How to Measure for Your New Window Blinds

If you have tiles part-way up your recess (often the case in kitchens and bathrooms) then the space between them is most likely to be the narrowest point in the recess.

Measure between the tiles to ensure your blind will fit. You will need to top-fix or face-fix your brackets in this case.

Measure the exact size of the area you would like the blind to overlap. To minimize light leakage we recommend that the blind overlaps the window recess by at least 70mm at the top and 50mm each side.

The overlap at the bottom of the blind is a matter of personal choice but please take into account obstacles such as radiators.

Use a metal tape measure, cloth ones can stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.

Some window manufacturers make the window code less obvious than others. If you can't find the code plate or size of your window, simply measure the width and drop of the visible glass then give us a call, we'll usually be able to identify the size code from the glass size.

Next, measure the depth of the window from glass to beading. To do this, simply place a credit card over the corner of the frame and use a metal ruler to take the measurement. This will usually be between 18 and 24mm.

There's one extra measurement required for PerfectFIT Shutters; we'll need to know where your window handle is in relation to the glass. Simply turn the handle to its open position, then measure the distance from the edge of the glass to the centre of the handle. You'll be asked for this measurement when ordering. If your handle is at the bottom of the window, always measure from the left side of the glass to the centre of the handle. If the handle is on either the left or right, always measure from the bottom of the glass to the centre of the handle.

Check for Squareness

First of all, you need to check that your recess is pretty much square, making it suitable for our shutters. All you need to do is measure the recess diagonally from corner to corner on both sides. Then, compare the two measurements.

If the difference is 12mm or less, you're good to go. If they vary by any more than that, then unfortunately you won't be able to fit shutters in your recess. If this happens, don't worry, there are plenty more fish in the sea, or, in this case plenty more blinds and curtains to choose from across our sites.

Ready to Measure?

First, decide where your shutters are going to sit. This can be at the front of the recess or inside the recess. Either way, measure at the place you plan to fit your shutters. Don't worry about making any deductions, we'll do all the maths for you.

Front of Recess Fitting

For a front of recess fitting you need to measure at the front of the recess. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom.

Next measure the drop on the right, in the centre and on the left. Write down the smallest measurements, these are the sizes you will use to place an order.

Inside recess fitting

For an inside recess fitting, you can position your shutters anywhere you choose inside the recess, even flush against the window. Just make sure you measure far enough forward so that you avoid any obstructions such as window handles.

Mark where you are going to fit your shutters and measure the width and the drop in 3 places as you would for a front of recess fitting.

Again you need to note down the smallest measurements.

Measuring for a Mid Rail

For taller shutters over 1400mm we put in a stylish midrail to give your shutters some support. The great thing about a midrail is you can customise its height so that it looks best. Usually, people tend to position their midrails at the same height as any transom bars on their window.

There are just a couple of small restrictions when customising your midrail. For structural reasons they must be a minimum of 380mm and a maximum of 1300mm from both the top and bottom of your shutter panel.

To position your midrail, simply measure from the bottom of your recess to the midpoint of where you want it to sit. If this is level with your transom bar, measure from the bottom of the recess to the centre of the bar.