Blinds advice & guides
Practical answers to the questions we get asked most. No jargon, no sales pitch.
Are made-to-measure blinds better than ready-made?
Ready-made blinds are cheaper up front, but made-to-measure blinds almost always give a better result, because they are built to fit your exact window rather than the nearest standard size.
How do I choose the right blinds for my home?
Choosing blinds is easier when you work through it room by room and think about four things: the job the blind needs to do, the room's conditions, the look you want, and your budget.
What are the best blinds for French doors?
French doors need blinds that sit close to the glass so the doors can still open, close, and lock without the blind swinging or catching. Perfect Fit blinds are the ideal solution, with slimline rollers and Venetians as alternatives.
Are motorised blinds better than manual ones?
Motorised blinds are not automatically better than manual ones — it depends on the window and how you use the room. For some situations they are a clear upgrade, while for others a well-made manual blind is all you need.
What are the best blinds for sliding patio doors?
The best blinds for sliding patio doors let you cover the glass without getting in the way of the door as it slides. Vertical blinds are the most popular choice, with Perfect Fit and panel blinds as strong alternatives.
What are the best blinds for large windows?
Large windows need blinds that can span the width neatly, operate smoothly, and are not too heavy to use day to day. The best options are vertical blinds, panel-style systems, and motorised roller or day and night blinds.
Can tenants fit blinds in a rented property?
Tenants can usually have blinds fitted in a rental, but it is best to choose options that do not require drilling, and to check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord first.
Do I need planning permission for plantation shutters?
For the vast majority of homes, you do not need planning permission to fit interior plantation shutters. They are an internal window covering, like blinds or curtains, and fitting them does not change the exterior of the property.
Zebra blinds or roller blinds — what's the difference?
Zebra blinds and roller blinds use the same roller mechanism, but they give you very different control over light and privacy. Zebra blinds are also known as day and night, vision, or twist blinds.
Wooden or faux wood blinds — which should I choose?
The choice between real wood and faux wood blinds comes down to the room and your budget. Both look similar from a distance, but they behave very differently in heat and moisture.
How do you clean plantation shutters?
Plantation shutters are one of the lowest-maintenance window coverings, because their solid louvres and open design do not gather dust the way fabric blinds do. A regular light clean keeps them looking new.
How do you clean wooden blinds?
Wooden blinds are easy to keep clean with regular, gentle dusting. The key rule is to avoid water, which can stain, warp, or crack real timber over time.
What are the most energy-efficient blinds?
The most energy-efficient blinds are honeycomb (cellular) pleated blinds, followed by well-fitted plantation shutters and thermal-lined blinds. They all work by adding an insulating barrier between the room and the cold glass.
Which blinds are best for keeping heat out in summer?
To keep rooms cooler in summer, you want blinds that reflect and block solar heat before it builds up inside. The most effective options are honeycomb (pleated) blinds, blinds with a reflective or solar-coated fabric, and dedicated conservatory or roof blinds.
What are the best blinds for a home office?
The main challenge in a home office is glare on your screen, so the best blinds give you precise control over how much light enters and from what angle. Venetian blinds, roller blinds, and day and night blinds all work well.
What are the best blinds for a nursery?
For a nursery, the two priorities are darkness and safety. The best choice is a cordless blackout blind, ideally blackout roller or Perfect Fit, so the room can be darkened for naps and night-time sleep without any hazard from cords.
What are the best blinds for a bedroom?
The best bedroom blinds usually come down to how much light you want to block. For most people, blackout roller blinds are the top choice because they create the dark environment that helps you sleep.
What are the best blinds for a living room?
The best blinds for a living room balance style, light control, and comfort. The most popular choices are Roman blinds, wooden Venetians, and plantation shutters, with day and night blinds a strong modern option.
How much do electric blinds cost?
Electric blinds cost more than manual versions because of the motor and controls, but the gap has narrowed in recent years. As a rough guide, a motorised blind typically costs £80 to £200 more per blind than the same blind operated by hand, depending on the motor and how it is controlled.
Are plantation shutters worth the money?
For many homeowners, plantation shutters are worth the higher price because of how long they last and what they add to a room. While they cost more than blinds up front, they are built to last for decades rather than years.
How much do made-to-measure blinds cost?
Made-to-measure blinds cover a wide price range because the term includes everything from a simple roller blind to a premium motorised system. As a guide, a standard made-to-measure roller or vertical blind starts from around £40 to £90 per window, while wooden Venetians, Romans, and day and night blinds sit higher.
How much do plantation shutters cost in the UK?
As a rough guide, made-to-measure plantation shutters in the UK typically cost between £200 and £350 per square metre, fitted. The final price depends on the material, the size and shape of the window, and the style of shutter you choose.
What are the best blinds for kitchens and bathrooms?
Kitchens and bathrooms need blinds that handle moisture, steam, and occasional splashes. The best options are moisture-resistant roller blinds, faux wood venetians, and aluminium venetians.
Blinds or curtains — which is better for your home?
Blinds and curtains serve different needs. Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on the room, the window, and what matters most to you.
How long should good quality blinds last?
Good quality blinds should last between 5 and 10 years with normal use. Some types last much longer. Shutters can easily last 20 to 25 years because they are made from solid materials and have no fabric to degrade.
What blinds work best for bay windows?
The best blinds for bay windows depend on the shape of the bay and the look you want. There are three main approaches: individual blinds per section, a continuous track, or shutters.
Are all modern blinds child-safe?
Not all blinds are child-safe by default, but regulations have improved significantly. Since 2014, UK safety standards require all new blinds sold with cords or chains to include a child safety device. This is usually a cleat, a breakaway connector, or a tensioning device that prevents loose loops.
Which blinds are best for privacy?
Shutters offer the best privacy of any window covering. When the louvres are closed, there is no way to see through them from outside. Unlike fabric blinds, shutters have no gaps between slats and no light bleed around the edges.
What happens during a free home blinds consultation?
A home consultation is a no-pressure visit where we come to your property, show you our products, and take measurements. The whole thing usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many windows you want to cover.
How do you measure windows for made-to-measure blinds?
Accurate measuring is the difference between a blind that fits perfectly and one that looks wrong. There are two main fitting types: inside the recess and outside the recess. Each requires different measurements.
How long does professional blind fitting take?
Fitting a single blind typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. A full house with 8 to 12 windows usually takes half a day, roughly 2 to 4 hours including setting up and cleaning away.
What blinds work best for bi-fold doors?
Perfect Fit blinds are the best option for bi-fold doors. Each blind panel is mounted directly into the door leaf, so when you fold the doors open, the blinds fold with them. Nothing gets in the way.
What are lantern blinds and do I need them?
Lantern blinds are made specifically for roof lanterns, the raised glass structures often found on kitchen extensions and orangeries. A roof lantern is a skylight that sits above the roofline, typically with four sloped glass panels and sometimes a flat top panel.
Do blackout blinds really block all light?
Blackout blinds block up to 99% of light passing through the fabric itself. The fabric is coated or layered to prevent light transmission. Hold a blackout fabric up to a light and you will see nothing through it.
Are electric blinds worth the extra cost?
Electric blinds cost more than manual blinds, but they are worth it in specific situations. The main reasons to choose electric are convenience, accessibility, and hard-to-reach windows.
What are the best blinds for conservatory heat?
Pleated roof blinds with a reflective backing are the most effective option for controlling heat in a conservatory. They reflect solar energy before it enters the room, rather than just blocking light after the heat has already built up.
Made-to-measure curtains vs ready-made — is it worth it?
Made-to-measure curtains fit your window exactly. Ready-made curtains come in standard sizes and often need hemming, bunching, or compromising on the drop length. The difference is visible the moment they are hung.
What blinds fit Velux and skylight windows?
Velux windows need blinds specifically designed for roof-mounted operation. Standard blinds will not work because they hang away from the glass when the window is at an angle. Skylight blinds use side channels that hold the fabric in place regardless of the window's tilt.
Do pleated blinds actually keep heat in?
Standard pleated blinds provide some insulation, but honeycomb pleated blinds are the ones that make a real difference to heat retention. Honeycomb blinds have a cellular structure with air pockets trapped between two layers of fabric. These pockets act as insulation, similar to double glazing.
Aluminium or faux wood Venetian blinds — which should I pick?
Aluminium venetian blinds are lightweight, slim, and modern. Faux wood venetians are thicker, warmer in appearance, and feel more like real timber. The right choice depends on the room.
Shutters vs blinds — which is better value?
Shutters cost more upfront than blinds. A set of plantation shutters for a standard window typically costs several times more than a roller or vertical blind for the same opening. But shutters last significantly longer, often 20 to 25 years or more with minimal maintenance.
How do day and night blinds work?
Day and night blinds use two layers of fabric with alternating sheer and solid horizontal strips. The layers sit one in front of the other on a single roller mechanism. When you adjust the blind, the strips shift position relative to each other.
Can Roman blinds have blackout lining?
Yes, Roman blinds can be made with a full blackout lining behind the main fabric. The lining is a separate layer bonded or sewn to the back of the blind. It blocks light from passing through the weave of the front fabric.
What are Perfect Fit blinds and how do they work?
Perfect Fit blinds are a type of blind that clips directly into the rubber beading of uPVC window and door frames. No drilling, no screws, no brackets on the wall. The blind sits inside the frame itself, flush against the glass.
How do you clean roller blinds without removing them?
The easiest way to clean roller blinds in place is with a damp microfibre cloth. Roll the blind fully down, then wipe gently from top to bottom. Avoid soaking the fabric as too much water can leave marks or damage the coating.
Vertical blinds or curtains for patio doors?
Vertical blinds are usually the better choice for patio doors because the louvres slide sideways, matching the direction the door opens. Curtains bunch up to one side and can get in the way when you are going in and out.
Are wooden blinds a good choice for bedrooms?
Wooden blinds work well in bedrooms because the adjustable slats let you control exactly how much light enters the room. They give a warm, natural look that suits most bedroom styles.