Blind track depth for rollers, roman, verticals, venetians & kits

Another popular question is do I have enough window depth for a blind? If like many others this is your first time ordering blinds you might be questioning why does depth matter? Depth refers to the amount of space inside a window opening (recess) from front to back where the blind is normally installed.

Now grab a steel tape measure and follow this guide and we will teach you how to measure the depth of your window.

Measuring the depth of your window

Start by measuring the very top of the window, this is where normally the brackets are installed. Extend the tape measure as far back as it can go, all the way to the window reveal (where the window frame corners onto the wall) and take note of this measurement. Remember if you have any obstructions like window handles then you must take this into consideration. We recommend measuring from the obstruction to the edge of the window reveal.

Once you know your window depth, you can check it against the depth requirements below for each blind or shade you have in mind.

Roller blind depth

Roller blinds are currently available in printed, plain and border print designs all of which can be mixed and matched with additional trimmings to create a stylish appearance for a modern home. They are super easy to maintain too, as the majority of the fabrics are easy to wipe clean with a wet cloth, meaning you can remove any dirt or spills.

Below you will find the minimum depth requirements:

Minimum width of 13 ¾ inches or 350 mm (35 cm)
Minimum drop of 13 ¾ inches or 350 mm (35 cm)
Minimum inside mount depth (recessed) of 3 inches or 74 mm (7.4 cm)

So if your recess is 74 mm (7.4 cm) or larger a roller blind will easily fit within your window recess.

Roman blinds & blind kit depth

Looking for roman blinds of great quality at affordable prices? Or are you using one of our kits to make a blind yourself? Either way it's worth taking note of roman blind depth measurements before placing an order. By getting this right you will avoid the disappointment of ordering a blind that doesn't fit within your window recess. Below you will find the minimum requirements:

Minimum width of 15 ¾ inches or 400 mm (40 cm)
Minimum drop of 15 ¾ inches or 400 mm (40 cm)
Minimum inside mount depth (recessed) of 1 ¾ inches or 45 mm (4.5 cm)

So if your recess is 45 mm (4.5 cm) or larger a roller blind will easily fit within your window recess.

Vertical Blind Track Depth

Our huge range of vertical blinds come in a variety of colours, patterns and style and are available made to measure. Vertical blinds are frequently considered to be formal and office-like; however, these window blinds have become more popular in recent years as they offer a clean cut look in many new contemporary style homes and an interesting, soft layered look can be created in conjunction with curtains in more traditional surroundings.

Below you will find the minimum requirements:

Minimum width of 11 ¾ inches or 300 mm (30 cm)
Minimum drop of 15 ¾ inches or 400 mm (40 cm)
Minimum inside mount depth (recessed) of 2 ¼ inches or 57 mm (5.7 cm)

So if your recess is 57 mm (5.7 cm) or larger a vertical blind will easily fit within your window recess.

Wooden & venetian blind depth

Our huge range of venetian blinds are available in a variety of colours, patterns and styles and are available in made to measure options. As venetian blinds are usually used within the window recess they create the perfect solution for exposing architectural features. Our made to measure venetians come in a range colours and materials including aluminium, faux wood or basswood, with a variety of slat sizes from 50mm wide slat venetian blinds to thinner 25mm options.

Please bare in mind we do not advise the use of venetian blinds over doorways including patio doors or windows that open inwards. This is due to the stacking height which can vary depending on the drop of the blind and slat size.

Below you will find the minimum requirements for each product type;

Fauxwood venetian depth

Minimum width of 11 ½ inches or 290 mm (29 cm)
Minimum drop of 6 inches or 150 mm (15 cm)
Minimum inside mount depth (recessed):

25 mm or 35 mm slat blind: 2 inches or 50 mm (5 cm)
50 mm slat blind: 2 ½ inches or 65 mm (6.5 cm)

Basswood venetian depth

Minimum width of 13 inches or 330 mm (33 cm)
Minimum drop of 13 inches or 330 mm (33 cm)
Minimum inside mount depth (recessed):

25 mm or 35 mm slat blind: 2 inches or 50 mm (5 cm)
50 mm slat blind: 2 ½ inches or 65 mm (6.5 cm)

Aluminium venetian (25 mm slat only) depth

Minimum width of 8 ¼ inches or 210 mm (21 cm)
Minimum drop of 6 inches or 150 mm (15 cm)
Minimum inside mount depth (recessed) of 1 inch or 24 mm (2.4 cm)

So if your recess is 24 mm to 50 mm then aluminium venetians would be the most appropriate, for recesses 50 mm to 65 mm then 25 mm/35 mm faux wood or basswood blinds would be a good fit, and for over 65 mm then you would want 50 mm faux wood or basswood blinds.

Blind depth summary

For recesses 24 mm or larger opt for aluminium venetian blinds.
For recesses 45 mm or larger opt for roman blinds and roman kits, or any option above.
For recesses 50 mm or larger opt for 25 mm/35 mm basswood/faux wood venetian blinds, or any option above.
For recesses 57 mm or larger opt for vertical blinds, or any option above.
For recesses 65 mm or larger opt for 50 mm basswood/faux wood venetian blinds, or any option above.
For recesses 74 mm or over opt for roller blinds, or any option above.

Mounting blinds in a shallower window?

So you’ve seen the perfect blind or shade but realised you don't have the minimum depth requirement! Frustrating right? Well the good news is you could consider switching to outside mounting. If you can switch to outside mounting then all of the above options are available.

Just remember when ordering a vertical blind you need to select face fixing on the bracket option. Some blinds i.e. fauxwood & basswood venetians are even available with returns to cover any exposed headrail or brackets on the sides when a blind protrudes from the window. This provides a neat and tidy finish.