"Made to measure" should mean more than taking two dimensions and manufacturing a blind to fit between them.
A good made-to-measure process has four stages:
- survey;
- specification;
- manufacture;
- fitting and handover.
If one of those stages is weak, the finished blind can still disappoint.
Stage 1: survey
The survey establishes what is actually there.
That includes:
- width and height;
- recess depth;
- whether the opening is square;
- handles;
- vents;
- door/window movement;
- fixing surfaces;
- room use;
- moisture or heat;
- access;
- where the blind will sit when open.
The most important information is not always a dimension.
Stage 2: specification
This is where advice matters.
The surveyor should decide whether the preferred blind is suitable and discuss alternatives where it is not.
Specification may cover:
- blind type;
- fabric/material;
- fitting position;
- control type;
- control side;
- motorisation;
- power;
- privacy;
- room darkening;
- moisture resistance;
- child safety;
- compatibility with the window system.
This is also where limitations should be explained.
Stage 3: manufacture
Once the product is properly specified, it can be manufactured for the opening.
Different systems have their own manufacturing tolerances and component requirements.
For larger or heavier blinds, the system specification becomes increasingly important.
Stage 4: fitting and handover
The blind is installed, tested and demonstrated.
A good handover should cover:
- normal operation;
- child-safety devices;
- care;
- charging where relevant;
- controls;
- what to avoid;
- what to do if something changes.
Why made-to-measure can still go wrong
A blind can be made to the exact dimensions supplied and still be the wrong blind.
Examples:
- the recess is too shallow;
- a handle catches it;
- the fabric is unsuitable for moisture;
- a standard roller does not provide the darkness expected;
- the blind interferes with bifold operation;
- motorisation was specified without considering power or control.
That is why we place as much emphasis on specification as measurement.
The questions we want customers to ask
Before ordering, ask:
- Why is this product suitable for my window?
- What are its limitations?
- What happens when the window opens?
- How much light/privacy should I realistically expect?
- Is this material right for the room?
- How will I operate it?
- What happens if I want smart control later?
- What is included in fitting?
If those questions have clear answers, you are much more likely to be happy with the finished result.
Frequently asked questions
Is made-to-measure the same as bespoke?
The terms are often used loosely. What matters is the service: accurate survey, product selection, manufacture to the required specification and correct fitting.
Does made-to-measure guarantee perfect blackout?
No. Blackout performance depends on the system and light gaps, not simply whether the blind is custom-sized.
Can I supply my own measurements?
Some companies allow it, but the party providing the measurements normally carries the risk of measurement error. Our preferred approach is to survey the opening.
Do you need to measure every window?
Yes, where separate blinds are being made. Windows that look identical can differ slightly.
If you are not sure what type of blind will work, that is exactly what a home survey is for.