To measure windows for blinds, first decide if the blind goes inside the window recess or outside it. Then use a steel tape to measure the width at the top, middle and bottom, and the height on the left, middle and right, in centimetres. For an inside fit, use the smallest numbers. For an outside fit, add about 10 cm to the width and 10–15 cm to the height.
A blind that is even one centimetre off can leave a light gap, rub against the frame or refuse to roll. We see it on home visits every week. In this guide, we share the exact method our fitters use in Dubai apartments and villas, so you can get a rough size and price before you order. If you’d rather skip the tape measure, we also measure every window for free when you order custom window blinds in Dubai.
What You Need Before You Start
Good measuring starts with the right tools. Keep these ready before you begin:
- A steel tape measure. Cloth tapes stretch, so they give wrong numbers.
- A pencil and paper, or the notes app on your phone.
- A small step ladder for tall windows.
- A torch, to check the inside of deep or dark recesses.
Write every number in centimetres. Mixing inches and centimetres is one of the most common mistakes we see.
Step 1: Choose Inside or Outside Fit
Before you take a single measurement, decide where the blind will sit. This choice changes every number you write down.
What Is an Inside Fit?
An inside fit (also called recess fit) means the blind sits inside the window opening. It looks neat and shows off the window frame. However, it needs enough depth for the brackets, and a little light can come in at the sides.
What Is an Outside Fit?
An outside fit means the blind is fixed on the wall above the window and covers the whole opening. It blocks more light, hides uneven frames and makes small windows look bigger. In many Dubai apartments, the window recess is shallow or has handles in the way, so an outside fit is often the safer choice.
| Inside fit | Outside fit | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Neat, built-in | Bigger, covers the frame |
| Light gaps | Small gaps at the sides | Fewer gaps |
| Needs | Enough recess depth, square frame | Flat wall space above the window |
| Best for | Deep recesses, kitchens, bathrooms | Bedrooms, blackout, shallow recesses |
Fitter’s tip: Open and close the window handle before you decide. If the handle sticks out into the recess, an inside blind may hit it. In that case, choose an outside fit.
Step 2: How to Measure Windows for Blinds (Inside Fit)
Follow these steps for a blind that sits inside the recess.
Measure the Width 3 Times
Measure the width at the top, the middle and the bottom of the opening, from wall to wall. Old buildings and even new towers are rarely perfectly square. Use the smallest of the three numbers so the blind fits at its tightest point.
Measure the Height 3 Times
Measure the height on the left, in the centre and on the right, from the top of the recess to the window sill. Again, use the smallest number.
Check the Recess Depth
Measure how deep the recess is, from the window glass or frame to the front edge of the wall. Roller and duplex blinds need enough depth for the brackets and the rolled fabric, so tell your supplier this number. If handles, locks or sensors stick out, measure the clear depth in front of them.
Do not cut down the width yourself. Write the exact recess size. A good supplier makes the small deduction needed so the blind does not rub on the walls.
Step 3: How to Measure for an Outside Fit
For a blind fixed outside the recess, you measure the area you want to cover, not just the opening.
- Width: Measure the opening, then add about 5 cm on each side (10 cm in total). For bedrooms that need darkness, add a little more overlap so less light leaks past the edges.
- Height: Decide where the brackets will go. Most fitters mount the blind a few centimetres above the frame. Measure from that point down to the sill, or to just below the sill, and add about 10–15 cm to the opening height.
- Check the wall: Make sure there is flat wall above the window for the brackets, with no AC vents, curtain tracks or sockets in the way.
Measuring for Different Blind Types
Each blind works in a slightly different way, so measuring changes a little too. This is one of the biggest gaps we see in other guides, which treat every blind the same.
| Blind type | What to watch when measuring |
|---|---|
| Roller and blackout blinds | Check recess depth for the roller. For darkness, choose outside fit with overlap. |
| Duplex (day and night) blinds | Need a little more depth than a plain roller because of the double layer. |
| Roman blinds | Fabric folds stack at the top, so allow space above the glass if you want a clear view. |
| Vertical blinds | Measure from the top fixing point to just above the floor or sill. Check which side you want the slats to stack. |
| Venetian and wooden blinds | Slats need depth to tilt, and wooden slats are heavier, so check the wall is solid. |
| Motorized blinds | Note where the nearest power point is, or ask about battery motors. |
If you are choosing between styles, our roller blinds are the simplest to measure and fit, which makes them a good place to start.
Measuring Sliding Doors, Big Glass and Bay Windows
Dubai homes often have tall sliding doors and wall-to-wall glass. These need extra care.
Sliding Doors and Tall Glass
Measure the full width of the glass plus the frame, and add overlap on both sides. For height, measure from the fixing point to about 1 cm above the floor so the blind clears the floor and door track. Very wide glass may need two or three blinds side by side, so measure each panel too.
Bay and Corner Windows
Measure each section of a bay window separately, as if it were its own window. Then note where the sections meet, because blinds need a little space at the corners so they do not hit each other.
Common Measuring Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
These are the mistakes we fix most often on home visits:
- Measuring only once. Always measure in three places.
- Using a cloth tape. It stretches and gives a bigger number.
- Mixing inches and centimetres. Pick centimetres and stick to it.
- Swapping width and height. Always write width first, then height (for example 120 × 180 cm).
- Forgetting handles and locks. They can block an inside blind.
- Measuring the old blind instead of the window. Old blinds are often the wrong size to begin with.
- Rounding numbers up. Write the exact number, down to the half centimetre.
How Your Measurements Affect the Price
Most custom blinds in Dubai are priced per square metre (sqm). To get a rough idea, convert your size to metres and multiply width by height.
Example: A window of 120 × 180 cm is 1.2 m × 1.8 m = 2.16 sqm.
| Blind type | Starting price per sqm | Rough price for 2.16 sqm |
|---|---|---|
| Roller blinds | From AED 85 | about AED 184 |
| Blackout blinds | From AED 90 | about AED 194 |
| Duplex blinds | From AED 200 | about AED 432 |
Prices are our starting prices from October 2026. Your final price depends on the fabric and control type, and we confirm it after a free measuring visit.
Because an outside fit covers a bigger area, it usually costs a little more than an inside fit for the same window.
Should You Measure Yourself or Book a Free Visit?
Measuring yourself is great for a rough budget. For the final order, we recommend a professional check, especially for tall glass, sliding doors, motorized blinds or windows that are not square. At Dubai Blinds Co., we have measured and fitted blinds across Dubai for over 15 years, and our team measures every window for free, brings real fabric samples and fits most orders within 1 to 7 days.
For child safety, always choose cordless, wand or motorized controls in children’s rooms. The Window Covering Safety Council has simple advice on safe window coverings for homes with young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure windows for blinds?
Choose inside or outside fit first. Then measure the width in three places and the height in three places with a steel tape, in centimetres. Use the smallest numbers for an inside fit, and add overlap for an outside fit.
Should blinds be inside or outside the window frame?
Inside fit looks neater but needs enough recess depth and leaves small side gaps. Outside fit blocks more light and suits shallow recesses, so it is the better choice for bedrooms and blackout blinds.
How much bigger should blinds be than the window?
For an outside fit, add about 5 cm on each side of the width, and about 10–15 cm to the height. For darker rooms, a little more overlap helps.
Do I deduct anything for an inside-fit blind?
Give your supplier the exact recess size. They make a small deduction so the blind does not rub on the walls. Cutting it down yourself can leave the blind too small.
How deep does a recess need to be for blinds?
It depends on the blind type and bracket. Roller, duplex and wooden blinds need more depth than thin blinds. Measure the clear depth and share it with your supplier before ordering.
Do I measure width or height first?
Always write width first, then height, for example 120 × 180 cm. Suppliers read sizes this way, so swapping them can lead to the wrong blind.
Can I measure windows for blinds with my phone?
Phone measuring apps are handy for a rough idea, but they are not accurate enough for ordering. Use a steel tape measure for final numbers.
How do I measure for vertical blinds on sliding doors?
Measure the full width of the glass plus overlap on each side. Measure the height from the fixing point to about 1 cm above the floor so the blind clears the door track.
What if my window is not square?
Measure in three places and use the smallest numbers for an inside fit. If the difference is big, an outside fit hides the uneven frame better.
Do you offer free measuring in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai Blinds Co. measures every window for free at your home or office, shows you fabric samples and gives one clear price before we make your blinds.
Final Thoughts
Measuring windows for blinds is simple once you know the rules: choose inside or outside fit, measure three times, write width first, and stick to centimetres. For a perfect fit, let us check your numbers on a free visit. Want light control with privacy? See our duplex blinds next.