How to measure for Roller blinds

The only thing that can ensure a perfect installation of your roller blinds is accurate measurements. We're sure you’re not surprised but low-key all of us tend to forget it. Don't worry because we are about to discuss all that you need to know about getting the measurements right. Excited? Us too!

The process of taking measurements for roller blinds varies slightly depending on whether the blinds will be installed inside or outside of a window recess. However, on each occasion, it requires collecting a number of measurements in terms of both width and height.

Got a Metal Tape Measure?

Here is a list of things you might need to get your fitting blinds:

• Metal tape measure,
• Pencil,
• Paper,
• And a sturdy step ladder to reach higher spots.

Top Tips to Start Measuring

Before you start to measure a perfect fit for your new roller blinds or revamp an existing blind, here are some tips for you:

• Use only a steel tape measure for the most accurate measurements.
• Don't mix up the width and the height. Always use the W x H format (width x height) and mark them as such.
• To the nearest 0.3 cm, measure. Don't round up or down to the nearest 2.5 cm or 3.8 cm.
• If you are measuring for more than one window, measure each one separately. Never assume that all of your windows are the same size, even if they look the same.

Now you've got these top tips that you might need the most, let's move forward. So, there are two fitting options for roller blinds. Let’s further discuss both in brief lines:

Blinds that fit into a recess

Roller blinds that fit into the window frame are called 'recess fit'. To measure for a recess fitting, measure the recess width precisely. To get full width, begin measuring inside your window. Do it in millimetres across the top, middle, and bottom of the frame and write down the smallest measurement. Now, follow suit for the height of the recess. This will make sure that the blinds precisely sit inside the window frame. This measurement also accounts for the blind fabric and the brackets that hold it in place.

Face-fit roller blinds

Face-fitted blinds are placed outside the window recess (essentially covering the frame itself). When the product is made for recess size, a few mm will be taken off each side of the bracket-to-bracket width to get the width of the material.In case of face fit, it comes in the exact size that was sent. This is to make sure the material moves easily inside the brackets, so please keep this in mind when measuring.

First, measure the outside width of the window frame across the top, middle, and bottom of the window. This time, write down the largest number out of the three measurements.

Next, measure the outside height of the window, starting from where you want your blinds to sit above the window and ending where you want them to end. Again, measure the left, middle, and right sides and write down the largest measurement.

And that's all that you need to know about the two measurement types. It is natural that you might have more questions so here is a list of some common questions that we tend to head: 

How do I know what size roller blinds to get?

To know what size roller blinds you should simply follow the above guide for measuring. For the best light control and privacy, think about extending the width and height by an additional 5 or more centimetres. By extending the blinds past the window, there will be an overlap ensuring less light is able to enter.

Do roller blinds need to be the exact size?

When measuring roller blinds, it is important to keep one thing in mind. When it comes to the fabric variant, the width of the fabric will be approximately 3 cm less than the width of the blind itself. 

Does it matter if roller blinds are too long?

No, it doesn't matter if the fabric of a roller blind is too long. This is because even if your blinds are much longer than the drop they're meant to cover, you don't have to roll them out all the way.

Still feeling overwhelmed? Here is a quick recap to help you make better sense of width measure, drop measure, and more.

How to Measure for Inside Mount Roller Shades

Inside mount roller blinds are elegant and tidy, highlighting your window size and mouldings. Measure inside mount roller blinds like this:

• Measure the window frame depth from the opening to the glass. For an inside mount, your window recess must meet its depth. Check the roller shade's Mounting Requirements to see if your window qualifies for an inside mount.
• Measure window widths. .
• So, select ‘inside recess’ on your chosen roller blind.
• Verify your measurements are width by height (W x H).

How to Measure for Outside Mount Roller Shades

Outside mount roller shades are attached to window moulding or wall above windows. If window depth or frame constraints prevent an inside mount, outside mount blinds are an excellent alternative. Measure windows for exterior mount roller shades with these easy steps:

• Roller shades require a level surface for attaching hardware.
• Choose roller shade width. 
• We recommend adding two to 7.6 cm on either side of a window without trim for light gap coverage and privacy. Mark these additions on each side and measure the width between them.
• Choose shade height. Measure to the sill if it protrudes out and to measure past it if it doesn't.
• If you don't have a protruding window sill, start your measurement two inches below the sill for optimal coverage and three inches beyond the top of the window opening for mounting hardware.
• Verify your measurements are width by height (W x H).

Final Thoughts 

Measuring is a simple task, but it's the one thing that most people worry about. Why? Well, people worry about making a mistake. Hopefully, this blog post has helped you not be one of those people anymore. To measure your roller blinds correctly, now all you need to do is decide between an inside and outside mount. Then collect your tools and get started measuring with this guide to support you.

Our collection of roller blinds comes with many benefits. Getting free samples delivered to your doorstep is just one of them so do have a look at our latest collection on our website.