Measure once, order confidently
Roller Blinds Measure Guide
Measuring for roller blinds is easier than you might think. Follow our step-by-step guide and you'll be ready to order your custom-made blinds in just a few minutes.
What you’ll need to measure
- 1-2 people
- less than 5 mins
Materials
- your tape measure (metal tape measure only)
- your step ladder
- a pen and some paper
Before you get going
Have you decided how your blinds will be installed?
This is where the fun begins. If you've already chosen the perfect roller blind for your space, you're ready to move ahead. If not, don't worry—we'll guide you through all the available options below to help you find the right fit.
Do you have a standard-sized window?
Our standard roller blinds are available from 600 mm to 3000 mm wide and 400 mm to 3300 mm high. If your window is wider than 3000 mm, take a look at our linked roller blinds, which can span widths of up to 6 metres.
What surface will your blinds be fixed to?
Our blinds can be mounted to most surfaces, but it's always a good idea to check your fixing points first. Timber window frames and wall studs are typically the easiest and most reliable surfaces to install into.
Have you considered motorised or magic spring blinds?
For a cleaner, safer and more convenient alternative to chain-operated blinds, consider motorised or Magic Spring cordless roller blinds. Both options eliminate chains and cords for a streamlined look and improved child safety. Motorised blinds operate at the touch of a button, while Magic Spring blinds can be raised and lowered by hand using a concealed spring mechanism.
Get Free Samples Delivered
Nothing beats seeing the fabric in your own home. Order free samples to compare colours, textures and finishes before making your final decision.
Let's get measuring. We'll guide you through each step to make the process quick and easy.
Why Choose a Recess Fit?
- Our most popular mounting option, favoured for its clean, built-in appearance.
- Creates a sleek, streamlined look by positioning the blind neatly within the window opening.
- Showcases attractive architraves, trims, and window details rather than covering them.
- Helps windows appear more refined while creating a greater sense of space within the room.
Why Choose a Face Fit?
- Provides greater coverage to help minimise light gaps and improve privacy.
- Creates the illusion of a larger window by extending beyond the window opening.
- Conceals uneven, out-of-square, or less attractive window frames and surrounds.
- Ideal for windows with handles, winders, locks, or other obstructions that may interfere with a recess installation.
- A popular choice for bedrooms and media rooms where enhanced blockout performance is desired.
Please Note: This guide is intended for standard windows only. If you’re measuring for sliding doors, French doors, bay windows, corner windows, or any other non-standard application, please refer to the relevant section further down this measuring page or contact our team for assistance.
Need to change mounting type? Pick the correct tab above for relevant instruction.
Inside the window opening – Recess Fit
Blinds that sit inside the window frame are called recess fit blinds.
- They create a seamless, modern look and are ideal for living areas. Customers often choose light filtering or sunscreen fabrics for this style, as they soften the light while maintaining a clean finish.
- Recess fit blinds can let a small amount of light through the sides, so they work best on nice, deep windows with minimal obstructions. Front rolling blinds are usually recommended.
- For effortless luxury, you can also add motorisation, with your choice of wired or battery-operated motors.
Let’s measure your roller blind, step by step.
1
Check your window depth
Make sure there is at least 70 mm of depth between the glass and the edge of your window frame. This allows enough space for your roller blind to fit neatly inside the frame.
2
Measure your width
Measure the exact inside width of your window frame across the top, and write it down. We will deduct 2 mm from this measurement to ensure your blind fits neatly inside the reveal.
Please note that the fabric will be approximately 30–35 mm narrower than your bracket-to-bracket measurement.
3
Measure your drop
Measure the exact inside height of your window frame from top to bottom, and write it down. When your blind is fully lowered, it will sit neatly against the bottom of the frame.
4
Choose your chain side
Decide which side you’d like the chain or control on. For the best user experience, choose a side that is easy to reach, clear of furniture or obstacles, and as discreet as possible.
5
Order your custom-made blinds online
With your measurements recorded, you’re ready to create your custom blinds online.
Need to change mounting type? Pick the correct tab above for relevant instruction.
Outside the window opening – Face Fit with Architrave
- Typically mounted to the face of the window frame for a neat, practical finish.
- A popular choice for bedrooms, offering excellent privacy and light control.
- Most customers choose blockout fabrics to maximise darkness and comfort.
- Ideal for windows with deep handles, locks, winders or other protruding obstructions.
- Back rolling blinds are generally recommended where possible for improved coverage and a cleaner appearance.
- Upgrade to motorisation for effortless operation and a luxurious finish, with both hardwired and battery-powered motor options available. Alternatively, choose our Magic Spring cordless system for a clean, child-safe solution with no chains or cords.
Let’s measure your face-fit roller blind, step by step.
1
Measure your width
Measure the full outside width of your window frame at the top and record this measurement. This will become your blind’s bracket-to-bracket width.
Please note that the fabric width will be approximately 30mm narrower than the overall bracket-to-bracket width to allow for the operating mechanism and brackets. Do not supply ‘cloth width’ measurements.
2
Measure your drop
Measure from the top of your window frame down to where you’d like the blind to finish and record this measurement. Your blind can finish at the bottom of the window frame, just above the floor, or align with other blinds in the room for a consistent look.
For windows with a shorter drop, we recommend extending the blind 100–200mm below the window sill for improved light control and a more balanced appearance.
3
Choose your chain side
Decide which side you’d like the chain or control on. For the best user experience, choose a side that is easy to reach, clear of furniture or obstacles, and as discreet as possible.
4
Order your custom-made blinds online.
With your measurements recorded, you’re ready to create your custom blinds online.
Need to change mounting type? Pick the correct tab above for relevant instruction.
Outside the window opening – Face Fit without Architrave (Frameless Window)
Blinds installed outside a frameless window are known as a Face Fit on a frameless window.
- Typically mounted directly to wall studs for maximum strength when installing on plaster walls.
- Can also be installed onto concrete, brick, stone, or tiled surfaces.
- An excellent choice for bedrooms, where improved light control is important.
- Most customers choose blockout fabrics for enhanced privacy and darkness.
- Reduces light leakage around the sides compared to a recess fit.
- Ideal for clearing window winders, handles, and other protruding obstructions.
- We recommend a back-roll configuration where possible for the best appearance and window coverage.
- Upgrade to motorisation for effortless operation, with both battery-powered and hardwired motor options available.
Let’s measure your frameless face-fit roller blind, step by step.
1
Measure your width
Measure the exact outside width of your window across the top and record this measurement.
To improve light control and reduce light gaps down the sides, add at least 100mm to your measured width. This will become your bracket-to-bracket width.
For example, if your window measures 1510mm wide, adding 100mm gives you an order width of 1610mm.
For even better coverage, you may choose to add more than 100mm where space allows.
Please note that the blind fabric will be approximately 30–35mm narrower than the bracket-to-bracket width due to the operating mechanisms at each end of the blind.
2
Measure your drop
Measure the exact outside width of your window frame across the top and write it down. This measurement will be your bracket-to-bracket width.
Please note that the fabric will be approximately 30-35mm narrower than your bracket-to-bracket measurement.
Example: if your window opening drop measures 1200 mm, add 100 mm above the opening and allow the blind to extend around 250 mm past the bottom of the opening. Your total drop to order would be 1550 mm.
3
Choose your chain side
Decide which side you’d like the chain or control on. For the best user experience, choose a side that is easy to reach, clear of furniture or obstacles, and as discreet as possible.
4
Order your custom-made blinds online.
With your measurements recorded, you’re ready to create your custom blinds online.
- Always label your measurements as “Width” and “Drop”, and in this order to avoid accidentally mixing them up.
- Please provide only the exact measurements requested. Your blinds will be custom-made to suit your specifications.
- For recess-fit blinds, we apply all necessary manufacturing allowances, so there’s no need for you to make any deductions. Face-fit roller blinds are manufactured to the exact bracket-to-bracket size you provide.
- Measure every window individually. Even windows that appear identical can vary slightly in size, and measuring each one helps ensure a perfect fit throughout your home.
- Every home is different. If you’re unsure about any part of the measuring process, our team is always available to provide advice and assistance.
Alternative to a Double Roller Blind: Install two separate roller blinds on the same window—one mounted inside the recess and a second face-fit blind mounted in front as an under-roll. For a premium finish, you can also add a pelmet over the top.
If choosing this option, ensure the inside blind sits fully within the window recess and does not protrude into the room. This typically requires a minimum recess depth of 70mm to accommodate the blind mechanism completely inside the opening.
Understanding Light Gaps with Recess-Fit Roller Blinds
All recess-fit roller blinds will have a small gap between the fabric and the sides of the window recess. This is necessary to allow room for the brackets, control mechanism, and operating components.
As a guide, you can expect approximately:
20mm gap on the control (chain) side
10–20mm gap on the opposite (pin) side
The exact gap can vary depending on the blind size, operating system, and how square your window opening is. Windows that are out of square may make these gaps appear larger.
It’s also worth noting that the glass itself typically sits within a window frame rather than extending all the way to the edge of the recess, which often helps minimise the visual impact of these light gaps.
Looking for Maximum Privacy & Blockout?
If light gaps are a concern—particularly in bedrooms, nurseries, or theatre rooms—consider one of the following alternatives:
Add curtains to cover the side light gaps and enhance blockout performance.
Opt for a full blockout cassette blind.
Choose a face-fit under-roll roller blind, which can provide greater coverage than a recess installation.
Combine two blinds on the same window, such as a recess-mounted screen or light-filtering blind with a face-fit blockout blind mounted in front.
Consider alternative window furnishings such as shutters, or Venetian blinds, which may provide a more enclosed fit.
When your order arrives
Ready to install?
Keep the product-specific instructions close and work through the installation in a clear sequence.
Have a question? Our team is here to help.
Whether you’re measuring, ordering, or installing your blinds, our team is here to help every step of the way. From product advice and measuring support to installation tips and troubleshooting, we’ll help make the process simple and stress-free. Contact us here.