Walk into any DIY store and you'll find ready-made blinds at prices that seem hard to beat. So why do so many people choose made-to-measure blinds instead? The answer comes down to fit, quality, and how long you want your blinds to last.
The Problem with Ready-Made Blinds
Ready-made blinds come in fixed sizes — usually in increments of 5cm or 10cm. Unless your window happens to match one of those sizes exactly, you'll end up with a blind that's either too wide (and has to be trimmed, which isn't always possible) or too narrow (leaving gaps at the sides).
Gaps at the sides of a blind look untidy, let in light, and reduce privacy. For a bedroom blackout blind, even a small gap can let in enough light to disturb sleep. For a bathroom blind, gaps can allow steam to get behind the blind and cause condensation on the glass.
What Made-to-Measure Actually Means
A made-to-measure blind is manufactured to the exact dimensions of your window — to the millimetre. There are no gaps, no trimming, and no compromise. The blind fits the window perfectly and performs as it should.
Made-to-measure also means you get a much wider choice of fabrics, colours, and finishes. Ready-made blinds are available in a limited range of colours and fabrics. Made-to-measure blinds can be ordered in hundreds of fabrics — from plain blackout to patterned designer fabrics.
The Cost Difference
Ready-made blinds are cheaper upfront — a basic roller blind might cost £20–£40 from a DIY store. A made-to-measure equivalent might cost £60–£120 including fitting. That's a real difference.
But consider the full picture. A ready-made blind that doesn't fit properly, looks untidy, and needs replacing in two or three years is not necessarily better value than a made-to-measure blind that fits perfectly and lasts ten years. Add in the cost of your time to fit a ready-made blind yourself (and the frustration when it doesn't fit), and the gap narrows further.
When Ready-Made Makes Sense
Ready-made blinds are a reasonable choice if you're renting and don't want to invest in permanent fixtures, if you need a temporary solution while you decide on a longer-term option, or if your windows happen to be a standard size that a ready-made blind fits well.
When Made-to-Measure is Worth It
For most homeowners, made-to-measure blinds are worth the extra cost. They look better, perform better, and last longer. If you're buying blinds for a room you're going to live in for several years, the investment makes sense.
We supply and fit made-to-measure blinds throughout Cumbria, starting from competitive prices. If you'd like a quote, we offer free home consultations with no obligation.