How to Measure for Blinds and Shades: A Comprehensive Guide

A fantastic set of blinds can transform any room in several different ways. You’ll enjoy a lovely piece of practical decor, control over how much light gets into your room and much more privacy. But, these window fixtures won’t be of much use if they’re too big or too small for your window - how do you make sure they’re perfectly measured for your windows?

Trying to measure your windows yourself can be a hassle if you don’t know how to do it. If you take your measurements incorrectly, then you could end up with a product that doesn’t fit quite right.

So, learning the proper way to measure is a must if you want to measure for and install your purchase yourself. 

how to measure your own windows for your new blinds

You will need to measure in specific areas in order to get an accurate reading. As always, it will be best if you follow directions as closely as you can so your final numbers are as accurate as possible. 

Window coverings have a lot of advantages. However, most of these advantages lose some of their helpful qualities if your fixture isn’t set right. A covering that is too big may not work correctly, and a covering that is too small won’t properly cover your window.

The two basic fits for a new roller, Venetian or vertical blind are an inside fit or an outside fit. Both of these fits require different measurements taken from different places. 

measuring for an inside fit

An inside fit is the more common of the two fits and is where your blinds are installed into the inside of your window. For helpful visual instructions, please visit our measuring guide on our site. For the best, most accurate results, we recommend you visit this page before you measure. 

For a roller blind, you must:

• Width Measurement. Measure across the top of your window frame for the width measurement of your window. Note this number down.
• Drop Measurement. Measure from the very top of your window to the very bottom for the height measurement of your window. Note this number down.

For a Venetian or a vertical blind, you must:

• Width Measurement. Measure across the top of your window frame for the width measurement of your window. Note this number down.
• Drop Measurement. Measure from the very top of your window to the very bottom in three different places, the left, the centre and the right. Note the smallest of these measurements down.  

measuring for an outside fit

Blinds set in an outside fit are placed outside your window. This fit can block out some more light than an inside fit and requires different measurements. You must also decide if you want your window covering to be fitted to the wall above your window or the outside edges of the architraves. 

For a roller, Venetian or vertical blind, you must:

• Width Measurement. Measure the width of the outside of your window frame or architrave, then add 70mm. Note this number down. 
• Drop Measurement. Measure the outside height of your window frame or architrave, then add 100mm. 
• If You Want Your Blinds To Be Fixed To The Architrave, measure the outside width and height of the architrave. Note these numbers down. 

common questions asked when measuring windows

Some questions many people have about self-measuring and self-installing are:

How Much Will This Cost? For help, you can contact us and request a quote. How much your end product costs will depend on your circumstances.

How Many Times Do I Measure? It would be best if you always tried to get the most accurate measurement possible. If your measurements are wrong for whatever reason, your window covering may not work right, and you won’t be able to enjoy all of its perks as you should.

For best results, you should ensure your window is free of any obstructions that could mess up your measurements. You may want to measure to the nearest mm twice or twice to double or triple-check that your numbers are accurate. Do not alter your numbers at all unless instructed to.

Do I Have To Measure My Windows Myself? You are not required to do the measurements yourself. If you’d like, you can also request an in-home consultation to have one of our professional team members do it for you. 

where you can find high-quality, perfectly-fitted blinds in New Zealand

Come see us at Mr Blinds for some of the most high-quality and beautiful window coverings in New Zealand! We can custom-make your order to make sure that it’s flawless for your windows. 

With our services, you can enjoy the best of the best. 

To request a quote or some assistance, you can call 09 274 9313 or email sales@mrblinds.co.nz

Make your home or office more visually appealing and comfortable with Mr Blinds.