How to Measure Guide |
Welcome to our measuring guide. If you are measuring for a standard window blind please use our very straight forward recess and exact measuring system. If you need help to measure for your bay window, for a velux window blind, a roof roller blind system or for a perfect fit pleated or Venetian blind please scroll down the page to see our separate measuring instructions. If at any time you need further assistance or clarification please call our sales team who will be happy to help.
Please read through the guide below as there are some additional notes to keep in mind when measuring for Vertical Blinds and Roller Blinds.
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What you will need |
1. Tape measure (Metal ones are best) |
2. Pen or Pencil and Paper |
Exact or Recess size |
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When measuring for your new blind, the type of measurement depends on either where the blind is to be fitted or how you would like us to finish the blind.
Recess Size
Should you wish the blind to fit inside the window recess the easiest way to order is with a recess measurement. By ordering the blind as recess size we will make an adjustment to the overall blind size (dependant on the type of blind being ordered) so that it fits inside your supplied dimensions. Usually we will deduct 1cm from the overall width given for a recess measurement
Exact Size
Should you wish the blind to hang outside of the window recess the easiest way to order is with an exact measurement. By ordering the blind as exact size we will make the blind to your precise dimensions.
Please note
All supplied measurements for either exact size or recess size will include all brackets, rails and other components.
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Fig.1 Measuring Inside the recess |
Fig.2 Measuring outside the recess |
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Five simple steps to take a RECESS measurement |
1. Measure the width of the recess from wall to wall in three places as shown on Fig.1 above and use the shortest measurement of the three if they vary. Immediately note down the measurement.
2. Measure the drop by taking the measurement from the top of the recess to the window sill in three places as shown in Fig. 1 above. Use the shortest measurement of the three if they vary. Note down the measurement.
3. Write down each measurement as you go to the nearest 0.1cm (1 millimetre)
4. Always write down the width first then the drop as when you order your blinds you will always be required to enter the width first and then the drop.
5. If there are any obstructions within the window recess, like projecting window handles or Dado Rails, these will affect the position of where your blinds are fitted. Also if there are tiles within part of the window recess you should measure from tile to tile to ascertain the exact width of the window recess.
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Five simple steps to take an EXACT measurement |
1. Measure the exact width of where you would like you blind to be (allow a similar amount of overlap on each side if fitting outside of a recess) as shown in Fig.2 above. Immediately note down the measurement.
2. Measure the exact drop of where you would like you blind to be (allow a similar amount of overlap at the top and bottom) as shown in Fig.2 above. Immediately note down the measurement.
3. Never try and fit to close to the top of the window as the plaster may crumble. We would recommend allowing at least 50mm (2”) above the top of the window to ensure secure fixing.
4. Always write down the width first then the drop as when you order your blinds you will always be required to enter the width first and then the drop.
5. When you give an exact size for a blind, please remember that this is exactly the size that your blind will be made.
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Special note for measuring Vertical Blinds |
Please note that when measuring for Vertical Blinds, we are only able to accept Recess measurements.
This is because we run multiple fabrics from different suppliers all of who cut the fabric differently.
By ordering your Vertical Blinds as Recess size we will deduct 1cm off the overall width and up to 1cm from the overall drop.
Please also not that the measurement given for Vertical Blinds WILL include the rail at the top of the blind.
If you need further advise when measuring for your Vertical, please telephone or email our sales team.
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Special note for measuring Roller Blinds |
For Roller Blinds, we have to allow for fittings at either end of the Blind which effectively reduce the size of the actual fabric. This means that when you quote Exact sizes the width of the fabric will be approximately 2.8cm (28mm) less than the quoted size and for Recess sizes the width of the fabric will be 3.3cm (33mm) less than the quoted size. Once again you don’t need to make any adjustment to recess size; we will make the adjustment for you.
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How to measure for your non-Velux® roof window roller blind |
What you will need
1. Tape measure (Metal ones are best)
2. Pen or Pencil and Paper
Exact or recess
When measuring for your non-Velux® window roller blind you will need to supply the recess size i.e. the precise measurements of the recess where the sub frame will be installed.
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1. Measure the window in at least three positions both on the width and on the drop.
2. Record the smallest dimension directly onto your order. (If the variation is greater than 3mm we suggest you do not proceed with the order)
3. Be aware of the usual obstructions such as handles. It is also worth taking into account that draughts can cause the fabric to come out of the side channels. This happens as a result of the pressure differential between the front and back of the fabric, i.e. when a door is suddenly opened. This is not a fault.
In case of slopes more than 30°from the vertical, we recommend that you limit the width to a maximum of 120cm.
Helpful information
Our roof Roller blind system can be used for Velux® and non-Velux® style skylights as well as standard window types.
Unlike branded Velux® windows that are well engineered and manufactured to quite tight tolerances, you may find that other skylight brands are not so accurately made. The result of this may well be that the measuring is made more difficult due to:
- Warped wood
- Uneven surfaces
- Frames not parallel
The accuracy of the window frame is VERY important when utilising this type of blind because we use side channels to support the ends of the roller as it operates up and down. These side channels MUST be parallel to each other in order for the roller to operate properly.
If any of the aforementioned issues are in evidence it may well create gaps at the sides of the channels or in the case of a frame that is not parallel, it may adversely affect the operation of the blind. In these cases the product may not be suitable for the intended application and an alternative should be sought.
How to measure for your Velux® window roller blind
What you will need
1. Pen or pencil and a piece of paper
Velux® windows are identified by the Velux® branded data plate on the sash of the window. NO measuring required.
There is no need to measure Velux® windows - on the sash of the window you will find a data plate. On the data plate you will see the model code.
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GGL = Centre Pivot Roof Window
GHL = Top Hung Roof Window
GPL = Top Hung Emergency Escape/Access Roof Window
GIL = Extension Roof Window
Please note
It is worth taking into account that draughts can cause the fabric to come out of the side channels. This happens as a result of the pressure differential between the front and back of the fabric, i.e. when a door is suddenly opened. This is not a fault.
How to measure for your Perfect Fit window blinds
What you will need
1. pencil and paper
2. Tape measure (metal ones are best)
Exact or recess
When measuring for your Perfect Fit blind for your windows you will need to supply the recess size i.e. the precise measurements of the recess/glass area where the subframe will be installed. Please see below for further details.
Please note
Perfect fit Pleated and Venetian blinds are designed for most UPVC windows and conservatory sides.
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Preparation
Before you begin, ensure there is a 6mm clearance all around the outside of your
window beading to allow enough room for the Perfect Fit framework.
Also check that the seals of your window frame do not protrude over the glass
more than 6mm and that they are compressible. You can then take a bead to
bead measurement. If your seals are not compressible (solid) and do not
protrude over the glass more than 6mm you can then take a seal to seal
measurement.
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Step 1 - Measure glass size
Measure the width and the drop of your window size accurately.
We recommend that you measure in both corners and the middle of your window and
use the smallest size taken.
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Step 2 - Measure window depth
Measure the depth of the window using a ruler/straight edge and a tape measure.
This gives you the measurement from the face of the window frame
to them glass (this is normally 18mm 20mm or 24mm) and will determine the
size of the window fixing brackets you will use.
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How to measure for bay windows |
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What you will need
1. Tape measure (metal ones are best)
2. Pencil and paper
3. Heavy weight card
4. Scissors |
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1. It is important to determine the type of blind and therefore the depth of the blind rail you will use in your bay window. To do this, please call or email our sales office with the approximate blind measurements and the blind type/colour you are looking at and we will advise you of the rail dimensions accordingly.
2. Check for protrusions into the window recess i.e. window handles and phone points etc. Make a note of this protrusion.
3. Cut two pieces of cardboard between 8 and 12 inches wide. The depth of the card is determined by the depth of the rail PLUS protrusion clearance PLUS any extra clearances i.e. face fix brackets etc.
4. Place the strips in the left angle first, and bring them together until the front corners of the cardboard meet. Mark a point where the corners touch and call it ‘‘point A’’ as shown in fig. 3 above.
5. Repeat this step for the right side angle, marking the corner of ‘‘point B’’.
6. Measure between points "A" and "B" to obtain the width measurement of the center window treatment.
7. Measure from point "A" outward to the desired width to obtain the width measurement of the left window treatment.
8. Measure from point "B" outward to the desired width to obtain the width measurement of the right window treatment.
9. Having jotted down all the blind widths you will need to input a drop. The best idea is to use the same drop all the way round your bay to avoid the following:
9.b. Castellating slat drops in the case of Verticals
9.c. Uneven slat alignment in the case of Venetians
9.d. Irregular fabric drops for all other blind types
Please note. This Guide can be used for measuring a right angled bay window and even a conservatory. If you need further help, please call or email our sales team.
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