This information will help you successfully measure your shutters.
If possible please print this in colour to help you clearly see where you should measure. For further assistance call us on 0845 123 5661 or email hello@thecaliforniacompany.co.uk

1. Each window in the bay gets its own individual frame. The panel or panels are hinged inside each frame.
2. Due to the space between each window and the angle of the bay you may need to butt the frames up to each other (see diagram below). However if the 3 sections of your bay window are spaced further apart there will be a gap between each frame (see measuring instruction photo below). You need to decide which type of shutter installation is best for your window.
3. It is recommended that you use our small templates which replicate the size of the frame, these are available on the site to print off. Position the template on the window sill as shown in the photo and sketch. When you are happy that all frames when installed will butt up to each other......Measure the widths required.
4. When measuring for the drop it is important that all frames are ordered the same height for each window. This ensures that all panels have equal number of slats and that shutters have equal top and bottom rails.
5. The width of the frame that you need to template is 33mm and the depth of this frame (how far the frame comes from the window into the room) is either 57mm or 67mm. The depth you choose depends on the slat size you go for and if there are large handles on the window that you need to clear.
6. If you want to include a midrail in the panels, measure up from the sill to the mid point on the window where you want the rail centered. Again, this should be the same measurement on all windows in the bay. If there is a divide or rail on the actual window it is always best to mirror this location on the shutter panels. This is normally in the middle or 3/4 way up the window.
7. If you want to measure for 'tier on tier' shutters, measure up from the sill to the point where you would like the panel to split. This is normally the top of the bottom window section. You should give the same measurement for all windows in the bay. See photo guide.
8. Use a steel tape measure and do measure in a couple of places on every window to ensure it is square. If the window is not square always choose the smallest measurement it needs to be.

If you would like further advice on your actual window, please email a clear digital image to hello@thecaliforniacompany.co.uk .Ensure all curtains are moved away from the window and that handles and the full window is in the photo.

Measure along the red line for the width of your shutter frames

Flat L frame ... Suitable for a slat size of 47mm or 64mm
FRAME ref: 4033 measures 33mm wide x 57mm deep

Plan View of window frame looking down from above
Frame shown 4033

FLAT L frame ... Suitable for a slat size of 89mm
FRAME ref: 4034 measures 33mm wide x 67mm deep

Plan view of window looking down from above
(frame shown 4034)

The green lines above show where your shutter frames will be mounted. You need to measure as indicated by the black arrows. Remember – the dimension you give to us includes the frame itself.
If ordering full height panels with a mid rail please measure to the blue line to ensure the mid point of the mid rail is at the mid point of the sash meeting rail.
If ordering café style or tier on tier shutters measure to the red line (the lower panels will then cover the sash meeting rail).
To measure please refer to instructions at the beginning of this section and use the templates supplied. Below is an example of how tier on tier shutters would look on this type of window.

Before measuring, look for any obstructions on the window. You need to make sure that you avoid the possibility of the slats tilting open and hitting any obstacles such as handles or phone junction box.

We advise that phone points, if they sit in the way of the shutter frame, should be moved. This is generally the case with 3 section Victorian sash windows. However for handles, especially on UPVC windows, it is not easy to change these and you therefore need to ensure you measure correctly to accommodate the handles.

• Measure how far into the room the handles protrude.
• Depending on the slat size you choose check if you will have enough clearance or if you need to pull the frame forward.
• Remember, you can always order a deeper frame if you choose. For example a 4032 (67mm deep) frame for a 47mm slat. We can also custom make a non standard depth frame for additional cost.

Below is an example of how tier on tier shutters would look on this type of window.