Measuring Guides and FAQs

Blinds

• How do I measure for blinds?
  

  It’s something that we get asked how to do all the time, so you will be happy to know our easy-to-follow guide has all your bases covered. Here’s everything you need to know for our New Zealand windows.
  
  

  • Reach for your metal tape measure - its the very best tool for the job.
  
  
  • You only need to know the width and the drop (length) - its that easy.
  
  
  • You will need to select between the three options for fitting...

  
  
  

  1) Measuring for Inside Fitting Blinds

  
  

  • Step 1: Measure the width of the inside of the frame; across the top, bottom and middle. Write down the smallest of the three measurements.
  
  
  • Step 2: Measure the drop (length) of the inside of the frame across the left, middle and right. Write down the smallest of the three.
  
  
  • Step 3: Check that you have enough clear space inside the window to mount the blind. you will need 60 mm for a single roller blind and 100 mm for a double roller blind.
  
  
  • Step 4: When ordering your blind, select the “inside (Frame)” option.
  
  
  • Step 5: When ordering your blind, select “front roll” option. This means that the fabric will roll off the front of the roll to avoid any latches, or other hardware inside the frame.

  
  
  Important Tip for Inside Fitting Roller Blinds
  Take into account that you are measuring for the placement of the brackets, not the width of the fabric. On a roller blind, the fabric will be approximately 32 mm narrower than the width you order (to allow for the operating mechanism and brackets).On a venetian blind we will only deduct 6mm each side to allow for fitting and the brackets.
  Remember to take no deductions off the width and height measurements, but to record the exact size in the width and height boxes on our website.

  

  2) Measuring for Outside Fitting Blinds:

  
  

  • Step 1: Measure the outside of your window recess from one side to the other. You should be starting and finishing where you want the outside edges of the brackets to be.
  
  
  • Top Tip: For best results allow your blind to overlap the edges of the recess by at least 50 mm on each side. - ensuring that you have enough space to accommodate the suggested overlap.
  
  
  • Step 2: Measure your recess from top to bottom, starting from where you want the brackets to be and ending where you want the bottom of the blind to be.
  
  
  • Step 3: When ordering your blinds, select the “outside” fit option.
  
  
  • Step 4: When ordering your blinds, select back roll. This means that the fabric will roll off the back of the roll to ensure the fabric stays close to the architrave for maximum privacy and light control.

  
  Important Tip for Outside Fitting Roller Blinds
  Take into account that you are measuring for the placement of the brackets, not the width of the fabric. On a roller blind, the fabric will be approximately 32 mm narrower than the width you order (to allow for the operating mechanism and brackets).On a venetian blind we will only deduct 6mm each side to allow for fitting and the brackets.
  Remember to take no deductions off the width and height measurements, but to record the exact size in the width and height boxes on our website.

  

  3) Measuring for Blinds to be Mounted on an Architrave

  
  

  • Step 1: Measure across from outside edge of architrave to outside edge of architrave. Again, you should be starting and finishing where you want the outside edge of the brackets to be this will be your width measurement
  
  
  • Step 2: Measure from the top to the bottom of your archtrave, this will be where your blind brackets sits at the top and where the bottom of your blind finishes - this will be your height measurement.
  
  
  • Step 3: When ordering your blinds select the “Architrave” fit option.
  
  
  • Step 4: When ordering your blinds select the “back” roll option. This means the fabric will roll off the back of the roll to ensure the fabric stays close to the architrave for maximum privacy, light control and better insulation.

  
  
  
  Important Tip for Architrave Fitting Roller Blinds
  Take into account that you are measuring for the placement of the brackets, not the width of the fabric. On a roller blind, the fabric will be approximately 32 mm narrower than the width you order (to allow for the operating mechanism and brackets).On a venetian blind we will only deduct 6mm each side to allow for fitting and the brackets.
  Remember to take no deductions off the width and height measurements, but to record the exact size in the width and height boxes on our website.
  
  The old adage 'Measure Twice, Cut Once' holds true even today. To help you correctly measure and specify the design of your Blinds, Curtain rods, Venetian Blinds and Ready Made Curtains, we have prepared the following guide. Please see below for some of the more commonly asked questions, if you need more information please call or email us. Click on each title to read more

• Which way should my blinds roll?
  

  There are two ways your roller blinds may roll - either front roll or back roll.

  Front Roll

  This is where the fabric rolls off the front of the blind. This is the usual way a blind will roll when it is fitted inside the frame. We recommend this way for nearly all applications - especially if your window has aluminium window joinery.
  
  

  Back Roll

  This is where the blind rolls off the back of the blind. This is the usual way a blind will roll when it is exact or fitted on the outside of the frame.

• My window is wider than the maximum width?

  This is quite a common problem. Your window will require two blinds. Please contact us or phone us on 0800 763 748 so we can discuss the best options with you.

• Can we link roller blinds in the same window?

  Yes, it is possible to link blinds in the same window. Please see specific questions below and refer to our linked blind page.
  
  
  

• How do I measure for a corner window , where glass meets glass?
  

  Determine which is the through blind as shown in the diagram below. We generally recommend that the through blind is the main window or where you achieve the most privacy to stop vision down the gap between the butting blind.
  
  
  
  

  

  1. Take the width measurement of the Blind 1 (run through blind).
  
  2. Take the width measurement of the Blind 2 (butt blind).
  
  3 Apply deduction to the Blind 2 (butt blind) see table below. The deduction of the butt blind allows the blind to butt up to the through blind.
  
  4. Measure the drop of each blind in 3 places and take your smallest measurement.
  We recommend front roll to help minimise the gap.

  

  Measure your Butt Blind (Blind 2) by taking the exact back wall measurements less the deduction shown in the table above.
  

Curtain Tracks and Rods

• How do I measure for curtain rods and tracks?
  
  

  Measuring an Existing Curtain Rod or Track

  If you already have a curtain rod or curtain track installed, measuring is simple. Measure the total length of the rod or track from end to end, excluding any decorative finials. This measurement gives you the exact length required when ordering replacement curtain rods or tracks in New Zealand.

  Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring for New Curtain Rods & Tracks

  • Step 1: Measure the window recess width, shown as (A). This is the internal width of the window opening. Record this measurement accurately.
  • Step 2: Measure the space on each side of the window recess, shown as (B) and (C). These extensions allow curtains to stack clear of the glass and maximise natural light. Typically, allow between 150mm and 350mm on each side. As a guide, a 2000mm window should have at least 200mm each side, while a 3000mm window should have at least 300mm each side. For heavy or blockout curtains, allow additional clearance.
  • Step 3: Add the three measurements together to calculate the required curtain rod or track length. Formula: (B) + (A) + (C) = Total rod or track length.

  
  
  

  Once you have calculated the correct curtain rod or track length, you’re ready to start shopping with confidence, knowing your measurements are accurate and suited to your New Zealand home.

  Note: Curtain rod lengths do not include finials. Finial lengths vary by design and are listed individually in the specification tab under each finial.

  Handy Measuring Hints

  • All our custom curtain tracks and curtain rods are manufactured to your exact measurements for a precise fit.
  • When measuring, it’s best to have someone hold the other end of the tape measure, as even metal tape measures can bend or drop when fully extended.
  • All curtain track and rod measurements are shown in millimetres (mm).
  • If space is limited on either side of the window, choosing a smaller finial may be more suitable. Finial lengths are listed in the finial section under the specification tab. As always, measure twice for accuracy.

  If you’re unsure about any measurements or need advice choosing the right curtain rods or tracks, please feel free to contact us using our toll-free number and our team will be happy to help.

  
  

General

• How long will my order take to be delivered?

  We usually take between seven to twelve working days to process orders for sunscreen blinds, blackout roller blinds, venetian blinds, curtain rods and tracks and ready made curtains. If there is a delay ,you will be notified at time of placing your order. If you require your order by a certain date, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your deadline.
  On our Easy-Fit curtain track range , we have same day dispatch on your order. As long as we receive your order by 1pm it will be dispathed that day . Delivery is usually the next day for most North Island customers and three days for most of the South Island. Our three day dispatch blinds will be sent within three working days.

• Can I order over the phone?

  Rods and Blinds are always happy to help you place your order over the phone, especially if you need some expert advice about the products before you buy. Just call us on 0800 763 748 and speak to one of our trained advisors

• What are my payment options?

  We accept all major credit cards, account to account, and direct credit.

• Are my curtain rods and blinds easy to install?

  Your curtains and roller blinds have been designed to be easy to install. They come with step by step instructions with clear photos of each step. Our instructions are backed up by our 0800 number and we are happy to help.

• What is three day dispatch?

  Three day dispatch means that this particular item will be dispatched within three full working days of receiving your payment. Orders that consist of both three day dispatch and standard delivery products will all be processed at the standard delivery times.

• Greenguard Gold Standard. What is it?
  

  GREENGUARD Gold presents the strictest criteria to date regarding low-emissions products. It was originally developed through the study of the chemical sensitivities of children, who are at a higher risk of harm from inhaling VOCs. A product with GREENGUARD Gold Certification emits even lower chemical levels and is particularly low in formaldehyde levels so that it is safe for use around children and other vulnerable populations such as the sick or elderly.
  

  

Curtains

• How to measure for curtains
  

  Curtain Measurements

  It is important you enter the correct measurements to ensure the curtains are made to the exact requirements, the information required is:
  
  

  Width

  To achieve the correct width, the size of the track or pole is required.
  
  We recommend that any track/pole should be fitted 15cm - 30cm either side of the window recess to allow curtains when open to be pulled back away from the window.
  
  

  • Curtain Track - ensure you measure the width of curtain track and not the window.
    
  • Curtain Pole - ensure you measure the width of the pole, excluding the finials.

  Length

  If choosing Pencil Heading or S Fold curtains - the drop measurement should be taken from the top of the track or the bottom of the ring.
  
  If choosing Eyelet Heading - the drop measurement should be taken from the top of the pole - please ensure you add 3cm to the drop for the fabric allowance visible above the pole
  
  Deciding on curtain length is down to personal preference, however there are three basic lengths you may wish to choose from:
  
  

  • Sill length - The curtain should be approximately 1cm above the sill.
    
  • Below sill length - The curtain should be 15 cm below the sill or 3cm above the radiator.
    
  • Floor length - The curtain should be 2.5cm above the floor.

• Am I buying a curtain or a pair?

  All of our curtains come packed in pairs unless otherwise stated in the Description tab of the curtain. So when you have "Quantity: 1" in your shopping basket, this will purchase the pair.