How To Measure

Measuring your windows to ensure a perfect fit can be a very daunting task, that is why we have put together a comprehensive instruction guide for you to use. Read below and select your measuring guide from the option below to see full instructions.

If you follow our how to measure guide thoroughly, you will be able to do it like a pro…

Important Things To Remember...

  1. Always use a metal tape measure, a cloth tape measure will not be accurate
  2. We require all of your measurements in millimetres
  3. Do not round your measurements, we require the measurements to the exact millimetre (mm)
  4. Measure width then drop in this order, try not to get these mixed up
  5. Measure every window, there might be slight variations even if they are duplicate windows and this could affect your window furnishings fitting perfectly
  6. Do not take your measurements from house plans as they are not accurate
  7. If measuring with a partner, make sure the measurements are repeated out loud as they are written down
  8. Double, and triple check all details are correct before ordering and remember not to deduct anything off any Recess Fit measurements as we will do this to ensure a perfect fit

Different between Back (Standard) Roll and Waterfall (Front) Roll

1. Choose Recess or Face Fixed

A Recess Fit (Inside Mount) fits on the inside of the window casing. A Face Fit (Outside Mount) will always hang on the architrave just above the window, or on the wall above the window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess Mount

Choosing a Recess Fit

  • Number one mount type chosen, higher aesthetics than face mounted
  • Give your window a clean, simple look
  • Highlight attractive window architraves
  • Make your windows appear slimmer and your walls more spacious
Face Fixed Mount

Choosing a Face Fixed Fit

  • Minimise light gaps and offer more privacy
  • Make your window appear larger
  • Hide windows that are crooked or unattractive
  • Clear obstructions in the window recess (like winders, knobs, etc) that would interfere with a Recess Fit

2. Measuring for Roller Blinds

We only work with the total size, which is bracket to bracket, please do not provide us with ‘cloth width’ measurements, simply follow our easy instructions below to get the perfect fit every time

If you need to ask any questions, call, talk with us via live chat, or send us an e-mail, we’ll be happy to help window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess (Inside Fit) Roller Blinds

Venetian_Recess_Measure

First, determine if you have enough depth to fit the blind within the recess

If you have enough depth in your recess then:

A.   Measure the width in mm on the inside of the window frame from left side to right side in three places (Top, Centre, and Bottom) and use the smallest of the three measurements.

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the inside recess to the base of the inside sill in three places (Left, Centre, Right) and use the smallest of the three measurements.

Watch out for any obstructions within the recess such as window winders, knobs, handles, inwards opening windows, etc. 

 

70mm of depth is Sufficient for our Single Roller Blind. As an waterfall roll, the fabric and blind will sit fully inside the opening with this depth, and since the fabric will come over the top of the tube, it will clear any obstructions that are inside the opening.

For a Back Roll Single Roller Blind, you will need at least 45mm of space from the nearest obstruction to the front of the recess to mount the brackets and for the blind to fit. The Roller tube may protrude out into the room slightly at the top but the fabric will still be inside the opening due to the roll direction.

90mm of depth is Sufficient for our Dual (Day Night) Roller Blinds, this will ensure the blind is fully inside the opening.

Both blinds will be forward rolled by default for our Dual (Day Night) Roller Blinds so that they will clear any obstructions inside of the opening.

Important… DO NOT make any deductions or allowances to your Recess Fit measurements.

If you do not have enough room for a recess fit, go for a face fix blind.

Face Fixed (Outside Fit) Roller Blinds

Venetian_Face_Measure
Watch out for any obstructions such as a protruding window sill, desk, beds, etc when deciding where your blind will drop to

For a  Face Fixed Fit, we will make your blind including brackets to your exact measurements you give us, we don’t use ‘cloth width’ measurements

 

A.   Measure the width in mm from the outer edge of the architrave to the opposite edge, make sure you measure at the top of your architrave as this is where your blind will be mounted

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish

 

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind 100-200mm below the sill

A Back Rolled Blind is always recommended for Face Fits as the cloth sits closer to the wall to block more light.

If you do not have Architraves (timber frame) around your Window

 

A.   Measure the width of the opening and add at least 100mm. This will allow the cloth to cover it by approximately 35mm past each side.

B.   Measure the drop from the top of the opening to where you want your blind to finish, add at least 100mm to allow the blind to be mounted above the opening.

Top Tip:

Dual (Day Night) Roller blind alternative: Two Single Roller Blinds, one within the recess, and one on the same window as a face fixed back roll, and possibly finishing it off with a pelmet / valance over the top. If you do this you need to make sure the inside blind is not protruding out into the room, so you will need the regular 70mm of recess depth for it to fit inside completely

Things to Know: Light Gaps for Recess Roller Blinds

There will be a gap between the cloth and side of the Recess of approximately 20mm on the chain control side and 10-20mm on the pin end side. This is to allow for the brackets and blind components to fit inside the reveal, the fabric must be cut narrower than the operating mechanisms at the top. Squareness of your windows could also exaggerate this gap.

Remember your window likely does not have glass running completely to the edge of the recess but rather into the actual glass frame, which should mitigate and/or eliminate this gap entirely

If potential light gaps are not acceptable for you, consider these options in spaces like Bedrooms, and Theater Rooms where you would prefer the most privacy and blockout:

  • Adding Drapery (Curtains) to cover the light gaps
  • Choosing a Back Rolled Face Fixed Roller Blind in it’s place, or adding one over the top of it on the same window (A solar or other single blind inside, and a blockout single roller blind as a back roll face fixed)
  • Choosing another product (eg. Venetian Blinds)

How To Measure For Venetian Blinds - Plaswood, Wood and Aluminium

1. Choose Recess or Face Fixed

A Recess Fit (Inside Mount) fits on the inside of the window casing. A Face Fit (Outside Mount) will always hang on the architrave just above the window, or on the wall above the window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess Mount

Choosing a Recess Fit

  • Number one mount type chosen, higher aesthetics than face mounted
  • Give your window a clean, simple look
  • Highlight attractive window architraves
  • Make your windows appear slimmer and your walls more spacious
Face Fixed Mount

Choosing a Face Fixed Fit

  • Minimise light gaps and offer more privacy
  • Make your window appear larger
  • Hide windows that are crooked or unattractive
  • Clear obstructions in the window recess (like winders, knobs, etc) that would interfere with a Recess Fit

2. Measuring for Plaswood or Wooden Venetian Blinds

If you need to ask any questions, call, talk with us via live chat, or send us an e-mail, we’ll be happy to help window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess (Inside Fit) Plaswood or Wooden Venetian Blinds

Venetian_Recess_Measure

First, determine if you have enough depth to mount the blind.

80mm is Sufficient, less will result in the blind protruding out of the recess.

Watch out for any obstructions within the recess such as window winders, knobs, handles, etc.

A.   Measure the width in mm on the inside of the window frame from left side to right side in three places (Top, Centre, Bottom) and use the smallest of the three measurements.

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the inside recess to the base of the inside sill in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

Important… DO NOT make any deductions or allowances on your Recess Fit measurements as we will do this to ensure a perfect fit

More on window winders and obstructions:

Some window winders have the ability to be collapsed on themselves, creating more space. If your window winder protrudes into your required depth clearance, we recommend face mounting your blind

Face Fixed (Outside Fit) Wooden or Plaswood Venetian Blinds

Venetian_Face_Measure

Watch out for any obstructions such as a protruding window sill, desk, beds, et cetera when deciding where your blind will drop to

For Face Fit, we will make your blind including brackets to your exact measurements you give us

 

A.   Measure the width in mm from the outer edge of the architrave to the opposite edge

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind a further 30-100mm below the sill (in addition to measurement B)

For full length windows we recommend that you measure to 8mm off the floor

If you are putting your Venetian blind into a pelmet, the blind will need to be fixed into the roof of the pelmet, so please notify us in the checkout notes that you will need recess brackets for your Venetian. 

If you do not have Architraves (timber frame) around your Window

 

A.   Measure the width of the opening and add 30-100mm to allow the blind to go past the opening, this will provide better light and privacy control

B.   Measure the drop of the opening from the top to where you want your blind to finish, in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind 30-100mm below the sill

For full length windows we recommend that you measure to 8mm off the floor

Then add 60mm so that the blind can be mounted above the opening

3. Measuring for 50mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

If you need to ask any questions, call, talk with us via live chat, or send us an e-mail, we’ll be happy to help window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess (Inside Fit) 50mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Venetian_Recess_Measure

First, determine if you have enough depth to mount the blind.

70mm is Sufficient, less will result in the blind protruding out of the recess.

Watch out for any obstructions within the recess such as window winders, knobs, handles, etc.

A.   Measure the width in mm on the inside of the window frame from left side to right side in three places (Top, Centre, Bottom) and use the smallest of the three

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the inside recess to the base of the inside sill in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

Important   DO NOT make any deductions or allowances on your Recess Fit measurements as we will do this to ensure a perfect fit

More on window winders and obstructions:

Some window winders have the ability to be collapsed on themselves, creating more space. If your window winder protrudes into your required depth clearance, we recommend face mounting your blind.

Face Fixed (Outside Fit) 50mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Venetian_Face_Measure

Watch out for any obstructions such as a protruding window sill, desk, beds, et cetera when deciding where your blind will drop too

For Face Fit, we will make your blind including brackets to your exact measurements you give us

A.   Measure the width in mm from the outer edge of the architrave to the to the opposite edge

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind 30-100mm below the sill

For full length windows we recommend that you measure to 8mm off the floor

If you are putting our Custom Soft Padded Pelmet over your face fix Venetian blind, the blind will actually need to be fixed into the roof of the pelmet, so order it as a recess fit. Add the necessary drop to your blind if you are raising the pelmet above the architrave.

If you do not have Architraves around your Window

 

A.   Measure the width of the opening and add 30-100mm to allow the blind to go past the opening, this will provide better light and privacy control

B.   Measure the drop of the opening from the top to where you want your blind to finish, in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind 30-100mm below the sill

For full length windows we recommend that you measure to 8mm off the floor

then add 60mm so that the blind can be mounted above the opening.

4. Measuring for 25mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

If you need to ask any questions, call, talk with us via live chat, or send us an e-mail, we’ll be happy to help window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess (Inside Fit) 25mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Venetian_Recess_Measure

First, determine if you have enough depth to mount the blind.

60mm is Sufficient, less will result in the blind protruding out of the recess.

Watch out for any obstructions within the recess such as window winders, knobs, handles, etc.

A.   Measure the width in mm on the inside of the window frame from left side to right side in three places (Top, Centre, Bottom) and use the smallest of the three measurements

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the inside recess to the base of the inside sill in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

Important… DO NOT make any deductions or allowances on your Recess Fit measurements as we will do this to ensure a perfect fit.

Face Fixed (Outside Fit) 25mm Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Venetian_Face_Measure

Watch out for any obstructions such as a protruding window sill, desk, beds, et cetera when deciding where your blind will drop too

For Face Fit, we will make your blind including brackets to your exact measurements you give us

 

A.   Measure the width in mm from the outer edge of the architrave to the to the opposite edge

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind 50-100mm below the sill

For full length windows we recommend that you measure to 8mm off the floor

If you do not have Architraves around your Window

A.   Measure the width of the opening and add 30-100mm to allow the blind to go past the opening, this will provide better light and privacy control

B.   Measure the drop of the opening from the top to where you want your blind to finish, in 3 places – Left, Centre, Right and take the smallest of the three measurements

For shorter drop windows we recommend that you take the blind 30-100mm below the sill

For full length windows we recommend that you measure to 8mm off the floor

Then add 30-100mm so that the blind can be mounted above the opening.

 

How To Measure For Vertical Blinds

1. Choose Recess or Face Fixed

A Recess Fit (Inside Mount) fits on the inside of the window casing. A Face Fit (Outside Mount) will always hang on the architrave just above the window, or on the wall above the window if you have no architraves. We recommend a Recess Fit whenever possible.

Recess Mount

Choosing a Recess Fit

  • Give your window a clean, simple look
  • Highlight attractive window architraves
  • Make your windows appear slimmer and your walls more spacious
Face Fixed Mount

Choosing a Face Fixed Fit

  • Most popular mount type for Verticals
  • Minimise light gaps and offer more privacy
  • Make your window appear larger
  • Hide windows that are crooked or unattractive
  • Clear obstructions in the window recess (like winders, knobs, etc) that would interfere with a Recess Fit 

2. Measuring for Vertical Blinds

If you need to ask any questions, call, talk with us via live chat, or e-mail us, we’ll be happy to help

Recess (Inside Fit) Vertical Blinds

Vertical_Recess_Measure

First, determine if you have enough depth to mount the blind.

100mm is Sufficient for our 90mm Slat Vertical Blinds, the minimum is 65mm however your slats will protrude when open but will not detract from the product

135mm is Sufficient for our 127mm Slat Vertical Blinds, the minimum is 80mm however your slats will protrude when open but will not detract from the product

Watch out for any obstructions within the recess such as window winders, knobs, handles, etc. most window winders would not pose a problem as when the slats are open they should be able to slot around them easily, the same is also true when the slats are closed as the blinds will not project as much into the recess. Our Vertical Blinds also do not have connecting chains at the bottom for a much more stylish finish so they cannot get caught. Some window winders are also able to be folded in on themselves to create more space.

A.   Measure the width in mm on the inside of the window frame from left side to right side. Make sure to measure at the top of the reveal and not the bottom of the window, as this is where your track will be mounted

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the inside recess to the base of the inside sill or floor. Measure in 3 places – Left, Centre and Right and take the smallest of the three measurements.

Important… DO NOT make any deductions or allowances on your Recess Fit measurements as we will do this to ensure a perfect fit.

Face Fixed (Outside Fit) Vertical Blinds

Vertical_Face_Measure

Watch out for any obstructions such as a protruding window sill, desk, beds, et cetera when deciding where your blind will drop too

For Face Fit, we will make your blind including tracks and brackets to your exact measurements you give us

A.   Measure the width in mm from the outer edge of the architrave to the opposite edge

B.   Measure the drop in mm from the top of the architrave to where you want the blind to finish

For shorter drop windows

On shorter drop windows, If you do not have a protruding window sill base we recommend that you take the blind 50-100mm below the sill

For full length windows we recommend you measure to 10mm off the floor

C.   We recommend that you add 40-100mm on each side of the architrave (80-200mm total) to your width measurement in step A. This will help reduce the gap at the side of the blind providing better light control and more privacy Ensure there is enough room to do this either side

If you do not have Architraves (timber frame) around your Window

A.   Measure the width of the opening and add at least 120mm, this will allow more privacy and light control

B.   Measure the drop from the top of the opening to where you want your blind to finish, add at least 70-100mm to allow the blind to be mounted above the opening. Ensure you have this amount of space above so that the blind will fit.

How To Measure For Corner Windows

1. Deciding the Run Through and Butting Blind

Corner_Measure_Butting_Blind

When mounting your blinds into a corner window, one blind will run through and one blind will butt into the other blind, as shown in the diagram.

First you must decide which blind will be the one to run through. We generally recommend that the blind running through is the one that is facing the front of the house or where you want to achieve the most privacy, to stop vision down the gap between the butting blind.

Tip: If you are having trouble visualising the corner because it’s on a different angle, print out this section/page, and simply rotate the page so it aligns with how the corner looks in person.

 

2. Measuring for Corner Windows

Please be sure to state in the window name, when placing your order, that it is for a corner window.

Recess (Inside Fit) Corner Blinds

Corner_Measure_Recess

Below is only a guide to illustrate how to measure for corner windows. If you are Recess Fitting, check for depth requirements are met to ensure your blind will fit inside. If you need help visualising, cut out a piece of cardboard to put inside the opening, cut it to the same depth that the blind will be (check each measuring section, for example single roller blinds are 75mm in depth)

It’s important you consult and follow each products individual measuring section.

A.   For the Run Through Blind (Inside fit) Measure the inside recess width from one end to the other, best to measure in three places, top, centre and bottom and use the smallest of the three measurements.

B.   Measure the width in mm for the butting blind, from the inner corner to the outer edge of the recess

Do not make any further deductions for recess mount blinds as we will do that depending on the product. If your depth is a tight fit for your blind feel free to deduct a further 3mm.

Next you need to measure the drop, again it’s best to measure in three spots, Left, Centre, and Right, use the smallest of the three measurements.

The Blinds will sit flush with the front of the reveal.

It’s always best to have the controls of the blind on the outer edges away from the point where the blinds are meeting, this will also ensure an easy mounting point for the child safety mechanisms.

Face Fixed Corner Blinds

Corner_Measure_Face

It’s important you consult and follow each product’s individual measuring section.

A.  For Face Fixed mount measure from the corner to the outer edge of the architrave as shown in the diagram. Measure blinds A across the outside face of the corner window, along the surface to which the blinds will be fitted. Add the necessary amount if your blind is going past the architrave on the outer edge (depends on what product you selected, again consult each products measuring section, generally only verticals go past the architraves).

B.   Measure for the Butting blind exactly the same as in step A.

Then subtract the amount below on the width in mm from your measurement of the Butting Blind only.

Roller Blind (Face Fixed):

Deduct 85mm off the width of the butting Roller Blind

Double Roller Blinds (Face Fixed):

Deduct 100mm off the width of the butting Double Roller Blind

Wooden and Plaswood Venetians (Face Fixed):

Deduct 80mm off the width of the butting Venetian Blind

Aluminium Venetians (Face Fixed):

deduct 40mm off the width of the butting blind for 25mm slats
deduct 80mm off the width of the butting blind for 50mm slats

Vertical Blinds:

deduct 103mm off the width of the butting Vertical blind with 90mm slats
deduct 135mm off the width of the butting Vertical blind with 127mm slats

An Example for Roller Blinds:

Blind A is 2000mm and is the through blind
Blind B is 2000mm and is the butting blind

We need to deduct 85mm on the width from butting blind B

2000-85mm = 1915mm

Blind A width is 2000mm
Blind B width is 1915mm

Tricky Windows?

If you are unsure, it’s always best to send us a photo, we wouldn’t want any mistakes to happen! We will best advise the correct way to order

info@canyonblinds.co.za

How To Measure For Bay Windows

Please make us aware that the windows are bay window blinds in the ‘Blind Name’ on the order page. E.g. Bay Window Left, Bay Window Middle, Bay Window Right

You will need cardboard to help you correctly assess the measurements for your bay windows. First determine the depth of the product you are mounting and use this for the width of your poster board. You can obtain this depth above on the measurement section for the specific product. (For example, a single roller blind is 70mm)

Next, cut out two pieces of cardboard that are the width of the product depth by 300mm (30cm) long. If extra clearance requires the use of extension brackets or spacer blocks, include the extra clearance to the width dimension of the cardboard. If you are Recess fitting them, you will now be able to tell if your blinds can fit inside the recess. For Face Fixed fitting, you will need to place the cardboard at a 90-degree angle to the architrave face.

Place the strips you have cut as shown below. Position strip “A” in the left angle first, then bring together strips “A” and “B” until the front corners of the poster board meet. This will give you the correct angle. Mark points “A” and “B”. Repeat for strips “C” and “D”. (Either on the flat base inside the window, or putting them on the face of the architrave and marking their spot with a pencil)

Bay_Window_Measure

Measure from the left corner of “B” to the right corner of “C” to determine the width measurement of the centre window treatment. Measure from the right corner of “A” outward to the desired width to determine the width measurement of the left window treatment. Measure from the left corner of “D” outward to the desired width to determine the width measurement of the right window treatment.

Important: Please make us aware that the windows are bay window blinds in the ‘room name’ on the order page. E.g. Bay Window Left, Bay Window Middle, Bay Window Right

Do not make further deductions, we will make a small deduction on the middle blind.

For Roller Blinds, it’s always best to over roll bay windows as there is less of a gap between each blind’s fabrics

Product Depths (for cardboard templates):

Single Roller Blinds: 70mm
Double Roller Blinds: 90mm
25mm Aluminium Venetians: 55mm
50mm Aluminium Venetians: 70mm
PVC & Timber Venetians: 80mm
127mm Vertical Blinds: 80mm
90mm Vertical Blinds: 65mm

If you are unsure, best to ask us first!

Please consult with us, we will need a photo – info@canyonblinds.co.za.

You still need to select Recess or Face Fixed on the order page.

Mounting Onto Doors

Please specify in checkout notes these are made for mounting onto doors

Doors_Measure

Single Roller Blinds

A.  Measure the width of the glass from left to right. Add 50-100mm total to the width. This will allow the fabric to sit either side of the glass

B.   Measure the drop of the glass from top to bottom. Add a minimum of 100mm to the drop (50mm top and bottom)

The fabric will project 10mm from the door with an under roll

The total blind with brackets will project out around 80mm from the door

Please be aware of any protrusions or obstructions (such as a door handle). You may need to adjust your width measurements to cater for these. (see below section)

50mm is the minimum measurement to add, if you add 50mm the fabric will cover approx 8-10mm on each side. Add more to cover more of your glass, provided your door width allows for it. (You can read about light gaps and roller blinds on the roller blind section). The fabric width is always less than the width you supply to accommodate for the operating mechanisms, we work with bracket to bracket sizes. The cloth will be 20mm less on the chain end side and about 12-15mm on the pin end side. We always recommend an under roll to minimise light gaps (provided it won’t interfere with your door handles).

25mm Aluminium Venetians

A.   Measure the width of the glass from left to right. Add 20-100mm total to the width. This will allow the blind to sit either side of the window.

B.   Measure the drop of the glass from top to bottom. Add a minimum of 100mm to the drop (50mm top and bottom)

These measurements may need to be adjusted to accommodate the size of your door frames

The blind will project approx 45mm from the door

Please be aware of any protrusions or obstructions (such as a door handle). You may need to adjust your measurements to cater for these.

50mm Aluminium, Plaswood or Wooden Venetians

A.   Measure the width of the glass from left to right. Add 20-100mm total to the width. This will allow the blind to sit either side of the glass.

B.   Measure the drop of the glass from top to bottom. Add a minimum of 100mm to the drop (50mm top and bottom)

These measurements may need to be adjusted to accommodate the size of your door frames

The blind will project approx 70-80mm from the door, depending on if fascia is used

Please be aware of any protrusions or obstructions (such as a door handle). You may need to adjust your measurements to cater for these.

All our products are made locally, using the best quality components and materials. We only use trusted suppliers and can therefore offer our customers the best made to measure blinds and shutters on the market.

We sell high quality blinds and shutters at the best rates on the market. 

Although we have excellent quality products, we don’t let that determine our pricing.

Found the same quality blinds or shutters somewhere else for cheaper? Challenge us to beat the price.

We offer delivery of your blinds and/or shutters to all our customers in Gauteng, at low rates. Select this option during your checkout and have your order dropped off at your door.

Installing your own blinds and/or shutters can cause all sorts of problems. Why not make use of our installation service and let our experts take care of it for you.

Simply select “delivery and installation” during your checkout.

Our team at Canyon Blinds have all the knowledge you need to make sure you purchase the best window dressings for your home. 

We consider not just design and style, but also functionality and practicality. Let us help you decide on the perfect blinds and/or shutters.