Windows & Furnishings · 7 min read · Beginner

How to Measure for Blinds: Recess vs Exact Fit

Measure correctly for inside-recess or face/exact-fit blinds and avoid the common mistake of making deductions your supplier will also make.

Key points & steps

Choose the fitting style first: recess fitting places the blind inside the window opening, while exact/face fitting covers the opening from the wall or front of the recess.
For a recess fit, measure the width at the top, middle and bottom and the drop at the left, centre and right. Use the smallest relevant measurements unless your chosen supplier instructs otherwise.
Check recess depth and obstructions such as handles, vents, tiles or inward-opening windows before assuming a blind can sit fully inside the recess.
Do not automatically subtract a universal amount from recess measurements. Many made-to-measure suppliers ask for the actual recess size and make their own manufacturing deduction.
For an exact/face fit, decide the overlap you want beyond the opening on the top, sides and bottom, taking account of radiators, sills, handles and light leakage.
Measure in millimetres with a rigid metal tape and record width before drop to reduce ordering mistakes.
For roller blinds, remember that the fabric width can be narrower than the overall bracket-to-bracket width. Check how your supplier defines the ordered width.
Bay windows, partly tiled recesses, no-drill systems and unusual frames need supplier-specific measuring instructions rather than a generic deduction.

Measure every window separately; apparently identical windows can vary by several millimetres.
The narrowest point of a partly tiled recess may control the blind size.
Before placing a made-to-measure order, compare your numbers directly with the supplier’s own recess/exact terminology.