Made to Measure vs Ready Made Blinds: The Definitive Guide

Choosing the right window covering is about more than picking your favourite fabric—it’s an investment in the look, feel, and performance of your home. Here, we dive deeper into why DIY Blinds’ Made to Measure (MTM) solutions outperform standard ready made options on every front.

What Does ‘Made to Measure’ Really Mean?

• Precision manufacturing: Each blind is cut to your exact width and drop, to the millimetre. Whether your window is an odd size, part of a bay, or has angled sides, MTM ensures a perfect fit.
• Recess vs face fitting: Decide whether the blind sits inside the window frame (recess) for a streamlined, built‑in look or on the wall above (face) to create a design feature. Our online Measuring Guide details both methods.

Cost Comparison: Value Over Time

• Initial outlay: MTM blinds typically cost 10–20% more upfront than ready made. However, the difference pays off in performance and longevity.
• Energy savings: Our thermal linings and blackout options can reduce heat loss by up to 12% in winter and heat gain by 15% in summer—lowering your energy bills year‑round.
• Longevity: Bespoke hardware and premium fabrics resist sagging, fading, and wear—extending the lifespan of your window dressing by 50% compared with off‑the‑shelf products.

Light Control & Privacy: The MTM Advantage

• Tailored side channels: Integrated channels on either side of roller and vertical blinds block up to 99% of edge light, perfect for media rooms and bedrooms where total darkness is key.
• Track systems for perfect seal: Choose our low‑profile top and bottom tracks for pleated blinds to eliminate light leaks even on irregular recesses.
• Exact overlap: Face‑fitted shutters and Venetian blinds overlap frames precisely to prevent peeking neighbours or stray streetlight.

Ease of Installation: PerfectFIT™ No-Drill Frames

• Snap-on brackets: Our PerfectFIT tension‑fit system attaches seamlessly to uPVC window and door frames—no screws, no drilling, zero damage to frames or décor.
• Quick removal: Perfect for renters or seasonal change‑outs—remove and refit in minutes for cleaning or redecorating.

Design Customisation: Your Home, Your Way

• Comprehensive fabric library: Hundreds of textures—from eco‑linen and bamboo weaves to high‑tech blackout canvases—available in custom widths up to 280 cm.
• Lining options: Light‑filtering, blackout, thermal, acoustic dampening. Mix and match front and back fabrics for dual‑function designs (e.g. printed face, blackout behind).
• Hardware finishes: Coordinate headrails, fascias, bottom rails, and lift cords in metallic, matte, or wood‑grain finishes to complement your interior.

Expert Warranty & Support

• Five‑year guarantee: Covers manufacturing defects, motor failures, and fabric performance. Our confidence in bespoke craftsmanship is unmatched.
• Lifetime technical help: From measuring advice to motor programming, our specialists are on hand—phone, chat, or virtual appointment.

DIY Blinds Insight: For windows that demand flawless performance—high‑use rooms, media areas, or designer schemes—Made to Measure is the definitive choice. Start with our free samples (up to five) and see the difference precision makes.