Blinds Buying Checklist: Things to Consider | 247Blinds

Shopping for blinds? Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, our ultimate guide to buying blinds has you covered. Blinds aren't just about blocking light - they're key to style, privacy and energy efficiency in your home. From picking the right blinds to nailing the perfect fit, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Because let's be honest - when it comes to buying blinds, one size (or style) does not fit all!

There's more to buying blinds that just choosing a colour you like! Here's a quick checklist to help you stay on track: 

• Blind type - Roller, Venetian, Roman, blackout, motorised...decide which blind type works best for your home.
• Functionality - Light control, privacy, energy efficiency - what's your priority?
• Installation - DIY or professional? Drill or no-drill?  
• Colour & material - Consider style, durability, and ease of maintenance
• Size & fit - Accurate measurements are everything! 
• Room suitability - Different rooms need different features
• Budget - Find the best option within your price range 
• Reputable retailer - Trust is key - check reviews before you buy!
• Maintenance - How much time are you willing to spend looking after your blinds? 
• Safety - Child-safe designs, cordless options, and safety mechanisms for peace of mind in homes with little ones.
• Sustainability - Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient blinds, and long-lasting quality to reduce waste.

By considering all these factors, you'll make an informed decision and find blinds that look amazing and work perfectly for your space. Let's break each step down in more detail! 

Blind type

Not all blinds are created equal! Each type has its own benefits, and the best choice for you depends on how and where you'll use them:

• Roller blinds - Simple, stylish, and available in blackout, dimout, and waterproof options. 
• Venetian blinds - Feature adjustable slats, available in wood, faux wood, or aluminium for a sleek finish.
• Roman blinds - Luxurious fabric-based blinds that add warmth and texture to a room. Available with blackout or thermal linings.
• Vertical blinds - Perfect for large windows and sliding doors, offering flexible light control. 
• Blackout blinds - A must-have for bedrooms and nurseries where total darkness is a must. 
• Motorised blinds - Remote-controlled or smart-home compatible, perfect for effortless operation.
• No-drill blinds - Ideal for renters or those who want easy installation without damaging walls. 

Need help deciding? Checkout our YouTube channel for video guides showcasing different styles in action. 

Installation

Installing blinds doesn't have to be daunting, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started: 

Tools required: Most standard blinds need a drill, screwdriver, screws, and wall plugs. If you don't already own these or aren't too keen on using tools, no-drill blinds are a brilliant alternative. 

Wall type matters: If you have metal lintels, tiles, or a landlord, drilling might not be an option. No-drill blinds, again, come in clutch here as a damage free solution. 

DIY or professional installation: Our straightforward step-by-step fitting guides can turn anyone into a blind fitting guru in no time, and opting for no-drill makes this process even easier! But if you're not able to or would rather not install your own blind, you might want to consider asking a friend with a toolbox or hiring a pro!

Function

Blinds aren't only there to look nice, they need to work for your home and lifestyle too! The right blinds can help control light, improve privacy, boost energy efficiency, and even make life easier with smart controls. Let's break down the key functional considerations:

How much light do you want to let in? The answer will help you choose between: 

• Styles featuring adjustable slats like verticals, Venetians, and shutters - great if you want to filter light throughout the day while maintaining coverage over the window. 
• Solutions like rollers and Romans which can cover the whole window or leave it entirely unobstructed, also available in blackout. 
• Best of both worlds options like Day & Night blinds or double rollers which allow you to strike a balance between privacy and natural light. 

If your window faces a busy street or is overlooked by neighbours, slatted blinds will allow you to maintain privacy without blocking out light entirely. If you have a gorgeous view, opting for a sheer Roman or screen roller can give you soft-privacy without blocking the scenery. Multixone blinds AKA top-down bottom-up blinds allow you to let light in from the top and bottom, ideal for windows requiring more flexible privacy solutions like floor-to-ceiling frames or those in bathrooms. 

Did you know that the right blinds can help cut down your energy bills? Windows are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat-loss in the home, especially if they're older. Thermal blinds can help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. Choose from thermally-lined Roman blinds, clever honeycomb pleated styles, or blackout blinds to reduce reliance on fans in the summertime. 

Blinds come with a range of control options depending on your needs: 

• Standard chains and cords - the classic option 
• Cordless/tensioned blinds - ideal for homes with kids and pets
• Motorised blinds - smart-home compatible and remote-controlled for ultimate convenience. If you're a tech-lover, these electric options can be linked to your smart-home system allowing you to control them with your voice or via an app - great for security when you're away! 

By considering light, privacy, insulation and control options, you'll find that blinds don't just look great, they enhance your home's comfort and functionality too. 

Colour

Colour can make or break a room! Here's how to choose the perfect shade (pardon the pun) for your blinds:

• Contrast for a bold statement - Pick a colour that sits opposite your wall shade on the colour wheel for maximum impact. 
• Blend for depth - Go for a shade slightly lighter or darker than your walls to add some drama with the ever-popular colour drenching trend in interiors. 
• Neutrals for versatility - Something like a white wooden blind is timeless and will suit most rooms, even if you decide to redecorate! 

Not sure which colour to go for? At 247 Blinds, you can order free samples to see how different shades will look in your space. 

Material

Your choice of material affects durability, maintenance, and suitability for different rooms: 

• Real wood- natural and stylish but not best placed for use in humid rooms. 
• Faux wood- durable, waterproof, and undetectable from the real thing.
• Soft cloths (i.e. Romans) - Soft and luxurious but require a touch more maintenance (ideal for living rooms and bedrooms)
• PVC & aluminium - water resistant and easy to clean - perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. 

Size

Getting the right size is crucial for a perfect fit. Use our step-by-step measuring guides to get it right: 

• Recess fit - We make the necessary deductions so your blind fits neatly inside your window. 
• Exact fit - Measure exactly where you want the blind to sit, adding at least 35mm overlap for best coverage.

If you're nervous about measuring wrong, our MeaSUREguard insurance means free replacements if you get it wrong! 

Room suitability

Each room has different needs:

• Bedrooms - Blackout blinds help you get a good night's sleep
• Bathrooms & kitchens - Waterproof faux wood, PVC, or aluminium Venetian blinds work best.
• Living rooms - Light-filtering blinds offer privacy without blocking out natural light.

Our 'Shop by Room' pages make it easy to find the best binds for your space, whether you're shopping for a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room or even a home office!  

Budget

Blinds come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly basics to premium, bespoke styles. Setting a realistic budget will help you balance cost, quality, and functionality. Here's what to consider when planning your spend: 

• Ready-made blinds: Tend to be cheaper upfront but limited in size, colours, and materials. You may also have to cut them down yourself to fit which can leave edges looking messy and unfinished.
• Made-to-measure blinds: A perfect fit, better quality, and longer-lasting (usually backed up by a guarantee), making them a better long-term investment.

The blind you choose will influence the price:

• Roller blinds - one of the most affordable made-to-measure options, especially if you opt for plain styles. 
• Vertical blinds - budget-friendly and great for larger windows.
• Wooden blinds - faux wood options to suit a wider range of budgets, plus more premium real wood styles. 
• Roman blinds - often pricier due to the fabric and craftsmanship involved.
• Shutters - another option on the higher-end of the spectrum, but a great way to add instant value to your home.
• Motorised blinds - on the more expensive side of the spectrum but a great investment in convenience and home automation. 

Additional features can increase the price of your blinds, but also boost practicality and durability: 

• Blackout lining - great add-on to Roman blinds for bedrooms but costs more than standard lining. Opting for unlined blackout Roman fabrics or blackout rollers can be a more cost-effective alternative. 
• Thermal or energy-saving blinds - save you money on heating and cooling in the long run so may be a worthy investment, especially for homes with older windows. 
• No-drill installation - may have a higher upfront cost but quicker and easier to install, saving you professional fees if you're not comfortable with using power tools and your deposit if you're renting!
• Motorisation and smart blinds - pricier but perfect for convenience and security. 

• DIY installation - If you're comfortable with a drill or happy to choose no-drill options this will save you money on fitting fees. 
• Professional fitting - If you're happy to pay an extra fee to have someone else take care of installing your new blinds.

While cheaper blinds may seen appealing, they often wear out faster and need replacing sooner. Spending a little more upfront on quality, durable blinds can save you money in the long-run.

Need budget-friendly options? 247 Blinds offers affordable, made-to-measure blinds across all price points so you don't have to compromise on style or quality. We also offer a 5-year guarantee on all of our made-to-measure blinds so you can be sure of your investment without worry. 

Reputable supplier

Buying from a trusted retailer ensures quality blinds and great customer service. Here's why 247 Blinds is a great choice:

• Excellent Trustpilot reviews
• 5-year guarantee on all products
• Friendly customer service team ready to help both before and after you've bought your blinds!

Maintenance

With the right care, you can keep your blinds looking fresher for longer! Different materials and styles require different levels of care, so it's worth considering how much time and effort you're willing to spend on maintenance before making your decision. 

If you want blinds that are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep, we suggest opting for: 

• Faux wood Venetian blinds - Wipe-clean and water-resistant making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
• PVC roller or vertical blinds - 100% waterproof and easy to wipe down with a damp cloth.
• Aluminium Venetian blinds - Dust-resistant and durable with a quick wipe-and-go cleaning routine

Fabric-based blinds tend to need a little extra care, particularly in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas:

• Roman blinds - these may require dry cleaning, especially true for more delicate fabrics.
• Pleated or honeycomb blinds - A light dusting or vacuum with a soft brush attachment will keep them debris-free!
• Day & Night blinds - Delicate fabric means they should be dusted or wiped with a dry cloth to avoid damage. 

• Regular dusting - A feather duster or microfibre cloth will keep dust at bay.
• Deep cleaning - Use a damp cloth for waterproof blinds or a fabric-safe cleaner to spot treat delicate styles.
• Avoid harsh chemicals - Particularly on fabrics and real wood blinds which can be damaged by strong cleaning agents. 

You can learn how to clean different blind types in our in-depth Blind Cleaning Guide.

Child and pet safety

Keeping little ones and furry friends safe is an essential consideration when choosing blinds. Cordless options are the safest choice, eliminating dangling cords which can pose a hazard. 

• Cordless blinds - available in both traditional and no-drill styles, keeping cords securely out of reach thanks to a tensioned system. 
• Motorised roller blinds - operate via remote or smart home system with no cords at all.
• Shutters - tilt the louvres using a visible or hidden tilt-wand, no cords necessary. 

If you do go for corded blinds, ensure they have:

• Cord cleats or safety devices - to keep cords securely wrapped and out of reach.
• Breakaway connectors - which snap under pressure to prevent cord or chain related accidents. 
• Tensioned chains or 'p' clips - to fix chain controls to the wall in a taut position to eliminate hazards. 

Did you know? All corded or chained blinds from 247 Blinds come with safety devices as standard, meeting UK and European child safety regulations. Learn more in our Child Safety guide. 

Eco-friendly options

Looking for blinds that are stylish and sustainable? Many modern blinds are designed with eco-conscious materials and energy-saving benefits to help you reduce your environmental impact. 

• Eco Roller blinds - made from recycled plastic bottles, giving waste a second life! 
• Sustainable wood blinds - Our Copenhagen range is crafted with responsibly source Kiri wood. 

• Thermal blinds - Reduce heat loss in winter and lower heating bills.
• Blackout blinds - Keep rooms cool in summer, cutting the need for fans or AC.

Made to last, all of our blinds come with a 5-year guarantee, so you're investing in quality and helping to reduce landfill waste. 

Choosing the perfect blinds doesn't have to be complex - a little planning can make all the difference! Whether you're after style, practicality, or both, here are some key tips to help you get it right. 

• Order free samples before you buy - we try our best to make our images look as accurate as possible, but colours and textures can appear different in real life due to lighting, surroundings and screen settings. Ordering free samples lets you see how different shades work in your space before committing. 
• Measure accurately - precision is key to a perfect fit. Our measuring guides make it easy no matter what style you've chosen. If you're unsure, MeaSUREguard insurance guarantees free replacements if you mismeasure.
• Got a tricky window? We can help! If you have awkwardly shaped, extra-large, or unusual windows, don't go it alone. Our customer care team is brimming with expert blind-knowledge and are happy to help you find the best option - just get in touch for personalised advice - no commitment necessary. 

Common mistakes to avoid when buying blinds

Buying blinds should be exciting, not frustrating - but simple mistakes can lead to a poor fit or blinds that don't work how you'd hoped. Here's what to watch out for: 

Made-to-measure means exactly that, so getting your measurements right is crucial. Use our measuring guides and measure to the nearest millimetre. For recess blinds, measure across multiple spots to account for uneven walls - especially in older homes. If you're unsure, our MeaSUREguard insurance covers mistakes, for just 10% of your order value we'll replace your blinds if you mismeasure - you'll only pay the difference if your new blinds are larger. 

Cut-down blinds might seem like a budget-friendly option, but sawing them down yourself can lead to rough edges, fraying, and a poor fit. Made-to-measure blinds fit perfectly from the start, no DIY guesswork needed. 

• Recess fit - Measured wall-to-wall for fitting inside the window recess - we make a small deduction for brackets, mechanisms and fittings.
• Exact fit  - Measured for outside the recess, so no deductions are made on our end - we do recommend you add 35mm of overlap around the edges of your window for proper coverage 

Get this part right, and your blinds will look flawless! If in doubt, our team is happy to help. 

At 247 Blinds, we make finding the perfect blinds easy, with high-quality, made-to-measure designs at competitive prices. Whether you’re after sleek roller blinds, stylish Venetians, or luxurious Romans, we’ve got a huge range of styles, colours, and materials to suit every home. 

• Custom-made for a flawless fit
• Fast delivery available - as early as the next working day on selected products
• Tens of thousands of 5-starreviews from happy customers
• Expert customer service to guide you every step of the way

With affordable options and premium finishes, plus free samples to help you decide, 247 Blinds is your go-to destination for blinds that look great and last for years. 

From choosing the right blind type to measuring like a pro, this guide has covered everything you need to know to make the best choice. Now it’s time to find your perfect fit! 

At 247 Blinds, we offer top-quality, made-to-measure blinds at unbeatable prices, ensuring you get style, function, and value all in one. With fast delivery, expert advice, and a 5-year guarantee on all products, you can shop with complete confidence. 

Ready to transform your windows? Shop now at 247 Blinds and give your home the upgrade it deserves!