Choosing the right blinds – whether it’s for the home or the workplace – is an important and sometimes difficult decision. With the sheer volume of styles, sizes and patterns available, selecting the right fit for your circumstances can seem a little overwhelming. That’s why we, at Homefords, have compiled our years of industry experience and know-how into this handy buyer’s guide, to help you reach the right decision for you.

However, you should remember that our recommendations are exactly that – recommendations. Nothing here is definitive or exclusive and ultimately, the final decision on which blind to go for must rest with you. We hope that this guide can provide some friendly pointers in the right direction.

Find the answer to your blinds questions:

• What are the different types of blinds?
• How do I measure for blind sizes?
• Can I adjust the size of my blinds?
• How do I care for my blinds?
• Are blinds safe to use around children?

What are the different types of blinds?

There are a wide range of different blind styles to choose from, including:

Roller Blinds

We offer both scalloped edge and square eyelet roller blinds, which are made from a treated fabric to provide a flatter and stiffer covering to your window. The blinds can be raised or lowered by a beaded cord at the side of the blind, and our entire range can be adjusted to meet the measurements of your window (please note that all measurements quoted on the site already include the fittings as well). All of our roller blinds come equipped with the screws and brackets necessary for installation, and conform to all safety standards.

Blackout Blinds

Our thermal blackout blinds are specially designed to stop sunlight from entering the room. They are particularly popular with those who have trouble sleeping in rooms where there is not perfect darkness (especially children) and can also be useful for those who work night shifts. Indeed, they’re even beneficial when trying to reduce sun glare on the television (unfortunately not all that common a complaint in the UK!) and can provide additional insulation and protection behind a more decorative set of curtains.

Venetian Blinds

Constructed from either PVC or aluminium depending on your preference, these slatted blinds can be manipulated in a variety of ways to adjust the amount of light entering a room. Although they’re effective in any room, they’re especially useful when looking to increase privacy in rooms such as toilets and bathrooms, and can also be combined with more ornamental curtain sets to provide greater coverage and protection.

All of our Venetian blinds can be reduced in length and adjusted in width if necessary (the PVC models can be shortened by a maximum of 2cm on either side, while the aluminium blinds can be cut back by as much as 10cm at each end). If you wish to reduce the width of the blinds yourself, it is possible to cut them with household scissors – though we recommend purchasing a dedicated slat cutter, which can be obtained from all good DIY shops. All of our Venetian blind sets come equipped with the screws and brackets necessary for a quick and easy installation, and depending on the length involved they may also include centre support frames.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds consist of a series of vertical slats that can be twisted to adjust the amount of light which enters a room or pulled to one side. Typically, vertical blinds are adjusted via a rod on one side of the blind, which can be positioned on either side. They can also be drawn to one side using either a chain mechanism or rod, depending on the blind.

How do I measure for blind sizes?

Measuring for Vertical Blinds

When choosing vertical blinds, you’ll need to consider whether you would like them to be placed inside or outside a window recess. If inside, you’ll need to measure both the width of the recess (A to B in image below) and the length (C to D in image below). Measure at three different places along the top and side of the window, as not all windows are completely even. Take the narrowest measurement for the width and the shortest measurement for the length to ensure you get a snug fit for your blinds.

If you’d rather the blinds hung outside of the recess, measure both the width (E to F in image below) and the length (G to H in image below), leaving at least 10cm on all sides to ensure that no light can filter through. Note any protrusions on the recess or the surrounding wall (such as door knobs, radiators or deadbolts) which might obstruct the blind from opening and closing properly. You can then simply trim the blinds to meet your desired measurements – instructions on how to trim your blinds safely and easily are included with the headrail.





Some points to remember

• Many windows (especially un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride varieties, better known as PVCu, PVC-U or uPVC) come fitted with an air vent at their apex. It’s important to accommodate this vent when attaching your blinds, to make sure you still allow for easy access to the vent.
• Always prioritise the easy opening and closing of your window when fitting blinds. While the vast majority of windows will be compatible with all blinds, some varieties (especially fire windows) may be more difficult. Ensure your blinds will not obstruct the opening of your window before fitting them.
• Don’t forget the window handle. The protrusion of the handle may make an unsightly bulge in blinds that are fitted too closely to the glass.
• It should be noted that all measurements for blind widths quoted on our website are approximate and include the fittings.

Measuring for Venetian and Vertical Blinds

Our Venetian, roller & vertical blinds include fittings and attachments, where appropriate. They can be both top-fixed and face-fixed, depending on your preference, and every set comes with all screws, brackets and plugs. However, it’s recommended that you carefully check the surface onto which you intend to fix the blinds, as some surfaces may require the use of different screws and plugs.

Blinds can be fitted either inside or outside a window recess. While the latter is probably an easier choice, many people prefer the aesthetic quality of the former option. If you do intend to attach your blinds inside the recess, measure the recess width (A to B in image below) and length (C to D in image below). Make sure you take measurements from at least three points along the recess, since these are not always even and can affect the way the blinds hang. If your measurements do vary, always take the smallest and narrowest figures to ensure the tightest fit.

If you’d rather the blinds hung outside of the recess, measure both the width (E to F in image below) and the length (G to H in image below), leaving at least 10cm on all sides to ensure that no light can filter through. Note any protrusions on the recess or the surrounding wall (such as door knobs, radiators or deadbolts) which might obstruct the blind from opening and closing properly. You can then simply trim the blinds to meet your desired measurements – instructions on how to trim your blinds safely and easily are included with the headrail.





Some points to remember

• Many windows (especially un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride varieties, better known as PVCu, PVC-U or uPVC) come fitted with an air vent at their apex. It’s important to accommodate this vent when attaching your blinds, to make sure you still allow for easy access to the vent.
• Always prioritise the easy opening and closing of your window when fitting blinds. While the vast majority of windows will be compatible with all blinds, some varieties (especially fire windows) may be more difficult. Ensure your blinds will not obstruct the opening of your window before fitting them.
• Don’t forget the window handle. The protrusion of the handle may make an unsightly bulge in blinds that are fitted too closely to the glass.
• It should be noted that all measurements for blind widths quoted on our website are approximate and include the fittings.

Can I adjust the size of my blinds?

Cut and adjust

All of our blinds come with comprehensive instructions on how to cut and adjust their length and width; please make sure you read these instructions thoroughly before attempting any adjustments. All blinds are designed to be easily reduced in length and width, but even so, mistakes can happen and it’s essential you ensure that you are trimming both ends evenly when adjusting the width to achieve a symmetrical aesthetic. Equip yourself with all of the proper tools and ensure you have plenty of room in a clean workspace, enlisting the help of a friend if necessary. Many times, adjusting and then fitting blinds is a two-person job, especially when it comes to some of the longer varieties.

How do I care for my blinds?

Aftercare

Just as with any other surface in your home, your blinds will need regular TLC to keep them in good working order. All fabric blinds can be vacuum cleaned using the upholstery attachment (just as you would with curtains, sofa covers and other furnishings) or manually cleaned with a feather or synthetic duster. Venetian blinds can also be dusted, or wiped down with a damp cloth.

Are blinds safe to use around children?

Safety

At Homefords, we prioritise child safety. That’s why all of our blinds come equipped with specially designed child safety mechanisms which prevent children (or pets) becoming entangled in the beaded cord which raises and lowers the blinds. These mechanisms vary from p-clips to cleats to tensioning systems and must be installed before first use and checked on a regular basis, to make sure the cord is kept out of harm’s way at all times.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us.