My Direct Blinds · Measuring guide
Measure for timber Venetian blinds
Find your fit. Record the right dimensions. Check before you order.
Before you measure
Use a metal tape measure, pencil and worksheet. Record width first, then drop, in exact millimetres (mm). Do not round, use a cloth tape or copy dimensions from house plans. Measure every window separately, even when windows look identical.
If measuring with someone else, repeat each reading aloud as it is written down. Check every measurement and order detail twice, then a third time. For ordinary recess measurements, do not make factory deductions yourself. Special-window instructions must be read with the product guide; ask us to resolve any conflict before ordering.
Choose the fit
Recess / inside fit sits within the window opening. It gives a clean appearance, shows attractive architraves and can make the window look slimmer and the wall more spacious. Face / outside fit sits on the architrave or the wall above a window without architraves. It can reduce light gaps, improve privacy, make a window look larger and hide a crooked or unattractive opening.
Check winders, knobs, handles, inward-opening windows and any other obstruction. Check the intended drop against protruding sills, desks, beds and furniture. Choose face fit when the recess cannot provide the clearance the product needs.
Recess fit
Allow 80 mm recess depth. With less, the blind will project out of the opening. Check handles, winders and other obstructions. Some winders fold in; if a winder intrudes into the required clearance, choose face fit.
Measure width at the top, centre and bottom and use the smallest. Measure drop from inside recess top to sill at the left, centre and right and use the smallest. Do not make any deductions or allowances.
Face fit with architraves
Measure width between the outer architrave edges. Measure from architrave top to the chosen finish at the left, centre and right and use the smallest drop. The ordered dimensions include the brackets.
For short windows, allow 30-100 mm below the sill, subject to obstructions. For full-height windows, measure to 8 mm above the floor.
Face fit without architraves
Measure opening width and add 30-100 mm overall for coverage. Measure from the opening top to the chosen finish at left, centre and right and use the smallest.
For short windows allow 30-100 mm below the sill, or finish 8 mm above the floor for full-height windows. Add 60 mm to the drop so the blind can be mounted above the opening; check the wall space.
With a custom soft padded pelmet
The blind fixes into the pelmet roof. Request recess brackets in the checkout options. If the pelmet is raised above the architrave, add the same height to the blind drop. Account for inside-box measurements and the 20 mm pelmet roof.
