At Goddens Flooring & Home Interiors, our family-owned business offers a friendly, bespoke service with more than 35 years of experience. Our director, Aaron, offers complimentary personalised consultations to help you discover the ideal home, style, and budget solutions for you.
Making your house a cosy and welcoming home starts with small details, and precision is essential with fitted blinds. They might seem daunting, but with this guide, you’ll feel confident tackling measurements for any window. We’ll cover everything from roller blinds to Roman blinds, bay windows, and bifold doors. And if, in the end, you want to rely on the experts, our design consultations guarantee a flawless fit every time.
Contents:
- What you’ll need
- Measuring the Recess
- Measuring for Roller Blinds inside a Recess
- Measuring for Roman Blinds inside a Recess
- Measuring for Exact Fitting Blinds
- Measuring for Bay Windows
- Measuring for Conservatories and Bifold Doors
- Why Choose Goddens for Your Blinds
- Final Checks Before Ordering
- Transform Your Home with Goddens
What you'll need
- A tape measure for accuracy
- Pen and paper (or a notes app) to record measurements
- A step ladder (if measuring high windows)
- A helper for large or hard-to-reach windows (optional)
1: Measuring the Recess
A. Measure the width:
- Measure the width of the recess at three points: the top, middle, and bottom.
- Record the smallest measurement to ensure the blind fits comfortably without catching on the sides.
- For awkward shapes: If the recess has sloping sides or other irregularities, take additional measurements and use the narrowest point as your guide.
B. Measure the drop:
- Measure the height from the top of the recess to the windowsill at three points: left, centre, and right.
- Use the shortest measurement to ensure a consistent, even fit.
- Obstructions: If there are handles or window locks inside the recess, factor these into your measurements to prevent the blind from getting caught when raised or lowered.
Top Tip:
Always record your measurements as width x drop and double-check your figures.
2: Measuring for Roller Blinds inside a Recess
Roller blinds offer a sleek, modern finish that complements contemporary interiors. To measure for roller blinds:
A. Measure the width:
- Measure the recess width at the top, middle, and bottom points.
- Record the narrowest measurement to ensure the blind fits comfortably without catching.
B. Measure the drop:
- Measure the recess height at three points: left, centre, and right.
- Use the shortest measurement for accuracy.
C. Measure the depth:
- Ensure the recess has enough depth to house the roller mechanism (usually at least 6cm.)
Top Tip:
If there isn’t enough depth to house the roller mechanism, consider exact fitting blinds (see Point 4).
3: Measuring for Roman Blinds inside a Recess
Roman blinds bring a touch of elegance with their soft, cascading folds. For Roman blinds:
- Use the recess measurement method, but ensure the blind’s fabric folds have room to gather at the top. Check the recess height to ensure the blind won’t block too much of the window when fully raised.
- Roman blinds require a slightly deeper recess to accommodate the headrail and fabric. If the recess is too shallow, consider exact fitting (see Point 4).
Top Tip:
Roman blinds are a great option for adding texture and warmth, so consider how your fabric choice will complement the room.
4: Measuring for Exact Fitting Blinds
Exact-fitting blinds are designed to sit outside the recess, providing bold aesthetics and excellent light control. Here’s how to measure for them:
A. Measure the width:
- Measure the total area you want the blind to cover, adding at least 5cm on each side to block out light effectively. Consider adding more overlap for maximum privacy and light control for larger windows.
B. Measure the drop:
- Measure from the top of the fitting area to the desired bottom point, ensuring the blind covers the window and frame completely.
- Tip: Use exact-fitting blinds to create a statement, especially when choosing bold colours or patterns.
Top Tip:
Exact-fitting blinds are ideal for rooms with uneven recesses or when you want to make a feature of your window coverings.
5: Measuring for Bay Windows
A. Measure each individual pane:
- Use the recess measuring method to take the width and drop measurements for each windowpane within the bay.
- Record these measurements separately for accuracy.
B. Account for overlaps:
- If the blinds will meet at the angles of the bay, calculate the overlap required for the blinds to close neatly without gaps. Generally, a 2-3cm overlap is ample.
- For angled blinds, consider using templates or guides to ensure a consistent fit.
C. Check for obstructions:
- Identify handles, locks, or other fixtures that might interfere with the blind’s operation and adjust your measurements accordingly.
Top Tip:
Bay windows often benefit from professional measuring to guarantee symmetry and smooth operation. Our free design consultation is ideal for this.
6: Measuring for Conservatories and Bifold Doors
Conservatories and bifold doors each present unique challenges based on their design and function. Here’s how to measure:
Conservatories:
- Measure each glass panel individually, starting with the width and drop. For shaped panels, such as those with curved tops, take multiple measurements and ideally consult a professional to ensure accuracy.
- Account for any frames or borders surrounding the glass and decide whether you want the blinds to sit flush with the frame or extend slightly.
Bifold doors:
- Measure each panel individually, paying close attention to obstructions such as handles or hinges. Ensure enough clearance for the blind to move freely when the doors are in use.
- If the doors fold inwards, consider how the blinds will stack when fully raised, and adjust the drop measurement accordingly.
Top Tip:
Conservatories and bifold doors can be complex to measure, seek professional measuring to guarantee accurate and well-fitted blinds.
Why Choose Goddens for Your Blinds?
Measuring blinds may feel overwhelming, but at Goddens Flooring & Home Interiors, we like to make the process simple and stress-free. Aaron and our expert team offer free design consultations, guiding you to the perfect blinds for your space. From precise measurements to bespoke designs, we’ll handle every detail to ensure your blinds are a perfect fit and match your vision exactly.
We deliver tailored solutions that reflect your style and meet your budget. With handpicked materials and expert installation, you can trust us to create blinds that beautifully enhance your home.
Final Checks Before Ordering
Before placing your order, double-check the following:
- Your measurements are accurate and clear.
- You’ve considered the room’s needs for light control, privacy, and style.
- You’ve considered whether additional features, such as blackout lining or thermal fabric, suit your requirements.
If in doubt, let us handle the measurements and fitting for you.
We deliver tailored solutions that reflect your style and meet your budget. With handpicked materials and expert installation, you can trust us to create blinds that beautifully enhance your home.
Transform Your Home with Goddens
At Goddens, we don’t just provide blinds; we help create homes that reflect you. Book a free design consultation today, and let us take care of your measuring, customisation, and fitting. Contact us on 01354658100 or drop by our March showroom to meet our friendly team.
Your ideal blinds are just a conversation away. We’re here to help you create a beautiful space with our expert advice, top-notch craftsmanship, and friendly service that you can count on.
Let us help you find the right blinds
With over 35 years of experience, we are well-equipped to ensure we find the right blinds for you and your circumstances. Our stress-free approach ensures we understand your needs to find a tailored option that works for you and your home.
