Design Journal · Trade specification
How to Measure for Roman Blinds: A Trade Checklist
Measure Roman blinds by first deciding inside or outside mount, then recording opening width and drop at multiple points, recess depth, obstructions, fixing substrate, control clearance and access. The finished size must be approved against the selected headrail, fabric and installation scope before production.
Reviewed by the LuxAura trade team · Updated
- Reviewed by the LuxAura trade team
- Use the approved specification before production
- Trade supply delivered Australia-wide
Decide inside or outside mount before recording a finished size
An inside-mount Roman blind sits within the opening and depends on usable recess depth, squareness and clearance from handles or frames. An outside-mount blind covers the opening and needs agreed overlaps, a suitable fixing area and space for the raised stack. Record the intended mount on the measure sheet; do not leave the workroom to infer it from one width and one drop.
- Photograph the whole opening and the proposed headrail position.
- Identify architraves, skirtings, reveals, mullions, handles, winders and nearby curtains.
- Check where the folded blind will stack and whether it obstructs glass, a door or a view.
- For adjacent blinds, draw the elevations and number each opening from a consistent viewpoint.
Record site measurements, not assumptions
Measure width near the top, middle and bottom, and measure drop at the left, centre and right. Record every reading rather than averaging on site. Check diagonals or use a level when an opening may be out of square. The manufacturer then reviews the recorded opening against the mount, headrail and required clearances before a finished blind size is approved.
Open the Roman blind site checklist
| Check | Record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Top, middle and bottom opening widths | Shows variation and available clearance |
| Drop | Left, centre and right opening drops | Shows level or sill variation |
| Recess | Usable depth at the proposed headrail | Confirms headrail and projection clearance |
| Fixing | Substrate, fixing zone and any concealed services information | Supports bracket and installation planning |
| Obstructions | Handles, mullions, sensors, vents and furniture | Prevents interference in operation |
| Access | Height, ladder or equipment needs and occupied-site constraints | Defines installation scope and scheduling |
Measure the control and power conditions with the opening
For a chain-operated blind, nominate the control side and check clear access. For motorised Roman blinds, record the power location, cable route, control method and commissioning responsibility before the blind is ordered. Large blinds also require a project-specific review of the finished dimensions, fabric, lining, battens and total lifted load against the selected system.
- Identify outlets, transformers, junction points and any visible-cable restrictions.
- Confirm whether controls are individual, grouped, wall-mounted, remote or connected to another system.
- Keep electrician and installer responsibilities separate and written.
- Do not select a motor from fabric GSM alone; use the complete blind dimensions and assembly weight.
Leave the installer a usable site record
A measurement is useful only when it can be traced to the correct opening and fixing position. Add dated photographs, a simple elevation, the measure point and notes about access, furniture, floor protection and occupied-site restrictions. Where walls, architraves or ceilings are irregular, mark the exact bracket line rather than relying on a general note. If another contractor is preparing power or structure, record what must be complete before installation. Recheck the site after building changes, joinery installation or floor finishes that can alter clearances. The approved order should state who owns the final measurement and who will confirm the site is ready.
- Date the measure sheet and identify the person who recorded it.
- Mark any provisional dimensions that require a return visit.
- Issue revisions with a clear version number so obsolete measurements are not used.
Issue a drawing and approve the finished size
Transfer the site notes to a clear elevation showing opening dimensions, mount, finished blind size, headrail position, control side, stack and any adjoining products. Resolve discrepancies before ordering. For supply-only work, the trade buyer approves the final dimensions and installation responsibility. Sydney projects can add measuring, installation or both as a separately scoped service.
- Use millimetres throughout and mark whether each number is a site measurement or finished size.
- Name and number every blind consistently across the drawing, quote, fabric and installation schedule.
- Confirm fabric direction, pattern centre, lining, Roman style and control with the same approval.
- Keep the approved drawing with the order so additions and repeat blinds can be checked against the original information.
Answer-first guidance
Trade FAQ
Should I order a Roman blind from the smallest recess width?
Record all opening widths and the intended mount first. The finished blind size and required clearances are then approved against the headrail, fabric and installation conditions.
What else should I measure besides width and drop?
Record recess depth, obstructions, fixing substrate, headrail position, control clearance, power conditions, access and the relationship to adjoining blinds or curtains.
Can LuxAura measure Roman blinds in Sydney?
Yes. Eligible Sydney trade projects can add measuring, installation, or both as a separately scoped service. Supply-only orders are also available.
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