Fantastic! You've chosen to ask the Pole Company to help you find the perfect product for your needs. So what do we need to know?

Well first and foremost, we need the dimensions of your window and what's around it. It's not rocket science, but it does take a tape measure and a few minutes to assess the surrounding area. To make it even easier, we've cut it down to four easy steps.

All you have to do is measure the lengths shown in red (see left). Once we know the length and width of the window recess itself, frame and the objects around it (such as coving, pipes, radiators, mysterious boxed-in fixtures, architraves, pictures, doorways or alarm sensors), we'll know if there's enough space for your chosen fittings and the scale of the room. We'll then be able to advise on what sort of pole or blind would be most suitable and whether you should opt for recess fittings or extending brackets.

If you can come into the shop with all this information, all the better. But if you can't, we'll do our best to advise you on the phone. And although it's not essential, you're welcome to post or email us photos of your window and/or swatches of fabric or wallpaper so that we can suggest the best way of matching or complementing them.