MEASURING A WINDOW

When measuring a window for curtains or a blind it is important to measure it in a number of places to get a mean size of the window. Never assume the window is perfectly shaped, especially if in an old building. Take three measurements vertically down the window length, one measurement at each end and one down the middle. Take three measurements horizontally across the window width, one at each end of the window and one across the middle.

ROMAN BLIND

TIPS

• Before starting your roman blind always consider what side you want to pull blind up from.

• Roman blind kits: there are kits which include track, Velcro, tapes for rods, lathe for the bottom, cords, the pulling system, the toggle, everything needed is provided, perfect for DIY person.

• If not using the DIY version then roman blinds should always be lined so that the pockets can be made out of the lining and the pattern is not lost. The lining also helps to block light.

• Sew and stick Velcro is perfect for roman blinds. The sticky side is prickly and that is stuck to the wood or track. A staple at each end and at regular intervals will make the Velcro impossible to come away from the track or wood. It can’t just be stuck to the window. The sew on side needs to be sewn on to the top of the roman blind. At the back of a roman blind there are strings and pockets so ensure the track is fixed at least an inch away from any obstruction, eg, the glass or window furnishing.

WHERE TO POSITION A ROMAN BLIND

• Blinds can go in the recess of a window or outside a window.

• Roman blinds in the recess: The roman blind within a window recess must have a minimal gap on each side of the window to allow for ease of movement pulling up and down. The curtain track must be on the top flat part of the architrave. You must measure the window in the six points outlined earlier; top, middle and bottom on both width and length of window. If it’s a recess blind you are measuring for watch out for any tiles or latches protruding. Make sure the blind is in a position that it can move freely without catching on window furniture. If necessary the track may need to be fixed into the top of the recess of the window.

• Measure three ways across the window and three ways down the window. If you come back with different measurements at each part of the window then you would pick just under the smallest length but very close to it as you don’t want to over compensate elsewhere.

• The track must always be level even if the length of the window is different in the three places. Never hang it at an angle to compensate. When you measure the vertical lengths you don’t want the fabric to touch the cill of the window as it will absorb moisture and dirt so you will have to do it just under the shortest length, recommended about 0.5".

• Roman blinds outside the recess: If you choose to put your roman blinds outside of the recess then don’t go too far, go no more than an inch outside of the finished window. If you have an old house with architrave do it on the edge of the architrave. It should not be like a pair of curtains over the window, only enough so the light cannot reflect into the room so about an inch either side. As with recess still measure the six points of the window but you don’t have to be so precise.

• With the roman blind out of a recess, in our opinion the blind should be a maximum 6 inches above the window. If you go higher than 6", there is the chance that the top of window will show. If you are still unsure of how much fabric you will need for your blinds or have any other questions on roman blinds then please don't hesitate to click email us or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and we will get back to you.