A Complete Guide on How to Measure Blinds

Whether you want to upgrade your home with Roman blinds, roller blinds, vertical blinds, or Venetian blinds, knowing how to measure blinds properly is key to ensuring that they fit perfectly. This ensures that they function smoothly over a long period and minimise light leakage.

This blog provides step-by-step guides on window blind measuring for both inside mount and outside mount types. This provides the exact size you need for a strong and secure hold.

Tools for Measuring New Window Blinds

For an accurate measurement of blinds, you need a few things that can easily be found in your home or office.

• Metal tape measure
• Pen and paper
• Step ladder for tall windows

Inside Mount Measure(Recess Fitting): Six Point Measure

Inside mount blinds offer a clean and fitted look to the entire room as they sit perfectly within the window recess. For the exact and perfect inside mount measure, you need to take accurate measurements at multiple points.

While taking the measurements, make sure that you use a metal tape measure and avoid cloth or plastic ones. Also, take all the measurements in millimetres.

Measure the Width at Three Points

To start, measure across the top, middle, and bottom inside the window frame, not across the wall. This provides a recess fit for the window blinds.

Note down all three width measurements, paying attention to the narrowest point. This is important as even a small variation can impact how well your blinds operate. The shortest width measurement also ensures that the blinds fit perfectly inside the window frame without scraping the inside edges.

Measure the Length at Three Points

Next, measure the depth of the window recess fitting. This determines the total length of your blinds when fully extended. You will need to take three vertical measurements (left side, centre, and right side) from the top of the recess down to the windowsill.

Accurately note down all three measurements, as this prevents the new blinds from dragging, bunching, or interfering with the sill or any surface.

Outside Mount Measure: Two Point Measure

If you want to fully cover the window frame, an outside mount, also called a face fix, might be the best option. This is also suitable if the recess is shallow or obstructed, as this mount helps the blind to sit on the wall or above the window frame perfectly.

Measurement for outside mount is quick and provides you with full control over how much space the new blinds will cover.

Measure the Width

For the width, the measurement typically extends beyond the window frame on both sides. Start by measuring from the outer edge of where you want the blind to start on the left to the outer edge on the right. Note down the nearest mm reading.

We recommend adding 50 to 100 mm on each side of the window frame measurements to ensure adequate coverage for better privacy. This also effectively covers the areas and reduces light leakage.

Measure the Length

Next, start measuring from the top of where the blind will sit to the desired endpoint below the window. If you have adequate space above the window frame, you can mount the blind a little higher to allow more visible glass area when the blind is pulled up. This is required as a typical Roman blind has a stack height of 250 to 300 mm, depending on its length.

Which Mount Option Works Best?

Choosing the correct blind type for your windows is not just about its look but rather function, fit, and the feel of the room.

We have a few recommendations on various blinds, their mounting options, and where they will be best suited.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are a classic style that adds warmth and luxury to any space with their elegant fabric finish. They are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and even dining rooms.

They are suitable for both inside and outside mount types.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are a great option if you want a sleek and minimalist feel. They’re easy to clean, available in blockout or light-filtering fabrics, and come in a variety of colours.

They, too, are suitable for both inside and outside mount types.

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Wooden Venetian blinds are a timeless option for adjustable light control and are great for studies, kitchens, or rentals. They offer privacy while still letting in natural light.

They are suitable for inside mount types.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are ideal for large windows and sliding doors as they offer smooth operation and excellent light control. They are also perfect for bifolding doors or full-height windows.

Vertical blinds are suitable for both mounting types.

Some Top Tips for Measuring All Blind Types

We suggest you use a metal tape to measure accurately instead of a cloth one, as they stretch, leaving a chance of inaccurate readings.

Take two measurements for both the width and length points, as this helps you measure the exact readings.

Even if two window frames look the same, simply measure each one separately, as even a small variation can affect the fit of the blinds and give inaccurate measurements.

When replacing existing blinds, re-measure anyway. Don’t assume they are all the same size.

Conclusion

When measuring for your new blinds, it takes just a few minutes to get it right, but doing it incorrectly can result in inaccurate measurements, returns, or blinds that don’t fit perfectly.

Take your time, use this guide as your guide, and if you still have some doubts, reach out to our team at Roman Blinds Direct. With our expertise and custom-fit options, you’ll get the perfect blinds for your home, office, or rental.