When you need blinds it basically comes down to two options, off the shelf ready made blinds or Custom made Blinds.
Which of these you decide to buy depends on a number of factors. As a company that specializes in blinds, we often get asked which one you should buy and why. For us, there’s only one answer. We always recommend custom made blinds over ready-made blinds (without hesitation).
It’s nothing to do with fact that we sell them. We understand that custom made blinds might not be for everyone and that ready-made blinds might be exactly what some people need. We believe any decision should be made based on your personal circumstances and most importantly based on having all the right information. That’s why we’ve written this article to help our readers and customers make an informed decision.
Above: Custom Made Faber Aluminium Venetian Blinds
Price
Price is usually the biggest obstacle to custom made blinds and that’s understandable. You will ultimately always pay more for custom made blinds, regardless of who you buy them from. But what is easy to forget is that you buy cheap, you get what you pay for and they are never normally made to last. If you get it right the first time you won’t need to worry about it again for a long time to come.
By calling in the experts, this can help save you precious time by not having to go from shop to shop to find ready-made blinds that will fit your windows. However, this rarely happens as windows come in many different sizes. Extra costs can come into play if they need to be cut back and installed by a fitter, it can work out that you may have only saved slightly more than having custom made blinds installed, which always includes a two years warranty minimum.
In addition, we will also explain and show you how your new blinds operate and offer advice on how to keep them clean. We are required by law to install child safety restraints for blinds with cords or chains as they provide a significant risk to children, as unsecured cords can lead to strangulation.
Precise
Custom made blinds are made to fit exactly to the measurements provided for from your sales representative that came to see you. The best thing is that they are exactly what you want. The proportions are right and there’s no risk of it not fitting leaving big gaps or being too over-sized that they look wrong. No compromising and ending up with a colour or design that you didn’t want. No off centre hanging and random cords dangling in the middle of the window or excess of slats near the floor. Custom made, means a perfect fit.
Above: Cedar Wooden Blinds
Installation
If you’re a dab hand at DIY then ready-made blinds might not be too much of an issue for you. Drilling holes, fixing and leveling brackets might not be something you’re good at. If you’re not very experienced at putting up blinds it can be tricky, depending on what sort of windows frames etc you are dealing with. If you buy custom-made blinds they normally include installation. This is particularly useful when you have unusual situation’s that need someone with experience to install the blinds.
Above: Painted Timber Blinds
Customisation
Obviously, the clue is in their name, but custom made blinds have endless customisable options to suit your style and home décor. It also considers things like which type of blind you need for a particular room, such as blackouts for a bedroom. You can basically have any kind of, colour or design you want, though not every blind is suitable for all windows, hence that is why we offer to come to your home or office and do a free measure and quote. Our experienced staff have the knowledge and are willing to help you make the right decision as much as possible.
Quality
Often in life, you get what you pay for and it’s no different when you choose blinds. To pass off the savings to you, often ready-made blinds are made with less sturdy and lower quality materials. This includes the type of plastic and the durability of any material. Custom made blinds are made of high-quality materials and will last you a long time. To demonstrate commitment to quality, custom made blinds come with a warranty.
Above: Mermet Blockout Blinds
Looking for custom blinds? With over 27 years of experience on our custom-made products, we supply, install and repair. Request a free quote now.