When you are buying new blinds, one of the first decisions is whether to choose made to measure blinds or buy ready made blinds in a standard size. Ready made blinds might seem like the simpler option at first. You choose the closest size, take them home and fit them yourself.
However, there are some important differences between the two options. Fit, choice, installation and how well the blind suits the window can all affect how satisfied you are with the finished result.
So, what do you actually get when you choose made to measure?
What is the difference between made to measure blinds and ready made blinds?
Ready made blinds are manufactured in a selection of standard widths and drops. You measure your window, find the closest available size and, depending on the type of blind, may need to make adjustments before fitting it. With a ready made blind, there is no guarantee that it will fit your window correctly.
On the other hand, made to measure blinds are produced specifically for your window. The measurements, blind style, fabric, finish and control options can all be chosen to suit your room and the way you want to operate the blind.
If you choose a professional measuring and fitting service, you also do not have to work out the measurements or do the installation yourself. That difference may sound small on paper, but it can have a noticeable effect once the blind is actually in place.
Made to measure blinds are designed for your window, not anyone else’s
Windows do not always match standard dimensions. Even two windows that look almost identical can vary slightly in width or height. Older properties often present additional challenges as the windows are unlikely to be completely even. Bay windows, larger areas of glazing and other unusual window shapes also require careful planning.
With ready made blinds, you can only work with the sizes available. That might mean choosing a blind that is slightly too wide, slightly too narrow or longer than you need.
A made to measure blind is created for your individual window. This can create a much neater finish and help avoid unnecessary gaps around the edges. Getting the size right is particularly important for blinds used for privacy, light control or blackout, where even a small gap can make a difference. Blackout fabric alone does not guarantee a completely dark room, as light can still enter around the edges, depending on the blind system and fitting.
There’s no need to measure the windows yourself
Measuring for blinds seems straightforward until you actually start doing it. Do you measure inside or outside the recess? Is the recess completely square? Are there window handles, tiles or other obstructions to consider? How much space does the blind itself need?
Accurate measuring is vital, because even a relatively small difference can affect how neatly the blind sits within or around the window. When you choose to have your blinds measured and fitted, these decisions are taken care of for you. We can assess the window, discuss how you want the blind to sit and take the measurements needed for the product you have chosen. It also gives us an opportunity to spot potential issues before the blind is ordered. With ready made blinds, that responsibility sits with you.
Made to measure blinds give you more choice
Ready made blinds are designed to suit as many homes as possible, so ranges tend to concentrate on popular colours, common sizes and standard specifications.
Made to measure gives you much more freedom. Depending on the blind style, you can choose from different fabrics, colours, patterns, opacity levels and finishes. You also have options for how the blind is operated, including motorisation on suitable products. This allows you to choose a blind based on what you really want and need, rather than simply finding the closest match available.
What about bay windows and unusual shapes?
In situations like these, you can really see the difference between made to measure blinds and ready made blinds. A simple rectangular window may be relatively easy to match with a standard blind, but more complicated windows are another matter.
Bay windows, skylights, very wide windows, narrow windows and other specialist shapes all require more careful consideration. You may need to think about how several blinds meet, where brackets can be installed and how the blinds will operate without getting in each other’s way.
A made to measure service allows the window to be considered as a whole. Rather than trying to make standard-sized blinds work in an awkward space, the blinds can be created around the window itself.
Could made to measure blinds help avoid some unnecessary waste?
There can also be a practical waste consideration when choosing between made to measure and ready made blinds. Some ready made blinds are designed to be trimmed to fit, which can leave unused material once the blind has been altered. There is also the risk of buying the wrong size or discovering that a particular blind is not suitable for the window.
With a made-to-measure service, the window is professionally measured before the blind is ordered. This can reduce the risk of ordering something that does not fit and then having to replace it.
That does not mean a made-to-measure blind is automatically the more sustainable option. Manufacturing, materials and how long the blind remains in use all matter too. However, choosing the right product and size first time can help avoid some unnecessary waste.
Is professional blind fitting worth it?
The blind itself is only part of the finished result. Professional fitting means the blind can be installed in the position planned when the measurements were taken. This is particularly valuable with multiple blinds, larger blinds and windows where fittings need to be positioned carefully.
It also means you do not have to spend your weekend working out fitting instructions, drilling into the recess and hoping you have got everything level. For many of our customers, this combination of advice, measuring and installation is one of the biggest reasons to choose made to measure.
Are ready made blinds ever a good option?
If you have a straightforward window that happens to match a standard size, need a quick solution and are comfortable fitting the blind yourself, ready made blinds can be a practical choice. They might also make sense for a room where the blind is only going to be needed temporarily.
The key is understanding what you are giving up in return for that convenience. You will normally have less choice over dimensions, fabrics and specifications, and you will need to take care of the measuring and fitting yourself.
For windows you use every day, or blinds that you expect to remain in place for years, it may be worth looking beyond the initial purchase and thinking about the finished result.
Are made to measure blinds worth it?
For many homes, made to measure blinds are worth the investment; particularly if you want a neater fit or would rather leave the measuring and installation to a professional.
The benefit goes beyond getting the dimensions right. A made to measure service gives you the chance to choose a blind that suits the window itself, as well as the way the room is used. Fabric, colour, operating system, privacy and light control can all be considered and personalised before anything is ordered.
It can also make life much easier when you are covering several windows, or dealing with large panes, bay windows, unusual shapes or other awkward areas. Accurate measuring and professional fitting help the finished blind sit properly at the window, rather than looking like a standard-sized product that has simply been made to fit as closely as possible.
Find made to measure blinds for your home
If you are searching for made to measure blinds near you, our team can help you explore the different options and find a style that suits your home. We offer a wide range of made to measure blinds and can help with everything from choosing the right product to measuring and fitting.
Visit our showroom in Littlehampton or contact us to arrange a consultation and find the right blinds for your windows.
