These handy video guides will walk you through measuring for recess fitting (fitting the blind inside the window recess) and exact fitting (fitting the blind onto the wall above the recess).
For a step-by-step written guide and for advice if your windows are a little more unusual (e.g. bay windows, or recesses that are partly tiled), keep scrolling down.
Recess Fitting
This is the measurement you need to take if you want your blind to fit inside the window recess. Measure the full width and height of the recess [the size of the hole if you like] and we will make the appropriate deductions to ensure a perfect fit.
Measure in 3 places for both the width and the drop, use the smallest measurements.
Measuring the width for roller blinds is slightly different, because the fabric is narrower than the full bracket-to-bracket width. For rollers, you can measure at the top of the recess for the best fit.
Don't make any deductions, we will do that for you to ensure your blind fits perfectly.
Use a metal tape measure, cloth ones can stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.
Top-Tips for Recess Fitting
Check that your recess is deep enough to fit the blind into, also bearing in mind any obstructions such as handles. The table below gives the depth required for all of our blinds.
Blind Type (Depth Required)
25mm Wood/Faux Wood (55mm)
35-38mm Wood/Faux Wood (65mm)
50mm Wood/Faux Wood (70mm)
63-65mm Wood/Faux Wood (80mm)
Panel Blinds 3 Panels (55mm)
Panel Blinds 5 Panels (90mm)
25mm Venetian Blind (30mm)
50mm/Synergy Venetian Blind (70mm)
Roman Blind (50mm)
Vertical Blind (75mm)
Roller Blind Top-Fix (50mm)
Roller Blind Face-Fix (70mm)
Double Roller Blind Top-Fix (120mm)
Double Roller Blind Face-Fix (105mm)
Enjoy / Illusion Roller Blinds (85mm)
Pleated Blinds (With Cords) (30mm)
Pleated Blinds (Cordless) (50mm)
Pleated Blinds (DuoMax) (50mm)
If you have tiles part-way up your recess (often the case in kitchens and bathrooms) then the space between them is most likely to be the narrowest point in the recess.
Measure between the tiles to ensure your blind will fit. You will need to top-fix or face-fix your brackets in this case.
Again, for roller blinds, it's slightly different. Measure at the top of the recess and between the tiles, then compare those two measurements. If the difference between the two is less than 25mm, use the measurement at the top. If it's more, use the measurement between the tiles.
Exact Fitting
This is the measurement you need to take if you want your blind to fit outside the window recess, overlapping on all sides. Measure the size of the recess, then add a little extra on all sides to ensure adequate coverage.
Measure the exact size of the area you would like the blind to overlap. To minimize light leakage we recommend that the blind overlaps the window recess by at least 70mm at the top and 50mm each side.
The overlap at the bottom of the blind is a matter of personal choice but please take into account obstacles such as radiators.
Use a metal tape measure, cloth ones can stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.
If you are replacing an existing blind with one of the same size, simply measure the blind (including its fittings) and specify exact fitting, we will make you one the same size.
The overall width of a roller blind, including its brackets, is approximately 35mm wider than the width of the fabric. You can choose whether to measure for the full bracket-to-bracket width, or for the width you'd like the fabric to cover.
Bay Windows
Measuring for bay windows couldn't be easier, please choose the correct guide for your chosen blind type.
