best fit, take note of any obstructions such as door handles and bars and also observe the depth of the door frame. It is usually preferable to install two blinds to a sliding patio door for ease of use.

Width: Measure the exact inside width of the door (see diagram).

Drop: Measure the exact inside drop of the door (see diagram).

SLIDING PATIO DOORS - OUTSIDE MOUNT (FACE FIX)

An outside mount blind will cover the total door area and be fitted to the window frame.

Width: Measure the exact outside width of the window (see diagram).

Drop: Measure the exact outside drop of the window (see diagram).

When installing Venetian blinds, the width should be increased by 100mm on either side of the frame to ensure complete privacy.

MEASURING FOR BAY WIDOWS

Measuring blinds for bay windows may seem tricky, but it is in fact very straight forward if you follow these simple steps.

MEASURING FOR AN INSIDE MOUNT

Measuring the left blind: At the top of your window, use your tape measure to measure the distance from the far left side to the corner where the left blind will meet the centre blind or POINT A in figure. When ordering your blind, you should give the exact measurement from the left to point A, without making any deductions.
Measuring the centre blind: To measure the centre blind for your bay window, measure from Point A to Point B. As with all other measurements, you should provide the exact measurement.
Measuring the right blind: In the same way as for the left blind, the right blind should be measured from the far right side to the corner where the right blind will meet the centre blind or POINT B.
Measuring the drop: Take the drop measurement in three different places and record the smallest figure, which is the measurement you will need when you order.
Ordering your blind: When you order, be sure to specify that you are ordering an inside mount so that the appropriate deductions can be made. All distances should be given exactly as measured, with no deductions already made.

MEASURING FOR AN OUTSIDE MOUNT

Deciding on the type of blind: The first thing you need to do is decide of the type of blind you want to fit and find the depth of this blind. The depth of blinds varies significantly so make sure you have researched this.
Preparing your measuring equipment: Cut two pieces of cardboard to the depth that the window blinds will be and approximately 150 mm long, ensuring that each piece is square.
Marking Measuring Points on Window Frame - Part 1: As shown in the diagram, place the two pieces of cardboard into the apex at the top of the window frame and position the two pieces of cardboard so that the two front apexes meet, as shown in the diagram. Use a pencil to mark the window frame where the inside edges of the pieces of cardboard are (B&C).
Marking Measuring Points on Window Frame - Part 2: Repeat Step 3 for the other apex of your Bay Window (D&E).
Measuring Left, Centre and Right blinds: Measure the distances between the marks A-B (Left Blind), C-D (Centre Blind) and E-F (Right Blind) and record these exactly as they are.
Measure the Drop: Take the drop measurement in three different places and record the smallest figure, which is the measurement you will need when you order.
Ordering your blind: When you order, be sure to specify that you are ordering an inside mount so that the necessary deductions can be made.

MEASURING INTO A CORNER WINDOW

Decide on type of fit: Decide whether your corner window blinds will be fitted as an 'Inside Mount' or 'Outside Mount'. You must also check the sill depth required for the particular blind you have chosen and take note of any obstructions within the window frame ie: handles, locks, window winders etc.

Decide 'Thru' or 'Butt' blind: When mounting your blinds into a corner window, one blind will run through and one blind will butt into the other blind, as shown in the diagram. You must decide which blind is going to be the 'Thru Blind' and which blind will be the 'Butt Blind'. This is shown in diagram A and B above.
Consider where the gap will be on the window as it can make a difference to the appearance of the blinds and the amount of light let through.

Measure the Thru Blind: At the top of the window, use a metal measuring tape to measure the distance of the through blind into the corner.

Measuring the Butt Blind: At the top of the window, use a metal measuring tape to measure the distance of the butt blind into the corner. You should provide this exact measurement, without making any deductions.

Measure the Drop: Take the drop measurement in three different places and record the smallest figure, which is the measurement you will need when you order.

Ordering your Blinds: When you order your blinds, be sure to specify where the blind should be an 'inside mount' or outside mount', and also indicate that this is for a corner window with a 'thru blind' and a 'butt blind'.Corner blinds work best when the controls are at either end, rather than having them hang together and become tangled in the corner.

Sill Depth: If you are ordering a blind with a reveal fit, the depth of the window frame must be taken into consideration.

House Plans: It is not a good idea to use window measurements from house plans when ordering your blinds. Although these can be used when asking for a quote, it is best to measure each window individually when ordering since the measurements rarely match those given by the house plans. There are also many other things to consider when measuring blinds, such as the fit, sill depth, handles etc.

It is also worth remembering that while builders and manufacturers usually provide the window measurements drop before width, eg. 2000d x 1000w, blind manufacturers work the opposite way and you must therefore record width before drop, eg. 1000w x 2000d.

MULTIPLE BLINDS INSTALLED INTO ONE WINDOW

Measurements for multiple blinds should be carried out in the same way as the previous instructions.

If multiple blinds are being installed on one window, the brackets can be mounted back to back.

If the window frame has several equal panels, the overall width can be measured and divided by the number of panels. If the panels are not equal, each one must be measured individually to the centre of the frame.

The drop measurement should be carried out in the same way as for all other window types.

Choosing Venetian blinds can be a daunting prospect with such a variety of styles, colours and materials available. Consider the purpose of the room, consider the issues of light and privacy, look at friends' homes that already have Venetian blinds to get an idea of what would work best in your own home and order the very best quality that your budget allows.

Not only are Venetian blinds a practical window furnishing solution but they also give you the opportunity to stamp your style on the room.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.