How to Measure for Blinds
Measure once, check twice, and let us handle the rest. This page covers everything you need to measure your own windows for an online blind order. It takes five minutes per window.
Custom Fit Guarantee
Every online order is covered. If your blind is too big, we trim it for free. If it’s too small, you get 5% off a replacement. You won’t be left with a blind you can’t use.
We also check your measurements before manufacturing. Send us a photo of each window and we’ll confirm before we cut.
What You Need
A metal tape measure. That’s it. Measure in millimetres.
Don’t have one? Use the AR measurement tool on our shop to get started — then order your blind and we’ll ship you a free metal tape measure with your delivery so you can double-check before fitting.
Still unsure? Duncan will jump on a call and walk you through it. WhatsApp us on 076 022 8410 and we’ll measure together over the phone.
Three Golden Rules
Step 1 — Decide Your Mount
Recess Fit (Inside Mount)
The blind sits inside the window frame for a clean, built-in look.
Best for: Modern, minimal look. Windows with enough depth for the headrail.
Check: Make sure nothing blocks the recess — handles, tiles, burglar bars.
Face Fit (Outside Mount)
The blind mounts on the wall or architrave above the window.
Best for: Shallow window frames, maximum light block, covering imperfections.
Check: Make sure the wall surface above is flat and solid for bracket screws.
Not sure which? Send us a photo of the window on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you.
Step 2 — Measure
Recess Fit
Width: Measure inside the frame at three points — top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest.
Height: Measure inside the frame at three points — left, centre, and right. Record the longest.
Depth: Measure from the front of the frame to the glass. Check this is deep enough for your blind type (see table below).
Submit exact sizes. We handle all deductions.
Face Fit
Width: The total width you want the blind to cover. Add overlap on both sides for light block — typically 50–100mm per side.
Height: From where you want the top of the blind to the point where you want it to end — sill, floor, or wherever suits.
The size you order is the size you get. No deductions.
Minimum Recess Depth by Product
If your window frame isn’t deep enough for a recess fit, go with face fit instead. Here’s what each product needs:
| Blind Type | Min. Recess Depth |
|---|---|
| Roller blinds (standard) | 40mm |
| Zebra / double roller blinds | 90mm |
| Venetian blinds (50mm slat) | 50mm |
| Honeycomb / cellular blinds | 45mm |
| Vertical blinds | 70–90mm |
| No-drill roller blinds | No recess needed — clips to frame |
Sliding Doors & Wide Openings
For sliding doors and patio doors, face fit is almost always best. Measure the full width of the door frame and add 100–150mm overlap on each side. For height, measure from where you want the headrail to just above the floor — leave about 10mm clearance so the blind doesn’t drag.
If you need two blinds side by side on a wide opening, measure the full width and let us advise on the split — we’ll make sure they meet cleanly in the middle.
Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds need four measurements (top width, bottom width, left height, right height) because patio openings are rarely square. The process is different from indoor blinds.
Shutters, Awnings & Shade Ports
These products are always measured and installed by our team on-site. Don’t measure for shutters yourself — the reveal squareness, hinge clearance, and panel configuration all need a professional eye.
Common Mistakes We See
Using a phone app. AR measuring tools can be off by 10–20mm. That’s the difference between a blind that fits and one that doesn’t reach the sill. Use a metal tape measure.
Measuring in centimetres. A blind that’s 5mm off in centimetre rounding creates a visible gap. Always millimetres.
Making your own deductions. If you subtract clearance before ordering, the blind arrives too small. Give us exact measurements — we handle deductions.
Assuming windows are the same size. Especially in older Garden Route homes. Frames settle and shift. Measure every window individually.
Measuring once. Three measurements for width, three for height. Every time.
Common Questions
Do I need to make deductions for brackets or clearance?
No. Never deduct anything. Give us the exact window measurement and our factory applies the correct deductions for the specific blind type you’ve ordered. Subtracting your own clearance is the most common cause of blinds arriving too small.
Should I measure in centimetres or millimetres?
Millimetres. Always. A 5mm rounding error in centimetres can create a noticeable light gap or a blind that won’t fit into the recess.
Can I use my phone to measure?
Phone AR apps can be off by 10–20mm, which is too much for made-to-measure blinds. Use them to get a rough idea, but always confirm with a metal tape measure. Don’t have one? Order your blind and we’ll include a free metal tape measure with your delivery so you can verify before fitting.
What happens if my measurements are wrong?
Our Custom Fit Guarantee covers you. If the blind is too big, we trim it for free. If it’s too small, we remake at 5% off the replacement. We also check your measurements before manufacturing — send us a photo of the window and we’ll confirm everything is right before we cut.
How do I choose between recess fit and face fit?
Recess fit gives a cleaner, built-in look and works when the window frame is deep enough. Face fit mounts on the wall above the window — it’s better for shallow frames, maximum light block, or when there are obstructions like handles inside the frame. If you’re not sure, send us a photo and we’ll recommend.
For recess fit, do I record the smallest or longest measurement?
Width: record the smallest of the three measurements (so the blind fits in). Height: record the longest of the three measurements (so the blind reaches the sill). We handle all deductions from there.
Ready to Order?
Measure your windows, send us a photo to check, and we’ll handle the rest. Free delivery nationwide.
Garden Route? Book a site visit with Duncan — we measure, advise, and install.
