Choosing the right Small Window Blinds require a careful consideration of proportion and scale. Larger blind slat widths create a bold effect and pair well with modern decor styles while smaller slats enhance petite windows and complement traditional, classic or transitional furnishings.
Affordable and durable, these traditional blinds are available with a choice of colors and finishes. Many also come with a cordless lift, which eliminates unsightly control cords and is safer for children.
If you’re looking for a stylish, functional and child-friendly window covering for your home consider custom made roller blinds. These window treatments are perfect for any room of your home and offer the ability to control light and privacy with a simple pull of a chain or cord. They are available in both inside and outside recess designs and come with the choice of centre pull or beaded chains, so you can select a mechanism that suits your style and preference.
The first step in choosing the right roller blinds for your home is deciding whether to fit them inside or outside your window recess. Then take a metal tape measure (not fabric) and measure the width of the window opening at the point you wish to position your roller blinds. If the window sill protrudes from the wall, then start at the bottom of the sill and ensure that your measurement goes three inches beyond the top of the window to account for mounting hardware.
Next, choose your colour and fabric. Spotlight offers an extensive range of Blockout, light filtering and sheer fabrics that allow natural light to flow through whilst providing year round privacy and protection for your furnishings and flooring. If you prefer a more traditional look then we have many textured and plain fabrics that complement any interior design. Finally, if you’re after something a little bit different we have a wide selection of pattern and motif options. This includes stunning floral prints to enliven a formal living room, country scenes that work well in a rustic dining room and bold coloured fabrics to complement a vibrant kitchen.
One of the main advantages of made to measure roller blinds versus readymade is their longevity. Made to measure roller blinds are high quality goods designed to last for upwards of a decade in good working and cosmetic order. Readymade blinds, on the other hand, are designed for a shorter lifespan and often show signs of wear well before this time. The main reason for this is that the headrails or tubes of readymade blinds aren’t as sturdy as the headslats and rails of made to measure window treatments.
Made-to-Measure Roman Blinds
Roman blinds are a fabric window treatment classic that’s often found in homes across the country. Available in a range of fabrics, colours and textures to suit any space, they are operated by folding and unfolding the fabric via a cord which hangs down beside the blind. When opened, the blind sits neatly in horizontal folds and when closed the fabric lies flat.
Like other blinds, they can be fitted inside a recess or outside, but deciding where you want to fit the blind will usually come down to aesthetic preference and light control preferences. If fitting outside a recess, we recommend that your blind extends at least 7 – 10 cm to each side and (where possible) above and below the window for maximum coverage of the window. We also advise that your blind be no longer than the width of your window frame or sill, as this can prevent the blind from functioning properly when it’s lowered.
When you order a made-to-measure roman blind online, we ask that the measurements are recorded to the nearest centimetre. This is to ensure your new blinds will fit perfectly upon arrival. It’s important to use a metal tape measure – fabric ones can stretch and give inaccurate readings, so a metal one is best. We also advise that you record both the width and drop of your window.
KITCHEN & BATHROOM WINDOWS
Roman blinds can be a great choice for kitchen and bathroom windows as they are able to evade the splishy-splashy business of these rooms without compromising on beauty or function. They can also be ordered in blackout fabrics to go even further – blocking out thermal energy and keeping your heating bills low!
All of our made-to-measure roman blinds can be ordered with a corded or cordless operation. If ordering a corded roman blind, your completed blind will come with child safety cleats which can be used to secure the dangling cords out of reach of children and pets. This not only keeps them safe from mischief but makes it easier for you to keep them tidy and free from grime.
Made-to-Measure Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds are a versatile and practical option for any room in the home. With slats that can be tilted to any position, they’re easy to clean and offer excellent light control throughout the day. They’re available in a range of colours, finishes and widths to suit any interior décor.
They’re also a practical choice for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries, as they are treated to be moisture resistant. They are much lighter than wooden blinds, and are highly durable. They’re also easy to keep clean, requiring just a simple wipe down to maintain their good looks.
Whether they’re fitted inside or outside the recess, venetian blinds are easy to measure and install. To ensure a precise fit, simply measure the height and width of your window in three places and take the smallest measurement. Remember to factor in any tiles or other limitations within the recess, and ensure that your blind will clear window catches and handles when they’re fully open.
If you’re installing your blinds to a gyprock or plaster wall, it’s a good idea to locate and mark the location of any studs in the area. This will prevent any potential damage to the wall when you’re screwing in your blinds. You should also make sure that your stud is at least 50mm deep to provide sufficient support for the weight of your blinds.
When choosing your slats, you can choose from real wood or water-resistant faux wood. Both are made from materials that are responsibly sourced and come in a wide selection of finishes to suit any interior design. If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, there’s also the option of aluminium slats in a range of fashionable colours. These are easy to clean and have a minimalist design that’s great for small windows. You can also get your slats with side guides to help reduce light leakage. Communicate this to us when you place your order, as we’ll need to know the guide type that you want for your installation. You can even choose a fascia/valance for your slats, which will cover the headbox to create a neater finish.
Made-to-Measure Wood Blinds
Real wood blinds bring a sense of timeless class to any room. They are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add an elegant feel to their home and can easily complement a wide range of decor styles, whether traditional, rustic or contemporary. They are also very practical as they help to insulate a space, shield furniture from direct sunlight and improve light control and privacy.
While real wood blinds may not be suitable for high-humidity spaces like bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms, they are well suited to living and dining rooms, bedrooms, and family rooms. They are lightweight, durable and come in a wide variety of color options, including natural stain colors and neutral paint finishes. They can also be stained or painted in a wide array of slat size options to create the perfect look for your space.
A major advantage of made-to-measure wooden blinds is that they are designed with your window’s exact dimensions in mind, meaning that they will be a neat fit and have a sleek finish. Readymade alternatives, on the other hand, are not as good a fit and often need to be cut down at home (which can result in frayed edges).
If you opt for made-to-measure wooden blinds, it’s worth bearing in mind that they can cost more than a comparable readymade alternative. However, this is typically because they are made from better quality materials and workmanship, as well as often being a more environmentally-friendly product. For example, most reputable manufacturers only use sustainably harvested and transported approved hardwoods such as environmentally friendly basswood for their wood blinds. This is something which is rarely considered at all in standard readymade products.
As they are a natural material, wood blinds do require more care than some other types of window coverings, but regular dusting and occasional wipe downs should keep them looking fresh and clean. They are also vulnerable to mould growth if exposed to excessive moisture, so be sure to clean them regularly with a wood-safe cleaner and maintain good ventilation to reduce humidity in the room. They can also be treated with a water-based stain to protect the wood and increase durability.
