Ensuring a good night’s sleep is closely linked to sleeping on a quality mattress, but there’s more to it than just that. Reducing light exposure and sleeping in a dark room are key factors that can significantly improve your sleep quality. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin, often referred to as the sleep hormone. One of the most effective ways to achieve complete darkness in your home is by installing blinds. Not only do blinds serve as a stylish window covering that enhances the appearance of your home, but they also offer an easy and efficient solution for controlling light. However, to reap these benefits, it’s crucial to take accurate measurements for your blinds.
The Importance of Taking the Right Measurements
Light and Privacy Control
Incorrect measurements can result in blinds that let in unwanted light, disrupting your sleep and compromising your privacy. To avoid this, well-fitted and customised solutions should be a top priority when you shop for blinds. Properly fitted blinds offer excellent light control, essential for a restful night’s sleep, and they also provide optimal privacy, allowing you to adjust them according to your needs.
Proper Fit
Achieving a proper fit for your blinds is only possible if you opt for made-to-measure window coverings. Custom blinds ensure that your window coverings are perfectly aligned, neither too small nor too large for your windows. This not only enhances the look and style of your home but also makes the blinds easier to operate when opening and closing them.
Safety
Safety is another important reason to choose blinds that are the right size. Modern blinds are often designed without long cords, which increases safety for children and pets, who can easily get entangled in cords. Properly fitted modern blinds with shorter or no control chains provide safety without compromising style and functionality.
How to Measure for Blinds
Consider the Type of Windows
There are various types of windows, ranging from circular and bay windows to arched or uniquely shaped ones. Once you know the type of windows you have, try to visualise how the blinds will look to ensure that the chosen style will suit your window type.
Measuring for window coverings has become much simpler than it used to be. All you need are the right tools: a measuring tape, pencil, ruler, notebook, and ladder.
Internal or External Mount
The next step is to decide whether you want an internal or external mount for your blinds. In simpler terms, this means deciding whether to install the blinds inside or outside the window recess. According to interior designers and blind specialists, external mounting can make a room look larger and more spacious, while internal mounting can create a cosier, more intimate feel.
Measure the Width and Height
Once you’ve decided where to install the blinds, it’s time to take measurements. For an external mount, measure the width of the window recess and add about 5cm on each side. If you plan to install the blinds outside the recess, you’ll need to leave space for a headrail above the window frame. For an internal mount, you can use screws or drywall anchors to secure the blinds.
After measuring the width, move on to the height. Measure from three different points: the left, right, and centre inside the window frame. This ensures that your measurements account for any variations in the window’s dimensions.
Double Check Everything
With your measurements noted down, it’s essential to double-check them. Ensure that you’ve recorded the measurements for all the windows in your home, and that you’ve accurately noted both the width and height. If possible, re-measure the windows to confirm the accuracy of your initial measurements before placing your order.
Ready Made or Customised Window Coverings
Finally, you’ll need to decide whether to invest in ready-made or customised window coverings. Ready-made blinds are convenient—you simply provide the measurements to the seller, who will then supply you with blinds that fit your windows.
However, if you’re aiming for perfection, customised blinds are the way to go. By using your measurements to create tailored window coverings, you’ll achieve a perfect fit that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Custom blinds allow you to select the exact fabric, colour, and style that suit your decor, providing a cohesive and polished look for your interiors.
Additional Considerations
When selecting blinds, consider the style that best complements your home’s interior design. Options include roller blinds, Venetian blinds, Roman blinds, and more. Each style offers different levels of light control, insulation, and aesthetic appeal, so choose one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
The material of your blinds is also an important factor to consider. Blinds are available in a variety of materials, such as wood, faux wood, aluminium, and fabric. The material you choose should not only match your decor but also meet practical requirements like durability and ease of maintenance.
Once your blinds arrive, proper installation is key to ensuring they function correctly and look their best. If you’re unsure about installing them yourself, it might be worth hiring a professional to ensure the job is done right.
