How to Measure a Window for Blinds

When it comes to getting a new set of window blinds, you have a lot to consider if you want to get the right set. Whether you decide to go with something like dual roller blinds or sunscreen blinds, one of the most important points is getting the measurements right. If you get it wrong, it could cost you extra money in having to send the blinds back for alterations.

Measuring blinds is fairly simple, but you do need to follow the right process to make sure your measurements are accurate. If you are getting ready to go shopping or planning to order a set of window blinds online, these instructions will help to ensure that you get the right fit.

Mounting the Blinds

Along with choosing from different types of window blinds, you also have to determine how the blinds will be mounted. Your choices for mounting the blinds are inside fit and outside fit. In some cases, the choice between these two options will be completely up to you, but there are some situations where you may have to use one or the other.

An inside fit mounting is the most common option. It provides a more seamless look, but the blinds are likely to allow a small amount of light to come in around the edges. If you want to go with an inside fit, you need to ensure that the depth of the frame is sufficient for the blinds and the bracket. Since some types of window blinds may require more depth than others, it is important to get this measurement before you make your decision.

The outside fit is less common, but it can work well for some situations. If the depth of the frame is too shallow for an inside fit, then an outside fit is a good solution. It can also work well for situations where there are obstacles in the frame that may impede the operation of the blinds or for irregularly shaped windows that cannot accommodate the blinds with an inside fit.

Measuring the Window

Once you know the type of fit for the window blinds, you can move on to making your measurements. When measuring, you want to aim for the highest accuracy possible and get the measurement to the nearest millimetre. Unless it is otherwise stated in the instructions, you do not want to make any deductions. Made to measure blinds will come to your exact measurements.

Inside Mounting

1. Measure the inside height of the window frame from top to bottom. If you are getting wooden blinds, aluminium blinds or vertical blinds make height measurements for the left, right and centre of the frame, taking down the shortest as your measurement.
2. Take the measurement for the inside width of the frame running across the top of the window frame.
3. Repeat the measurements to check accuracy.

Outside Mounting

With an outside fit, you have two options. If your windows have an architrave, you can mount the blinds above the window, either to the wall above the architrave or to the outside edges of the architrave. If the windows do not have an architrave, then you would mount the blinds to the wall above the frame.

To the Architrave

1. Measure the outside height of the architrave.
2. Measure the outside width of the architrave.
3. Repeat measurements to check accuracy.

To Wall

1. Measure the outside height of the window frame.
2. Measure the outside width of the window frame.
3. Repeat measurements to check accuracy.

With blinds that are to be mounted to the wall, exact measurements can leave some of the window frame uncovered. If you want to ensure that the entire window frame is covered by the blinds, it can help to add a little to the measurements. For the most part, an addition of 50mm to the height and 80mm to the width should be sufficient.

Along with a room's colour palette, furniture and furnishings, window dressings go a long way to defining the look and feel of a space. If you are still unsure how to properly measure a window for blinds, and want to ensure a perfect fit and finish, most reputable blinds companies offer a free fit and quote service.