Accurate window measurements are essential for custom-made blinds that fit perfectly and look professional. Whether you’re getting a quote or planning ahead, understanding how to measure saves time and helps ensure your new blinds are made to the right specifications.
Here’s a straightforward guide to measuring your windows for blinds — covering both inside mount and outside mount options.
What You’ll Need
- A steel tape measure (fabric tape measures can stretch and give inaccurate readings)
- A pencil and paper, or your phone to note down measurements
- A step ladder for high windows
Always measure in millimetres for accuracy. A difference of even 5-10mm can affect the fit of custom blinds.
Inside Mount vs Outside Mount
Before measuring, decide how you want your blinds to sit:
Inside Mount (Recess Fit)
The blind sits inside the window frame recess. This gives a clean, built-in look and doesn’t cover any wall space around the window. It’s the most popular choice for roller blinds, venetian blinds, and honeycomb shades.
Requirements: Your window recess needs to be deep enough to accommodate the blind’s headbox or mounting brackets. Most standard Australian window frames have sufficient depth, but it’s worth checking — typically 50-75mm minimum depth is needed depending on the blind type.
Outside Mount (Face Fit)
The blind mounts on the wall or frame above and around the window. This works well when the recess is too shallow for an inside mount, when you want to make windows appear larger, or when you want maximum light blockout (the blind overlaps the frame edges).
How to Measure for Inside Mount
Step 1: Measure the Width
Measure the inside width of the window recess at three points:
- At the top of the recess
- In the middle
- At the bottom (sill level)
Record the smallest of the three measurements. Window recesses are rarely perfectly square, and using the smallest measurement ensures the blind will fit without jamming.
Step 2: Measure the Height
Measure the inside height (also called the “drop”) at three points:
- On the left side
- In the centre
- On the right side
Record the longest of the three measurements to ensure the blind covers the full window.
Step 3: Check the Depth
Measure the depth of the window recess from the glass to the front edge of the frame. Note this down — your blinds supplier will tell you if there’s sufficient depth for your chosen blind type.
How to Measure for Outside Mount
Step 1: Measure the Width
Decide how far you want the blind to extend beyond the window frame on each side. A common overlap is 50-100mm on each side — this improves light blockout and gives a balanced appearance.
Measure the total width you want the blind to cover (window width + overlap on both sides).
Step 2: Measure the Height
Decide where the top of the blind will mount (typically 50-100mm above the window frame) and where the bottom will sit (at or just below the sill).
Measure from the intended mounting point to the bottom position.
Step 3: Check for Obstructions
Before finalising, check for anything that might interfere with an outside mount:
- Window handles or cranks that protrude
- Door frames or architraves close to the window
- Light switches or power points near the mounting area
- Air conditioning vents above the window
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring in centimetres instead of millimetres — always use mm for precision
- Only measuring at one point — windows are rarely perfectly square; measure at three points for both width and height
- Forgetting the depth check for inside mounts — a blind that’s too deep for the recess will protrude awkwardly
- Not accounting for tiles or trim — in bathrooms, tile edges inside the recess can reduce the usable width
- Using a fabric tape measure — these stretch with use and can be off by several millimetres
Measuring Tips by Blind Type
| Blind Type | Mount | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roller blinds | Inside or outside | Allow for bracket clearance (typically 5mm each side for inside mount) |
| Venetian blinds | Inside or outside | Inside mount: check recess depth for tilting slats (usually 50mm+) |
| Vertical blinds | Inside or outside | For sliding doors: measure full opening width |
| Roman blinds | Inside or outside | Inside mount: fabric stacks up at top when open — consider if this blocks the view |
| Honeycomb shades | Inside or outside | Similar to rollers; check depth for headrail |
| Panel glides | Typically outside | Need clearance above for track mounting; measure full span of sliding door |
| Plantation shutters | Inside or outside | Custom measurement essential — frame tolerances are tighter than blinds |
Or Let Us Do It for You — Free
While DIY measuring is perfectly fine for getting an initial idea of costs, professional measurement is included free with every Think Blinds quote. Our team measures to exact specifications, checks for any installation considerations specific to your windows, and ensures your custom blinds fit perfectly first time.
We’ve been measuring and fitting blinds across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay region since 2008 — we know the common window types in the area and can spot potential issues before they become problems.
All our custom-made products come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty and typical delivery times of around 3 weeks for blinds and 6 weeks for shutters and honeycomb shades.
Book Your Free Measure and Quote
Think Blinds services Bundaberg, Bargara, Burnett Heads, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Agnes Water, and the wider Wide Bay region.
Contact us to book or call (07) 4152 5345 — we come to you.
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