Blinds for Windows

Blinds come stock or made to measure. Measure first, then shop.

Updated Nov 1, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Home improvement stores stock standard widths you can take home today. Online blind shops cut made to measure blinds from your sizes. Local installers measure and fit for you.

Professional insight

Fitters measure every window three times. Frames are rarely square, so the smallest width wins.

Check window depth before choosing an inside mount.
Note handles and cranks that block slats.
Order a free fabric or slat sample first.
Confirm who carries the risk on measuring errors.

Check the label

Exact width and drop, in inches or millimetres.
Inside mount or outside mount stated.
Cordless or cord free operation named.
Slat or fabric material and finish.
Moisture rating for kitchens and bathrooms.
Brackets and screws included in the box.
Light filtering or blackout level.

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Types

Type	How it works	Good for
Venetian	Horizontal slats that tilt and lift	Fine light control
Vertical	Vanes slide along a top track	Wide windows and patio doors
Roller	Fabric rolls onto a tube	Simple, clean look
Roman	Fabric folds into flat pleats	Living rooms and bedrooms
Cellular	Honeycomb fabric traps air	Insulation and quiet
Panel	Flat panels on a sliding track	Room dividers and large glass

Materials

Real wood

Warm look. Can warp in steamy rooms.

Faux wood

Wood look composite that resists humidity. Suits kitchens and baths.

Aluminium

Light, cheap and easy to wipe clean.

Fabric

Cotton or polyester. Softens light and sound.

PVC

Waterproof and low cost. Can yellow in strong sun.

Sizing

1Use a steel tape, not a cloth one.
2Inside mount: measure width at top, middle and bottom.
3Write down the smallest width.
4Measure height at left, centre and right.
5Outside mount: add overlap on each side for privacy.
6Record width before height on the order.

Ways to save

Stock sizes cost less than made to measure.
Some stores trim stock blinds to width in store.
Fit them yourself; most need only a drill.
Use one style across rooms to order in bulk.

Common questions

Blinds or curtains for a bedroom?: Blackout roller or cellular blinds block most light. Add curtains for extra darkness.
Can I cut blinds shorter?: Many vinyl and aluminium blinds can be shortened at home. Follow the maker's guide.
What suits a bathroom?: Faux wood, aluminium or PVC. They cope with steam better than real wood.