The Size of Pleated Blinds and Their Functionality: Make Sure to Read This Before You Buy.

How to Find the Perfect Size of Pleated Blinds for Your Window

When renting an apartment, we often have limited options for modifying its permanent fixtures. Furniture selection is typically up to us, and in most cases, we’re allowed to drill into walls or even paint them in our favorite color with a bit of luck. But that freedom has its limits. If the apartment lacks external shutters, there's a good chance their installation is prohibited. This often effective method of darkening rooms may simply not be available to us.

However, this doesn’t mean we’re left without any choice—external shutters aren't the only solution. There are many types of blackout blinds and sun protection systems available on the market that can be installed indoors, most often directly on the window.

Pleated Blinds for Different Needs

Pleated blinds are probably the simplest solution for darkening and/or protecting your privacy in rental apartments. They can easily replace curtains, drapes, and even external shutters. Blackout blinds work especially well in bedrooms or children’s rooms. They allow you to create full darkness even during daylight hours. This is particularly useful if you work night shifts and need to sleep during the day or if your child needs to go to bed before it gets dark outside.

Pleated blinds can also serve as privacy screens—here, the fabric lets in light but prevents people from seeing inside. This option is especially practical in kitchens or living rooms, particularly in autumn and winter when it gets dark early and the lights have to be turned on sooner.

How to Achieve the Desired Effect?

For a blind—regardless of its function—to perform effectively, not only the material properties and quality of workmanship are key, but most importantly, the right size. A blind that is too small won’t cover the entire glass surface. If the material is too narrow, light will pass through the sides. If it’s too short, light will enter from below.

Choosing a size that is too large also isn’t a good solution. A pleated blind that is too long usually isn’t a problem in non-invasive installations—you simply don’t extend it all the way, and the excess fabric remains rolled up. However, a blind that is too wide can interfere with window operation—especially when opening and closing. Additionally, the material won’t sit tightly against the glass, allowing light to seep through. For permanently mounted blinds requiring drilling, the height must also be measured precisely since there’s no room for extra material.

So How Do You Determine the Right Size of a Pleated Blind?

Determining the correct size is easier than it might seem. Thanks to our custom-made pleated blinds, the process becomes even simpler—you can define the width to the nearest centimeter.

But how exactly do you measure the width? Which measurement gap is crucial? That depends on the type of blind you choose. Whether you go for a pleated blind with drilling or without, the measurement method differs slightly—though the overall process remains very simple.

Measuring the Width and Height for Pleated Blinds Without Drilling

Want to order pleated blinds without drilling? Here’s how to measure your window to ensure the blind fits the glass perfectly and functions as it should.

Measure the width of the glass, which is the internal distance between the window frames. After taking this measurement, add 4–5 cm to the result. This ensures the blind will fully cover the width of the window, and the fabric won’t interfere with the window handles. You can safely provide this calculated size when placing your order.

And What About the Height of the Blind?

We offer two standard height options since pleated blinds unfold downward, making centimeter-level precision unnecessary. Simply measure the height of the entire window sash.

If your measurement is less than 150 cm, choose the 150 cm size. For larger dimensions, select the 220 cm option. For blinds for taller windows or balcony doors, we encourage you to contact us.

Let’s break it down with an example: your glass is 71 cm wide. You add 4 cm to that, resulting in 75 cm—this will be your pleated blind’s width. The sash height is 110 cm, so you choose the standard 150 cm height. Result: you order a non-drilled pleated blind measuring 75 x 150 cm.

How to Measure a Window for a Drilled Pleated Blind?

For invasive pleated blinds installed with drilling, the width measurement works differently. You don’t just measure the glass—you also include the black rubber gasket surrounding it. No extra centimeters are added to this measurement—just enter the exact dimension when placing your order.

What About the Height?

The height is measured the same way—taking into account the glass and the black rubber gasket. Note: for drilled pleated blinds, the standard heights (150 cm and 220 cm) used for non-drilled blinds don’t apply. The height must be entered exactly, just like the width.

Example:

The width of the glass including the gasket is 75 cm, and the height with the same method is 115 cm. In this case, you order a drilled pleated blind sized 75 x 115 cm.

We Know What to Measure—But How to Measure It Correctly?

This question may seem trivial or unnecessary, but in reality, it’s very relevant. Depending on how you measure, you can get different results—only one of which is correct. So how do you measure to get the right size?

Some Tips for Accurate Measurement

1. Choose the right measuring tool!
   Remember, not all rulers or tape measures are equally accurate. With larger distances, differences of several centimeters can occur, which is critical when choosing the correct blind size. Make sure your measuring tool—like a tape measure—is high quality and has a centimeter scale that complies with standards.

2. Apply the measuring tool correctly!
   What does “correctly” mean? Primarily, the measuring tape should be as vertical or horizontal as possible. Modern laser distance meters can be very precise, but even they won’t work well if misused. A classic tape measure is perfectly adequate if used correctly. It's important that your measuring tool lies parallel to the surface you're measuring.

3. Problems with classic tape measures and potential solutions
   Applying a rigid tape measure directly to the glass can be problematic, as the glass often sits recessed within the window frame. This makes precise placement difficult. In such cases, it’s better to use a flexible tool, like a measuring tape, which is easier to adjust to the shape and position of the glass.

Reading the Measurement Also Matters!

Even if you place the tool correctly, analog devices can sometimes make it difficult to read the measurement accurately. While small errors might not matter much in the case of window blinds, it’s still essential to read the result perpendicularly to the measuring tool. In extreme cases, imprecise reading can result in a few centimeters’ deviation—especially if you read it from a distance.

Of course, it’s easier if your measuring tool displays the result digitally. Then there’s no risk of misreading—the value on the screen is exactly what you need. Provided, of course, you follow all the earlier measurement rules.

Pay Attention to the Position of the Window Handle!

In most cases, the position of the window handle is crucial for Klemmfix blinds mounted without drilling. During measurement, make sure that the blind fabric doesn’t cover the handle—pay particular attention to the distance between the glass and the handle’s edge. For invasive pleated blinds mounted inside the window frame, the handle usually doesn’t play a significant role.

If you follow these tips, choosing the right size of pleated blinds shouldn’t be a problem. Once you know the correct size, you can move on to the more enjoyable part—choosing a color or pattern. Depending on whether you need complete darkness or just partial privacy, there are different options to choose from.

This article covers the two most popular types of pleated blinds: Klemmfix (no drilling required) and standard invasive blinds that require drilling into the window frame for installation. However, you may encounter other types of interior blinds that require different measurement methods. When in doubt, always refer to the measurement instructions, which are essential for ordering such blinds. The binding instructions are always those provided by the manufacturer or seller, shown directly on the product’s sizing page. It may happen that the required dimensions and allowable deviations differ—don’t let that discourage you!

Questions Can Always Arise!

It’s important to be able to ask someone for help when things are unclear—someone who can explain all issues related to blinds. With us, you have that option. You’ll receive not only precise and detailed measurement instructions, but also technical support if the documentation turns out to be too difficult to understand. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—we all want you to get exactly what you need: pleated blinds perfectly tailored to your windows down to the centimeter so they can perform flawlessly!

Despite our easy-to-use online store, it’s still possible to get “lost” while choosing the right blind. That’s perfectly normal, and we’re here to help if you’re unsure about what you need. We also encourage you to read other blog posts where we discuss important topics related to pleated blinds. Still, the key point is measurement—if done correctly, it will help you avoid the biggest source of stress in the selection process. Once you’ve measured properly, you can be confident that the blind will at least fit your window in terms of size. Color choice is a separate matter and usually one of taste, but the blind’s functionality depends entirely on getting the dimensions right.

So make sure the dimensions are correct before placing your order. Since we’re talking about custom-made products, getting it right the first time will save you time—you’ll be able to use your blind right away without having to wait for a replacement.

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