Are you thinking about updating your window blinds, but you don’t know how to measure them? It is very important to get this correct, as an ill-fitting blind is an expensive mistake that will not serve the purpose you had for it. Fortunately, measuring for standard blinds is not as difficult as it may seem.
Some Advice and New Terms
There are couple of things to note. The first is to always use a metal tape measure as the cloth ones can stretch resulting in an inaccurate measurement. The second is about terminology. A face fitting is where the blind is fitted to the window’s architrave. A recess fitting, like the name suggests, is where the blind is fitted to the inside of the architrave. Each style is measured differently.
Things to Know About Taking Measurements
Always measure from left to right across the window. This is the width and should be written down immediately next to a W. When you measure the height from top to bottom this should be written down immediately next to a H (W x H). A final tip is to measure every window, even though they look to be all the same size. Measure the width and height of every window in three places for a consistent result, then use the smallest number as the windows may not be level.
Measuring for a Face Fitting
For a face fitting, measure the width from the outer edge of the architrave to the opposite edge. For the height, measure from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish. Depending on your preference, this may extend past the architrave so that when the blind is extended, the architraves will be hidden. This is simply a design choice.
Measuring for a Recess Fitting
In the case of a recess fitting, measure the full width and height of the recess. Also check the depth measurement to ensure that the recess is deep enough for the blind to fit inside it. Allow for any obstructions such as handles that may be in the way. If you are fitting a roller blind, also note that the brackets and operating mechanism must also fit inside the recess, so allow for this in your measurements. This will create a light gap around the edges, so if you require a block out effect, a recess fitting may not suit.
If you are planning on a blind replacement and this seems too daunting, our experts at Blind Concepts are eager to help. Blinds that appear to be throwaways can be repaired using our techniques, saving time and money. We are ready to provide a free quote.