Measuring for Blinds and Curtains: Brisbane Installation Guide

Why Measuring Matters

Blinds must fit precisely to operate smoothly. Even a few millimetres error causes binding or gaps. Light leaks through gaps. Blinds that bind wear out fast.

Curtains need accurate measuring for proper fullness and length. Too little fabric looks skimpy. Too much bunches awkwardly. Length affects how curtains hang and pool.

Brisbane homes often have irregularities. Older Queenslanders and pre-war homes rarely have perfectly square frames. Windows can be out of level or plumb. Measuring must account for these issues.

Inside Mount vs Outside Mount

Inside mount fits blinds within the window frame. The blind sits flush with the wall. Neat appearance. You need enough depth in the frame for the blind mechanism. Measure the recess precisely.

Outside mount fixes blinds to the wall above the window. The blind overlaps the frame. This covers more area and blocks more light. Easier to install if the frame is shallow or uneven.

Inside mount looks neater. Outside mount is more practical. Choose based on your window frame condition and available depth.

• Inside: Neat, requires frame depth
• Outside: Practical, covers more

Measuring for Blinds

Width for inside mount: Measure the recess width at top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement. Subtract a few millimetres for clearance. Blinds need room to move freely.

Height for inside mount: Measure from top of recess to sill at left, centre, and right. Use the longest measurement. The blind should touch the sill when lowered.

Width for outside mount: Measure the frame width. Add at least 50mm each side for overlap. More overlap blocks more light.

Height for outside mount: Measure from mounting position above frame to desired bottom point. Add enough to cover the frame completely.

Measuring for Curtains

Width depends on fullness wanted. For standard fullness, multiply track or rod length by two. For luxury fullness, multiply by three. More fabric creates richer folds.

Track or rod should extend past the window frame. Add at least 150mm each side. When curtains are open, they clear the glass completely. More extension looks better.

Height from track or rod to desired bottom point. Floor-length curtains should just touch or puddle slightly. Sill-length curtains sit on the sill. Apron-length curtains hang below the sill.

Allow for heading type. Pinch pleats, eyelets, and S-folds use different amounts of fabric. The curtain maker calculates this. Provide accurate rod or track length and desired finished length.

Common Brisbane Challenges

Uneven frames are typical. Measure at multiple points. Use the most restrictive measurement. Account for the worst case.

Sloping sills affect blind length. The blind needs to clear the highest point of the sill. Measure to this point.

Timber shrinkage happens in Brisbane’s humidity changes. Frames can expand and contract. Leave a bit more clearance for timber-framed windows.

High ceilings need special tools. Measuring accurately above two metres is hard. Professionals have tools for this.

Tools Needed

Steel tape measure is essential. Cloth tapes stretch and give wrong measurements. Use a quality steel tape at least three metres long.

Level checks if frames are plumb. A small spirit level works. This reveals if the window is crooked.

Step ladder reaches high windows safely. Measuring at full stretch gives poor accuracy. Use a stable ladder.

Notepad records all measurements. Write them down immediately. Do not trust memory. Note which window each measurement belongs to.

Common Questions

Should I measure myself or get a professional?

Professional measuring is safer. Mistakes cost money when blinds arrive wrong size. Most suppliers offer free measuring. This guarantees accuracy and removes your risk. DIY measuring works for simple windows if you are confident.

How precise do measurements need to be?

Blinds need millimetre accuracy. Curtains have more tolerance. A few centimetres error in curtain width is fine. Blinds must be exact. This is why professional measuring matters for blinds.

What if my windows are different sizes?

Measure each window separately. Do not assume windows are identical even if they look the same. Write down measurements with window locations. Each blind or curtain needs individual measuring.

When to Call a Professional

Professional measurers have experience with Brisbane homes. They know common issues and how to handle them. Measurement is usually free. The peace of mind is worth it.

Atlas Blind & Curtain offers Free Measure and Quote Service across Brisbane, Ipswich, and Logan. We measure accurately, account for irregularities, and guarantee correct sizing. No obligation to purchase.