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How to measure for vertical blinds

Figuring out how to measure for vertical blinds is the first step to finding and purchasing your perfect vertical blinds. How you measure will depend on whether you are fitting the blind inside the window recess or outside. In both cases you will need to make measurements of both the width and the drop, recording the smallest measurement when fitting inside the recess and singular measurements for outside the recess.

How to Measure for Vertical Blinds Inside A Window Recess

Inside recess measurement

To measure, take three measurements across the inside of the window recess, at the top, the middle and the bottom of the window and three measurements down, at the left, the right and in the centre, as shown above. Use the spaces provided in the diagram to record your measurements. Select ‘Recess Size’ in the measurement option box when ordering and supply us with the narrowest measurement across and the shortest measurement down. Please do not make any allowance yourself.

Measuring Inside Recess

Note: Please be aware when ordering recess fit made to measure vertical blinds that:

If you select ‘Recess Size’, a necessary adjustment will be deducted for clearance and your finished blind size will be slightly smaller than the recess size given, to allow the blind to fit and work properly inside the recess and any restrictions. Please do not make any allowance yourself.

Vertical blinds are not recommended inside the recess if the recess is less than 130mm/5” deep - if this is the case it would be better, where possible, to mount the blind outside the recess.

Important – when ordering vertical blinds for a recess fit it is necessary to specify that ‘Top Fix’ brackets are required.

Tips for measuring

  • Use a metal tape measure - fabric ones can stretch and give an inaccurate reading
  • Measure at the position where your blind will be fitted to clear all window catches etc.
  • Measure within any tiles or other limitations inside the recess which may affect the finished working width of the blind.
  • Measure in centimetres and round each measurement to the nearest 0.1cm Measure all windows individually even if they look the same size.

How to Measure for Vertical Blinds Outside A Window Recess

Outside recess measurement

When fitting a Vertical Blind outside a window recess, we recommend that the blind extends at least 7 – 10 cm to each side of the window recess and approximately 7 to 10cm above and (where possible) below the recess drop, to ensure that the blind gives adequate coverage of the window when closed. If the window sill protrudes more than 5cms from the recess, the blind may have to stop at sill level rather than dropping below it, as this will obstruct the smooth operation of the blind.

Width And Drop Measurements

Make a note of the new calculated measurement in the spaces provided on the diagram and select ‘Actual Blind Size’ in the measurement option box when ordering. This will be the exact size that your finished blind will be made to.

Note: Please be aware when ordering outside recess fit vertical blinds that:

If you select ‘Actual Blind Size’, the measurements you give will be the exact finished size of your blind (within a 5 mm tolerance) with no further adjustment deducted. This provides you with the opportunity to specify a particular size for your blind.

Important – when ordering vertical blinds for an outside recess fit it is necessary to specify that ‘Face Fix’ brackets are required.

Tips for measuring

  • Use a metal tape measure - fabric ones can stretch and give an inaccurate reading.
  • Measure in centimetres and round each measurement to the nearest full cm.
  • Measure all windows individually even if they look the same size.

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