Measuring for Electric and Motorised Blinds: What Changes and What Stays the Same

Does Measuring for Electric Blinds Differ From Manual Blinds?

The fundamental measuring approach — width and drop, recess or blind size — remains the same whether you are ordering manual or electric blinds. However, electric motors change the minimum and maximum sizes available and add requirements around where the motor sits within the headrail. These differences are significant enough to warrant checking the specific size limits for the electric version of your chosen blind type before you measure.

As smartblindsonline.co.uk notes, accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful electric blind installation — errors that might be minor with a manual blind become more consequential when a motor, power source, and smart controls are involved.

What Are the Size Limits for Electric Blinds?

Size limits vary by product type. The key limits currently available are as follows:
 

For all electric blind types, check the product page on the website for the specific size limits applicable to the motor option you are selecting. If your window falls outside the available range, contact estimates@newblinds.co.uk.

Does the Motor Position Affect the Measurements?

You do not need to account for the motor position in the measurements you provide. The motor sits within the headrail, and the manufacturer accounts for its position during production. What you must specify is whether the motor should be on the left or the right — this is the equivalent of specifying the chain side on a manual blind.

What Additional Installation Checks Are Needed for Electric Blinds?

Power source proximity: Where will the blind be powered from? If the motor is mains-powered, assess where the nearest socket or wiring point is before finalising the blind's installation position. A trailing cable across a wall is both a trip hazard and an aesthetic problem. If the motor is battery-powered or solar-powered, this consideration is less critical but battery access for charging or replacement should still be considered.

Ceiling and wall clearance for the headrail: Electric headrails are sometimes marginally deeper than their manual equivalents. Confirm that the recess or wall space above the window provides sufficient clearance for the headrail to be fixed securely and that brackets can be installed without fouling the ceiling.
 

Remote control and smart home compatibility: If you intend to control the blind via a smart home system or alongside other motorised blinds in the same room, specify this requirement before ordering. Using the same motor system across all blinds in a room ensures they operate at the same speed and respond to the same control inputs.

What Is the Best Way to Ensure Multiple Electric Blinds in One Room Operate Consistently?

Use the same motor system across all blinds in the room. Mixing different motor types — even from the same manufacturer — can result in inconsistent operating speeds and incompatible controls. When labelling your order for multiple windows in the same room, specify each blind clearly: for example, "Living Room Left Window" and "Living Room Right Window." This ensures the correct motor assignments are made during manufacture.

Can Electric Blinds Be Split Across Two Units for Wide Windows?

Yes, in the same way as manual blinds. If a window is wider than the maximum for a single electric blind, two units are required side by side. Each requires its own measurements. Contact customer.services@newblinds.co.uk or estimates@newblinds.co.uk for assistance planning a split electric blind order.