How to Measure Windows for Custom Blinds Melbourne

Getting accurate measurements before ordering custom blinds is one of the most important steps in the process. Even small measurement errors can result in blinds that don’t fit properly – leaving light gaps, sitting awkwardly in the frame, or not covering the window adequately.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about measuring windows for custom blinds in Melbourne – including inside mount vs outside mount, how to measure for roller blinds, roman blinds, venetian blinds, and plantation shutters, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Before You Start — Inside Mount vs Outside Mount

The first decision before measuring is whether you want an inside mount or outside mount installation – because the measurements are taken differently for each.

Inside Mount – the blind sits inside the window recess, flush with the frame. Gives a clean, built-in look. Requires a minimum recess depth of 50–65mm depending on the blind type.

Outside Mount – the blind is mounted on the wall or architrave outside the window recess, overlapping the frame on all sides. Better for shallow recesses, windows with obstructions, or when you want maximum light blockout coverage.

Check your recess depth before deciding – if it’s less than 50mm, outside mount is likely your only option.

What You Need

– Steel measuring tape (fabric tapes stretch and give inaccurate results)

– Pencil and paper or phone to record measurements

– Stepladder if windows are high

– A helper for large or awkward windows

Always measure in millimetres (mm) – not centimetres or inches. Custom blind manufacturers work in millimetres for precision.

How to Measure for Inside Mount Blinds

Step 1 – Measure the width

Measure the inside width of the window recess at three points – top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement of the three. This is your blind width.

Why the smallest? Window recesses are rarely perfectly square. Using the smallest width ensures the blind fits inside the recess at its narrowest point.

Step 2 – Measure the drop

Measure the inside height of the window recess from the top of the recess to the window sill at three points – left, centre, and right. Record the longest measurement of the three. This is your blind drop.

Step 3 – Check the recess depth

Measure how deep the recess is from the front of the frame to the glass. You need a minimum of:

– Roller blinds – 55mm minimum depth

– Roman blinds – 65mm minimum depth

– Venetian blinds – 65mm minimum depth

– Plantation shutters – 65–90mm depending on louvre width

If your recess is shallower than these minimums, switch to outside mount.

Step 4 – Note any obstructions

Check for window handles, locks, or cranks inside the recess. These can prevent inside mount blinds from operating properly and may require outside mount or a modified bracket position.

How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds

Outside mount blinds are mounted on the wall or architrave surrounding the window — so you control how much overlap you want on each side.

Step 1 — Decide your overlap

Standard overlap for outside mount blinds is 50–75mm on each side beyond the window opening, and 50–75mm above the top of the frame. More overlap means better light blockout and a larger visual frame for the window.

Step 2 — Measure the width

Measure the full width of the area you want the blind to cover — window opening plus your chosen overlap on each side. This is your blind width.

Step 3 — Measure the drop

Measure from where you want the top of the blind to sit (above the frame or on the ceiling) down to where you want the blind to finish — usually the window sill or 25–50mm below it.

Step 4 — Mark your bracket positions

Mark where you want the brackets mounted on the wall or architrave. Ensure both sides are level — an uneven bracket position is the most common cause of crooked blinds.

Measuring for Specific Blind Types

Roller Blinds – Melbourne Measurement Guide

Roller blinds are the most straightforward to measure. The key measurement is width × drop in millimetres.

– Inside mount: measure as above, deduct 10mm from the width (your supplier will confirm their specific deduction allowance)

– Outside mount: measure full desired coverage area

– For double roller blinds: measure once – both rollers sit on the same dual bracket at the same width

Roman Blinds — Melbourne Measurement Guide

Roman blinds require a deeper recess for inside mount (minimum 65mm) due to the fabric folds. Outside mount is popular for roman blinds as it gives a larger, more dramatic window treatment.

– Inside mount: measure width at narrowest point, drop at longest point

– Outside mount: add 100-150mm to width for generous coverage, measure full drop from above frame to sill or below

Venetian Blinds — Melbourne Measurement Guide

Venetian blinds need accurate recess depth measurement – the headrail and slat stack require adequate depth to operate without hitting the glass.

– Aluminium venetians: minimum 55mm recess depth

– Timber venetians: minimum 75mm recess depth (deeper due to wider slats)

– Width measurement: same as roller blinds inside/outside mount method

Plantation Shutters — Melbourne Measurement Guide

Plantation shutters are the most precise to measure and are best left to a professional – small errors in shutter measurements are very costly to correct as shutters are manufactured to exact specifications and cannot be easily adjusted.

Key measurements for shutters:

– Width of each panel opening (shutters are typically split into panels)

– Height from top of recess to sill

– Recess depth — minimum 65mm for 63mm louvres, 75mm for 89mm louvres

– Check for any reveals, architraves, or obstructions

Recommendation: always use a professional measure for plantation shutters.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring only once – always measure width and drop at three points each. Windows are rarely perfectly square and a single measurement can be misleading.

Using a fabric tape measure – fabric tapes stretch and give inaccurate results. Always use a steel tape measure.

Forgetting obstructions – window handles, locks, security latches, and fly screen channels can all affect blind operation. Always note and measure around obstructions.

Measuring in centimetres – custom blind suppliers work in millimetres. Always record and provide measurements in mm.

Not checking recess depth – ordering inside mount blinds for a recess that’s too shallow is one of the most common and costly mistakes.

Assuming windows are square – they rarely are. Always take multiple measurements and use the smallest width and longest drop.

Should You Measure Yourself or Use a Professional?

For straightforward rectangular windows and standard blind types, self-measuring is manageable if you follow the steps above carefully. However, professional measuring is strongly recommended for:

– Plantation shutters – the most measurement-sensitive product

– Bay windows – require individual panel measurements and angle calculation

– Arched or shaped windows – require templates

– Large windows – harder to measure accurately solo

– Multiple windows – professionals are faster and more consistent across many windows

Skyline Shades offers free in-home measure and quote appointments across Melbourne’s southeastern and eastern suburbs. Our team measures every window accurately, checks for obstructions, assesses recess depth, and provides a clear itemised quote – so you know exactly what you’re getting before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions — Measuring Windows for Blinds Melbourne

Q: How much smaller should my blind be than the window recess for inside mount?

For inside mount roller blinds, your supplier typically deducts 10-20mm from your measured width to allow the blind to fit inside the recess without touching the sides. Always confirm the specific deduction with your supplier – Skyline Shades handles this calculation for you as part of the free measure and quote service.

Q: Can I measure my own windows for plantation shutters?

While it’s possible, professional measuring is strongly recommended for plantation shutters. Shutters are manufactured to exact specifications and small measurement errors are expensive to correct. Skyline Shades provides free in-home shutter measuring across Melbourne as part of the quote process.

Q: What if my window isn’t square?

Most windows have slight variations – they’re rarely perfectly square. This is exactly why you take multiple measurements at different points and use the smallest width and longest drop. Your blind manufacturer accounts for small variations in the production process. For significantly out-of-square windows, advise your supplier and they’ll recommend the best approach.

Q: How do I measure a bay window for blinds?

Bay windows require individual measurements for each section of the bay – treating each panel as a separate window. Measure the width and drop of each section independently and note the angle between sections. Bay windows are best measured by a professional due to the complexity of calculating individual panel widths and ensuring consistent blind heights across all sections.

Q: What is the minimum recess depth for roller blinds in Melbourne?

Most roller blinds require a minimum recess depth of 50-65mm for inside mount installation. Double roller blinds require slightly more depth – typically 70-80mm. If your recess is shallower than this, outside mount is the recommended option. Skyline Shades assesses recess depth during the free in-home measure and recommends the best mounting option for your specific windows.

How to Measure Windows for Custom Blinds Melbourne

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