How to Measure for Electric Blinds

Smart technology has transformed the way we live by aiming to simplify home life. What was once deemed a luxury is now becoming a must-have for homeowners. Today, electric blinds tick all the right aesthetic and practical boxes, offering beauty as well as comfort and protection. If you’re thinking about purchasing electric blinds, you may be wondering the best methods for measuring the different types. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know so you don’t end up with another bill for a second set, and instead, perfectly fitted electric blinds.

The Tools Needed for Measuring Electric Blinds

Measuring for new electric blinds is simple and you’ll find that you already have most of the tools you need. These include:

Pencil – use a pencil instead of a pen as you’ll be able to rub out any mistakes you make. Depending on how you choose to hang your blinds, you may need to make a few marks on the wall as go along measuring.
Paper – you'll need a piece of paper to jot down your measurements. Make sure to clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the drop.
Tape measure – we recommend using a metal tape measure and not a soft one, as it’s more rigid and won't flop about when you’re taking your measurements. It’ll also be much easier to hold it level so you can get a precise measurement of your window.

If you want to be as accurate as possible, you can add a level into your window measuring toolkit. This way you can make sure you’re measuring straight across the window frame. Generally, you can eyeball your tape measure to see if it's level. However, if you're worried about crooked measurements, or if you live in an old house with uneven window frames, a level can offer peace of mind. If you’re lucky, some metal tape measures come with a built-in level already.

Which Methods are Best Suited for Measuring Electric Blinds?

If you need help choosing electric blinds, you can use this selection guide to help you make your decision. Regardless of what style of blind type you go for, there are two ways to fit them – inside or outside the window recess. Determining which way your blinds are going to be fitted is essential when it comes to measuring.

First, let’s go over the benefits of these two methods so you can decide which is right for you:

Inside the window recess

When electric blinds are fitted inside the window recess, you’ll essentially get a picture-perfect appearance. Once fitted, blinds that fit inside the window recess will look flush with the surrounding wall, and they won't protrude past the wall. Due to this flawless look, fitting electric blinds inside the recess is a popular option. The only downside is that it offers less control over light in comparison to blinds fitted outside the recess. Light can sneak in between the edge of your blinds and the sides of your window frame with this installation method — even if you’ve gone for blackout blinds. Though, there’s ways of getting round this, for example by adding light blocking strips around the edge of your window. Or by going for method number two – fitting your electric blinds outside the window recess.

Outside the window recess

To fit your electric blinds outside the window recess, you'll have to hang them on your wall above the window. Your blinds will protrude past the edge of the window and will cover some of the wall above, below and to the left and right of your window opening. Unlike an inside fitting, this method doesn't sit flush with your wall or offer the same flawless look. However, it does the perfect job at blocking out light. Installing your electric blinds outside the window recess will of course take up wall space. Therefore, you'll need to make sure none of furniture is blocking the window, otherwise your blinds won’t hang properly.

How to Measure for the Different Styles of Electric Blinds

When it comes to taking measurements, always jot down your measurements as ‘width and then drop’. Remember – the most accurate way of measuring is done in millimetres.

How to measure for roller blinds

Step 1

Measuring the width (inside recess) – if you want your electric roller blinds inside the recess, you’ll need to take three width measurements. Measure across the top of the window, then across the middle of the window and finally across the bottom. The narrowest measurement of the three will be the one you’ll need to make a note of.

Measuring the width (outside recess) – first you’ll need to measure across the width of the window and then across the middle and bottom of your window. The smallest number of the three will be your final measurement.

Step 2

Measuring the drop (inside recess) – take three measurements over the height of your window (from the lintel to the windowsill) on the left, right and middle. Use the smallest measurement as your drop height.

Measuring the drop (outside recess) – once you have your width, measure from the top of where your fitting will sit, to where you want your blinds to drop. With an outside recess, this can be below the windowsill if you want, as long as there isn’t anything in the way.

How to measure for Roman blinds

Step 1

Measuring the width (inside recess) – grab your metal tape measure and measure the inside of the recess (recess wall to recess wall). You’ll need to do this across the top, middle and bottom of the window recess.

Measuring the width (outside recess) – if you want your electric Roman blinds to cover up the entire recess of your window then you should add at least 150mm to your inside recess measurements. Or alternatively, you can just measure to the exact spot you want your blinds to cover.

Step 2

Measuring the drop (inside recess) – measure from the top of the recess to the windowsill and do this across the left, middle and right of the window.

Measuring the drop (outside recess) – if you want your blinds to cover up the entire recess of your window then you need to add at least 150mm to your inside recess measurements. Another way of doing this is to just measure to the point that you want your blinds to drop to.

How to measure for Venetian blinds

Step 1

Measuring the width (inside recess) – place your metal tape measure within the inside window recess and measure across the inside of the frame (from one end to the other). You should do this at the top and bottom of the frame, as not all windows are perfectly square. If this is the case for your window, use the measurement that’s the shortest as a guide for when you buy your electric Venetian blinds. This way you can be sure you’ll have blinds that fit properly from top to bottom.

Measuring the width (outside recess) – place your tape measure on the outer edge of your window frame and measure across the width of the window to the opposite edge.

Step 2

Measuring the drop (inside recess) – measure the drop of the recess, do the left side first, then the middle and finish with the right side. The shortest measurement of the three is the drop length you’ll need.

Measuring the drop (outside recess) – measure the drop from the top of the window frame to where you’d like your blinds to end. This could be the end of the frame, or if you’d prefer for your electric blinds to end at a different point that’s also possible, for example the floor.

Summary

Once you have all your measurements, you’re ready to start shopping for your electric blinds. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able get the perfect fit for your home, making the process much more smooth sailing. Before you know it, your electric blinds will be fitted, and they’ll be the envy of all who visit your home.

To learn more about electric blinds and additional features you can purchase for them – get in touch with the Somfy team today or find your closest Somfy dealer.