If you wish to give your windows a style makeover, learning how to measure for blinds is crucial. Independently from the style you prefer, blinds can be elegant additions to your living space. Venetian, roller, or roman blinds are light and minimalist, especially compared to curtains, and they allow you to manage the level of sunlight in the room.

While highly versatile, these window dressings are also highly versatile and a perfect fit for most living spaces. However, the process of measuring for blinds is perhaps the most important aspect to consider to fit a window dressing that looks exactly as you want it to.

Below, we will explore the different kinds of blinds and the difference between exact fit and recess blinds - learn how to measure for a blind and achieve exactly the look and style you want.

Exact Fit Blinds vs Recess Fit Blinds

When measuring your windows for blinds, the first step to take is to understand whether you wish to fit them inside the recess - if your window has one - or outside of it.

• Exact-fit blinds are those blinds that fit inside the recess. This is a great option for windows in small rooms, where you won’t want to take more space than necessary. They are also a great choice if you are thinking about adding light curtains outside of the recess.
• Recess-fit blinds are blinds fitted outside of the recess. They are more suitable for larger rooms that are more exposed to sunlight. Recess-fit blinds can block out more light, but they tend to look bulkier.

Sometimes, you will have to opt for recess-fit blinds if your recess is too narrow and there are obstacles on the way of the blind. For example, protruding handles or fixtures can get in the way of your blind when rolling it in or out.

Types of Blinds

The next step is to understand the type of blinds you want to fit.

• Roller Blinds - use a cord to be rolled up or down. They are affordable and highly versatile thanks to the variety of patterns to choose from.
• Roman Blinds - they are more formal and, by pulling the cord, they fold upwards elegantly. These are usually made of fabric and can add extra warmth to a room.
• Venetian Blinds - made of wood, plastic, or metal, these blinds are perfect for high-humidity rooms. They allow you optimal sunlight management, so they are perfect for your kitchen or home office.
• Vertical Blinds - They are a suitable choice for floor-to-ceiling windows, conservatories, and summerhouses.

Measure for Blinds with a Recess

Selecting the type of blinds you want from your windows is the first step. Once you have done so, you can learn how to measure for roller blinds or other kinds with a recess. Measuring for blinds with a recess is fairly straightforward, but being clear on the style you want to achieve can help you.

The steps to measure for blinds with a recess are:

1. Pick your blind style.
2. Understand how visible or overpowering you want your blinds to be
3. Equip yourself with a metal tape measure (this will increase accuracy and help you achieve the style you want)
4. Measure the windows’ width. Make sure you do so at three different points (top, bottom, and halfway) because the measure might not be consistent.
5. Use the smallest width as a guide for your blind’s width.
6. If you are installing Venetian, Roman, or roller blinds, you will need to reduce this measure by 1cm so the blinds can roll up and down smoothly.
7. Measure for blind length with a metal tape measure
8. Measure the height of the window at three different points, and use the shortest one as a reference.
9. If you are installing vertical blinds, reduce your measurement by 1cm to ensure that they can travel smoothly across the window.

Measure for Blinds Without a Recess

Measuring for blinds if your window does not have a recess is a straightforward process. However, because you won’t be fitting the blinds inside a recess, there are some adjustments that need to be made for the blinds to block out the light effectively.

Of course, you can fit your blinds as large or narrow as you prefer, but there is always an optimal measure that allows you to block out the light without making the blinds too cumbersome.

1. Use a metal tape measure to increase the accuracy of the measures.
2. Start by measuring the width of your window.
3. Add 20cm to the width measurement. This excess will allow you to overlap your blind with the wall for 5cm on each side of the window. This can block out the light effectively while creating a streamlined result.
4. Measure the height of the window.
5. For the top extremity, your blind should be in line with the fixture. However, when learning how to measure for roller blinds, make sure you add 5cm to fit the operating mechanism properly.
6. For the bottom extremity, you will need to decide where you want the window to end. This can be in line with the sill or floor.

Additional Tips to Measuring for Blinds

Measuring for blinds is not a difficult process, but it needs to be completed with care. Here are some extra tips to achieve exactly the result you want.

• Check the measurements you have taken twice to ensure that they are matching and correct. This simple tip will prevent you from having ill-fitting blinds and can save you a lot of frustration.
• If you have opted for readymade blinds rather than custom ones, you can often adapt them to your window’s needs. For this, make sure you have bought a readymade model that is longer and larger than your window and follow the instructions to reduce its size at home.
• If your window does not have a recess or you wish to fit a blind outside of it, you will need to fit a bracket above the window. This should be secured against the wall above the window frame. When measuring for blinds, take this into consideration to ensure that your blind will cover the entire window.
• If you have opted for roller blinds, these are best fitted outside a recess, so there is enough space for the blind’s mechanism.
  If your window is of an unusual shape or size, you should consider custom made blinds.

If you are looking for more information about the different kinds of blind or you need guidance in measuring for blinds at home, get in contact with ArtBlinds today for a free, no-obligation quote.

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