Have you ever excitedly unwrapped a new set of blinds only to discover they don’t fit your windows as you had imagined? Perhaps they’re just a tad too short, leaving a sliver of light that ruins your Sunday morning sleep-in, or they awkwardly stick out beyond the frame, disrupting the sleek look you envisioned.
Purchasing blinds in the UK that don’t fit properly is a common frustration, especially when you’ve spent time choosing the perfect style and colour. The good news is that with a bit of know-how and the right tools, you can avoid the disappointment of ill-fitting blinds by measuring your windows like a pro.
Our blog will walk you through a practical, step-by-step guide to ensure your custom blinds fit perfectly, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic of your space. We’ll cover the essential tools you’ll need, detailed instructions for both inside and outside mount blinds, and tips to help you dodge common measuring mishaps.
Let’s make sure the next set of blinds you buy fit just right and look fantastic!
Tools needed for measuring windows
Before you start measuring your windows for custom blinds, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand to ensure that your measurements are precise and reliable.
Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool is important:
Metal tape measure
A metal tape measure is recommended over cloth or plastic tape because metal provides the most consistent accuracy. Cloth tapes can stretch, and plastic can bend, leading to measurements that are off by crucial centimetres or inches.
For window measurements, precision is key to ensure that your blinds fit perfectly.
Pencil
You’ll need a pencil to mark specific points and measurements directly on your window frame or on the wall next to it. Pencils are preferable over pens as the marks can be erased easily if you make an error or change your mind about the placement of the blinds.
Paper or a notebook
Keeping a dedicated notebook or a piece of paper handy to write down the measurements as you go is crucial. This helps in avoiding confusion later, especially if you are measuring multiple windows.
Record each measurement clearly alongside a brief note on which part of the window it corresponds to (e.g., “inside width at the top,” “middle height”).
Stepladder
If your windows are high up, a sturdy stepladder will be necessary to safely reach the top and corners of the window frame. Safety is paramount when measuring, so make sure your ladder is stable and securely placed before climbing up. Never use chairs or other unstable objects to increase your reach.
Clear the area
Before you begin, make sure the area around your windows is clear of furniture, curtains, decorative items, or anything else that might obstruct your access or your view of the entire window.
This not only makes the process easier but also safer, preventing any trips or falls while you’re focused on measuring.
With these tools ready and your workspace prepared, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that you have everything you need to accurately measure your windows for new blinds.
Step-by-step guide to measuring inside mount blinds
Inside mount blinds are designed to fit within the window recess, which not only provides a neat, streamlined appearance but also maximizes the cleanliness of the window’s visual lines.
Measuring your windows correctly for inside mount blinds is crucial to achieving that tailored, custom-fit look. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure you get it right:
Measure the width
- Start at the top: Position your tape measure inside the window frame at the top where the blind will be installed. Stretch it across to the opposite side, making sure the tape measure remains straight and level.
- Middle and bottom measurements: Repeat this process at the middle and bottom of the window. Windows can subtly vary in width from top to bottom, so it’s important to measure at all three points to ensure the blind won’t become jammed or leave unsightly gaps.
- Record the narrowest width: After measuring the top, middle, and bottom, record the narrowest of these measurements. This is the number you’ll use to order your blinds. The narrowest width ensures the blinds can operate smoothly without scraping the sides of the window frame.
Measure the height
- Measure from top to bottom: Place the tape measure at the top inside edge of the window frame. Extend it straight down to the windowsill at the bottom. Do this on the left, middle, and right sides of the window.
- Find the shortest height: Since not all windows are perfectly square or may have settled over time, taking multiple height measurements ensures the blinds won’t be too long or too short. Record the shortest measurement to prevent the blinds from dragging on the sill or floating above it.
Check the depth
- Depth is critical: Use your tape measure to check the depth of the window recess from the front face of the window frame (where the blinds will mount) back to the glass or the nearest obstruction like window locks or handles.
- Compare with blind specifications: Different types of blinds require different minimum depths to mount correctly — especially true for certain styles like cellular shades or larger slat Venetian blinds. Refer to the product specifications for the minimum depth required and ensure your window meets these requirements.
- Consider any obstructions: It’s also important to note any potential obstructions within the recessed area. Things like window handles, locks, or cranks can interfere with the operation of the blind. If these obstructions cannot be removed or worked around, you may need to consider an outside mount blind instead.
By following these detailed steps when measuring for inside mount blinds, you’ll ensure a perfect fit that looks professionally installed. Taking your time to measure accurately at this stage can save you both time and money on adjustments or replacements later.
Common mistakes to avoid when measuring for blinds
Getting your blinds to fit perfectly is crucial, but common mistakes can throw off your measurements. Here’s how to avoid these pitfalls:
Measure each window individually
Don’t assume all your windows are the same size. Even small differences can affect the fit of your blinds. Measure each window separately to ensure accuracy.
Watch out for obstructions
Look for anything that might get in the way of your blinds, like handles or locks. Note any obstructions that could interfere with the operation of the blinds and consider how they might impact the type of blinds you choose.
Double-check your measurements
Mistakes happen, especially with something as fiddly as measuring windows. Always measure twice to confirm your figures. If your second measurement doesn’t match the first, measure again to be sure.
Check the depth for inside mounts
If your blinds will sit inside the window frame, make sure there’s enough room for them to operate properly. Measure the depth at several points to ensure the blinds won’t be obstructed.
Use the right tools
A cloth tape measure can stretch, giving you inaccurate measurements. Always use a metal tape measure for the best accuracy.
Avoiding these common errors will help you get precise measurements for your blinds, ensuring they fit well and work smoothly.
Your next steps
Ready to transform your space with perfectly fitted blinds? Follow our expert guide to measure your windows accurately and dodge common pitfalls.
Visit us today at any of our convenient locations in Bathgate, Edinburgh, Fife, and Livingston. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Explore our extensive range of custom blinds and find your perfect match. Stop by or contact us today to start your journey to a beautifully dressed home!