Recess Fitting or Blind Size: Which Blind Fitting Method Is Right for Your Window?

Why Does the Fitting Method Change What You Measure?

The measurements you take, and crucially how you enter them, depend entirely on which fitting method you have chosen. Providing the wrong type of measurement for your chosen fitting method is one of the most impactful ordering errors possible. Understanding the differences before you measure prevents a blind that is manufactured to the wrong dimensions.

What Is Recess Fitting and When Is It the Right Choice?

What does recess fitting mean?

Recess fitting — also referred to as inside mount — means the blind is installed within the window opening itself, sitting inside the recess formed by the window frame. The blind sits neatly within the opening, which produces a clean, flush appearance.

When is recess fitting the right choice?

Recess fitting is appropriate when:

• Your window has a recess of sufficient depth to accommodate the blind's brackets and headrail without fouling the glass, handles, or frame
• You want the blind to sit within the window, rather than overlapping the surrounding wall or frame
• The recess is broadly square and level, or close enough that the smallest measurement across each dimension will accommodate the blind

How do you measure for recess fitting?

For recess fitting, take three width measurements across the recess: at the top, the middle, and the bottom. Take two drop measurements: at the left side and the right side of the recess. Enter the smallest of each set. This approach accounts for any variation in the frame and ensures the blind will not jam or catch against the narrowest point.

Does newblinds.co.uk apply deductions automatically for recess orders?

Yes. When you provide measurements labelled as recess size on the website, deductions are made during manufacture to allow the blind to fit correctly within the space. The deduction varies depending on the blind type. You do not need to calculate or apply these deductions yourself.

What if my recess is not perfectly square?

Very few window recesses are perfectly square. Taking the smallest measurement at each dimension is specifically designed to account for this. The blind will fit within the narrowest point of the recess. If your window is severely out of square, or has obstructions that make a recess fit impractical, face fitting may be the better option.

What Is Blind Size and When Should You Use It?

What does blind size mean?

Blind size is the finished width and drop of the blind as it will be manufactured. When you provide blind size, no deductions are applied. What you enter is what you receive.

Blind Size is the total width of the blind, including both fabric and brackets.

When is blind size the right choice?

Blind size is appropriate when:

• You have already calculated the deductions required for your specific installation
• You are replacing an existing blind and know the precise manufactured dimensions of the original
• You are ordering a blind and have already added the overlaps you want

This option requires you to understand what deductions are appropriate for your blind type and fitting situation. If you are in any doubt, providing recess measurements and allowing the manufacturer to apply deductions is the safer approach.

How much overlap should you add when measuring for blind size and installing the blind on the wall above the window recess?

As a general guide, add 50mm on each side of the window opening, 50mm above the top of the frame, and 50mm below the sill, or to your preferred lower point. These overlaps ensure adequate coverage and a secure fixing position. The exact overlap you choose may vary based on aesthetic preference, wall space availability, and the position of any nearby obstructions.

Are any deductions applied to blind size orders?

No. Blind size orders are manufactured to the dimensions entered, without adjustment.

Further details on measuring for exact blind size are available at newblinds.co.uk/en/blog/show/measuring-for-exact-blind-size.

If you are uncertain, email estimates@newblinds.co.uk with photographs and measurements and we can advise on the most suitable fitting method and product.