How to Measure Your Door for a Magnetic Fly Screen
Most magnetic fly screen returns happen for one reason: the curtain was ordered in the wrong size. Unlike adjustable window screens, many balcony-door models ship at a fixed height and width and cannot be trimmed. Ten minutes with a tape measure now saves a frustrating re-order later.
What you are measuring
Magnetic door curtains mount on the inside of the door frame — the same surface where the door leaf closes. You need the clear opening width and height that the mesh must cover when the door is shut.
Measure in three places for both width and height (top, middle, bottom for width; left, centre, right for height). Use the smallest reading if the frame is slightly out of square. Round down to the nearest centimetre when comparing against product listings.
Common ready-made sizes
Many balcony and terrace doors fit one of these common ready-made sizes:
- 90 × 210 cm — the most common listing for standard-height balcony doors
- 90 × 200 cm — slightly shorter frames, common in older buildings
- 90 × 190 cm — cellar doors, some patio doors, or frames with low clearance
- 95 × 220 cm — taller or wider openings that exceed standard 90 × 210 cm
If your inside opening is larger than the product dimensions, the screen will not cover the gap. If it is significantly smaller, excess material may bunch at the bottom or sides and prevent magnets from meeting cleanly.
Total product size vs mesh area
Some manufacturers list the overall finished size including the sewn border and Velcro flap, not just the transparent mesh panel. A product labelled 90 × 210 cm may assume a frame close to those exact dimensions. When in doubt, check whether the listing refers to total curtain size or net area — and leave a margin if the description is ambiguous.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the outside of the frame — always measure the inner rebate where the door closes.
- Ignoring the threshold — account for a raised sill; the curtain should reach the floor without dragging excessively.
- Assuming all doors are 210 cm — measure height even if width looks standard.
- Planning to cut the mesh — many models explicitly state they cannot be shortened; treat fixed-size listings as fixed.
When a custom size is worth considering
If your opening falls between standard sizes — for example 92 cm wide or 215 cm tall — look for the next size up only if the listing confirms overlap is acceptable. Otherwise consider a cut-to-size window-style screen for smaller openings, or a different door type (sliding vs hinged) that may need a wider model.