Expert Guide: How To
Measure For Window Blinds
Use our simple step by step guides and videos to find out how to measure your standard windows, angled bay windows and boxed bay windows. Measuring yourself couldn’t be easier, takes just minutes and will save you money!
All our blinds are made with a 5mm manufacturing tolerance (width & drop), this tolerance is separate to the deduction made for a recess size product.
Standard Window
If you want your window blind to fit inside, or to hang outside the window recess use our simple step by step guides and videos below to find out how.
Inside window recess measuring video
Outside window recess measuring video
Recess Size
Inside Window Recess
This is the measurement you need to make if the blind needs to fit inside the window recess. Measure the width and the drop in three different positions ensuring you provide us with the smallest measurement.
We will make any necessary deductions to ensure the blind fits neatly within the recess of the window.
For roller blinds, no drill roller blinds, and no drill Roman blinds, we only require you to measure the top width of your recess and provide this when placing your order.
Roller blinds
Our roller blinds can be installed with the fabric rolling from either the rear (standard roll) or the front (reverse roll). Where available, your preferred fabric direction can be selected during purchase. If this option isn’t shown, the following defaults apply:
- Classic roller blinds will be supplied as standard roll.
- Designer, Designer No Drill, and Platinum upgrades will be supplied with a reverse roll, where fabric direction option is not displayed.
Please note: Reverse roll positions the fabric slightly further away from the window, which can result in minor light bleed around the edges when fitted inside the recess. For maximum blackout performance—especially in bedrooms—our fabric experts recommend fitting the blind outside the window recess using the 'exact' measurement option and standard fabric direction (if available). This helps to block out as much light as possible.
Please note that the actual fabric will be approximately 3-4cm narrower than the recess width depending on the blind ordered.
We don’t recommend roller blinds for bay windows, as the fabric is narrower than the full blind width (by around 3–4 cm). This creates gaps between blinds in a bay, reducing privacy and light control. For a better fit, consider alternative blind styles.
Blackout blinds
Our fabric experts recommend when ordering a blackout blind, you fit this outside the window recess using the ‘exact’ blind measurement thus ensuring as much external light as possible is blocked out.
Vertical blinds
The headrail is included in the drop of the blind therefore the louvres will be shorter than the drop.
Exact Size
Outside Window Recess
An exact size blind is also known as ‘pin width’ or ‘finished blind width’. This is the measurement you need to make if the blind needs to hang outside the recess overlapping the window. Decide how much you wish to overlap the recess at each side, we recommend at least 7.5cm at each side as well as the top and bottom so as to minimise as much external light as possible.
Measure the width and the drop in three different positions ensuring you provide us with the smallest measurement. We will not make any deductions from the measurements provided.
Please note: No Drill blinds cannot be fitted outside of the window recess.
Roller blinds
Please note this width includes the mechanism of the blind and is not the width of the cloth. As a result, the actual cloth will measure approximately 3-4cm narrower than the size ordered. To ensure a perfect fit, please follow our measuring guides carefully and avoid taking measurements from existing blinds.
Vertical blinds
The headrail is included in the drop of the blind therefore the louvres will be shorter than the drop.
French Doors
Angled Bay Window
Boxed Bay Window
How do you measure for blinds?
For outside the window recess, alongside the above, add at least 7.5cm at each side as well as the top and bottom to minimise as much external light as possible.
How do I measure for inside mount blinds?
How much smaller should blinds be than the window?
What size blinds are standard?
The measuring process is easy, and the final product is often cheaper than pre-made blinds on the high street.
Can't Find What You're Looking For?
Call or send us an email and a member of our Customer Service team will be happy to help.
Our Telephone lines are open Mon - Friday 8:30AM - 6PM
Live chat is available Mon - Fri 9AM - 5PM and Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 4PM
Please note, we are closed on bank holidays
Expected wait times:
Click Here >>
Click Here >>
Average wait: 30 Seconds
Enquire Here >>
Average wait: 3 Days
01924 481729
Average wait: 5 Minutes
