Unlock Perfection: Your Ultimate Guide to Aluminium Venetian Blinds Made to Measure
Tired of ill-fitting blinds that let in sneaky shafts of light or hang awkwardly, spoiling the look of your room? If you’re dreaming of crisp, clean lines and perfect light control, then aluminium venetian blinds made to measure are your ideal solution. Far from being just practical, these custom-fitted window treatments offer a sleek, modern aesthetic combined with unparalleled durability and functionality.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting and measuring for your bespoke aluminium venetian blinds, ensuring a flawless fit and stunning finish every time.
Why Choose Made-to-Measure Aluminium Venetian Blinds?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of measuring, let’s explore why custom-made aluminium Venetian blinds are an excellent investment for any home.
- 1. The Perfect Fit: This is the most significant advantage. Made-to-measure means your blinds will fit your windows exactly, whether they’re standard rectangles, quirky alcoves, or large expanses. This eliminates light gaps, enhances privacy, and creates a neat, integrated look.
- 2. Superior Durability & Longevity: Aluminium is incredibly robust. Unlike some other materials, it won’t warp, crack, or fade, even in direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures. Your aluminium venetian blinds will look fantastic for years to come.
- 3. Moisture Resistance: Aluminium is naturally resistant to water and humidity, making these blinds the perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries where moisture can be an issue for other types of blinds.
- 4. Precise Light & Privacy Control: The adjustable slats allow you to finely tune the amount of light entering your room. Tilt them slightly for soft illumination, open them fully for maximum light, or close them completely for privacy and blackout.
- 5. Effortless Maintenance: A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep your custom aluminium blinds looking pristine. Their smooth, non-porous surface makes them hygienic and easy to clean.
- 6. Sleek Style & Versatility: With a wide array of colours and slat widths available, made-to-measure aluminium Venetian blinds can complement any decor, from minimalist modern to industrial chic. They add a sophisticated, uncluttered feel to any space.
The Heart of the Matter: Measuring for Your Perfect Blinds
Accurate measurement is the single most crucial step in ensuring your aluminium venetian blinds made to measure fit flawlessly. Don’t rush this! Take your time, double-check everything, and you’ll be delighted with the result.
Tools You’ll Need:
- A Metal Tape Measure: Essential for accuracy. Fabric tape measures can stretch and give incorrect readings.
- A Pen or Pencil: To mark your measurements.
- Paper or a Notepad: To write down your measurements clearly.
Understanding Fitting Types: Recess Fit vs. Exact Fit
Before you measure, you need to decide if you want your blinds to fit inside your window recess (Recess Fit) or outside your window recess, overlapping the frame (Exact Fit).
1. Recess Fit (Inside Mount)
What it is: The blind sits neatly inside the window frame opening. This provides a sleek, integrated look and is great for windows where you want to keep the surrounding architrave visible.
Why choose it:
* Clean, tidy appearance.
* Leaves window sills clear.
* Ideal for windows with deep recesses.
How to Measure for Recess Fit:
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Step 1: Measure the Width.
- Measure the width of the window recess at the top, middle, and bottom.
- Always take the smallest of these three measurements. This ensures your blind will fit without snagging.
- Write down this smallest width measurement.
- Important: You provide the exact recess size, and the blind manufacturer will make a small deduction (typically 5-10mm) to ensure the blind fits perfectly without catching. Do NOT make any deductions yourself.
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Step 2: Measure the Drop (Height).
- Measure the height of the window recess at the left, middle, and right.
- Always take the smallest of these three measurements. This prevents the blind from dragging.
- Write down this smallest drop measurement.
- Important: Again, provide the exact recess size. The manufacturer will make any necessary deductions for the blind mechanism. Do NOT make any deductions yourself.
2. Exact Fit (Outside Mount)
What it is: The blind sits outside the window recess, overlapping the frame or extending beyond the window opening. This can make the window appear larger and provides better light blockage around the edges.
Why choose it:
* Better light blockage and privacy as the blind overlaps the window.
* Can hide an uneven window recess.
* Useful if your window recess is too shallow for an inside mount.
* Creates a feature out of the blind.
How to Measure for Exact Fit:
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Step 1: Determine Your Desired Overlap.
- Decide how much you want your blind to overlap the window recess on each side (top, bottom, left, right). A common overlap is 5-10cm (2-4 inches) on each side, but this is entirely your preference.
- Consider any obstructions like door frames, skirting boards, or radiators.
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Step 2: Measure the Width.
- Measure the exact width of where you want the blind to cover. This is typically the width of your window recess plus your desired overlap on both the left and right sides.
- For example: If your recess is 100cm wide and you want a 5cm overlap on each side, your Exact Fit width would be 100cm + 5cm + 5cm = 110cm.
- Write down this total width measurement.
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Step 3: Measure the Drop (Height).
- Measure the exact height of where you want the blind to cover. This is typically the height of your window recess plus your desired overlap at the top and bottom.
- For example: If your recess is 120cm high and you want a 5cm overlap at the top and 5cm at the bottom, your Exact Fit drop would be 120cm + 5cm + 5cm = 130cm.
- Write down this total drop measurement.
- Important: For Exact Fit, you are providing the exact finished size of the blind you want. The manufacturer will make the blind to these precise dimensions.
A Word on Installation
Once your beautifully made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds arrive, installation is generally straightforward. They typically come with all the necessary brackets and screws. While specific instructions vary by manufacturer, the process usually involves:
- Marking the bracket positions.
- Drilling pilot holes.
- Securing the brackets.
- Clicking the blind headrail into place.
Many online suppliers provide detailed fitting guides or videos that are specific to their products, making the DIY installation process much simpler than you might imagine.
Expert Tips for a Seamless Experience
- Always Use a Metal Tape Measure: We can’t stress this enough! Fabric tapes are unreliable.
- Measure in Three Places: Whether it’s width or drop, measuring at the top, middle, and bottom/sides helps you catch any inconsistencies in your window opening.
- Decide on Fitting Type First: Knowing whether you want Recess or Exact Fit before you start measuring is crucial.
- Consider Your Window Frame Depth: For Recess Fit, ensure your window frame is deep enough to accommodate the full depth of the blind and its control mechanisms when fully retracted.
- Take Your Time: Rushing leads to mistakes. A few extra minutes measuring accurately can save you a lot of hassle and expense later.
- Save Your Measurements: Keep your measurements in a safe place, clearly labelled. It’s helpful to draw a quick sketch of your window and mark the measurements on it.
- Don’t Guess! If you’re unsure about anything, consult the measuring guide provided by your chosen supplier or seek professional advice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Fabric Tape Measure: This is the number one culprit for incorrect measurements.
- Measuring Only Once: Always measure at least three times across the width and three times down the drop, taking the smallest measurement for Recess Fit and the desired finished size for Exact Fit.
- Mixing Up Width and Drop: Double-check which number is which before you place your order! It’s an easy mistake to make when rushing.
- Forgetting Obstructions: For Exact Fit, make sure your desired overlap doesn’t interfere with door frames, picture rails, radiators, or window handles.
- Making Your Own Deductions for Recess Fit: If ordering Recess Fit, provide the exact window opening size. The manufacturer will make the necessary deductions to ensure the blind fits. Adding your own deduction will result in a blind that’s too small.
- Rushing the Process: Take a break if you feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Accurate measuring requires patience.
Ready to Transform Your Windows?
Choosing aluminium venetian blinds made to measure is a decision you won’t regret. They offer a winning combination of style, durability, and precise light control, all tailored perfectly to your unique windows. By following these simple yet crucial measuring steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying beautifully fitted, functional, and stylish blinds that enhance your home for years to come.
Take out that metal tape measure, embrace the DIY spirit, and unlock the perfect fit for your windows today!
FAQ
Q. What exactly does “made to measure” mean for aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Made to measure means the blinds are custom-manufactured to your exact window dimensions. Instead of pre-set sizes, you provide precise width and drop measurements, ensuring a perfect, snug fit for your windows, whether they are standard or unusually sized. This eliminates gaps and provides superior light control and insulation.
Q. How do I accurately measure my windows for made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Typically, you’ll need to decide between an “inside recess” fit (blinds fit within the window frame) or an “outside recess” fit (blinds overlap the window opening). For inside recess, measure the width and height at three points (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest measurement. For outside recess, measure the desired coverage area, often adding extra width and height for better light block. Always use a metal tape measure for accuracy and follow the specific measuring guide provided by your supplier.
Q. What are the key benefits of choosing made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds offer precise light control and privacy through their adjustable slats, are incredibly durable and resistant to moisture (making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms), easy to clean, and provide a sleek, modern aesthetic. The custom fit ensures optimal thermal efficiency and a premium, finished look, eliminating light leakage common with ill-fitting standard blinds.
Q. Are these blinds suitable for high-humidity environments like bathrooms or kitchens?
A. Yes, absolutely. Aluminium is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making aluminium venetian blinds an excellent choice for damp or humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. They will not warp or degrade in these conditions, unlike some other blind materials.
Q. What colour and slat width options are typically available for made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Made-to-measure options usually include a wide array of colours, from classic whites and neutrals to vibrant hues and metallic finishes, allowing for complete customization to match your decor. Common slat widths include 15mm (micro), 25mm (standard), 35mm, and 50mm, each offering a different aesthetic and level of view-through or privacy control when tilted.
Q. How difficult is it to install made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds myself?
A. Installing made-to-measure aluminium venetian blinds is generally a straightforward DIY task for most homeowners. They typically come with all necessary brackets and screws, along with detailed instructions. You’ll usually need a drill, screwdriver, pencil, and a spirit level. Because they are custom-made, they fit perfectly, simplifying the installation process compared to adapting off-the-shelf blinds.
Q. How should I clean and maintain my aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Aluminium venetian blinds are very low maintenance. For regular cleaning, simply close the slats completely and wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth or use a duster. For a deeper clean, you can use a mild detergent solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the finish. Their smooth, non-porous surface prevents dust and grime from embedding, making them very hygienic.