How to Measure for Blinds Like a Pro

It's something we get asked how to do all the time, so you'll be happy to know our easy-to-follow guide has all the bases covered

  • Reach for your metal tape measure - it's the best tool for the job there is!
  • You only need to know the width and the drop (length) - simple, right?
  • You'll want to choose between the 2 types of fitting...
What you'll need
A metal tape measurePen/Pencil and paper

Recess vs Exact

Your windows will most likely be recessed into the walls which means they don't sit flush with your wallpaper. This gives you the choice to mount them inside (Recess fitting) or outside (Exact fitting) the recess.

If you're lucky enough to have windows that sit flush, the choice is made for you and you'll be measuring for Exact fitting.


How do you want the blind to sit against your window?

RECESS Fitting

If you want your blinds to mount inside a window recess, this is the option for you. Most people choose this style.

Recess Fitting
OR
Exact Fitting

EXACT Fitting

If you want your blind to cover the whole window recess, or if your windows are flush with the wall, this is how to measure for them.

Measuring for Recess Fitting

Measuring for Exact Fitting

Measuring for Recess Fitting

If you want your blinds to mount inside a window recess, this is the option for you. Most people choose this style.

Step 1
Measure the width

Take three measurements across the width of the top, middle and bottom of the recess. The smallest measurement will be your blind width

ACTION

Write down the smallest of the 3

Step 2
Measure the width

Take three measurements from the top down, along the left, middle and right of the recess. The smallest measurement will be your blind drop

ACTION

Write down the smallest of the 3

Step 3
ACTION

Now choose your perfect blind. When asked, enter the 2 measurements you've written down, and select the Recess option

Wooden BlindsRoller BlindsVertical BlindsOther Blind Styles
247 Pro Tips

247 Pro Tips:

If your recess depth is 60mm or less or the window opens inwards, you'll be best off with an exact fitting. To do this please follow the measuring guide for exact fitting blinds


If the bottom part of your recess is tiled (which is common in bathrooms and kitchens), measure the width from the tiled section as it is usually the narrowest

However, if it's a Roller or Twist&Fit blind, then use the top measurement instead to ensure a perfect fit

Measuring for Exact Fitting

If you want your blind to cover the whole window recess, or if your windows are flush with the wall, this is how to measure for them.

Step 1
Measure the width

Measure outside the recess from one side to the other, starting and finishing where you want the edges of your blind.

ACTION

Write down the measurement

Step 2
Measure the drop

Measure from top to bottom, starting where you want the rail to be and ending where you want the bottom of your blind to be.

ACTION

Write down the measurement

Step 3
ACTION

Now choose your perfect blind. When asked, enter the 2 measurements you've written down, and select the Exact option

Wooden BlindsRoller BlindsVertical BlindsOther Blind Styles
247 Pro Tips

247 Pro Tips:

For the best results allow your blind to overlap the edges of the recess by at least 35mm on each side - ensuring that you have enough space to accommodate the suggested overlap.


Please note: exact measurements are not just the width of the fabric or material alone, but also include headrail fittings and controls for Roller Blinds only.


Additional Information

Replacing an existing blind

When replacing a blind the same size already in your window it is really easy, just measure the full length of it including all controls and fittings normally across the very top and then from the top to the very bottom of the blind for the drop, then select exact when submitting your measurements.

Measuring Guides

Roller Blinds, Day Night Blinds, Vista Blinds and Double Roller Blinds

  • The fabric width on these blinds will be 35-40mm narrower than the overall width of the blind. This is to allow for any control component on the side of the tube (or 'cassette'). We will always manufacture the full blind width and not fabric width. If you are fitting one of these blinds outside the recess, you may want to consider measuring wider to allow for some fabric overlap.
  • The bottom rail is 1cm wider than the fabric at either side for both Day Night and Vista blinds. This is due to the end caps required to hold the rail in place.
  • When measuring for roller blinds inside a recess, please take the width measurement across the top of the window to ensure the best fit - even if you have tiling around the bottom, as the narrower fabric will fall between the average piece of tiling
  • If you are fitting a roller blind or double roller inside of a recess and wish to mount the brackets to the sides of the recess (opposed to the lintel or window frame), please make sure that you measure across the top of the recess and select 'exact' instead of 'recess' to allow this particular type of mounting (Note: day night blinds or vista blinds cannot be side mounted).

Measuring and Fitting Videos

  • For more help with measuring or getting the perfect fit, take a look at our simple step-by-step demonstration videos on the best way to approach each individual type of blind, in our Video section.

Bay Windows and Conservatories

  • There are different designs of bay window, such as a square or angled bay, so bay windows may require a more specific fitting as you need to take the brackets and mounting in to account. To ensure accurate measuring for bay windows, please consult our Bay Window Guide.
  • You can find our Stick Fit Measuring Guide or Clic Fit Measuring Guide here. Please note that not all blind types may be suited to conservatories but we do provide a range of blinds specially designed for Conservatories.

How much we deduct for recess measurements

We try to make the measuring and ordering process as simple as possible - so for a recess fitting, we only require the full size of your recess space and we will then make small adjustments to the blind to enable it to fit within that space. The following table is a guide to the amount that we will deduct if you select a 'recess' fitting.

Please note that if you wish to make your own allowances and do not require us to make them, please select exact fitting and not recess during the order process.

Blind TypeWidth (mm)Drop (mm)
Roller Blinds30
Roman Blinds50
Day Night Blinds50
Double Roller Blinds30
Vista Blinds50
Wooden Blinds100
Venetian Blinds100
Vertical Blinds1010

Still unsure about your measurements?

Don't worry and put your mind at ease - consider adding our MeasureGuard protection to your order.

For just an additional 10% charge we promise to replace or alter your blinds if you find that you have made a mistake with your measuring. Available on all made to measure blinds at the checkout.

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