How To Measure For Roman Blinds

Our how to measure for roman blinds guide makes measuring up a piece of cake. Before you start decide on the look you are trying to achieve think about such factors as do you want your roman blinds to go inside or outside the window recess.

If you have babies or young children who live in or visit your house you should read our safety advice & tips for roman blinds…

Child Safety & Roman Blind-Cords & Chains

How To Measure For Roman Blinds - General Tips

• Use a metal tape measure for increased accuracy.
• Measure more than once to ensure accuracy.
• For large windows 2 roman blinds side by side sometimes works better than one large bulky one.
• Take your measurements in centimetres to avoid having to convert them later. All measurements entered in the website are in centimetres.

If any of the following are true then the blind should be positioned outside the recess:

• The window recess is less than 4cm.
• The window opens inwards.
• For large windows 2 roman blinds side by side sometimes works better than one large bulky one.
• The recess is not square (or wonky to use a non technical term); the recess width varies by more than 2cm when measured at different points OR recess height varies by more than 2cm when measured at different points OR diagonal distances differs by more than 2cm (see example diagram below where A not = B).

Inside Recess

• Advantages: easier to fit as it can be attached to the top of the window frame.
• Disadvantage: once pulled up it will obscure the top part of the window.

Note: For recessed roman blinds the actual width dimension of the roman blind will be reduced by 1cm to ensure it fits in the recess.
Width

• Measure across the width in several places and take the smallest measurement. We will reduce the width by a further 1cm to ensure that it hangs freely and does not drag against the side of the window recess.

Height

• Measure the height in several places and take the smallest measurement.

Note down which side you want the blind chain to hang and that the roman blind is recessed.

Outside Recess

• Advantages: once pulled up it will not obscure the top part of the window.
• Disadvantage: harder to fit as it has to be fixed to a solid wall.

Width

• Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap each side of the window. We recommend between 5cm and 10cm on each side.

Height

• Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap top and bottom. We recommend between 5cm and 10cm below and between 10cm and 15cm above (to ensure that when pulled up the blind does not obscure the top of the window).

Note down which side you want the blind chain to hang and that the roman blind is not recessed.

Sidewinder Mechanism

• The top bar contains a winding mechanism that pulls up the blind fabric and is operated by a side chain.
• Built-in safety mechanism within the side gearing mechanism means that the chain will automatically detach if excessive force is applied.
• Smoother operation when used with larger roman blind sizes.
• More formal look.
• High quality, discrete but durable metal mechanism.
• Choice of chain colours. Standard chain colour is chrome but you can also have gunmetal, white or brass. If you would like any of these other colours please let us know.
• We always recommend the sidewinder option where children are likely to be present, as they are inherently safer.

If you have babies or young children who live in or visit your house you should read our safety advice & tips for roman blinds…

Child Safety & Roman Blind-Cords & Chains

Motorised Roman Blinds

• We have been selling these for a number of years now and they are proving popular as people start to 'network' there
• They are simple to install and don't require an electrician.
• Ideal time saver for large homes with lots of roman blinds.
• Improved privacy and security.
• Powered by ong lasting lithium batteries.
• Controlled from either a remote control or smart phone.
• Choice of brands including brand leader Somfy.