Roman blinds measuring guide
Follow this method to measure your windows for roman blinds.
You will need:
- A metal tape measure that reads in millimetres (mm) and is long enough to reach across your entire window
- Our measuring sheet
- Pencil or pen
Things to consider
Although Roman blinds can fit inside the window frame best practice is to fit outside where possible
- Outside fit is best for blocking light and insulation when lowered, and letting in more light when raised as it clears the window. But you will need to consider how far your window frame juts out from the wall; the corded option will hold the blind 20mm away from the wall which will clear most window frames, while the chain controlled option will hold the blind 40mm off the wall to clear larger frames
- Inside fit looks neat and tidy, especially when closed and sitting flush with the front of the window frame. However, when raised, inside fit roman blinds cover a large portion of the glass because at least one fold’s worth of blind is visible at all times. As this will block light and view and is not recommended for small windows. It’s also more likely to fade your fabric
Tip: Make sure there are no obstructions that could prevent your blind from opening and closing fully, especially if covering a door.
How to measure
- Please provide measurements for window sizes only. We will make the necessary allowances for the brackets and chain/cord mechanisms, as well as the number of folds for roman blinds
Measuring for controls
Roman blinds operate with either a cord or chain system to raise and lower.
Control side: Standing at your window, work out which side will be the most convenient to operate the blind from, left or right.
Control length: Measure from the top of the blind to where it will be convenient to operate, keeping the reach of children in mind. A general rule of thumb is to make the cord length roughly 2/3 of the drop of your blind.
Illustrated steps
Outside fit
Width (a)
Measure from and to the very outer edges of each side of the window frame/architrave. Then add 100mm (50mm each side). Record this measurement as your width.
Drop (b)
To stack the blind off the window when raised, measure upwards 225mm from the glass at the top of your window (see diagram). This is where the top of your Roman will sit when installed. From this mark, measure down to where you want the blind to finish when lowered (for windows, 50mm past the bottom of the frame is good, or to the floor for doors and sliders).
TIP: If measuring over a swinging door that opens inward, measure the blind to fit at least 300mm above the opening of the door so the when stacked the blind is out of the way allowing the door to open freely.
Inside fit
Depth
This measurement is simply to ensure your blind will fit within the window recess. Measure inside the frame from the front to the first obstruction, eg. glass, latch, handle or mullion. Here’s a guide of how much clearance is needed:
- Roman blinds (cord) - 50mm (longer drops may require more space when raised)
- Roman blinds (chain) - 60mm (longer drops may require more space when raised)
Width (a)
Take three measurements horizontally across the window at the top and bottom and in the middle. Measure inside the frame, and from frame to frame, not just the panes of glass. Record the smallest of these measurements as your width.
Drop (b)
Take three measurements vertically down the left and right sides of the window and in the middle. Measure inside the frame, and from frame to frame, not just the panes of glass. Record the smallest of these measurements as your drop.