Did you ever pick up something, have it look brilliant, and upon getting home notice it’s not quite right? Shopping for new clothes can be frustrating. It’s even more annoying when you face the same issue at home, like when buying curtains, blinds, or other window furnishings for your renovations in the Central West, Blue Mountains, or Lake Macquarie! It’s time for window furnishings! You need to choose between off-the-shelf or made-to-measure curtains and blinds. Which one will you pick?
In this post we’ll explore the two popular choices for window coverings. We’ll look at fit, strength, affordability, and overall quality. By the end, you’ll easily know which option is best for your household.
What Are Off-The-Shelf Blinds?
Off-the-shelf blinds are blinds made from a kit and cut to generic sizes. They are ready to buy off the shelf, so to speak – just pop into a big hardware store or a homewares store, pick up a box and go home with them that day. It’s a good choice if you’re renting and need a cheap window covering for a spare room. It’s also great for short-term stays near Mount Panorama in Bathurst!
Since manufactured off-the-shelf blinds and shades are produced en masse, they can only accommodate the ‘average’ window measurements. Unfortunately, the reality is that not many windows are quite standard. Many brand-new builds in Orange, for instance, can result in slightly non-square window frames. When you buy an off-the-shelf blind, you face a choice. It might be slightly too short, letting light in at the sides. Or, it could be too wide, making it look awkward outside the frame.
When buying ready-made blinds, you should know that the fabric and parts are often of lower quality. They can fade quickly in the harsh Australian sun. Plus, the plastic components tend to break down faster in how the blinds work.
What Are Made-To-Measure Blinds?
Customisation Blinds – These blinds do what they say on the tin! Built to order and to the exact millimetre for each particular window in your house. This means no guessing with a tape measure! Instead, we send a consultant out to your home to provide a perfectly fitting window blind for you. We have seen many lovely old homes with charming eccentric window frames here in Bathurst, Orange and the Blue Mountains and a large number of spacious modern homes with wall-sized panes of glass, which are really only suited to custom blinds.
Total control is also at your fingertips. You decide the material, colour, and operating method as well as the level of opacity. If you want a completely dark bedroom or a sunny living room, it provides protection against UV – a bespoke window solution makes these options available to you.
This meticulous approach to details means that your purchase will stand the test of time. If you investigate the superior Luxaflex blinds and curtains, it guarantees both advanced tech and robust materials that have been tested in our challenging environment.
The Head-to-Head Comparison: Fit, Quality, and Value
But to really appreciate the contrast between made-to-measure and ready-made blinds, we should turn our attention to what they offer in real-life situations.
Precision and Aesthetics
Visual Appeal: It is also the most immediate and noticeable difference between off-the-shelf and custom blinds. Standard blind sizes are usually visible and look “added on” or can even be seen as intrusive. If it doesn’t fill the window, you might see lines of light coming through either side, defeating the purpose of a “blackout” in a bedroom. Some standard-size blinds are cut down, and in this process, the edges can get frayed or look rough.
A custom blind is made to the exact size and so looks “designed”, seamlessly blended with the architectural style. This look is enhanced in instances like “layering” different window treatment styles; for instance, custom blinds look perfect layered with sheer drapes.
Material Quality and Lifespan
With store-bought drapes or window shades, you’re buying flimsy poly cloths and plastic pulls. The world market for decor has a major, growing trend towards premium products that last for years – consumers have gotten fed up with the hassle of replacing things that just wear out after 18 months.
When you buy a custom one at Blinds by Design, that’s not what you’re getting. Our fabrics are treated to withstand UV ray fading and to repel dust. We don’t sell wimpy hardware. If you buy premium names like Luxaflex blinds and draperies, you’re investing in patent-protected, purpose-built equipment. You are purchasing smooth rolling window hardware that is built to continue rolling for years without getting stiff, jamming up or catching and fraying the edges of the fabric.
Thermal Efficiency and Insulation
On a cold day in Bathurst, The Blue Mountains or even Oberon, you may have a readymade blind with gaps on either side which will allow icy cold air directly into your home. Our blinds are made to measure, which means that when installed, they seal all the edges. Cellular blinds trap air between the cell walls so you can have a real barrier that will help to heat your home in winter and to cool down during summer. This will make real savings on your electricity.
Safety and Smart Features
Standard pull cords included on off-the-shelf blinds pose a danger to young children or household pets. By choosing customised window furnishings, you can select and install innovative safety mechanisms; opt for a cordless mechanism, a wand-activated opening device or even smart home motorisation! Think of lowering your blinds at your Lake Macquarie home by the click of your phone before you’ve even unlocked your front door.
Comparison Table: Made-To-Measure vs. Off-The-Shelf
| Feature | Made-To-Measure Blinds | Off-The-Shelf Blinds |
| Fit | Exact to the millimetre. No gaps. | Standard sizes. Prone to light gaps. |
| Material Quality | Premium fabrics, durable hardware. | Mass-produced, often cheaper plastics. |
| Customisation | Endless colours, textures, and systems. | Very limited choices. |
| Installation | Professionally installed for a perfect finish. | DIY. Can be frustrating to fit. |
| Energy Efficiency | High. Tight seals prevent draughts. | Low. Gaps allow heat transfer. |
| Lifespan | 10+ years with proper care. | Often needs replacing in 1-3 years. |
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Of course, if you only want to cover your windows up while you renovate, then a readily made blind would make an efficient option. If you want to have permanent style, value and comfort for years to come, there’s really only one solution. Whether the windows you are covering are overlooking the harsh afternoon glare off Lake Macquarie or the icy blasts of a Blue Mountains winter, then your custom blinds can work for your home’s specific location. Buying a home is one of the most expensive investments many people will ever make so it’s worth making the windows work for you.
When you team up with experienced professionals such as us here at Blinds by Design, the process is worry-free. We do the measuring for you, saving you from a costly tape measure error. We will steer you through the best fabric selections, from opacity and texture, to find the perfect style for you. We will then ensure your window treatments are professionally installed.
If you are not yet sure what window coverings are right for you, check out our in-depth breakdown and comparison of the options here in Blinds vs Curtains vs Shutters: The Ultimate Home Guide. You’ll get plenty of guidance for whittling your choices down to the right options for your home.
Whichever option you choose, remember that investing in premium choices like Luxaflex blinds or curtains offers peace of mind. You’re buying a product backed by a warranty and expertly fitted by local professionals who care.
Key Takeaway
The difference between tailor-made blinds and ready-made blinds – When to make a smart choice? Quality, a good fit, and a durable design all make up the quality difference between made-to-measure blinds and ready-made blinds. They are both efficient window dressings, although the quality difference, durability, and polished finish are significant.
If you want solid plantation shutters, soft sheer fabrics, or quality Luxaflex blinds and curtains, Blinds by Design has you covered. We make sure each measurement is precise. Our specialists answer all your questions.
Want to find out how we can make a difference for you? Contact us today for a no-obligation in-home consultation or stop by one of our local showrooms to review our wide selection. We look forward to creating your perfect environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are made-to-measure blinds much more expensive?
Yes, it was more expensive than ready-made shutters, initially at least. Custom-fitted shutters offer better value for money. They are often the most energy-efficient option. Plus, they can save you money over time. With proper care, they can last a decade or more.
How long does it take to get custom blinds installed in Bathurst?
After measuring your windows and selecting fabrics, our curtain production takes just a few weeks. Then, we’ll schedule a convenient installation day for you. It is really very easy from beginning to end!
Can I install custom blinds on older, uneven windows?
Yes, it’s one of the best features of choosing custom-made! Very often in older homes in the Blue Mountains, your old window frames may be a little out of square – but our precision measuring will account for this, resulting in the perfect, seamless finish.
What is the best custom blind for blocking out the cold?
When it comes to thermal performance, you really cannot go past cellular blinds. These blinds feature a honeycomb design. It traps air in the cells, creating a strong barrier against the cold winter months in Orange and the ranges.
Do you offer motorised custom blinds?
Certainly. Most of our made-to-measure window coverings can incorporate motorisation. Enjoy effortless control of your light and privacy with a remote, a switch or an app on your mobile phone.