How to Measure

Measure three times, order once

Almost every problem with a custom window covering traces back to the tape measure. It takes five minutes to get right, so here is the whole method.

What you need

• A steel tape measure — not a fabric one
• A pencil and paper
• A step stool if the window is high

Step 1 — decide the mount

Inside mount sits inside the window recess. It looks tidier and shows off the trim. You need at least 3 inches of depth for most products, measured from the glass to the front of the recess.

Outside mount fixes to the wall or the trim and overlaps the opening. Choose it when the recess is shallow, when you have handles or cranks in the way, or when you want maximum blackout with no light spill.

Step 2 — measure the width

Measure the opening at the top, the middle and the bottom. Write all three down. The smallest of the three is your order width.

For outside mount, add at least 2 inches to that smallest figure — 1 inch on each side — so the fabric overlaps the wall and light does not leak around the edges.

Step 3 — measure the height

Measure the opening on the left, in the centre and on the right. The largest of the three is your order height.

For outside mount, add at least 3 inches to that largest figure so the shade covers the whole opening plus the header.

Step 4 — round to the nearest 1/8 inch

We work to eighths. If your tape sits between marks, round to the nearest eighth rather than to the nearest inch. A quarter-inch off is visible on a blackout shade.

Common mistakes

• Measuring the old blind instead of the window.
• Using the average width rather than the smallest.
• Forgetting that skirting, tiles or a radiator reduce the height you can use.
• Forgetting to check that the headrail will clear window handles when the shade is stacked at the top.

Still unsure?

Send us a photo of the window with your measurements and we will check them before production. Contact support and we will come back within one business day.