Light Control: If you're installing Blackout Roller Blinds in a bedroom or media room, having them touch the sill can help prevent light from seeping through. Privacy: Blinds that touch the sill can improve privacy, especially in spaces like bathrooms or ground-floor rooms.
That said, again, the closer to the window you can get the blind, the better it will perform in terms of potentially reducing condensation. So again, aim to get the blind within 25-50mm of the glass, particularly if you have a thermally insulating blind.
It's really up to you and how you want the window to look. It can be more clean to simply put them at the front of the window frame but depending on the depth you may want the room in front for.
A gap of approximately 25-50mm (1-2 inches) between the blinds and the glass is recommended. This closeness helps in reducing heat loss during colder months and minimises light seepage.
In general, it's wise to position the blind as far back as possible, without it being obstructed by anything like trickle vents or window handles. This way you'll minimise light bleed around the edges if you've gone for a roller blind, and maintain as much windowsill space as you can!
Inside mounts are the most popular choice. They offer a clean, finished look because the blinds or shades are recessed and contained inside the window casing. Inside-mounted window treatments are NOT the best choice for you if: Your window frame is not deep.
Yes, for your blinds to work to greatest effect and to achieve the right visual finish, window blinds should rest on the windowsill. The only exception to this is vertical blinds which require a small amount of clearance to prevent the louvres from dragging on the windowsill when operated.
Measure both the width of the window and the height of the window. Consider adding an extra 3 inches to the width and height for optimum light control and privacy. Extending the blinds outside the window will also provide the space needed for the mounts and help the window appear larger than it actually is.
There are multiple effective ways to block or fill the gap between blinds, such as ensuring edge-to-edge fit, adding extra fabric, layering, and adding blackout liners or light-blocking strips. Among these options, layering offers an ultimate blackout effect.
We recommend your blind overlaps the window recess by at least 5cm on each side (10cm overall). You will eliminate more light the more the blind overlaps the recess.
Aid in Better Sleep
This is especially important for light-sensitive sleepers or those living in well-lit areas. Closing your blinds ensures that your bedroom remains a sleep-friendly sanctuary, promoting healthier, more restorative rest.
Fitting blinds inside the recess
It should be noted that this method isn't always available as, generally, a recess depth of 7.5cm is needed to ensure there is enough room for the blind. To measure for a blind inside the recess, you need to measure the width and height within the recessed space which the window fills.
It should be flush with the wall's surface.
Holding the cord at a 45-degree angle, release it to the desired length. Keep tension on the cord until the blinds reach your desired height. Lock the blinds. Move the cord in the opposite direction until the lock catches and the blind can remain at your chosen height.
Our associates can cut your in-store bought blinds to the exact size needed, for free.
In the window covering world, we call these “light gaps.” These gaps exist because blinds and shades can't be made to fit perfectly tight to the sides of the window. Without this gap, the fabric or slats would scrape along the window frame when they raise and lower, causing damage.
Most likely the chain mechanism, responsible for raising the fabric, or the roller (the material is wound onto it) is damaged. There may also be damage to the fastening system, guide or cassette.
Measure the width to the nearest 1/8 of an inch between the outermost points where you'll place the blinds. For optimum light control, the blinds should extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side.
Gaps around windows and doors should be sized to allow for thermal movement and this will vary depending on the material of the frame. The maximum gap permitted for openings less than 3m should be 10mm. For openings more than 3m, the maximum gap permitted should be 15mm.
Add an overlap of 3” on each side of the window (6” total) to allow for more privacy and light blockage. Please note: Factory Deductions: Inside mounted products have a light gap between 1/8” and 1/4” on either side of the window – this gap is required in order for the product to operate properly.
If the window sill protrudes more than 5 cm from the recess, the blind may have to stop at sill level rather than dropping below it, as this will obstruct the smooth operation of the blind. Remember to select actual blind size when ordering your blind as this will be the exact size your blind will be made to.
As the fabric is well above the floor, you will have less debris, therefore they should require cleaning less often. We recommend ending the curtain length 1 cm above the windowsill.
Leaving a small gap between the bottom of the blinds and the window sill can offer advantages, particularly for certain blind types: Air Circulation: If you have Venetian Blinds or Vertical Blinds in a room with condensation issues, a slight gap allows air to flow around the window, reducing moisture buildup.