When choosing made-to-measure blinds for your home, one of the most important decisions isn’t just the style or colour – it’s how they’re fitted. At Budget Blinds North East, we often get asked about the difference between recess fit and exact fit blinds, and which option is best. Understanding this simple but crucial distinction can make all the difference to how your blinds look and perform.

What are Recess Fit Blinds?

Recess fit blinds are installed inside the window recess – the space between your window frame and the surrounding wall. The blind is made to fit neatly within this opening, giving a clean, streamlined appearance.

Because they sit inside the recess, they are ideal for achieving a minimal, “built-in” look. This style works particularly well in modern homes where you want the blind to blend seamlessly with the window rather than stand out.

Recess fitting is also a great space-saving option, especially in smaller rooms, because the blind doesn’t project into the room. However, it’s important to note that because the blind sits within the recess, small gaps on either side can sometimes let in a little light.

What are Exact Fit Blinds?

Exact fit (sometimes called outside recess fitting) blinds are installed outside the window recess, usually on the wall above or around the window frame. Instead of sitting inside the opening, the blind overlaps the window completely.

This overlapping design provides better light control and privacy, making exact fit blinds a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and any space where reducing light leakage is important.

Exact fit blinds are also useful if your window recess is shallow, uneven, or obstructed by handles, tiles, or vents. They give you more flexibility with positioning and can even make windows appear larger by extending the blind beyond the frame.

Key Differences at a Glance

In simple terms:

• Recess fit = inside the window frame, neat and minimal
• Exact fit = outside the frame, full coverage and stronger light control

Both options are equally practical – it simply depends on your window type, room layout, and personal preference.

Blinds We Provide at Budget Blinds North East

At Budget Blinds North East, we supply a wide range of made-to-measure blinds suitable for both recess and exact fitting. Our collections include:

• Roller blinds – a versatile and modern option for any room
• Vertical blinds – ideal for large windows and patio doors
• Venetian blinds – stylish light control with adjustable slats
• Roman blinds – soft fabric finishes for a more luxurious feel
• Perfect fit and other specialist blinds for uPVC windows

Each blind is custom-measured and professionally fitted to ensure the perfect finish, whether you choose recess or exact installation.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want a sleek, subtle look and your window recess is suitable, recess fit blinds are often the best choice. If you prefer maximum light control, have shallow recesses, or want your blinds to make more of a design statement, exact fit blinds are usually the better option.

If you’re unsure, our team at Budget Blinds North East can help you measure, choose, and install the perfect solution for your home.

Final Thoughts

Both recess and exact fit blinds offer fantastic benefits – the right choice simply comes down to how you want your space to look and function. With our full range of high-quality blinds and expert fitting service across the North East, you can be confident you’ll get a perfect result every time.