Recess vs Exact - What's the difference? | 247 Blinds

Let's start with our most popular fitting option, inside the recess or simply, 'recess fitting'. As the name suggests, recess fitting blinds are installed inside the window recess - the space that's set back into the wall around your window. These blinds sit close to the window frame, with the bottom touching the windowsill when fully extended. With the exception of our Stick Fit, Clip Fit and Perfect Fit blinds, which attach directly to the glass or frames, all of our blind styles can be fitted inside the recess. In fact some blinds are only available as recess-fitting - but we'll get into that later!

Recess fitting blinds provide a sleek look, sitting snug inside the window recess so there are no exposed headrails or chains to disrupt your decor.

For smaller rooms, fitting blinds inside the recess prevents them from encroaching on valuable room space.

Some blind styles, like Twist&Fit Romans and rollers, rely on the walls of the recess to stay up, so they're only available as recess fitting. Traditional shutters also sit within a frame placed inside the recess and are therefore exclusive to recess-fitters!

Fitting blinds inside the recess allows you to double up on your window dressings - layer soft Roman blinds or curtains outside the recess for a decorative finish. 

If you love displaying photos or trinkets on your windowsills, recess fitting blinds are perfect - they won't block yoir view of those prized possessions even when they're lowered. 

Measuring for recess fitting blinds is easier than you might think! You only need two simple measurements to order: the wall-to-wall width and the wall-to-wall drop. We'll take care of making the necessary deductions to ensure your blinds and their fittings fit perfectly inside your recess. 

Start by grabbing your tape measure and something to jot down your dimensions. We recommend taking three width measurements (at the top, middle, and bottom of the recess) and three drop measurements (at the left, centre, and right). Use the smallest measurement for each dimension to order your blind. Measuring this way means you can ensure a snug fit despite any quirks your window recess might have!

For step-by-step, blind-specific measuring instructions, check out our measuring guides or our handy video tutorials! 

Once your made to measure blinds arrive, it's time to fit them! Before you get the toolbox out (or not if you go for one of our Twist&Fit options!), you'll first want to decide where in the recess you'd like to place your blind. In general, it's wise to position the blind as far back as possible, without it being obstructed by anything like trickle vents or window handles. This way you'll minimise light bleed around the edges if you've gone for a roller blind, and maintain as much windowsill space as you can!

If you've gone for a traditional fitting blind like a standard roller, wooden blind, or vertical, the fititng process is pretty straightforward:

Position your brackets: Your blind will arrive with two or more brackets to be mounted to the wall, which will then hold the blind in place. Decide whether to 'top-fix' these to the lintel (the top of your window recess), 'face-fix' to the window frame, or 'side-fix' to the sides of the recess. These options might be limited depending on the style of blind you choose and the surface of your recess.

Mark and drill: Use a pencil to mark out where the brackets will be screwed in, then drill the holes. Pop in wall plugs and screw the brackets firmly into place.

Install the blind: Secure your blind in its brackets, fit the safety device if your blind is corded or chain-operated, and you're done!

For product-specific fitting instructions, check out our fitting guides and How to Fit video tutorials!

If recess blinds are fitting inside the recess, exact fitting blinds are (you guessed it) fitted outside the window recess, usually with brackets 'face-fixed' to the wall above the window. All of our traditional fitting blinds (those that require a drill) can be fitted outside the recess. Exact fitting blinds typically overlap the window frame or recess to ensure full-coverage and maximum light control. 

For those aiming to blackout as much light as possible, fitting blinds exact can be a good choice to minimise the amount of light that can enter around the sides of the blind, as the blind will overlap each side of the window.

When fully open, exact fitting blinds allow more light into the room, as the headrail is positioned above the window frame rather than directly in front of it. 

Exact fitting blinds are a good solution if your have a shallower recess that may not be deep enough for some blind styles. They're also great for recesses that feature tiling or picture rails some of the way up. Fitting exact for these types of recesses means you won't experience gaps or light-bleed at either side of the blind, which can be an issue for recess-fitting blinds in part-tiled recesses. 

For windows that open inwards, exact fitting blinds provide more space to open the windows without interference. 

If you have narrower windowsills or just want to preserve the space, fitting blinds outside the recess means your windowsills can remail completely free at all times, even when the blinds are down! 

Measuring for exact fitting blinds is simple! All you need to do is decide where you want the blinds to start and finish, in turn producing a width and drop measurement. We recommend allowing your blinds to overlap your recess or window frame by at least 35mm on all sides to ensure good coverage.

Fitting blinds outside the recess isn't too dissimilar to fitting them inside the recess.

1. You'll most likely be 'face-fixing' your brackets to the wall - so the first step is to position the brackets suitable so that your blind will sit centrally over the window.
2. Mark out the bracket positions, drill the holes, insert wall plugs, and screw the brackets into place.
3. Finally, take your blind and place it in the brackets. If your blind is corded or has a chain, make sure you fit the safety device as per the instructions to keep everything neat and tucked away - it's that simple! 

Deciding which fitting method is best for you will depend on practical factors such as the type of window you're fitting to, the depth of your recess, the way your windows open, and whether or not blackout is a priority. It also comes down to your personal style preferences. Take these factors ito consideration when making your choice and you're golden! 

Remember, we have plenty of resources to help you measure and fit your new blinds! From measuring guides to fitting instructions and useful video tutorials. And if you're ever unsure, our friendly customer care team is always happy to help, ensuring you get the perfect blinds for your windows!