Accurate measurements are the key to a perfect fit. Follow this simple guide for all our blinds — roller, venetian, vertical, zebra and shutters. Measure in millimetres, width first, and always give us the smallest measurement.
Grab a steel tape measure and write your measurements down as you go. Always measure in millimetres (mm), record width first then drop (height), and do each window separately — even windows that look identical are often a few millimetres apart.
Every blind is fitted one of two ways. Decide this first — it changes how you measure.
The blind sits neatly inside the window frame for a clean, built-in look with no overlap. Needs enough depth in the recess to mount the blind. Best for square, deep recesses.
The blind mounts on the wall or architrave above the window and covers the whole opening. Gives the best blockout and privacy, and hides out-of-square windows. Best for shallow recesses.
Measure both ways, send us the figures and a quick photo, and we'll recommend the neatest, best-performing option for each window. Or book a free in-home measure and we'll do it all.
Measure the actual recess. Don't take anything off for clearance — we make the deductions so the blind runs freely.
Measure across the recess in three places — top, middle and bottom. Recesses are rarely perfectly square, so use the smallest width.
Measure from the top of the recess down to the sill, in three places. Again, use the smallest drop.
We make the deduction. Give us the exact recess sizes. We take off a small amount (typically around 5mm in total) so the blind fits and runs freely — don't deduct anything yourself.
Here you decide the area the blind will cover. Add overlap so light can't sneak around the edges.
Measure the width of the area you want to cover, then add overlap each side. We suggest at least 50mm each side of the window.
Measure from where you want the top of the blind to sit down to where you want it to finish. Add about 100mm at the top and bottom for the best light control and privacy.
Give us the exact size you want covered. For an outside fit there's no deduction — the measurements you provide are the finished size of the blind.
Book a free in-home measure across Auckland. We bring the full sample range, measure every window precisely on site, and quote — usually same day. Outside Auckland? We supply made-to-measure blinds NZ-wide.
Book my free measure →The width-and-drop method above works for every blind. These extras help you get it spot-on for each style.
Work as an inside or outside fit. For an inside fit, check there's clearance for the handle/chain and that nothing (a window winder or tile lip) fouls the roll.
Inside fit is recommended for the cleanest look and best light control. Make sure the recess is deep enough for the headrail and the tilt to clear.
Measure the exact width and drop. Allow for the stack — the side the vanes pull to when open — so they don't block your view or a door handle.
Measure like a roller blind, inside or outside fit. Allow a little extra drop so the sheer and solid bands still overlap when the blind is down.
Inside fit gives the neatest, framed finish — but the recess must be square and deep enough for the frame and louvre clearance. Out-of-square openings often suit an outside fit.
Send your numbers and a photo, or book a free measure. We'd rather check than have a blind that doesn't fit — and our measure is free, with no obligation.
For an inside (recess) fit, the recess needs enough depth (front to back) to hold the blind. As a rough guide:
Depths are a guide only; more may be needed for larger blinds or certain installations. We confirm everything at your free measure.