Choosing blinds can be a headache especially if it's your first time. Made to measure blinds come in such a wide range of options, styles, and materials, it can be overwhelming and it's easy to make mistakes that can affect the look and functionality of your windows. To help you make the right choice, we’ve identified the most common mistakes people make when choosing blinds and how you can avoid them.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No.1. Ignoring the Purpose of the Room
One of the biggest mistakes when choosing blinds is not considering the function of the room. Different rooms have different needs—bedrooms require more privacy, while living rooms benefit from natural light.
For example:
- Bedrooms: You need privacy and light control from your blinds. Choose blackout blinds for better sleep and coverings without gaps e.g. roller, roman or pleated blinds for total privacy.
- Living Rooms: You want to enjoy your view but have the option to stop neighbours looking in! You also want to stop the glare of the sun ruining the latest binge series. Consider light-filtering blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to brighten the space like Vertical Blinds with dim-out fabrics.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: These will be high heat, steamy rooms with all the cooking and hot showers. Go for moisture-resistant materials like PVC fabrics or faux wood to prevent warping and damage. These blinds are also easy to clean off flying tomato sauce.
If you take time to understand the specific needs of your room, it will help you choose the most suitable blinds for your home.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No.2. Measuring Incorrectly
Accurate measurements are crucial when choosing blinds. A common mistake people make is measuring the window opening rather than considering where you want to fit your blind - inside or outside the recess sometimes referred to as the “mount”.
- Inside Recess/Mount: Measure the width and height of the window recess for a sleek, streamlined look.
- Outside Recess/Mount: Measure from the outer edges of the window frame to cover the entire window and enhance privacy.
Blinds4You offer measuring guides for all our products to help you get it right.
Avoid simple measuring errors by using a metal measuring tape and taking three measurements to ensure accuracy. Then double check your measurements.
Remember the blind industry motto: measure twice, buy once.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No.3. Overlooking Light Control Needs
Different types of blinds offer various levels of light control. Another mistake when choosing new blinds is selecting a style that doesn’t suit your lighting needs.
- Metal and Wood Venetian Blinds allow you to adjust slats to control the direction and amount of light along the horizontal. These are often used in studies and offices to control glare on computer screens.
- Roller Blinds provide a simple up-and-down mechanism, ideal for full light or complete darkness - great for bedrooms.
- Roman Blinds offer softer light control but don’t allow for precise adjustments like Venetians.
- Vertical Blinds offer similar light control to Venetian Blinds but the slats run vertically rather than horizontally and are usually used where the windows are larger or if you’d prefer fabric rather than metal/wood.
Think about how much light you want in each room at different times of the day to choose blinds that offer the right level of control.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No.4. Choosing Style Over Function
Many people make the mistake of focusing solely on the aesthetic appeal when choosing blinds. While style is important, functionality should not be sacrificed. For example:
- Sheer Blinds look beautiful but will not provide adequate privacy for bedrooms.
- Wooden Blinds add a classic touch but can be heavy and unsuitable for large windows.
Our measuring guides also highlight the dimensions of our blinds to help you avoid blocking the basic function of opening your windows. The style of the blind may not suit the practicalities of your window.
A good balance between style and practicality is key to choosing blinds that meet both your design preferences and everyday needs.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No. 5. Not Considering Insulation
Blinds play a significant role in insulating your home. When choosing blinds, many overlook how different materials and styles can impact energy efficiency.
For example compare these blinds:
- Cellular (Honeycomb) Pleated Blinds are great for insulating because they trap air in their layers and keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Aluminium Blinds are less effective for insulation but offer durability and a modern look.
To avoid high energy bills, choose blinds that not only look good but also help regulate temperature in your home. Returning to the function of a room discussed in Common Mistake No.1, a conservatory can be subject to the extremes of heat and cold - pleated blinds are often a necessity in these rooms.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No.6. Overlooking Maintenance Requirements
Different types of blinds come with varying levels of maintenance. One common mistake is choosing blinds that require more upkeep than expected.
For instance:
- Faux Wood Blinds are easy to clean and moisture-resistant, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms but they will require regular dusting.
- Soft Fabric Shades like Roman Blinds or Curtains may need frequent dusting or spot-cleaning to keep them looking fresh.
Consider how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance when choosing blinds, and opt for materials that align with your lifestyle.
Choosing Blinds Mistake No.7. Not Setting a Budget
Blinds come in a wide range of price points, and it’s easy to overspend when faced with attractive designs. Setting a clear budget before you start choosing blinds can prevent unexpected expenses.
- Research different materials and styles to understand their price range.
- Keep in mind that blinds with special properties may come at a higher cost.
- Don’t forget delivery costs although with Blinds4You orders over £249 come with free delivery.
A budget helps narrow down your choices and keeps you focused on options that work for your financial plan.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Blinds
Choosing blinds doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use Blinds4You’s guides as helpful tools and by avoiding these common mistakes, you can find the perfect blinds that fit your style, functionality, and budget. Remember to consider the room’s purpose, measure accurately, think about light control, balance style and function, consider insulation, account for maintenance, and set a budget.
By taking the time to plan carefully, you can ensure a smooth experience when choosing blinds, creating a comfortable and stylish home environment.