Made to Measure Blinds Online: What to Know Before You Order

Buying made-to-measure blinds online puts an impressive range of styles at your fingertips, but success depends on detail. The right material, a reliable measuring method, and awareness of UK standards and return policies can prevent misfits, light gaps, or delays. This guide breaks down practical choices and steps so your order arrives ready to install and works as intended for the space.

Custom blinds in the UK: materials and styles

Choosing materials first helps narrow your shortlist. Roller blinds suit minimalist looks and small recesses, with fabric choices ranging from light-filtering to blackout. Venetian blinds (aluminium or wood) give adjustable light control and a crisp, architectural line. Vertical blinds are useful for large windows and patio doors, allowing easy control of privacy and glare. Roman blinds add soft texture and can be interlined for warmth. Day-and-night (zebra) blinds layer stripes for flexible light management, while dedicated skylight options keep roof windows tidy and functional.

Match fabrics to room conditions. Blackout is useful in bedrooms and media rooms where light exclusion matters; dim-out fabrics soften daylight without darkening the space; screen fabrics reduce glare while preserving outward views—handy for home offices. In bathrooms and kitchens, moisture-resistant materials help prevent warping or mildew. Thermal or reflective backings can improve comfort by reducing heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer. For families, favour easy-clean finishes and be mindful of corded controls around young children.

UK safety rules require that cord- and chain-operated blinds are supplied with child-safety devices and have breakaway connectors or tensioners to reduce risk. Look for compliant products and install safety fittings at the correct height. When comparing custom blinds UK retailers online, check that each product description lists safety features and fitting hardware included.

Step-by-step measuring guide for accuracy

A careful, repeatable method is essential. Use a rigid steel tape (measure in millimetres), a pencil, and a notepad. Check the window area for tiles, handles, vents, dado rails, or skirting that might affect the blind. Decide whether you want an inside-recess fit (neat, minimal) or an outside fit (maximises blackout and hides irregularities).

Step-by-step measuring guide:

• Inside recess width: measure at the top, middle, and bottom; write down all three and use the smallest. Do the same for drop (left, centre, right), again taking the smallest. Retain every measurement in mm.
• Allowances: retailers publish whether they want “recess” sizes (they apply their own clearance) or “exact” sizes (you supply the finished blind size). Follow the retailer’s definitions precisely—don’t apply deductions unless instructed.
• Outside fit width: decide your overlap beyond the window opening to reduce light bleed and improve privacy. A generous border—often 50–100 mm on each side and above—works well; ensure the lower edge doesn’t snag handles or radiators.
• Check squareness and depth: confirm your recess is deep enough for the chosen blind and brackets. For outside fit, confirm there’s sufficient wall space for brackets and the rolled fabric.
• Record orientation: note control side (left/right), chain or wand type, and any split or panel options for wide spans.

For bays and corner windows, measure each section separately following the same “smallest of three” principle. Patio doors and extra-wide openings may need multiple blinds on one headrail or independent panels; check the maximum single-blind width in the product specifications. For tilt-and-turn windows, consider frame-mounted solutions designed to move with the sash.

Made to measure blinds online in the UK: ordering tips

Before ordering, request free fabric swatches where available; colours and textures can look different on screen. Read the specification sheet for each product, including bracket dimensions, fabric roll direction, and whether the stated width refers to the overall blind or just the fabric. Search terms like “made to measure blinds online UK” will return many retailers—compare details such as lead times, included fixings, and child-safety components, not just aesthetics.

Plan installation. Identify your mounting surface (masonry, timber, or plasterboard) and check you have appropriate screws, wall plugs, or cavity anchors. Choose top-fix (into the lintel/ceiling of the recess) or face-fix (into the window frame or wall) based on access and depth. Decide the chain or cord side to avoid obstructions, and confirm whether you prefer a spring-assisted or motorised option for very tall or heavy blinds.

Understand returns and order accuracy. Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, custom-made goods are typically exempt from change-of-mind returns; your statutory rights still apply if an item is faulty or not as described. Review how each retailer handles measurement errors, manufacturing tolerances, and fabric batch variations. If a seller asks for “recess” dimensions, give the exact opening size and let them handle allowances; if they ask for “exact” or “finished” sizes, supply the precise blind size you want installed. Keep a dated record of all measurements and confirmations.

Common pitfalls to avoid include mixing units (mm vs inches), ignoring window handles when planning drop, forgetting to specify control side, and assuming deductions are the same across blind types. If your window is not square, an outside fit with adequate overlap often looks cleaner than forcing a recess fit that could show gaps.

A final pre-check helps ensure a smooth delivery day: verify access for long parcels, clear the sill and surrounding area, and read the fitting guide before drilling. After installation, test operation end-to-end and secure all safety devices firmly and at the correct height.

In summary, successful made-to-measure ordering hinges on the trio of informed product choice, meticulous measurement, and clear communication with the retailer. By matching materials to each room, following a disciplined measuring routine, and aligning your order with the seller’s sizing conventions, you minimise rework and achieve a clean, functional finish that enhances privacy, light control, and comfort throughout your home.