The last thing you want is to dash off shopping for blinds for your windows only to realise that you got the measurements all wrong! Also, it is pretty easy to assume that you can identify the right blind size for your windows by looking at them. To avoid the frustration of coming home with the wrong blind size, you need to ensure that you take the correct measurement before you set off.

Before anything else, there are some things you first need to pay attention to before you go shopping for blinds. Instead, be sure of where the blinds will go. This involves identifying if your window space has a recess. Also, find out whether your blinds will go outside or inside the space. In addition, you must be sure that there are no obstacles in the way of fully extending your blinds. For example, you should look out for fixtures, electric sockets, protruding handles, etc.

If you’re looking for the perfect fit, you should aim for a deep window recess, as that will provide more than enough space for the blinds to fit perfectly inside.

What Does Recess Mean in Blinds?

As mentioned earlier, you can choose whether you want to have your blinds inside or outside of the window recess. But, what is meant by a “recess”? A recess is when you opt to fit your blinds on the inside space. There is no need to make any further adjustments to make extra room for the fittings, as this should happen automatically upon ordering for a recess blind. You can apply this to almost every type of blind.

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Recess blinds are designed to fit neatly inside the window opening itself, compared to the exact blinds that sit outside of the window recess in a way that makes them overlap the window boundaries by some margin on either side. You need to take the time to measure for the exact blinds, as that will make sure you get the perfect fit. The right blinds measurement also means that you wouldn’t have to deal with light rays escaping through the sides of the blinds or finding it difficult to get the ends to fit into the window space. Again, as mentioned earlier, you need to look out for any obstacle that may make this unsafe or dangerous.

How to Measure Your Window for Recess Blind Fit

You can follow these steps to get the perfect measurement for fitting blinds inside the recess.

Step one: Measure the Blind Width Sizes

Start by lining your take measure as steadily and carefully as possible, and record the distance from the left to the right within your recess walls. Once done, repeat the process for the three other places, including the top of your recess, to ensure that you have an accurate measurement. Now record the shortest length for your width measurement.

Step two: Measure the Blind Length

To measure your blind length, use the same approach with your tape measure from the top side of the recess down to the windowsill at three points. Once done, record or write down the measurement for the narrowest point. The shortest measurement you take will be your recess drop. If you have vertical blinds, a better option will be to reduce your length by about one centimetre. Doing this will help ensure that your fabric does not catch on the windowsill.
Once done, your length measurement, together with the figure you had for your width, will be your recess blind sizes.

How to Measure Windows for Blinds

Getting the exact blind fit means that you maximise the total size of your finished blind, including your rails, brackets, etc. here is how to measure for blinds. Start by measuring the width area you want your blinds to cover, leaving space for the overlap on either side of the window. For the best results, leaving approximately 6.5 centimetres of overlap space on either side should be enough. You might also want to know that the further past your window opening you measure, the more effectively you will restrict light rays escaping from the sides.

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The next step is to measure the drop. That should be less difficult, as all you need to do is measure the full drop space you want your blinds to cover. You might also want to include the top fitting and your preferred overlap space above and below the opening of your window. If you have any source of obstruction like radiators, be sure to make enough room for them.

At the end of this step, you should have the exact measurements for your blind fit, including enough allowances. Now, you’re ready to make your blinds order to size – remember to emphasise “exact” blind fit.

How to Fit Blinds

So, you have gone through all your blind measurements and made your purchase. It’s now time for some more hard work – putting up blinds.

First, you need to decide on whether you want a face fit or a top fix. With a face fix, your brackets go to the window frame, with your blinds outside recess and overlapping your wall. This blocks any light from escaping. With a top fix, you will hang your blinds within the recess, creating a snug and streamlined fit while allowing you to save space. Your preferred fit should depend on factors like how much space you have, the kind of blinds you choose, and your style.

The second thing you need to do is screw your bracket into your wall. Once done, install your preferred blinds onto your brackets and attach the safety device it comes with. There! You’re all set!

If you want to fit your blinds without using recess space, you can opt for an allowance of about 6 centimetres overlapping on both sides of your window when measuring for blinds. You can also add an extra space of about 10 centimetres of blind lengths, as this will ensure that you get the best performance from it.

At Wood Blinds, we have various blinds of differing styles, colours, and designs to choose from! Therefore, you are guaranteed to have your blind requirements fulfilled. Additionally, our team of experts are always available to help you make the right purchase. Visit our store today!