C L A I R E ' S T O P T I P S

A metal measuring tape is a must for accuracy
Measurements must be given in centimetres
Check, check and check again. The phrase ‘measure twice, cut once’ has never been more appropriate when measuring up for curtains and blinds.

If in any doubt please call us on: 07904383777

Roman Blinds

S A F E T Y F I R S T

If you have babies or young children who live in or visit your house you should read our safety advice & tips for roman blinds here.

G E N E R A L T I P S

• For large windows 2 roman blinds side by side sometimes works better than one large bulky one.

• Take all measurements in centimetres

• Use a metal tape measure for increased accuracy

• Check all measurements twice.

If any of the following are true, then the blind should be positioned outside the recess:

• The window recess is less than 4cm.

• The window opens inwards.

• The recess is not square (or wonky to use a non technical term); the recess width varies by more than 2cm when measured at different points OR recess height varies by more than 2cm when measured at different points OR diagonal distances differs by more than 2cm (see example diagram below where A not = B)

I N S I D E T H E R E C E S S

Advantages: Easier to fit as it can be attached to the top of the window frame.

Disadvantage: Once pulled up it will obscure the top part of the window and block light into the room. Note: For recessed roman blinds the actual dimension of the roman blind will be reduced by 1cm all-round to ensure it fits in the recess.

A - Width

Measure across the width in several places (we recommend, top middle and bottom) and take the smallest measurement. We will reduce the width by a further 1cm to ensure that it hangs freely and does not drag against the side of the window recess.

B - Height

Measure the height in several places (we recommend top, middle and bottom) and take the smallest measurement. We will reduce the height by a further 1cm to ensure that it hangs freely and does not drag against the side of the window recess.

Recess

Measure the recess depth from front to back. Note down which side you want the blind cord to hang and that the roman blind is recessed.

O U T S I D E T H E R E C E S S

Advantage: Once pulled up it will not obscure the top part of the window.

Disadvantage: Harder to fit as it has to be fixed to a solid wall.

A -Width

Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap each side of the window. We recommend between 5cm and 10cm on each side. The more over lap the less light will seep in around the edges.

B -Height

Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap top and bottom. We recommend just below the sill and between 10cm and 15cm above (to ensure that when pulled up the blind does not obscure the top of the window).

C -

Also measure from the installation height to the floor. Note down which side you want the blind cord to hang and A that the roman blind is not recessed.

Winding Mechanisms

S I D E W I N D E R

The top bar contains a winding mechanism that pulls up the blind fabric and is operated by a side chain. Smoother operation when used with larger roman blind sizes.

More formal look.
High quality heavy duty metal mechanism.
Choice of chain colours.

C O R D & C L E A T

The mechanism works on a pulley mechanism. The cord on the left or right of the blind is used to raise the blind. The cord is tied off on the metal cleat fixed to the side of the window once the blind is raised.

More casual look.
Slightly less obtrusive.

Curtains

With curtains you must fit the track or pole on to the wall before measuring the drop of your curtain. Any change in pole height will change how the curtain falls.

Curtains on a Pole

W I D T H

If you are using a pole, measure the distance between the two finials (decorative ends) to give you the total pole width . A - This figure is your curtain width.

C U R T A I N D R O P

Decide on where you would like your curtains to finish.

B - For floor length curtains measure from the bottom of hook ring to the floor.

Keep in mind that floors are often uneven, so take three measurements, left, centre and right along your track/pole and take the higher number.

C - For below the sill, measure from the bottom of the hook ring to either 15-20cms below the sill.

D - Curtains to the sill, we recommend you measure from the bottom of the hook ring to the sill. Remember to take three measurements – left, centre and right. (It is suggested that you use the longest measurement).

H O O K H E I G H T

E – Measure from the bottom of the pole to the bottom of the eye drop.

C U R T A I N R E T U R N

Measure from the hook ring straight back to the wall.

Curtains on a Track

W I D T H

If you are using a track, measure the total length of the track – A. This figure is your curtain width. If you are using a track with an overlap, measure the total length of the track – A , measure the overlap – B then add them together. This figure is your curtain width. Take measurements in several places along the track. (It is suggested that you use the longest measurement.)