What Sizes Do Blinds Come In?

Blinds are an essential part of home decor, offering both functionality and style. Whether you are looking to control light, ensure privacy, or add a touch of elegance to your rooms, selecting the right size of blinds is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about blind sizes, from the basics of ready-made versus made-to-measure options to detailed measurement guides. Let’s dive in!

The Basics: Ready-Made vs Made-to-Measure

When shopping for blinds, you’ll encounter two primary types: ready-made and made-to-measure. Understanding the difference between these options is key to making the right choice for your home.

Ready-Made Blinds

Ready-made blinds come in standard sizes and are readily available for purchase. Ready-Made blinds are normally manufactured with cheaper components to save on cost and to allow for some home modifications – some (not all) have cardboard tubes rather than metal.

Made-to-Measure Blinds

Made-to-measure blinds, as the name suggests, are custom-made to fit your windows perfectly. This option is more common and preferred by homeowners who want a tailored look. Made-to-measure blinds ensure a precise fit, covering all dimensions of your windows and providing a seamless appearance.

What Does Blind Measurement Include?

Measuring for blinds involves several key dimensions: width, drop, fit, and install height. Let’s break these down further:

Blind’s Width

The width of the blind is the measurement from one side of the window to the other. It is essential to measure accurately to ensure the blind covers the window completely without leaving gaps.

Blind’s Drop

The drop, also known as the length, is the measurement from the top of the window to the bottom. This measurement determines how long the blind needs to be to cover the entire height of the window.

Recess Fit Blind

A recess fit blind is installed inside the window recess, providing a neat and flush finish. To measure for a recess fit, take the width and drop measurements from inside the window frame. DotcomBlinds customers needn’t make any deductions for recess fit as we take that into account as part of the manufacturing process.

Exact Fit Blind

An exact fit blind is installed outside the window recess (or where there is no recess), covering the entire window and often a bit of the surrounding wall. This fit type is ideal for maximising light blockage and ensuring complete privacy. Measure the width and drop of the area you want to cover, including any overlap you desire.

Install Height

The install height refers to the height at which the blind will be mounted. This can affect the drop measurement and is particularly important for blinds that need to clear obstacles like window handles or ledges.

Ready-Made Blind Sizes

Ready-made blinds come in a range of standard sizes to fit common window dimensions. Here are some of the most popular sizes:

60cm x 170cm, 90cm x 170cm, 120cm x 170cm, 150cm x 170cm, 180cm x 170cm

While these sizes can fit many standard windows, the fit may not always be perfect, which is why made-to-measure blinds are often the preferred choice.

Made-to-Measure Blind Sizes

Made-to-measure blinds offer limitless possibilities in terms of size and fit. Here’s what you need to know about the options and limits for made-to-measure blinds:

Wide and Extra-Wide Options

Made-to-measure blinds can be crafted to fit very large windows, providing a seamless look without the need for multiple blinds. This is particularly useful for wide or tall windows, offering a cleaner aesthetic and better functionality.

Roller Blinds

Our roller blinds can be made up to 3.4 metres wide with a drop of up to 4.2 metres. For even wider windows, our Premium XL blinds can reach a width of 4.7 metres with a drop of 1.85 metres. If the width is 1.7 metres or less, we can increase the drop to an impressive 5.7 metres.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are also a great option for wide windows, as they can be made to fit large spans without compromising on functionality. These blinds can be crafted to the exact dimensions needed for your space.

Blind Type / Maximum Width / Maximum Drop:

Standard Roller / 3.4 metres / 4.2 metres
Premium XL Roller / 4.7 metres / 1.85 metres
Vertical Blinds / Customisable / Customisable

How to Measure for Blinds

Measuring for blinds is a crucial step to ensure a perfect fit. Here’s a detailed guide on how to measure for different types of blinds:

Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

1. Tools Needed:
   • Steel tape measure
   • Pencil and paper
   • Step ladder (if required)
2. Measuring for Recess Fit Blinds:
   • Width: Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement and deduct 1cm for clearance.
   • Drop: Measure the drop of the recess on the left, middle, and right. Use the smallest measurement and deduct 1cm for clearance.
3. Measuring for Exact Fit Blinds:
   • Width: Measure the exact width you want the blind to cover, including any overlap. Add 5-10cm to the width of the recess to ensure full coverage.
   • Drop: Measure the exact drop you want the blind to cover, including any overlap. Add 5-10cm to the height of the recess to ensure full coverage.
4. Measuring for Roller Blinds:
   • For roller blinds, measure the width from the outside edges of the window frame if fitting outside the recess.
   • Measure the drop from the top of where the blind will be fitted to the desired length.
5. Measuring for Vertical Blinds:
   • Measure the width at the top of the window if fitting inside the recess, ensuring a snug fit.
   • Measure the drop from the top of the recess to the sill or desired length.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Always use a steel tape measure for precision.
• Measure in millimetres for the most accurate results.
• Double-check all measurements before ordering.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size for your blinds is essential for achieving a perfect fit and enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Whether you opt for ready-made blinds in standard sizes or made-to-measure blinds tailored to your exact specifications, understanding the different measurement options and how to measure correctly will ensure you get the best results.

At DotcomBlinds, we offer a wide range of blinds to suit any window size and style. Our made-to-measure options ensure a flawless fit, no matter how unique your window dimensions may be. Visit our website to explore our extensive collection and find the perfect blinds for your home. Happy shopping!

Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance with measuring or selecting the right blinds for your needs. Our expert team is always here to help!