It can be a real struggle when trying to measure for blinds on difficult shaped windows. Two of the most awkward types of windows to measure are the Recess Windows and Bay Windows. Have no fear the experts fitters of Wooden Blinds Direct have made some clever visual guides to help you measure up your own windows without having to get someone in.

Recess Fit
There are two major ways to fit a blind to the average recess window. The first of these ways is the recess fit which is when you want to fit the blind into the recess of the window rather than on the outside. When measuring for the Recess fit take three separate measurements of the height and three for the width. See the diagram below.

Take the smallest measurement of each of these and deduct about 1.5cm from the width for account for clearance. You don’t need deduct any height unless you are measuring for a vertical blind and then we suggest deducting around 2cm.

Outer Fit
The other way to measure a blind for a recess window is to measure an outer fit of the recess for your blind to cover. As shown in the diagram: simply measure the areas that you wish your blinds to cover. When measuring for vertical blinds we recommend deducting around 2cms to allow for clearance.

Bay Windows
Bay windows can be hard to measure. You are often left with overlapping blinds that don’t fit together well. There are three types of bay window blind styles to choose from when deciding to measure your windows so decide in advance before starting.

Type A – Full Front
Use this method when wanting maximum coverage of your front window to stop unwanted light and people being able to see in. This is often the most popular choice when buying blinds for bay windows. Usually the small gaps in between the front and side blinds are obscured by the window frame.

To size up the front blind first measure the recess in which the front blind will go. Make sure you follow the Recess fit guide above as the recess size may vary from top to bottom. Deduct around 1.5cm for clearance from the width and height.

For the side blinds measure each side recess individually as they might be slightly different.  Again remember to use the Recess fit guide above. However you then need to minus the depth of the front blind from the width of each side. Also deduct around 3cm for clearance to make sure the blinds aren’t overlapping.

Type B – Full Sides
Imperial Windows for windows and doors in Toronto suggests to use this method when wanting maximum coverage of your side windows to stop unwanted light and people being able to see in. Usually the small gaps in between the front and side blinds are obscured by the window frame.

To size up the front blind first measure the recess in which the front blind will go. Make sure you follow the Recess fit guide above as the recess size may vary from top to bottom. Deduct around 1.5cm for clearance from the width and height also remember to deduct twice the depth of the blinds you are using for the side windows.

For the side blinds measure each side recess individually as they might be slightly different. Also deduct around 1.5cm for clearance to make sure the blinds aren’t overlapping.

Type C – Symmetrical Corners
Use this method when not wanting your blinds to overlap in the corners and give you more symmetrical look. Usually the small gaps in between the front and side blinds are obscured by the window frame.

To size up the front blind first measure the recess in which the front blind will go. Again, make sure you follow the Recess fit guide above. Deduct around 1.5cm for clearance from the width and height and also remember to deduct twice the depth of the blinds you are using for the side windows.

For the side blinds measure each side recess individually as they might be slightly different. Deduct the depth of each from each of the side blinds and around another 1.5cm for clearance to make sure the blinds aren’t overlapping.

{This was a guest post by Sam Fisher on behalf of Wooden Blinds Direct for more information and a more in depth guide to blinds fitting see their website.}