Measuring your windows correctly is the most important step in getting blinds that look good and work properly. A few millimetres out can leave light gaps down the sides, stop a blind from rolling cleanly or make shutter panels rub against the frame. This step-by-step guide explains how to measure windows for blinds the way our installers do, whether you are planning roller blinds in Newcastle, plantation shutters for a Lake Macquarie home or outdoor blinds for your alfresco area.
If you would rather not measure yourself, Pamido offers a free in-home measure and quote across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and the Central Coast. Even so, it helps to understand the process so you can plan your budget and compare options with confidence.
What you need before you start
- A steel tape measure. Cloth or plastic tapes stretch and give inaccurate readings.
- A notepad or a phone notes app. Record every measurement straight away.
- A step ladder for high windows.
- A pencil to label each window (for example, “Bed 1 left” or “Living slider”).
Always measure in millimetres, not centimetres or inches. Every Australian blind manufacturer works in millimetres, and it removes any confusion when you order.
Step 1: Decide between inside mount and outside mount
Before you measure, decide where the blind will sit. This changes which measurements you take.
Inside mount (recess fit)
An inside mount sits within the window reveal, the recessed area between the wall and the window frame. It gives a clean, built-in look and is the most common choice for living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. It needs enough reveal depth to hold the brackets, usually at least 50 mm for a standard roller blind and more for shutters, honeycomb blinds and venetians.
Outside mount (face fit)
An outside mount is fixed to the wall or the architrave above the window and overlaps the frame on each side. It blocks more light, which makes it popular for bedrooms and media rooms, and it works well when the reveal is too shallow or the frame is not square. It can also make a small window look larger.
Step 2: How to measure for an inside mount
For a recess fit, the manufacturer will make a small deduction so the blind fits inside the reveal without scraping. Give them the exact reveal size and let them make the deduction.
- Measure the width in three places: across the top, the middle and the bottom of the reveal. Record the smallest measurement, because older Newcastle homes are rarely perfectly square.
- Measure the drop (height) in three places: on the left, in the centre and on the right, from the top of the reveal to the sill. Record the longest measurement.
- Measure the reveal depth: from the front edge of the reveal to the window frame or glass. Check that window winders, locks and handles will not get in the way of the blind.
Write the measurements as width x drop, for example 1210 mm x 1450 mm, and note that it is a recess measurement.
Step 3: How to measure for an outside mount
- Measure the width of the window opening, including any architrave you want to cover.
- Add an overlap on each side. We usually recommend 50 to 100 mm per side, so add 100 to 200 mm in total. More overlap means less light bleed around the edges.
- Measure the drop from where the brackets will sit, generally 50 to 100 mm above the top of the frame, to where you want the blind to finish. For a clean look, finish just below the sill or at the bottom of the architrave.
- Check for obstructions such as air-conditioning units, curtain rods, power points and light switches.
For an outside mount, the measurement you give is the finished size of the blind, and no deduction is made.
Measuring for different types of blinds and shutters
Roller blinds
Roller blinds are the most forgiving product to measure. Decide which side you want the chain or motor on, and whether the fabric should roll from the back of the tube (standard) or the front (reverse roll), which helps clear handles and winders. If you are fitting roller blinds on the Central Coast or near the water, note which windows face the afternoon sun so your consultant can suggest the right fabric.
Venetian and honeycomb blinds
These blinds stack at the top when raised, so the stack height matters. On shorter windows, an outside mount can keep the stack above the glass and preserve your view.
Plantation shutters
Shutters are made to very tight tolerances, and the panels need clearance to swing open. Measure the reveal carefully in several places and check for handles, sills and nearby walls. Because shutters are a larger investment, we always recommend a professional measure. See our range of plantation shutters for more detail.
Sliding doors
For sliding doors, measure the full width of the door frame, including both the fixed and sliding panels, and allow extra width so the blinds stack clear of the opening. Vertical blinds and panel glide blinds are usually the best fit here.
Outdoor blinds
Outdoor blinds need measurements between posts or beams, the height from the underside of the beam to the floor, and the type of surface for fixing (timber, steel or brick). The floor level also matters for zip-track systems. For outdoor blinds in Newcastle, a site visit is essential because wind exposure and fixing points vary from home to home.
A worked example
Here is how a typical bedroom window might be recorded for a blockout roller blind with an inside mount:
| Measurement | Top / Left | Middle / Centre | Bottom / Right | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width (mm) | 1212 | 1210 | 1214 | 1210 (smallest) |
| Drop (mm) | 1448 | 1452 | 1450 | 1452 (longest) |
| Reveal depth (mm) | 68 | Enough for a standard roller | ||
The order would read: Bed 1, recess fit, 1210 mm x 1452 mm, blockout fabric, chain on the right, standard roll. Clear notes like this make ordering simple and avoid costly remakes.
Local tips for Newcastle and Central Coast homes
Every area has its own building styles, and each one affects how you measure.
- Older weatherboard and fibro homes in suburbs such as Hamilton, Mayfield and Wyong often have timber frames that have moved over the years. Measure in several places and expect small differences.
- Brick veneer homes from the 1970s to 1990s, common across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, usually have deep reveals that suit inside-mount blinds and shutters.
- New builds in estates like Cameron Park, Chisholm and Hamlyn Terrace often have aluminium frames with shallow reveals and window winders close to the glass. Check the clearance carefully or consider an outside mount.
- Coastal homes from Merewether to Terrigal get strong salt air and afternoon glare. Note which windows face west or north-west so your consultant can suggest UV-stable and mould-resistant fabrics.
Measuring for curtains at the same time
Many homeowners pair blinds with curtains for extra insulation and a softer look. If you are planning both, measure for the blind first, then allow space above it for a curtain track. For curtains, measure the width of the track (usually 150 to 300 mm wider than the window on each side, so the curtains stack clear of the glass) and the drop from the track to where you want the curtain to finish, such as 10 to 15 mm above the floor. Our curtains in Newcastle page explains the fabric and heading options.
Common measuring mistakes to avoid
- Measuring only once. Always measure width and drop in three places.
- Making your own deductions. Give the exact recess size and let the manufacturer deduct.
- Using centimetres or rounding. Record to the nearest millimetre.
- Forgetting obstructions. Window winders, locks, security screens and tiles can all stop a blind from sitting flush.
- Mixing up width and drop. Width always comes first.
- Assuming matching windows are the same size. Measure every window individually, even in a new build.
Why a professional measure is worth it
A professional measure takes the risk out of ordering custom blinds. Our consultants check the reveal depth, whether the frame is square, which mounting option will look best and how each fabric looks in your own light. That is why most customers choose a free in-home measure rather than measuring themselves.
A consultation usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of windows. You will see fabric and colour samples in your home and receive a written quote with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure in millimetres or centimetres?
Millimetres. All custom blinds in Australia are made to the millimetre, and it avoids errors when you order.
How much deduction is made for an inside-mount blind?
It varies by product, but it is usually a few millimetres on the width. Give the exact recess measurement and the manufacturer will apply the right deduction.
What if my window reveal is too shallow?
Choose an outside mount, or ask about slimline brackets and reverse-roll fabrics that need less depth.
Does Pamido measure for free?
Yes. We offer a free in-home measure and quote across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and the Central Coast.
Book your free measure and quote
Pamido designs, makes and installs custom blinds, curtains, shutters and outdoor shade for local homes. We have a 5.0-star Google rating from 190+ reviews and have served more than 5,000 homes. Visit our showrooms at 10/28 Pendlebury Rd, Cardiff and 1/305 Manns Rd, West Gosford, call 0450 326 499, or book your free measure and quote online.