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How to Measure for Your New Window Blinds

Measuring for your new blinds couldn't be simpler. It's an easy way to save lots of money and takes just minutes; you'll wish you'd done it sooner! All you have to do is follow our easy, step-by-step guides below.

Standard Windows

Inside Recess Measuring Guide

Recess Fitting

Exact Fit Measuring Guide

Exact Fitting

These handy video guides will walk you through measuring for recess fitting (fitting the blind inside the window recess) and exact fitting (fitting the blind onto the wall above the recess).

For a step-by-step written guide and for advice if your windows are a little more unusual (e.g. bay windows, or recesses that are partly tiled), keep scrolling down.


Recess Fitting

This is the measurement you need to take if you want your blind to fit inside the window recess. It is also the required method of measuring if you are ordering one of our Click2Go or Twist2Go No Drill Blinds. Measure the full width and height of the recess (the size of the hole, if you like) and we will make the appropriate deductions to ensure a perfect fit.

tick iconMeasure in 3 places for both the width and the drop, use the smallest measurements.

Top-Tip for Roller Blinds and No Drill Blinds:

Measuring the width for these blinds is slightly different, as they need to fit tightly at the top of the recess. Measure for these blinds at the top of the recess.

close up of roller recess

tick iconDon't make any deductions, we will do that for you to ensure your blind fits perfectly.

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

window with arrows pointing to the recess both vertically and horizontally

Top-Tips for Recess Fitting

close up of roller recess

Check that your recess is deep enough to fit the blind into, also bearing in mind any obstructions such as handles. The table below gives the depth required for all of our blinds.

close up of roller recess between handle and window opening

Blind Type (Depth Required)

25mm Wood/Faux Wood (55mm)

35-38mm Wood/Faux Wood (65mm)

50mm Wood/Faux Wood (70mm)

63-65mm Wood/Faux Wood (80mm)

Panel Blinds 3 Panels (55mm)

Panel Blinds 5 Panels (90mm)

25mm Venetian Blind (30mm)

50mm/Synergy Venetian Blind (70mm)

Roman Blind (50mm)

Vertical Blind (75mm)

Roller Blind Top-Fix (50mm)

Roller Blind Face-Fix (70mm)

Double Roller Blind Top-Fix (120mm)

Double Roller Blind Face-Fix (105mm)

Enjoy / Illusion Roller Blinds (85mm)

Pleated Blinds (With Cords) (45mm)

Pleated Blinds (Cordless) (50mm)

Pleated Blinds (DuoMax) (50mm)

how to measure for recess with tiles

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.

Please note that recesses like this are not suitable for our Click2Go or Twist2Go No Drill Blinds.

Top-Tip for Roller Blinds:

Again, for roller blinds, it's slightly different. Measure at the top of the recess and between the tiles, then compare those two measurements. If the difference between the two is less than 25mm, use the measurement at the top. If it's more, use the measurement between the tiles.

top of a window with arrow to dotted line midway through the depth of the recess bottom of a window with arrow to dotted line midway through the depth of the recess with tiles

Exact Fitting

This is the measurement you need to take if you want your blind to fit outside the window recess, overlapping on all sides. Measure the size of the recess, then add a little extra on all sides to ensure adequate coverage.

tick icon 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.

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

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

window with arrows pointing to the exact outside areas both vertically and horizontally

Top-Tip for All Blinds:

If you are replacing an existing blind with one of the same size, simply measure the blind (including its fittings) and specify exact fitting, we will make you one the same size.

roller blinds bracket width right measurement roller blinds bracket width top roller blinds bracket width bottom

Top-Tip for Roller Blinds:

The overall width of a roller blind, including its brackets, is approximately 35mm wider than the width of the fabric. You can choose whether to measure for the full bracket-to-bracket width, or for the width you'd like the fabric to cover.

roller blinds bracket width

Bay Windows

Measuring for bay windows couldn't be easier, please choose the correct guide for your chosen blind type. Please note that Twist2Go and Click2Go No Drill Blinds are not suitable for bay windows.


Roof Windows

Every VELUX ®, Fakro, Dakstra and Rooflite roof window carries a data plate that details the code of the window. Check your window's code number and simply select that when ordering your blind.

diagram of velux window slightly open
diagram showing velux code position on label
diagram showing fakro code position on label
keylite logo rooflite logo dakstra logo

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.

diagram of velux window with arrows pointing at the recess both horizontally and vertically

Conservatories & BiFolding Doors

All of our ClickFIT, EasiFIT and PerfectFIT blinds fit neatly inside the frame of your window or door to effectively cover the visible glass. The little clips slot easily between the frame and the glass for a strong and secure hold on all UPVC double glazed windows and doors (and aluminium BiFolds in the case of ClickFIT blinds) with a rubber bead.

For accurate measurements, make sure you use a metal tape; cloth ones can stretch leaving you with inaccurate readings. Measure accurately to the nearest mm and remember to measure each window or door individually, don't assume that they are all the same size!

Measuring for EasiFIT & ClickFIT Blinds

Simply measure the visible glass area of each window or door from the inside edges of the frame where the glass meets the rubber bead. Remember to use a metal tape measure, as cloth or plastic ones can stretch and give an inaccurate measurement.

window diagram specifying the rubber seal on an internal bifold window recess

Only measure up to the edge of the rubber bead, don't include it in your measurement.

Top-Tip:

Don't forget to measure each window or door individually; don't assume that they're all the same size.

Measure the top, the middle and the bottom of the glass to the nearest mm and note down the shortest measurement.

Then simply repeat this step for the drop, measuring the left, the right and the centre. Again, take a note of the shortest measurement.


Measuring for PerfectFIT Blinds

Simply measure the visible glass area of each window or door. Remember to use a metal tape measure, as cloth or plastic ones can stretch and give an inaccurate measurement.

window diagram specifying the rubber seal on an internal window recess

Only measure up to the edge of the rubber bead, don't include it in your measurement.

Top-Tip:

Don't forget to measure each window or door individually; don't assume that they're all the same size.

Measure from the inside edges of the frame where the glass meets the rubber bead. You shouldn't include any of the beading or rubber seals in your measurements.

Measure the top, the middle and the bottom of the glass to the nearest mm and note down the shortest measurement.

Then simply repeat this step for the drop, measuring the left, the right and the centre. Again, take a note of the shortest measurement.

close up of top right corner of a window showing a credit card placed diagonally across the corner showing where to meaure for beading

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

Handle measuring

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 your handle to its fully open position, paying attention to how the handle pivots on its mount. Find the centre of the pivot point, and measure from the edge of the glass to the centre of the handle's pivot point. If your handle is at the bottom of the window, always measure from the left side of the glass. If the handle is on either the left or right, always measure from the bottom of the glass.

Top-Tips:

Different handle designs will pivot in different positions on their mounts, so always measure to the centre of the pivot point, not to the centre of the handle or the handle's mount.

Handle measuring design 1 Handle measuring design 2 Handle measuring design 3

Top-Tips:

First, check the distance between the edge of the glass and any obstructions, such as window handles. This should be more than 25mm.

closeup diagram showing distance between handle and obstructions with dotted red line

Check also that the rubber beading does not extend into the glass area by more than 6mm. Again, if it does, give us a call and we'll run through your options.

closeup diagram showing red dotted line on window beading

We also have some handy video measuring guides for EasiFIT & PerfectFIT blinds!

An Easy Measuring Guide for Your Easi FIT Blinds!

An Easy Measuring Guide for Your Easi FIT Blinds!

EasiFIT & ClickFIT Blinds

Easy to Follow Step by Step Measuring Guide

Easy to Follow Step by Step Measuring Guide

PerfectFIT Blinds


Measuring for Shutters

We like to keep things simple here at Blinds 2go and our shutter measuring guide is no exception. Just follow these easy steps to measure your windows and you can save hundreds if not thousands of pounds on shutters making your home beautiful. Ready? Here we go...

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.

Easy to Follow Step by Step Measuring Guide

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.

Easy to Follow Step by Step Measuring Guide

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.

tick icon Again you need to note down the smallest measurements.

Easy to Follow Step by Step Measuring Guide

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.

Easy to Follow Step by Step Measuring Guide

Top-Tip:

See? Measuring for your shutters really is simple. To recap, here are our three golden rules to remember:

tick iconMeasure both diagonals of your recess and make sure the difference is less than 12mm

tick iconAlways measure at the place you plan to fit your shutters

tick iconAnd finally, measure in 3 places across the width and height and take the smallest measurement

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