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How to measure for roller blinds

How to measure for roller blinds differs based on whether you are fitting the blinds inside or outside a window recess. However, in each instance it includes take a variety of measurements in terms of both width and height; as well as taking further measurement either inside or outside the window recess.

Learning how to measure for roller blinds is an important step in the process of purchasing and fitting your new roller blinds.

How To Measure For Roller Blinds Inside A Window Recess

Inside Recess Measurement

  1. 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.
  2. Use the spaces provided in the diagram to record your measurements. Select ‘Recess Size’ in the measurement option box and supply us with the narrowest measurement across and the shortest measurement down.
Measuring For Roller Blind

Note:  Please do not make any allowance yourself and please be aware when ordering recess fit roller blinds that:

The fabric width is approximately 30 mm less than the finished width of the blind.

The finished width of the blind – ‘actual blind size’ - refers to the total width between the pins at each end of the roller cylinder, including the brackets.

Example – For a recess width given as 100cm – the Roller blind supplied will be 100cm wide Pin to Pin (within a few mm tolerance) and the fabric width will be 3cm narrower (1.5cm each side) at approximately 97cms.

Tips On How To Measure For Roller Blinds

  1. Use a metal tape measure - fabric ones can stretch and give an inaccurate reading.
  2. Measure at the position where your blind will be fitted to clear all window catches etc.
  3. Measure within any tiles or other limitations inside the recess which may affect the finished working width of the blind.
  4. 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 Roller Blinds Outside A Window Recess

Outside Recess Measurement

  1. When fitting a Roller 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 (where possible) above and below, to ensure that the blind gives adequate coverage of the window when closed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
Measuring Outside Recess

Note: Please be aware when ordering recess fit roller blinds that:

The fabric width is approximately 30 mm less than the finished width of the blind.

The finished width of the blind – ‘actual blind size’ - refers to the total width between the pins at each end of the roller cylinder, including the brackets.

Example – For an ‘actual blind size’ width given as 100cm – the Roller blind supplied will be 100cm wide Pin to Pin (within a few mm tolerance) and the fabric width will be 3cm narrower (1.5cm each side) at approximately 97cms.

Tips On How To Measure For Roller Blinds

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

Recess Blinds

Deciding how to measure for roller blinds will depend on whether they will sit inside or outside a window recess. A window recess is created when the window is not flush to the wall. Recess blinds are designed to fit within the window recess; it will sit within the opening of the window without overlapping onto the wall.

To correctly measure for recess blinds you will have to measure the recess width and recess drop of the window, we will reduce the measurements by a small amount to ensure there is no catching (upto 1cm on the width and/or drop). Outside recess blinds are design fit outside the window recess and overlap onto the wall. Both are advantageous in their own ways and the type you choose could be dependent on the room they will sit in and their purpose.

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