Your Easy Guide to Measuring for Roman Blinds
Roman blinds bring such a lovely, soft elegance to a window, and getting that perfect, tailored fit is actually wonderfully simple! Just grab a notepad, a pen, and a sturdy metal tape measure (fabric and plastic ones can stretch and give you wonky numbers!), and let's get started.
A quick tip before we begin: Please make sure to jot all your final measurements down in centimetres (cm). If you only have inches, don't worry—we have a handy converter on all our product pages to help you out!
🪟 Step 1: Inside or Outside the Recess?
First, you just need to decide where you want your beautiful new blind to sit:
- Inside the Recess: The blind fits snugly inside the window frame for a very clean, neat, and built-in look.
- Outside the Recess (Exact Fit): The blind is fitted to the wall above the window, overlapping the edges. This is a brilliant trick for making small windows look much bigger, and it is essential if your windows open inwards!
📏 Step 2: Measuring for an 'Inside Recess' Fit
Because windows are very rarely perfectly square, we need to take a few measurements to make sure your blind doesn't get stuck when you pull it up and down!
Measuring the Width
Take your metal tape measure and measure the width inside the window space in three different places: across the top, the middle, and the bottom. Write down the smallest of those three numbers. (Don't forget to look out for protruding tiles or chunky window handles!)
Measuring the Drop
Do exactly the same for the height! Measure from the top of the recess down to the window sill in three places (left, centre, and right). Write down the smallest number.
📏 Step 3: Measuring for an 'Outside Recess' Fit
If you want your blind to sit on the outside of the window frame, you are measuring for the 'Exact' size of the blind you want us to make.
- The Width: Measure the width of your window recess, and then add 5cm to each side (10cm in total). This overlap is the secret to minimising any annoying light leakage around the edges!
- The Drop: Measure from where you want the top of the blind to start (we recommend about 7cm above the window) all the way down to where you want it to finish. Just be mindful of any obstacles at the bottom, like a radiator.
📥 Helpful Downloads
- Prefer to print this out? Download our full PDF Measuring Guide here.
- Ready to hang? Download our simple Roman Blind Fitting Instructions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to reveal the answer.
What is the difference between standard, thermal, and blackout linings?
- Standard Lining: Made of plain cotton or polycotton, this lining lets natural light gently filter into the room while giving your blind a lovely weight and shape.
- Thermal Lining: This has a tighter weave or special coating to help keep your room cosy in winter and cooler in summer. It will block some light compared to standard lining, but won't completely darken the room—perfect for living rooms and dining spaces!
- Blackout Lining: The ultimate choice for a great night's sleep! It blocks all light from passing through the fabric and offers brilliant thermal benefits, making it absolute perfection for bedrooms.
How long will it take to receive my made-to-measure order?
Because your beautiful new blind is being crafted by hand specifically for your window, our workshop team usually takes between 10 to 15 working days to make and dispatch it. Once it's ready, we will send it on a speedy 24-hour tracked courier service straight to your door!
Can I spread the cost of my order?
Absolutely! We offer flexible payment options like Klarna and PayPal at checkout, allowing you to easily spread the cost of your lovely new custom blinds.
