How to Measure Your Windows for Blinds

All rooms can benefit from some stylish new blinds so once you've chosen the style and colour of your blinds, all you need to do is measure your windows so you can order the right size. Simple, right?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A metal measuring tape
• Step ladder
• Note book & Pen

1. Before you start
   
   Find out whether the company you're buying the blinds from requires measurements in centimetres or millimetres otherwise you may end up with new blinds fit for a doll's house!
   When measuring larger windows make sure you get someone to help you so you don't over reach and injure yourself or the window.
   
   Decide whether you're going to measure the size of the window or the size of the blinds you want to hang from it.
   
   If you're ordering more than one blind, make sure you measure each window individually, even if they are in the same room and look the same size.

2. Measuring inside the recess
   
   Made to measure blinds can be made to fit either inside or outside the window recess (also known as the mount). New blinds which are measured for inside the recess fit within the window frame. Before you start measuring, just check that there are no cables or anything else in the way which might obscure the drop of the blinds.
   
   Measure the window recess width in three places (top, middle and bottom) and jot down the shortest (narrowest) width measurement. Next, measure the drop of the window recess. This drop should be measured from the top of the recess down to the bottom and you should measure this three times, covering the left, centre and right of the window and jot down the shortest measurement.
   
   If your recess is less than 75mm deep then it may not be large enough to accommodate the dropping mechanisms of the blinds so you might be better off measuring the outside of your window recess.

3. Measuring outside the recess
   
   If you want your made to measure window blinds to hang outside your window frame then you should take measurements for the outside of your window recess.
   
   Firstly, decide how far you want the blind to overlap the window frame and then measure the exact width you want your new blinds to be and jot down this measurement. Next measure the exact drop of the blind from where it will be fitted (the mechanisms for the blind will be above the window frame). Jot this measurement down and you have all you need to order your new made to measure window blinds.
   
   The process of measuring new blinds can vary slightly depending on the type of blinds you choose. Make sure you check with the experts at 247 Blinds before you measure your new blinds.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out whether the company you're buying the blinds from requires measurements in centimetres or millimetres otherwise you may end up with new blinds fit for a doll's house!
• Decide whether you're going to measure the size of the window or the size of the blinds you want to hang from it.
• If you're ordering more than one blind, make sure you measure each window individually, even if they are in the same room and look the same size.
• When measuring larger windows make sure you get someone to help you so you don't over reach and injure yourself or the window.

Resources

• 247 Blinds

[brookfresh]

on 8/1/2009 Good guide. Ive just created a set of fitting guides for the Blind Factory
http://www.theblindfactory.co.uk/Pages/Fitting.aspx