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Measuring for Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writer's picture: L CL C



Wooden Venetian Blinds with part of a plant showing
Wooden Blinds

Measuring for Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide

When choosing blinds for your Watford home, accurate measurements are essential to ensure a perfect fit. Whether you're looking to enhance your living room with stylish roller blinds or bring a sense of privacy to your bedroom with Venetian blinds, getting the measurements right is the key to a seamless look and smooth operation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring your windows for blinds, ensuring you get the exact fit for your space. No matter which type of blinds you're considering—vertical, Venetian, Roman, or blackout blinds—this step-by-step guide will make the process simple and stress-free.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Before diving into the how-to steps, it's important to understand why accurate measurements are crucial. Incorrect measurements can lead to blinds that don’t fit properly, causing gaps that let in light or drafts. Furthermore, ill-fitting blinds may not function smoothly, which can result in premature wear and tear. Taking the time to measure correctly ensures a polished look and optimal performance, adding value and comfort to your Watford home.

Tools You’ll Need

To measure your windows for blinds, gather the following tools:

  • Steel measuring tape (preferably in millimetres for precision)

  • Pen and paper (or a notes app on your phone)

  • Step ladder (if measuring tall windows)

Make sure to measure all your windows, even if they appear identical. Small differences in size can affect the final fit.

Step 1: Decide on the Type of Fitting – Recess or Exact

Before measuring, you’ll need to decide whether you want your blinds to fit inside the window recess (also called “recess fitting”) or outside the recess, covering the entire window frame (known as “exact fitting”).

  • Recess Fitting: This is ideal if you want your blinds to sit neatly within the window frame for a clean, streamlined look. It’s common for roller, Roman, and Venetian blinds.

  • Exact Fitting: This fitting works best if you want to cover the entire window and frame, providing more coverage. It's often used for blackout blinds to eliminate light from entering around the edges.

Step 2: Measure for Recess Fitting

If you've chosen recess fitting, follow these steps:

1. Measure the Width

  • Measure across the width of the window at three different points: the top, middle, and bottom of the recess.

  • Write down the smallest of the three measurements. This is the width you will provide when ordering your blinds.

2. Measure the Drop (Height)

  • Measure the height from the top of the recess to the bottom at three points: left, centre, and right.

  • Again, record the smallest measurement as your final height.

Pro Tip: If the window recess is not perfectly square, the smallest measurement will prevent your blinds from being too wide or too tall, ensuring a proper fit.

Step 3: Measure for Exact Fitting

If you prefer exact fitting, the blinds will hang outside of the window recess, covering the window and the surrounding wall area. Here’s how to measure for this style:

1. Measure the Width

  • Measure the exact width you want the blinds to cover. We recommend adding at least 5–10cm on either side of the window for better light control and coverage.

2. Measure the Drop (Height)

  • Measure from the top of where you want the blinds to sit (usually above the window frame) to where you want them to end. For the best coverage, extend the drop slightly below the window sill.

Pro Tip: Adding extra centimetres to the width and height ensures your blinds fully block out light and provide privacy.

Step 4: Special Considerations for Different Blind Types

1. Vertical Blinds

For vertical blinds, you’ll need to allow clearance for the headrail (the track at the top where the blinds are attached). Ensure that there's enough space at the top of the window frame, especially for recess fittings.

2. Venetian and Roller Blinds

Venetian and roller blinds need precise measurements for a snug fit, particularly in the recess. Ensure you measure the full depth of the window frame to check if the blinds will sit flush or protrude slightly.

3. Roman Blinds

For Roman blinds, exact fitting is often preferred for aesthetic reasons, as the fabric creates a decorative feature above the window when the blinds are open.

Step 5: Double-Check Your Measurements

It’s always a good idea to double-check your measurements to avoid any costly mistakes. Once you’ve written them down, measure again to confirm they’re correct.

  • For recess fitting, double-check that the smallest width and height are noted.

  • For exact fitting, ensure you've added enough extra width and height to cover the window frame.

Step 6: Contacting a Professional for Complex Windows

While most windows are straightforward to measure, some homes in Watford have bay windows, arched windows, or other architectural features that may require more detailed measuring. In these cases, it’s best to consult a professional installer.

At North London Blinds Ltd, we offer a free consultation and measurement service in the Watford area, ensuring that your blinds are perfectly tailored to your windows. We’re experienced in dealing with all types of window shapes and sizes, and our team can help you choose the ideal blinds for your space.

Step 7: Order Your Blinds

Once your measurements are ready, you can confidently place your order. Be sure to provide the exact width and height, noting whether the measurements are for a recess or exact fitting.

At North London Blinds Ltd, we offer a wide range of blinds to suit every room in your Watford home, from blackout roller blinds for bedrooms to stylish Venetian blinds for living spaces. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, made-to-measure blinds that fit perfectly and enhance the look of any room.

FAQs

1. Can I measure for blinds myself, or should I hire a professional?

You can definitely measure for blinds yourself using this guide. However, for more complex window shapes, you may want to hire a professional to ensure precision.

2. What’s the difference between recess and exact fitting?

Recess fitting means the blinds fit inside the window frame, while exact fitting refers to blinds that hang outside the recess, covering the entire window and frame.

3. How do I know if my window recess is deep enough for blinds?

Measure the depth of your window recess. Most blinds need a minimum depth of 7.5cm to fit within the recess.

4. What’s the best type of blinds for privacy?

Blinds like Venetian or Roman blinds offer excellent privacy while also allowing you to control the amount of light entering the room.

5. Do I need to allow extra space for roller blinds?

Yes, for roller blinds in an exact fitting, it’s a good idea to allow extra width and height to ensure full coverage of the window and prevent light leakage.

6. Can I install the blinds myself once I’ve measured them?

Yes, most blinds come with installation instructions, and the process is typically straightforward. However, for larger blinds or more complex installations, professional assistance may be helpful.

Conclusion

Measuring your windows for blinds doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require accuracy and attention to detail. By following this step-by-step guide, Watford residents can ensure their blinds fit perfectly, enhancing both the style and functionality of their homes. Whether you're looking for Venetian blinds, roller blinds, or something more decorative, precise measurements are the first step towards beautiful, well-fitted blinds.

Contact us today at North London Blinds for expert advice, free measurements, and a wide selection of blinds to suit your home.

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