How to Measure Guide
If you are planning on employing a fitter, do not arrange their services in advance. Fully unpack the blinds ahead of the visit to ensure the blinds are undamaged and that all parts are present and correct
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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 or Neat Fit 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.
If you are fitting several blinds side by side, please note that ordering the blinds with different heights or widths (even with a 1mm differential) may cause a difference with the blind appearance due to the number of fabric panels or slats etc. Please call us for advice.
Please read through the guide below as there are some additional notes to keep in mind when measuring for Vertical Blinds and Roller Blinds.
Child Safety
Due to new Child Safety legislation, chains and cords on All Blind Types must be a minimum of 1500mm from floor level.
To avoid chains and cords that are too short, please add a note to your order specifying the installation height to the top of the blind.
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What you will need
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1. Tape measure (Metal ones are best)
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2. Pen or Pencil and Paper
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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 dimensions (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 and may also adjust the drop (again dependant on the blind type you order). As an example, on Roller Blinds the allowance is approximately 0.5cm - 1cm from the width with no deduction from the drop. On Vertical Blinds, we deduct up to 1cm from the width and 1cm from the drop
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, pulleys, chain and cord controls and other components.
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Fig.1 Measuring Inside the recess
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Fig.2 Measuring outside the recess
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Five simple steps to take a RECESS measurement
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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 precise width of the window recess.
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Five simple steps to take an EXACT measurement
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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. This applies to all blind types APART from Aluminium and Wood/Faux Wood Venetian blinds where the width will be made to the exact size and the drop will be made just slightly longer to allow for the slat width to be divided up amongst the drop measurement
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Special note for ordering Wood (or Faux Wood) Venetian Blinds
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Please note that when ordering Wood or Faux Wood Venetian blinds, you will be given the option between Recess or Exact Size.
When you order a Wood or Faux Wood blind as Exact Size, the pelmet will arrive to you slightly oversized, with shoter pelmet lengths, to use as returns. This is because the blind will be fitted outside of the recess and all three sides of the head rail will need to be covered.
When you order your Wood or Faux Wood as Recess Size, the pelmet will arrive the same width as the blind and will be square cut at each end as the pelmet will only need to cover the front of the rail.
The usual deduction for a recess size with this type of blind is (approximately) 1cm. If you are ordering the Styleline Express, the deduction is 1.5cm off of the width.
When ordering multiple blinds at very similar widths, please be aware that a difference of even 1mm, can mean a change to the number of ladder cords/tapes used. This is particularly important to bear in mind where blinds are installed in close proximity
If you need further advice when measuring for your Wood or Faux Wood Blinds, please telephone or email our sales team.
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Special note for measuring Vertical Blinds
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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 0.5cm-1cm off the overall width and up to 1cm from the overall drop.
Please also note that the HEIGHT measurement given for Vertical Blinds WILL include the rail at the top of the blind.
If you need further advice when measuring for your Vertical, please telephone or email our sales team.
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Special note for measuring Roller Blinds
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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 up to (approximately) 3.5cm (35mm) less than the quoted size and for Recess sizes the width of the fabric will be up to (approximately) 4.0cm (40mm) 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.
Special note for measuring Tri Shade Blinds
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For The Tri Shade, roller Venetian blinds, we will deduct approximately 1cm off of the width and approximately 1cm off of the height, when ordered as Recess Size.
If you are ordering as Exact Size and installing the blind outside of the recess, we recommend allowing a 10cm overlap on the width and a 5cm overlap on the height.
Please bear in mind light gaps, as the fabric will not extend up to the very end of the blind rail. We will reduce the fabric width by 1.8cm on the control end and 1cm on the opposite end.
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Special note for Bracket Selection
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Different types of brackets are available for a number of blinds, Vertical being the most varied. Top fix brackets will allow you to drill the brackets up in to the top of the recess. Standard face fix brackets will allow you to fix the Vertical Blind to the frame of the window but will offer no clearance for protrusions such as window handles. If you are ordering an 89mm slat width, brackets usually supplied for the 127mm slat width can be supplied on request (at the time of order) free of charge. The 127mm brackets will offer 2cm clearance from the frame of the window. Should you need additional clearance, Extension Brackets can be supplied at a cost of £5 for a pack of three brackets. If you order extension brackets or additional face fix brackets after an order is delivered, additional postage charges will be made.
For other types of blind, extension brackets are sometimes compatible but please call or email us to discuss your needs.
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How to measure for your non-Velux® roof window roller blind
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What you will need
1. Tape measure (Metal ones are best)
2. Pen or Pencil and Paper
When measuring for your non-Velux® window roller blind you will need to supply the precise measurements from wood to wood, within the glass area of the window.
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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. There are some provisos with our range of non-velux roller blinds. The first is that the depth of the frame around the glass, must be at least 60mm, to accommodate our blind system. The second is that the frame around the glass must sit at 90 degrees to the glass, rather than sitting at an angle (like the bead on a double glazed window, for example). Thirdly, there can be no obstructions, such as window handles, within the glass area. 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.
As there are size limitations for many of our fabrics, please check individual listings to make sure that your preferred fabric is available for your window code. Remember, just because you can retrieve a price, does not mean the fabric is available.
How to measure for your Perfect Fit blinds
What you will need
1. Pencil and paper
2. Metal tape measure
Exact or recess
When measuring for perfect fit blinds, for your UPVC window or door, you will need to supply us with the “visible glass dimensions”, i.e. the precise dimensions of the pane of glass, where the blind and it’s brackets will be installed
Where can I install perfect fit blinds
Perfect fit and blinds are designed for use, solely on UPVC windows and doors. Neither blind system is suitable for wood or metal frames.
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Perfect Fit Blinds - Preparation
Perfect fit blinds are basically a blind, tensioned within an aluminium frame which then installs, within each glass panel.
Before measuring, there are some things you will need to check, to ensure that your window is compatible with this blind type.
The blind frame will overlap 25mm (1 inch) all round the window panel.
This overlap will be measured from the visible glass, outward, over the window frame beading, on all four sides. You will therefore need to ensure that there are no window handles,
vents or other protrusions, sitting within this area.
If you have black rubber seals which protrude over your glass, measure the “visible glass dimensions”, from rubber to rubber for the width and for the height. Enter these tight dimensions when placing your order.
If the black rubber seals do not protrude out over the glass, we suggest that you deduct 2mm from the width of the “visible glass dimensions” to ensure that the brackets and frame sit within this area.
NOTE. Please ensure that the brackets can be inserted under the rubber window seals. Use a butter knife, as illustrated. For perfect fit blinds, a minimum insertion of 20mm is required.
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Perfect Fit Blinds – Measuring the Bracket Size
Measure the depth of the glass, in relation to each window frame. The best tools to use here are a tape measure and a ruler/straight edge.
Place the straight edge across the corner of one of the windows, with the straight edge resting on the window frame/beading at each end.
Measure the gap between the glass and the side of the straight edge
This measurement will usually be 20mm, 24mm or 30mm and will determine the bracket size you will need to request.
If your measurement is slightly over or under the specified bracket size, you will need the next bracket size up. For example, if your glass depth is 18mm, you will need to request the 20mm bracket size.
NOTE. If your glass depth is less than 18mm, you will not be able to use the perfect fit system and will need to look at the Neat Fit system instead.
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Neat Fit – Preparation and Measuring
For the Neat Fit system, you need to supply the visible glass dimensions from “plastic to plastic“ or from “rubber to rubber“
There is no frame with the Neat Fit system and the brackets are very simple to slide in to the window beading.
There is no minimum glass depth which makes these ranges a fantastic alternative where perfect fit blinds cannot be used, such as on some aluminium frame doors and windows. Also, as this blind range does not overlap on to the window frame, you can use this type of blind, even where your handles or vents are tight up to the beading.
NOTE. Please ensure that the brackets can be inserted under the rubber window seals. Use a butter knife, as illustrated. For the Neat Fit range, a minimum insertion of 15mm is required
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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 centre 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. When jotting down your width measurements, please bear in mind that if two or more of your blinds are very similar in width, a difference of even 1mm can mean that the blind will be supplied with a slightly different look. This can be several things depending on the blind type. On a vertical blind for example, it can mean additional slats. On a wood or faux wood, it can mean additional ladder cords/tapes.
10. 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:
10a. Castellating slat drops in the case of Verticals
10b. Uneven slat alignment in the case of Venetians
10c. 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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