Common Blind Buying Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them

Choosing blinds should be an exciting part of updating your home, but for many homeowners in Windsor and across Berkshire, it can quickly become confusing. With so many styles, materials, and fitting options available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to blinds that don’t quite look right, don’t function properly, or simply don’t last.

At Windsor Blinds & Shutters, we’ve helped countless local customers who felt unsure about choosing blinds or who had problems with blinds fitted elsewhere. Below, we break down the most common blind-buying mistakes – and how you can avoid them.

1. Choosing Blinds Without Seeing Them in Your Own Home

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing blinds is relying purely on online photos or showroom displays. Lighting, wall colour, and window size can dramatically change how blinds look once installed.

What works in a catalogue may feel completely different in a Victorian terrace in Windsor or a modern home in Berkshire. Seeing samples in your own space helps you choose colours and materials that truly complement your home.

How to avoid it:
Always view samples at home and see how they look in natural daylight and evening light.

2. Measuring Windows Yourself (and Getting It Slightly Wrong)

Measuring sounds simple, but even a few millimetres can make the difference between blinds that fit perfectly and blinds that don’t sit properly. Uneven walls, recessed windows, and bay windows are particularly tricky – something we see often in Windsor properties.

Incorrect measurements can lead to gaps, poor light control, or blinds that won’t operate smoothly.

How to avoid it:
Professional measuring ensures accuracy and saves the stress (and cost) of reordering blinds.

3. Choosing Style Over Practicality

We all want blinds that look great, but practicality matters just as much. For example:

• Wooden blinds may look stunning but aren’t ideal for bathrooms.

• Light fabrics can struggle with privacy in street-facing Windsor homes.
  

• Some blinds are harder to clean than homeowners expecWhen choosing blinds, lifestyle should always come first.

How to avoid it:
Think about privacy, moisture, heat, cleaning, and how often the blinds will be used before making a decision.

4. Not Considering Child Safety

This is an important one for families across Berkshire. Older blind systems with dangling cords can pose safety risks for young children and pets.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realise this until after installation.

How to avoid it:
Choose modern, child-safe blind systems designed to keep your home safe and compliant with current regulations.

5. Going for the Cheapest Option

It’s tempting to choose the lowest-priced blinds, but cheaper options often come with compromises: weaker mechanisms, poor materials, and shorter lifespans.

Many homeowners in Windsor come to us after replacing budget blinds far sooner than expected.

How to avoid it:
Focus on value rather than price. Well-made, professionally fitted blinds last longer and look better over time.

6. Forgetting About Professional Fitting

Even the best blinds can look disappointing if they aren’t fitted correctly. Crooked installations, stiff mechanisms, and visible fixings are all signs of poor fitting.

Choosing blinds without professional installation often leads to frustration – and extra costs later on.

How to avoid it:
Opt for a complete service that includes measuring, supply, and fitting for peace of mind7. Not Asking for Local Advice

Every home is different, and local knowledge matters. Homes in Windsor and Berkshire often feature bay windows, sash windows, or period details that benefit from expert guidance.

Generic advice doesn’t always account for these details.

How to avoid it:
Work with a local specialist who understands the styles of homes in your area and can offer tailored advice.

Choosing Blinds the Right Way

When it comes to choosing blinds, avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and stress. The right blinds should fit beautifully, work effortlessly, and suit both your home and lifestyle.

At Windsor Blinds & Shutters, we make choosing blinds simple. We offer friendly, free advice, professional measuring, and expert fitting across Windsor, Berkshire, and surrounding areas – all with no fuss and one clear price.

If you’re thinking about new blinds or shutters, getting it done properly from the start makes all the difference.