In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through the two main fitting options: recess fitting<\/strong> (inside the window frame) and exact fitting<\/strong> (outside the window recess). We\u2019ll also share general measuring tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and get the most accurate results.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s simpler than you think!<\/strong> Follow our step-by-step guide, and you\u2019ll be a measuring pro in no time.<\/p>\n Before you get started, gather the right tools to ensure your measurements are spot-on. Here’s what you’ll need:<\/p>\n Always use a steel tape measure<\/strong>, not a fabric one. Steel is rigid and accurate, while fabric tapes can stretch or sag, leading to incorrect readings. Make sure your tape is long enough to reach the widest and tallest parts<\/strong> of your window with ease.<\/p>\n A simple pencil is ideal for marking reference points<\/strong> and jotting down quick notes. It’s easy to correct if you need to make adjustments.<\/p>\n Have a piece of paper or notebook handy to write down each measurement immediately<\/strong>. It\u2019s surprisingly easy to forget or misremember a figure, even seconds later!<\/p>\n If you’re measuring a tall or hard-to-reach window<\/strong>, use a sturdy step ladder. Prioritise safety\u2014don\u2019t overstretch or balance on unstable furniture.<\/p>\n While not essential, a calculator can be useful for double-checking figures or converting units<\/strong> if needed, helping to avoid minor errors that could make a big difference.<\/p>\n Before you reach for the tape measure, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind. Getting these right at the start can save you time, money, and potential frustration later on.<\/p>\n This is the golden rule<\/strong> of measuring for blinds. Always double-check every measurement\u2014once may be a fluke, twice confirms it’s right. Re-measuring helps catch errors before they turn into misfitting blinds.<\/p>\n At DotcomBlinds, all measurements must be provided in the order of:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Width first, then Drop (height)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Getting these the wrong way round is one of the most common (and avoidable) order errors, so always double-check the sequence before submitting.<\/p>\n Take a moment to scan the window area for anything that could interfere with the blind\u2019s movement or positioning. Key things to look out for include:<\/p>\n Perhaps the most important decision<\/strong> you’ll make. There are two standard fitting styles:<\/p>\n The blind fits neatly within the window frame<\/strong> itself, giving a flush, built-in look. Ideal if you want a clean finish and still plan to use curtains or want to show off decorative window features.<\/p>\n The blind is mounted outside the window recess<\/strong>, overlapping the opening. This style is best for:<\/p>\n \n \n An inside recess fit means your Venetian blind will sit snugly within the window reveal<\/strong>, offering a clean, streamlined look. This is a popular choice for modern interiors, especially when you want the blind to feel built-in or when pairing with curtains.<\/p>\n Good news \u2014 you don\u2019t need to make any deductions yourself.<\/strong> \u201cWe\u2019ll take care of the necessary deductions so your blind fits perfectly without snagging.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Let\u2019s walk through how to measure accurately.<\/p>\n Measure the full width of the window recess<\/strong> in three places<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Important<\/strong>: Write down the narrowest<\/strong> of the three measurements. Record your measurement in millimetres (mm)<\/strong> and label it clearly as the width.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Measure the full height<\/strong> (drop) of the recess in three places<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Important<\/strong>: Use the shortest<\/strong> measurement. Again, record it in millimetres (mm)<\/strong> and label it as the drop.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Do not make any deductions yourself.<\/strong> Seriously \u2014 don\u2019t adjust anything<\/strong> for clearance or tolerance.<\/p>\n Repeating for emphasis: Do not make any deductions<\/strong>. Simply supply the exact recess measurements and let DotcomBlinds do the rest.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n When fitting inside a recess, certain obstructions can affect how your blind fits or operates:<\/p>\n \n \n An exact fit means the blind will be mounted outside<\/strong> the window recess, overlapping the window opening itself. This style is ideal for maximum light control, flexibility with obstructions, and achieving a bold visual impact.<\/p>\n When you choose an exact fit, DotcomBlinds will manufacture your Venetian blind to the precise measurements you provide<\/strong>, without making any deductions or additions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will make your blind to the exact measurements you give us, with no deductions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n So it\u2019s important to measure exactly how much coverage you want.<\/p>\n \u2705 Improved light blocking<\/strong>, especially around the edges<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u2705 Makes small windows appear larger<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u2705 Perfect for awkward recesses<\/strong>, such as those with:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Decide how much you want the blind to overlap<\/strong> the window on each side.<\/p>\n We recommend at least 50mm (5cm) on both the left and right<\/strong> for effective light coverage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Measure the width of the window opening.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add 100mm total<\/strong> (50mm each side) to your measurement.<\/p>\n This gives the blind enough coverage to block light effectively and provide a neat appearance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Measure the total area you want the blind to cover<\/strong>, from edge to edge.<\/p>\n This is your final width measurement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Think about where you\u2019ll mount the blind<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Wall-mounted<\/strong>: Above and wider than the window frame.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ceiling-mounted<\/strong>: Attached to the ceiling or a soffit, with a vertical drop past the window.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Decide how much you want the blind to overlap<\/strong> at the top and bottom of the window.<\/p>\n We recommend a minimum of 50mm (5cm) above the window<\/strong> to hide the headrail and block more light.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n For the bottom<\/strong>, consider whether you want the blind to:<\/p>\n Stop just above the sill<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Rest lightly on it<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Overlap slightly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Hang freely (e.g., if extending to the floor)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Measure from your chosen top point<\/strong> to your desired bottom point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re going floor to ceiling<\/strong>, measure to 10mm short of the floor<\/strong> to avoid dragging.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Make sure to consider any radiators, furniture, or vents<\/strong> beneath the window when choosing your bottom position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n These are the finished blind dimensions, so measure carefully!<\/strong> <\/p>\n While measuring is the most critical step, there are a few Venetian-blind-specific details<\/strong> worth factoring into your planning. These considerations can help you make smarter choices and avoid surprises once your blind is installed.<\/p>\n When a Venetian blind is fully raised, the slats don\u2019t disappear \u2014 they gather into a \u201cstack\u201d<\/strong> at the top of the window. This stack will partially obscure your view<\/strong> or daylight, particularly for taller windows.<\/p>\n Here are some approximate stack heights<\/strong> for standard slat sizes, based on an average blind with a 1500mm drop:<\/p>\n For example, a 1500mm drop Venetian blind with 50mm slats<\/strong> may have a stack height of approximately 150\u2013200mm<\/strong> when fully raised.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n These figures are general guidelines \u2014 for precise measurements, we recommend contacting DotcomBlinds directly<\/strong>, especially if stack height is a concern for your specific installation.<\/p>\nEssential Tools You’ll Need<\/h2>\n
Steel Tape Measure<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pencil<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Paper or Notebook<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step Ladder (if needed)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Calculator (optional but helpful)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Before You Start: Key Considerations & Pro Tips<\/h2>\n
Measure Twice, Order Once<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Which Way Round?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Identify Obstructions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Determine Your Fitting Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Inside Recess Fit<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Exact \/ Outside Recess Fit<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Inside Recess Fit:<\/h3>\n
Outside Recess Fit:<\/h3>\n
Measuring for an “Inside Recess” Fit (Fitting Inside the Window Frame)<\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/How-to-Measure-the-Width-Inside-Recess.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWhat DotcomBlinds Does<\/h3>\n
When you select an inside recess fit, DotcomBlinds will automatically make the necessary deductions<\/strong> to ensure your blind fits perfectly and operates smoothly within the space.<\/p>\n\n
How to Measure the Width (Inside Recess)<\/h3>\n
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This ensures your blind won\u2019t catch or get stuck if the walls aren\u2019t perfectly straight.<\/p>\n<\/li>\nHow to Measure the Drop (Inside Recess)<\/h3>\n
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This avoids the blind dragging on the sill if your window frame or sill is slightly uneven or sloped.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\ud83d\udd14 Important Note:<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ll handle that part for you.<\/p>\n\n
Recess-Specific Obstructions to Watch Out For<\/h3>\n
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If handles stick out significantly, they may interfere with the slats or headrail. In such cases, the blind may need to be face-fixed into the top of the recess (lintel)<\/strong> rather than mounted deeper within the reveal.
\u2192 Tip<\/strong>: If your handles are deep or unusually shaped, it\u2019s best to contact DotcomBlinds for tailored advice.<\/li>\n
It\u2019s not uncommon for window sills to slope slightly.
\u2192 This is why measuring the shortest drop<\/strong> is so important, as it prevents the bottom of the blind from dragging or bunching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMeasuring for an “Exact” \/ “Outside Recess” Fit (Fitting Outside the Window Frame)<\/h2>\n
![\"Outside](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22Outside-Recess22-Fit.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWhat DotcomBlinds Does<\/h3>\n
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Why Choose an Exact \/ Outside Recess Fit?<\/h3>\n
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How to Measure the Width (Exact Fit)<\/h3>\n
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How to Measure the Drop (Exact Fit)<\/h3>\n
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\ud83d\udd14 Important Note:<\/h3>\n
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DotcomBlinds will make your blind exactly to the width and drop you submit. No adjustments will be made.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nExact \/ Outside Recess Fit<\/h3>\n
Specific Considerations for Venetian Blinds<\/h2>\n
Stack Height<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What Affects Stack Height?<\/h4>\n
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\n \nSlat Width<\/th>\n Approx. Stack Height<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n 25mm<\/td>\n 120\u2013150mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 35mm<\/td>\n 130\u2013170mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 50mm<\/td>\n 150\u2013200mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n
Why This Matters:<\/h4>\n
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