Measuring a Window for Blinds: A Buyer’s Guide
This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of measuring a window for blinds.
The hints and tips below are suitable when buying either made-to-measure or ready-made blinds. That said, it is always best to clarify the required measurements with your chosen manufacturer or supplier before purchasing.
Before You Begin
- Make sure you use a metal tape measure to get the most accurate measurements.
- Decide if you would like the blind inside or outside of the window recess. Keep in mind that it may be impractical to have a blind inside the recess if the recess is shallow, or if you have windows which open inwards.
- This is only a basic guide. Certain types of blinds may require slightly different measurements, so always double-check requirements with the manufacturer before ordering.
Measuring for a Blind Inside the Recess
- For a blind that is going inside the recess, it is important to take at least three measurements across the widths of the window, ideally near the top, middle and bottom of the recess from wall to wall, to check for any slight variances. Variances in width may be caused by the window not being straight, or by the walls being tiled.
- It is important to always use the narrowest of these measurements when buying your blind.
- Repeat this step for the recess drop, again taking measurements in at least three places, and use the shortest of these when ordering.
- If the variance between the three width measurements or the three drop measurements is more than a couple of centimetres, it is unlikely that a blind will work correctly inside the recess and you should consider buying a blind to fit outside of the recess instead.
Measuring for a Blind Outside the Recess
- When measuring for a blind that will be placed outside of the window recess, you will need to allow for the blind to extend approximately 10cm on either side of the window, so add this on to the recess width measurement.
- You will also need to allow the same above and below the window recess. An exception to this will be if you only require the blind to lower as far as the window sill.
Carefully following the tips above should be all you need when measuring a window for blinds. But, as different suppliers may vary with the methods they use, it is always best to double check their requirements before buying.
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