DIY Measuring Guide: Get a Perfect Fit for Made-to-Measure Blinds
When it comes to upgrading your windows, made-to-measure blinds are the best way to achieve a clean, professional finish that fits your space perfectly. But did you know you can take the measurements yourself?
This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through how to measure your windows accurately for a perfect fit, whether you’re installing roller, vertical, Venetian, or Roman blinds.
But if it sounds like a hassle, we have a free no obligation measuring service.
Why Measuring Correctly Matters
Even a few millimetres can make a big difference. Measuring correctly ensures:
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Your blinds fit snugly with no unwanted gaps
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The finished look is neat and symmetrical
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Installation is straightforward with no trimming or adjustments
Getting it right the first time will save you time, effort, and frustration — and ensure your new blinds look their absolute best.
Step 1: Choose Your Fitting Type
Before you start measuring, decide how you’d like your blinds to fit your window. There are two options:
1. Inside Recess Fit
The blind fits neatly inside the window recess — ideal for a tidy, built-in look.
Best for: modern interiors, roller or Venetian blinds.
Avoid if: your recess is uneven or obstructed by handles or tiles.
2. Outside Recess Fit
The blind covers the entire window and recess, fixing to the wall above.
Best for: rooms needing blackout or where recess space is limited.
But allows a little light leakage at the edges if not measured wide enough.
Step 2: What You’ll Need
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A steel tape measure (not a fabric one — it’s more accurate)
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A pencil and paper (or phone notes)
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A spirit level (optional, to check for sloping recesses)
Always measure in millimetres (mm) for precision.
Step 3: Measure for an Inside Recess Fit
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Width – Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Note the smallest measurement — that’s the one to use.
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Drop (height) – Measure from the top to the sill at the left, middle, and right. Again, take the smallest measurement.
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Check for obstructions – Make sure window handles, tiles, or vents won’t interfere with how the blind sits.
Tip: For vertical or Venetian blinds, deduct an extra 10mm from the drop to avoid scraping the sill.
Step 4: Measure for an Outside Recess Fit
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Width – Measure the window width and add at least 70mm (35mm per side) to block light effectively.
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Drop – Measure from where you’ll mount the top of the blind to the desired finishing point below the sill.
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Mark your brackets – Plan for a few extra millimetres at the top for your fixing brackets and headrail.
Tip: For blackout blinds, go even wider to eliminate light bleed.
Step 5: Double-Check Before Ordering
Double-check all your measurements before placing your order. Even the most experienced fitters measure twice!
If your window isn’t perfectly square, go with the smallest width and drop. That ensures your blind will fit neatly without rubbing or snagging.
Prefer Us to Do the Measuring for You?
If all of this sounds like a bit of a faff — don’t worry! At Val-U-Blinds, we offer a completely free measuring service with no obligation to buy.
One of our friendly experts will visit your home at a time that suits you, measure your windows precisely, and show you our full range of fabrics and finishes. You’ll get professional advice and an accurate quote — all without any pressure to purchase.
It’s the easiest way to make sure your blinds fit perfectly, look beautiful, and are installed with total confidence.
Step 6: Choose Your Blinds and Order
Once your measurements are confirmed — whether you’ve done them yourself or booked our free service — visit our showroom and browse our collection of blinds, with your measurements we’ll give you an instant quote.
Ready to Get Started?
Measuring your own blinds is simple once you know how — but with our free no-obligation measuring service, you don’t have to!
Whether you prefer to DIY or let our experts take care of everything, Val-U-Blinds makes it easy to get the perfect fit every time.
Book your free measuring appointment today and discover just how simple upgrading your blinds can be.
