How to measure up your windows for blinds and curtains.
Measuring for a blind to fit inside the window recess...
Using a metal tape measure take the width of the visible window frame at the top, middle and the bottom of the frame.
Record the narrowest measurement.
If there are any obstructions within the recess such as a dado rail or part tiling then measure in between the obstructions (except for roller blinds - see roller blinds with obstructions below).
Next measure the height of the visible frame at both sides and in the middle.
Record the smallest measurement.
Measuring for a blind to fit outside the window recess...
To measure for a blind intended to fit outside the window recess we recommend an overlap of 10cm to each edge as shown in the illustration.
Measure as for a recess fit (above) and add 20cm to each measurement.
If the cill protrudes far enough to obstruct the blind only add 10cm to the drop and allow the blind to sit on the cill.
Measuring for a roller blind with obstructions inside the window recess (such as tiles or dado rail)...
Take the measurement 'A' at the narrowest point inside the obstructions using a metal tape measure.
Because the fabric of a roller blind is 3.4cm (34mm) smaller than the overall width of the blind (this is because the overall width of the blind includes the endsets and the brackets). Add 2cm (20mm) onto measurement 'A' so that when the 3.4cm allowance is made for the endsets and the brackets, the fabric will be approx 1.4cm narrower than measurement 'A', allowing the fabric to freely clear the obstruction. If you are unsure how to do this or have any questions then please contact us.
Allowances for Blinds.
Recess Size :
For the blind to operate freely we make a 10mm deduction off the width. For the drop the allowance depends on the type of blind. Vertical blinds have a 12mm deduction off the drop. Venetian blinds have an allowance of between 2 to 4 cm on the drop (depending on the slat size) to allow for slat movement.
Blind Size :
We supply the blind to the size you have specified with no deductions. So make sure of any allowance requirement yourself to ensure the blind operates freely.
Note - There is a manufacturing tolerance of up to 5 mm on all blinds.
Measuring up for curtains.
Measuring the curtain width :
Always measure the total width of the curtain track or pole (excluding the finials) - not the window, unless it is wall to wall. If your fitting a new track or pole, it should extend between 15cm (6 inches) and 30cm (12 inches) either side of the window recess (to allow the curtains to be stacked back away from the window) and between 12cm (5 inches) and 15cm (6 inches) above the window recess.Don’t forget to allow for the fabric overlap – this is an additional measurement, normally 2.5cm (1 inch) that allows the curtains to overlap in the middle of the track or pole when they are closed.
Curtain Tracks :
Measure from one end to the other.
Overlapping curtain tracks :
For a curtain tracks that overlap in the middle, include the overlap in the measurements (see diagram). Measure the width of A + B and then add the two sizes together.
Curtain poles :
Measure between the decorative (finial) ends of the pole.
Measuring the curtain drop :
For the drop measure in at least 3 positions along the length of the track or pole as floors and sills are very rarely level. To avoid curtains dragging across the floor or sill use the shortest of these measurements.
As a rule, measure the drop from the underside of the curtain rings to ensure the pole can be seen above the curtains. This does depend on the type of heading you choose however (see the diagrams below for the different styles of heading and how to measure for them).
Before measuring the drop for the curtains, decide whether you want your curtains to fall to the sill, below the sill or to the floor. We suggest that:
- 1cm above the sill for sill length
- the desired length for below sill length
- 1cm above the floor for full length drop
Pencil Pleat & Pinch Pleat headings :
If your using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to where the curtain is to finish (Approx 1cm above the floor). If your using a curtain pole, measure from the underside of the curtain ring to where the curtain is to finish (Approx 1cm above the floor).
Eyelet Style heading :
Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to finish and add 3cm.
Tab Top Style heading :
Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to finish.
As you enter them the other box's will be automatically converted, allowing you to check your sizes in either millimeters, centimeters or inches.
Then click the calculate price button.
