“Made to measure blinds” sounds reassuring.
It suggests care, precision, and a product built specifically for your windows.
But in the blinds industry, that phrase has been stretched so far it’s almost meaningless.
Every week, we speak to homeowners across Yorkshire who were told their blinds were made to measure — yet they arrive crooked, drag after six months, fade unevenly, or simply don’t fit the space properly.
This isn’t bad luck.
It’s how the market now works.
Let’s clear it up.
The uncomfortable truth about “made to measure blinds”
Here’s what most people don’t realise:
There are at least four very different meanings of “made to measure blinds”, and only one of them actually protects you. Understanding made to measure blinds is crucial for making an informed decision.
- Factory-cut to size
Measurements are typed into a website.
A factory cuts the blind and ships it flat-packed.
No one sees your window. - Template sizing
A salesperson uses standard deduction rules and hopes your frames are square.
They rarely are. - Remote measuring services
Someone measures quickly, often with time pressure and no fitting responsibility. - Measure-fit-guaranteed systems
The same company measures, manufactures, and fits — and fixes mistakes at their cost.
All four get called “made to measure”.
Only one is genuinely safe.
Why windows are never “standard” (especially in Yorkshire)
Homes across Yorkshire — terraces, semis, new builds, stone cottages — share one thing:
Their windows lie.
- Frames aren’t square
- Walls aren’t plumb
- UPVC beads vary by manufacturer
- Older properties settle over decades
A blind that is technically the right width can still:
- scrape the sill
- leave light gaps
- twist when raised
- stress the mechanism
This is why online “perfect measurements” so often disappoint.
Where most blind problems really start
When a blind fails, customers usually blame:
- the fabric
- the mechanism
- the brand
In reality, over 70% of blind issues start at measurement or fitting.
Common examples:
- Recess deductions guessed instead of checked
- Brackets placed into weak plaster
- Perfect Fit frames forced into uneven seals
- Roller blinds mounted millimetres off-level
None of these show up on day one.
They appear months later — once guarantees are harder to use.
Why cheap blinds feel expensive later
That £200 saving up front often becomes:
- replacement blinds within 18 months
- paying again for fitting
- living with a compromise because returns are “not possible”
The real cost isn’t money.
It’s frustration and wasted time.
This is why people ring us saying:
“We wish we’d just done it properly the first time.”
What proper made to measure actually means
At Yorkshire Blinds, made to measure isn’t a label — it’s a responsibility.
It means:
- Measuring done by trained fitters, not sales scripts
- Products selected based on window behaviour, not catalog popularity
- Fixings chosen for the wall type, not speed
- Installations adjusted on site if something isn’t perfect
And crucially:
If it doesn’t fit or work properly, it’s our problem — not yours.
That difference matters.
“But aren’t all blinds basically the same?”
They look similar. They behave very differently.
Two blinds can use:
- the same fabric supplier
- similar headrails
Yet one lasts 10+ years and the other struggles after two.
The difference is:
- tolerances
- alignment
- stress points
- fitting accuracy
You don’t see these on Instagram.
You feel them every morning.
When online blinds do make sense
To be fair — online blinds aren’t evil.
They can work if:
- the window is truly square
- access is easy
- expectations are low
- you’re comfortable adjusting or refitting
But they are not equivalent to a full measure-fit service — and shouldn’t be sold as such.
Confusion comes from pretending they are.
The question every homeowner should ask
Before choosing blinds, ask this:
“If something isn’t right, who fixes it — and at whose cost?”
If the answer is vague, automated, or pushes responsibility back to you…
That tells you everything.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About “Made to Measure Blinds”
1. What does “made to measure” actually mean for blinds?
“Made to measure” refers to blinds that are created specifically for your window’s dimensions. But, be aware — the phrase can mean different things depending on the service provider. Only one method, where the company measures, manufactures, and fits the blinds themselves, truly guarantees a proper fit and long-term functionality.
2. Why are online blinds cheaper than professionally measured ones?
Online blinds often use a “factory-cut to size” method, where no one physically inspects your window. While they’re cheaper upfront, they come with the risk of poor fitting, especially in older homes or non-standard window shapes.
3. What can go wrong with online-made blinds?
Common issues include blinds that scrape the sill, leave light gaps, twist when raised, or don’t function properly because of inaccurate measurements or poor installation. These problems typically surface months after installation, when warranties may no longer apply.
4. Are all blinds the same?
No, there are differences in quality, construction, and how they handle stress over time. While two blinds may look the same, the difference in fitting precision, material tolerances, and stress points can impact longevity and daily performance.
5. How can I tell if a company provides a genuine “made to measure” service?
Look for a company that measures, manufactures, and fits the blinds themselves. This service should also guarantee that any fitting issues will be addressed at their cost. If the company doesn’t take responsibility for mistakes, it’s not a true measure-fit service.
6. Are online blinds ever a good option?
Online blinds can work if your window is perfectly square and fitting isn’t critical. They’re a suitable option for simple, straightforward windows and if you’re comfortable adjusting or refitting the blinds yourself. However, they should not be marketed as equivalent to a full measure–fit service.
7. How do I avoid getting blinds that don’t fit properly?
To ensure a proper fit, choose a service that sends trained fitters to measure and install your blinds. They should account for the unique characteristics of your window, including any imperfections in your walls or frames, and make adjustments on-site if necessary.
8. What’s the real cost of cheap blinds?
While you may save money upfront, cheap blinds often fail prematurely, leading to additional costs like replacements, re-fittings, and time spent dealing with the issues. The real cost isn’t just money — it’s frustration and wasted time.
A calmer way to choose blinds
Good blinds aren’t about trends.
They’re about:
- how light moves through your room
- how often you raise and lower them
- how your windows actually behave over time
Once those are understood, the choice becomes obvious — and stress disappears.
Closing
If you’re researching blinds and feeling overwhelmed, that’s normal.
The industry hasn’t made it easy.
Whether you choose Yorkshire Blinds or not, understand what “made to measure blinds” really means before committing.
It’s the difference between blinds you tolerate — and blinds you forget about because they just work.