View our brief instructional video or refer to our detailed instructions provided below.
This is very simple, your blinds can be fitted 2 ways, either inside of your window frame – what we call inside fit. Or you can have outside fit where your blinds sit outside of your window frame or architrave.
Inside Window Frame Fit
This is the most common option of the two, its simple but clean and more aesthetically appealing than an outside fit.
The drawback is that light does get past the edges of the blind, although by sitting the blind further back in the window frame we can minimalise this.
Just quick reminder – check for obstacles like latches, handles or mullions (vertical dividers between windows) that can get in the way, also the window frame depth must have enough depth to be able to cater for an inside fit.
Outside Window Frame Fit
Runs the length of the architrave, this is commonly used when blocking light is an important factor. But also, simply when window is an irregular shape or an inside fit is not possible, because of obstacles like the ones mentioned above.
Remember that exact measurements are crucial to getting a nice and tidy fit so be as accurate as possible when measuring. Don’t worry about making deductions for brackets because we will do this for you.
- Always measure in Millimetres.
- Always use a steel tape measure – make sure its straight and tight.
- Measure each window even if they look the same.
If you would like further advice on your actual window, please email a clear digital image to – [email protected] Ensure all curtains are moved away from the window and that handles and the full window is in the photo.
Inside fit:
- Remember the window frame needs to be at least 60mm deep so check this first.
- Check for those obstacles we talked about earlier
- Measure the exact width for the blinds across the top of the frame where the blind will be mounted.
- Measure the exact drop height on one side of the window frame.
Outside fit:
- Measure the width for the blinds from one side to the other, near the top of the architrave in the position where the blind will be mounted
- Measure the length for the blinds from the top of the architrave to the sill or floor if your window extends to the floor
- If your architrave is very narrow, you may want the blind to extend past the architrave. Please give us a call for additional information in this case.
- If you are mounting the blind in some other manner please DO NOT supply the fabric width, please give us a call.
Inside mount:
Measuring your Venetian and Vertical blinds is a little different and requires more precision. Because some window frames are not square, we must take 6 different measurements, 3 along the width and down the height.
To mount your blinds inside your window frames for a recessed fit, your recess depth must be at least 25mm deep for Venetians, 75mm deep for verticals.
- Mark your order “inside mount”.
- Measure the exact opening width in millimetres in three places” top, middle and bottom. Record the narrowest of these measurements.
- Measure the exact drop of the opening from the top of the window to the sill in three places left, middle and right (see diagram). Record the shortest of these measurements, IMPORTANT!
- Ensure that window and door handles will not obstruct operation of the blind.
- Please nominate left or right hand side operating control.
Outside mount:
Outside mount blinds cover the total window area including frame from side to side and top to bottom.
- Mark your order “outside mount”.
- Measure the required width of blind (usually from outside edge of the frame or architrave). If window has no architrave or frame, add 40mm on each side of opening. Record this measurement.
- Measure the required drop from the top of the architrave or frame to the bottom of the architrave or frame. At the top, a minimum 30mm of frame/ architrave is required for headrail and brackets. Where there is a protruding sill, measure to the top of the sill. Record this measurement/
- Please let us know if you want a left or right hand side operating control
It is very important that you state whether you have sent us the finished blind size OR the window size. If we do not know that you may end up with a blind that is not the ideal size.
Measuring Roman blinds for wall mount:
Generally, for blinds mounted on the wall, it is best if the distance above the window including the top architrave is about 230mm. That will allow for the bottom of the folds to sit roughly on the bottom edge of the top architrave as in Fig A. It can be less if you do not have enough room above the window. Please let us know in that case.
- The top of the blind will sit at the top of the shortest red arrow as in Fig. A & B.
- The red & blue arrows should total about 230mm.
- If you do not have that much room, & the distance is less, please let us know how much room you have allowed.
- The bottom of the blind should finish at least 50mm below the sill or 20mm below any trim that is under the sill.
- The width should be the total width of the window frame plus 60 – 80mm (30 – 40mm each side)
If your sill sticks out at the side as in the diagram make sure the width you supply is 20mm wider than the sill (10mm each side).
If you cannot work out the size:
- We can work this out for you, but we cannot do that unless you send us the top architrave width indicated by the blue arrow in Fig A.
- You will need to send us the window width & height as indicated by the black arrows in Fig B.
- Also advise us that you have sent the outside window size (and sill width if that applies).
Measuring Roman blinds with an architrave mount:
If you are mounting the blind on the architrave itself (Fig.C) the blind will sit partially over the glass at the top.
- This type of mounting is best for taller windows, or windows at least 1300 high.
- When measuring for outside fitting blinds measure in several places as shown by the black arrows in Fig D.
- The finished width of the blind should be at least 10mm wider each side than the window (or sill if that is greater).
- The bottom of the blind should finish at least 50mm below the sill or 20mm below any trim that is under the sill.
Measuring Roman blinds for inside mount:
To mount your blinds inside the frame as in Fig E the recess will need to be at least 45 mm deep all the way across.
- Also ensure there are no other parts of the window, or handles etc which will obstruct the operation of your blinds.
- Measure the exact width in millimeters across the top of the frame where the blind will be mounted. Check also at the centre and bottom to ensure the window frame is square.
- Measure the exact drop height in millimetres on both sides as in Fig F.
