The Most Expensive Curtains and Blinds Mistake Is Easier to Avoid Than You Think
The most frequent, and indeed the most annoying, mistake made by Melbourne residents who are replacing their windows is ordering the wrong size. Draperies that do not touch the floor, blinds that have gaps on either side, or roller blinds that will not fit neatly into the recess — this is not an issue with the product. They’re problems with the measurements.
Getting this right before you order is the difference between blinds and curtains in Melbourne that look intentional and installed, and ones that look like an afterthought. This guide walks you through exactly how to measure for both — simply and accurately — so your windows look right the first time.
What You Need Before You Start
- A steel tape measure (fabric tapes stretch and give inaccurate readings)
- A pencil and notepad
- The knowledge of whether you want an inside mount (fitted within the window recess) or outside mount (fitted to the wall above and around the window
This last decision shapes everything. Interior mounting provides a clean and neat appearance. Exterior mounting makes windows look larger and is preferable if the recess is not deep enough for a blind or where you want the curtains to be placed well around the window.
How to Measure for Blinds
Inside Mount (Within the Recess)
Take measurements of the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement. For the height, measure from the top of the recess to the sill at three points — left, centre, and right — and use the shortest.
For custom blinds, your supplier will deduct a small clearance allowance from these measurements automatically to ensure the blind operates without friction. Always provide your exact recess dimensions and let the manufacturer handle the deduction.
Outside Mount (On the Wall)
Decide how far beyond the window frame you want the blind to extend on each side — typically 50–75mm per side to block light bleed. Add both extensions to the window frame width for your total blind width.
For height, measure from where you want the blind to sit above the frame (usually 50–100mm) down to where you want it to end — either the sill, below the sill, or the floor depending on the look you’re after.
How to Measure for Curtains
Curtains require a slightly different approach because the track or rod position determines the final dimensions.
Width
Curtain width is measured by the track or rod length — not the window width. The track should normally be longer than the window frame by 150 – 200mm on each side to allow curtains to stack away from the glass when in use. To determine the total track length, measure it and multiply by 1.5 to 2.5 to arrive at the amount of curtain fabric required (with more fabric comes a fuller and more luxurious drape on the curtain).
For custom curtains, the heading style also affects the fabric multiplier — pencil pleat headings need more fabric than eyelet styles, for example. A good supplier will guide you through this based on your chosen fabric and heading.
Drop (Height)
Measure from the top of the track or rod to where you want the curtain to end:
- Sill length — to the windowsill, suits kitchens and casual spaces
- Below sill — 100–150mm below the sill, a clean mid-length option
- Floor length — to within 10–15mm of the floor, the most elegant option for living areas and bedrooms
- Puddle — 50–100mm extra fabric on the floor, a dramatic look for formal spaces
For most Melbourne homes, floor-length custom curtains in living areas and bedrooms deliver the best visual result.
Inside vs Outside Mount: A Quick Reference
| Inside Mount | Outside Mount | |
| Best for | Deep recesses, clean minimal look | Shallow recesses, making windows look larger |
| Blind width | Narrowest recess width | Window frame width + extensions |
| Curtain use | Less common | Standard — track extends beyond frame |
When to Get a Professional Measure
If your windows are non-standard — bay windows, arched frames, angled ceilings, or bi-fold door openings — professional measurement removes the guesswork entirely.
At Yarra View Blinds, our free measure and quote service covers every window type across Melbourne, ensuring your blinds and curtains are made to dimensions that work perfectly for your specific openings.
For blinds and curtains especially, a professional measure protects your investment — ensuring the products you order are manufactured to the right specifications the first time.
FAQs
Q: Should I measure inside or outside the window recess for blinds?
It depends on your recess depth and preferred look. Inside mounts provide a neat and built-in look. Mounts on the outside work well with shallow recesses and add to the size of windows. Your Yarra View Blinds consultant can advise which suits each window.
Q: How much wider than the window should curtains be?
The curtain track should extend 150–200mm beyond the window frame on each side. The fabric width should be 1.5–2.5 times the track length depending on how full you want the drape.
Q: Do blinds come with a clearance deduction built in?
Yes — when you order blinds with a professional supplier, they deduct the required clearance from your recess measurements. Always provide exact dimensions and let the manufacturer handle the adjustment.
Q: What is the best curtain drop for a Melbourne living room?
Floor length — ending 10–15mm above the floor — is the most popular and visually impactful choice for living areas. It creates a feeling of a higher ceiling and larger windows.
Conclusion
Accurate measurement is the foundation of any great window treatment result. Whether you’re ordering custom blinds, custom curtains, or a combination of both, taking the time to measure correctly — or having a professional do it for you — ensures your blinds and curtains in Melbourne look and perform exactly as intended. YarraView Blinds offers a free measure and quote service across Melbourne —no obligation, just expert advice and precise measurements from a team that does this every day.
To book a free measure and quote, call +61 410 881 279 or email info@yarraviewblinds.com.au.
